Red Headed Stranger

Red Head Redemption 💀

What a great album, and what a wonderful voice. (I mean, it's Willie Nelson, is anyone surprised?) This is exactly the type of album that makes me glad I'm doing this project. Because while it's not something I'd seek out, and I don't universally adore every track, it's extremely worth the listen, and I would listen through it again if I'm in the right mood. The album is calming, and oddly a good balm for loneliness but without being whiny. It feels like a chat with an old friend: mellow, reassuring, maybe even a little bit commiserating. And, above all, worth your time. Fave track: Hands on the Wheel

Willie Nelson bucked the system and instead of putting out over produced Nashville drivel, made a simple, stripped down country record structured as a concept album. Red Headed Stranger is the story of a preacher who kills his wife and lover and explores themes of loss, guilt, and longing. It’s exactly what needed to be made at the time

Somehow, I've never heard a single Willie Nelson track, knowingly, up until this point. I love this! Understated playing, great storytelling and a voice that holds lots of appeal for me. He deserves to be known better on these shores than as the old boy who likes smoking big doinks. Superb!

I haven’t had much experience listening to country but honestly this album was a really good introduction. It has such chill vibes and a comforting aura perfect album to listen to whilst reading in bed for the evening All the tracks were iconic so this album has to be 5 stars for me If all country music is this iconic then I think I’ve been sleeping on this genre

I didn't think I'd like this, but I really enjoyed it. There's something about this type of 1970s country music, the trad and pseudo trad styles. Everything feels cosy and comforting, like you're sitting in a bar while yung Willie sings away in the corner. This is the kind of album that I would happily listen to again, if the mood took me.

I'd love to hang out with Willie for a day, get stoned and listen to him tell stories, perhaps a song or two. Shotgun Willie is my go to album but this one has gotten a lot plays as well. Albums like this make you realize not all country music is shit.

A perfect concept album. Country western storytelling at its best.

A perfect lazy Sunday album. Every track has a little surprise waiting to be discovered. It's a sign of everything wrong with the music industry that Columbia tried to re-produce this album because they thought it was too stripped down. Best track: Red Headed Stranger

Generally not my type of music but damn if Willie isn't incredibly talented. The closing track on this album was beautiful, just the piano and harmonica. The piano was really a standout the whole way through. The album tells a great story, and Willie is a master at his craft. Probably the only 5 star country album I'll have this list, but if any deserves it this is the one.

This is witchcraft: Nelson selects some other artists' songs, including a couple of famous ones, tops them up with four or five of his own, runs his matter-of-fact patter through them, and this 30-odd minute amalgamation becomes myth, and utterly his own.

the EIGHTEENTH album by willie wtf?! Also didn't realize this was "outlaw country". Shit is great great great

The main thing i know about willie is he likes to smoke da 'erb. he seems like a nice guy but i if this is the kind of stuff he writes when he's stoned he should probably try a different drug. maybe i never smoked weed properly and the real weed professionals get so baked they time travel to the 1800s? Smoked so much that you think you're pre electricity.

I know of Willie Nelson, and have heard a handful of his songs over the years. Overall, I have a "meh" attitude towards his music: