Guitar Town

If the first 10 seconds are any indication of what this is (overproduced cornball country music) I am in for a very long 40 minutes. He's already said "Hey Pretty Baby" as I typed that last sentence. This is only the third album to make me regret my personal rule that I listen to EVERY song*. Hillbilly Highway? Seriously. Do you want more tassels on your sleeves you line dance cliche knobend? There are a couple of more tolerable songs towards the end - a ballad about his kid and an old style rock and roller - but this is relative to the otherwise dreadful stuff either side of it. Avoid * Only broken once, for post 2000 U2. That was for my own mental health.

If you played this album for me and told me it was a parody of country music, I probably would believe you. Its so cornball its like its making fun of itself. The only redemption is that Steve sounds a little bit like Springsteen, but its not enough to get the album to 2 stars. 1/5

If all country was like this, you could count me as a country fan.

Good ol country rock shit. My type of vibe on a nice spring day with the wind in your hair. Prob good for a road trip or riding ur motorcycle to clear your head

I was hoping for some Copperhead Road. But still enjoyed this immensely. Amazingly consistent all the way through, probably close to as good as it gets for newer country music (and this is from the '80's). Added bonus: the songs Spotify played after the album ended were mainly gems, including some Steve Earle (and yes, the first song played was Copperhead Road, so it was almost like it was on the album). Double Bonus: great live cover of Springsteen's "State Trooper". Went on a Steve Earle deep dive after this. Enjoy!

well, it certainly doesn't sound like anything i remember from 1985. i really like how out-of-time it is, in fact.

Top-notch country rock, at turns tender and loud. Always sincere, with the icons of the genre at the fore.

Love Steve, sad about JT still

Well after these 3 amazing records in a row I’m totally expecting Kid Rock next.

better than I thought, never heard of him before - he is country, but not pop nor is it willie nelson - I was pleasantly surprised

Maybe not more than the sum of its cliches, but Earle rides the peak of the Springsteenism wave with such warmth and range that the sum is pretty decent on its own.

Unfairly categorized as country, but this is straight Americana - equal parts folk, country, and rock & roll. One of the best albums of its kind, and Steve is one of the great songwriters of the American experience. Amazing songs. Great record.

Right on the cusp of alt-folk and alt-country. Love it.

Distinctive af

Cheesy country rock. Really Really not my thing. However he hates Trump and has been married 7 times. Not sure that is important but have a ***

I like country music but modern country just isn't my thing. This was basic, bland. boring and there's nothing here I'd want to hear again.

Off the bat, sounds like Springsteen. Meh...

A great countryrock album. I had not listened to it for quite a couple of years. It is still perfect in every sense.

Just a great album. Great vocals, lyrics and who doesn't love pedal steel guitar

This is good songwriting, and not pandering BS. Music and hooks are catchy. Lyrics are hard hitting, but still are down to earth and relatable. Highlight tracks: 2, 3, 4, 6

A god damn classic. "I got a 2-pack habit and a motel tan" is one of the greatest lines in a song.

LOVE Steve Earle

Guitar Town I really like Steve Earle. Copperhead Road is a great album and he has an excellent run from I Feel Alright to Jerusalem, where he branches a little further away from his country rock sound. I’m not as familiar with this album as those, but this is a very enjoyable country rock album, with some rockabilly and Latin accents here and there, if not quite as ambitious as some of his later stuff. Although the production is pretty conventional 80s country rock, particularly the drums, I do really like the ‘big’ sound to it and there is some interesting instrumentation on some of the songs, the odd synth or string part here and there, and there is some good country guitar riffing and interplay too. Lyrically he is quite atypical for the genre, there’s a lot of Springsteen in the tales of blue collar hardship and longing to escape, but he’s also not coming from a Conservative-Christian-Country viewpoint, he has a much more empathetic, progressive perspective and some righteous anger about lack of opportunities and small town hypocrisy. It gets off to a great start with the first 3 songs, all great uptempo country, and Good Ol Boy is great as well, a more rocking song with a nice organ and guitar line. Someday has a really interesting loping swing to it, always feeling like it’s slightly behind the beat, and a very Springsteen small town lyric. Little Rock’n’Roller is a good song too, it has a kind of doo-wop country vibe. I really like Down the Road, it has a Tom Petty vibe to me and I really like the organ and mandolin. 🎸🏙️🎸🏙️ Playlist submission: Good Ol Boy

Liked this! Pretty calming and nice. Solid 4

No. 242/1001 Guitar Town 3/5 Goodbye's All We've Got Left 4/5 Hillbilly Highway 3/5 Good Ol' Boy 3/5 My Old Friend the Blues 3/5 Someday 3/5 Think It Over 3/5 Fearless Heart 4/5 Little Rock N' Roller 3/5 Down The Road 4/5 State Trooper 3/5 Average: 3,27 Not a ground-breaking record. I'm just a sucker for guitar music and this is done pretty well here.

It’s corny, but not entirely charmless. A little hard to rate - it’s not something I’ll listen to again, but relative to other country albums, it’s fine. Solidly middle of the road.

Liked this more than I thought I would.

I’ll get the bus back from Guitar Town if I have to

Yee-haw!

I’ve heard prolly 3 songs off this album before today. I’m glad I heard the rest. Great album.

Surprising and I really liked it.

Surprisingly really enjoyed this. Solid

OG Outlaw Country doing it best.

Look, I'm not at all a country fan, but this is good stuff. Other people might not agree, but I probably feel this way because this album aligns quite a bit with my small-town experience. This is especially the case for "Someday," a song that is disturbingly relatable to me. I also rather enjoyed the title track and "Good Ol' Boy." I wasn't looking forward to this album, but I can see myself coming back to it occasionally in the future.

My cousin is a huge Steve Earle fan, but he never really clicked for me - until now. Technically, this is folk-rock, but these are perfectly formed popsongs, the sort of heartbroken ballads that Taylor Swift would launch into the stratosphere 40 years later.

Most excellent. Hadn't heard all of this before.

I met Steve Earle once. There was a guitarist that everyone in the music business knew named Danny Gatton. He made solo music, but also was very well known as a session guitarist on everybody's albums. A virtuosic and beloved guitar player. And then he suddenly died young in 1994 leaving young kids behind. So Steve Earle showed up to create a benefit concert to help pay for his kids' college. And I, a young twenty something with my brother got to wrangle cable for the film crew that made a documentary about it a few feet away from the performances of numerous musicians. It was the first time I had heard of Steve Earle, and it's still my understanding of him. The guy who shows up. A living treasure. This album is no different. We need him now more than ever.

I picked up a used copy of this album on vinyl several years ago, sort of on a whim. I was aware of Steve Earle, mostly because I had seen his son Justin Townes Earle in concert a few years before and liked his music. At the time I held an uninformed opinion that the son’s music was vastly superior to the father’s, and I liked Justin’s singer-songwriter vibe more that I liked country music. What I discovered in Guitar Town was a flavor of country music that I hadn’t quite known yet, and I found it delicious. I love this album. It’s great for many reasons, not the least of which is it’s filled with incredibly well written songs. These aren’t songs about drinkin’ beers on the tailgate of a truck, or putting your boot in someone’s ass. These songs contain stories about many aspects of the human experience, and there’s nothing recycled or phony about it. Even a song with the title “Good Ol Boy (Gettin’ Tough)” is void of cliche, and cliche is the single biggest issue with most modern country music. The music itself is an interesting take on country. The lead guitar on the title track is infectious: it’s simple but doesn’t sound very country to me. Much of it sounds like what would later become “alt-country” from artists like Uncle Tupelo and Sturgill Simpson. One of the album’s best songs is My Old Friend The Blues, which wouldn’t sound country at all without Steve’s mild twang. The biggest takeaway from revisiting this album this time was the song Little Rock ‘n Roller. It hit me that this song is about his son, which had not occurred to me before. Justin passed away since the last time I’d listened to Guitar Town, and this song nearly brought me to tears. What a sweet gift to his son this song was. Justin didn’t have very nice things to say about Steve at the concert that I saw him, and I really hope they made peace before Justin died.

Brilliant. The Bob Dylan of country.

Love it

What a delightfully twangy and old-fashioned sound, while still being perfectly crisply and sharply recorded. I hear shades of Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Chet Atkins, and 80's/90's country artists like Randy Travis, Vince Gill, and Alan Jackson. Production quality is excellent, musicianship is top notch (that pedal steel guitar is wonderful!) and overall just a great album. Five stars.

Actually really nice. Would definitely listen again.

Hell to the yes. Earle is a cornerstone.

I know every song on this album. Except for Mountain with the McCoury Brothers, this is my favorite.

Short, sweet, and to the point with a nice punch. Encompasses everything I enjoy about alt country, the Heartbreakers, and Springsteen.

Guitar Town is one of those songs that is played at every wedding reception ever! What a fantastic tune! Steve Earle is a country rock artist from the 80's. He really gained traction with Guitar Town, then really took off with Copperhead Road. Steve is a staple of the genre, and I am happy to see him represented on this list! Favourite songs: Guitar Town, Someday, Hillbilly Highway, Good Ol' Boy (Gettin' Tough), Think It Over, Fearless Heart, Down the Road Least favourite songs: My Old Friend the Blues 5/5

Didn't know this album or any of the tracks. Pleasant surprise. Great songs.

Outstanding & one of his best.

Lyrics: Steve Earle's lyrical prowess shines through in "Guitar Town." The album's storytelling is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of American life, particularly that of the working class. The lyrics are vivid and evocative, painting pictures of small-town struggles, dreams, and the pursuit of a better life. Earle's narratives are often deeply personal, reflecting his own experiences and observations. His songwriting is rich in detail, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives of the characters he creates. The album's title track, "Guitar Town," encapsulates Earle's skill in crafting narrative-driven songs. It tells the story of a musician navigating the challenges of the music industry and the pursuit of fame. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and a desire to break free from the constraints of a mundane existence. Music: Musically, "Guitar Town" is a dynamic fusion of country, rock, and folk influences. Earle's sound is rooted in traditional country music, but he injects it with a rock 'n' roll energy that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. The album features twangy guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and Earle's distinctive vocals, which carry a raw, authentic quality. Tracks like "Goodbye's All We've Got Left" and "Hillbilly Highway" showcase Earle's ability to craft memorable hooks and deliver them with a genuine, unpolished charm. The instrumentation is tight, featuring a mix of acoustic and electric elements that complement Earle's storytelling. Production: Produced by Emory Gordy Jr., "Guitar Town" benefits from a production style that strikes a balance between polished studio work and the earthiness that characterizes Earle's music. The album has a timeless quality, avoiding excessive production flourishes that could have dated it. The clarity of the recordings allows Earle's lyrics to take center stage while maintaining the energy of a live performance. The decision to keep the production relatively straightforward enhances the album's authenticity, aligning with Earle's commitment to storytelling and substance over style. The arrangements serve the songs well, letting the narrative and emotional resonance shine through. Themes: The overarching theme of "Guitar Town" revolves around the pursuit of dreams and the challenges faced by those striving for a better life. Earle's lyrics often explore the tension between the desire for success and the harsh realities of life. Songs like "My Old Friend the Blues" and "Someday" delve into the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll of a transient

Yet another prolific songwriter for this week's listening. Have we had a better full week of albums so far? I'm having trouble keeping up this week because i just wanna keep re-listening! Anyways... This is one of the great Texas Country Albums, which automatically makes it top tier among country albums, because as we all know, Texas Country > nashville/pop country. There really isn't a bad song on this record. It bristles with small-town angst and i love it for it. makes me wanna out the petal down and point it west, with nothing but the wind in my hair and dozens of great hooks to guide my way, so to speak.

1986 was a key year for country. This is one of the key albums. Finally a must listen album. Earles brand of country was harsh, brutal, gentle, raucous and fun.

Galet tunn linje han vandrar men gör det ju strålande.

A perfect blend of songwriting and delivery that brings straight ahead country with a nice blend of 80’s heartland rock.

Steve Earle is terrific - respects the heritage but pushes country into new territory; no facile, cookie cutter country tracks here. And, in any case, Earle is just a fine singer-songwriter.

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Excepcional! A beautiful and unique album!

Goldschool country. One of the best country albums ive heard

This is such a good album every song is rife with hooks and melodies and singable lyrics. Stories that are relateable with interesting, colourful characters. Themes are familiar; loneliness, boredom, hope, the myth of the American dream. The songs are delivered with simplicity and a rock and roll toughness that shows us what's to come. One of my favorite country albums and deserving of a 5 star rating.

This is a stunning debut album.

As primeiras músicas do disco todas são boas de ouvir. Goog Ol' Boy é muito boa! My Old Friend também.

Good ole boy country I can properly get behind. Sincerely written, masterfully played, limited references to his beer cans and maximum references to his highway chewing 8 cylinder and gheetar.

nice

Maybe it's because I hadn't had a country album after 70 albums on this site. Maybe it's because it's barely half an hour of music and I could start a new album. Maybe it's because it's genuinely good. Maybe - definitely - it's all three. Added.

Love it. I'm not a huge C&W fan but great songwriting is great songwriting.

Guitar town Hillbilly highway Good old friend the blues

I’ve always liked Steve Earle, although haven’t listened to a lot of his music. Time to remedy that a bit… I’ve always been a big fan of truckin’ songs. “Guitar Town” is a really fine specimen of this genre. Steel belts, truck stops, boots and motels? All to a rockin’ country arrangement? Count me in! We’re off to a great start. Clearly Steve Earle knows his hay around a good hook. “Goodbye’s All We Got Left” is such a great sounding song it makes me wish he was breaking up with me. Spoiler alert: at this point I hit add to add this album to my library. It’ll take a real surprising disaster to derail this. “Hillbilly Highway” is a simple but very compelling seemingly autobiographical song about a musician and the choices we make in life. just a straightforward great song. “Good Ol’ Boy (Gettin’ Tough)” has lyrics as compelling today as in 1986. We are seeing what 35 years of where exacerbating inequality in the land of plenty gets us. Maybe this song should have been a little angrier and more demanding back then... Loved “My Old Friend The Blues.” This song would have come in handy over the last few years. I’m sure it will again soon. “Someday” is another great song about not getting by in America. Again, a perfect sentiment in 1986 that sadly makes me wonder if we will ever progress… “Think It Over” is a sweet little breakup song that you can dance to. “Fearless Heart” is a really sweet love song with very clever lyrics and a great arrangement. Couldn’t ask for more… “Little Rock ‘n’ Roller” is a touching song. Full of those hopes and promises that likely will never quite come true. Sort of a country “Cats in the Cradle”. I’m fine with a little too much sap these days. “Down The Road” is that classic ‘keep on keeping on’ advice to those who can’t find love. A classic ending to a classic country album. What a great debut album! Definitely see why it’s on this list. Listened to it 3 times already and expect it to be in heavy rotation for a while.

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Best heard while enjoying a Lone Star and playing chicken shit bingo at the Little Longhorn.

I really liked this one.

can't let gang know i fw this

Honky tonking at work today, pretty good.

Early Earle. Great talent and a good album. I’d like to live in a guitar town.

Simple but heartfelt. A lot of yearning for a better life, wanting to get out of a place you feel stuck. Extremely relatable if you grew up in a small place. I'll always have respect for older country music like this for that reason. To go on a tangent, as a kid I would seek out the radio stations that played country like this or classic rock. Growing up in the southern USA it was either that or listen to the vapid stadium country/pandering country/hick-hop (whatever you wanna call it). Music like this album were a bit of a saving grace. It's simple, sure. A little hokey at times and with a smidge of casual racism. The emotional depth is easy to notice if you aren't just hating because it's country. The love songs were a little surface level though, I'll admit

Light 4, Steve Earle rules. Is he the only Wire cast member to appear on this list?

Rather enjoyed this one

I dont think this anything special but also I really enjoyed it bc its totally my shit. like I put on an album to write my paper so my brain could be blank and this was slightly too enjoyable yktv.

7/10 - It is a classic country album but I liked a few songs. I think I like country more than I originally thought

Old school country/folk, reminiscent of John Denver

I love Steve Earle's music. I hadn't heard this one before, but I'll be listening to it again. He's a such a great writer and performer.

Great album. Takes me back to happier times. 1986? Jeez, 39 years! His best album (for me).

good country but why does some of this album have the most 80s synths ever???

solid guitar jams

I previously only knew Steve Earle for "Galway Girl", which I grew to hate with a passion after 5 years living in Galway. So I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this - kind of like a country Bruce Springsteen. I think it straddles (pun intended) the border between country and rock really well. Alt-Country is a genre that I've only recently come around to, but I'm liking what I've heard of it so far. The run from Hillbilly Highway to Someday is particularly great. It does get a bit too "Yee-Haw" for me in places though.

I wasn't feeling this at first, but by the end felt like it was quite enjoyable. Good instrumentals and vocal work. 'Little Rock 'N' Roller' was my fave.

Maybe like a 3.75 rounded up. It's easy to listen to, blues-rock. No song comes on as overbearing, and the album isn't that long, but it's just a Copperhead Road or two short of having enough hits to be a memorable album.

Really great album. Classic country singer songwriter. Big fan.

7/10

Liked this way more than i thought i would! Need to listen a few more times to figure out exactly what works, but the clean sound stands out. I think country is a blind spot for me I need to explore.

Sort of a cross between John Mellencamp and John Prine. The sort of country music that feels more like roots rock, with clever and effective lyrics that make feelings of small town confinement and ambition seem like especially American emotions. The sound is nice and clean and uncomplicated, with each song drawing from the same tonal palette but still feeling unique in construction (the distinct and catchy lyrics - ie. "goodbye is all that's left to say" - are a big part of this). Though the country twang and southern references probably make this considered country, i think it's more of an ancestor of Wilco or (Pat nailed it) Ryan Adams, than Toby Keith. I would like to drink some beers around a firepit in my Dad's backyard and listen to this album while he's talking to himself about politics.

Knew the name and actually saw him play at a festival a few months back, but had never really dug into any of his recorded stuff. I grew up listening to a lot of Ryan Adams, who I guess we’re not supposed to like anymore because he was a bad dude to Phoebe Bridgers and Mandy Moore. C’mon man. This album reminds me of early Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Bruce, Mellencamp, more Americana than country. Great songwriting and vibe. Favorites were Guitar Town, Goodbye’s All We’ve Got Left, Good Ol’ Boy, Fearless Heart. This State Trooper cover is also pretty nice.

He's like Hank Williams meets John Prine

This is the kind of country I used to associate with the genre before listening to it. Just down on your luck, life kinda sucks but its a hot day with your buds and you can still have fun even if you never leave your hometown. Its fun, and I love the distinct sound Earle has.

What a great country album. Loved his guitar sound. Lyrics about shitty rural life and the dream of escaping it. Good luck bud!

Initial thought was not more good ole boy American country rock - which really is not flavour of the month currently. However after 3 listens its really growing on me - with a couple of really good tunes (esp Someday, Fearless Heart) and I am suddenly realizing were the Saw Doctors (a formative band for me!) got a lot of their inspiration from. The sun is shining and I'm feeling generous so going to give it a low 4.

4.0

This hits hard. I’ve never really listened to Steve Earle but I love his classic voice and the modern country instrumentation.

I was surprised by how much I liked it, especially the last half of the album

A bit of a discovery. Like country with all the fat trimmed off. Lean. Great tunes. Four stars from me. Not a physical purchase but added to playlists.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the first few songs of this album, usually this isn't really my thing.

perfect "Americana"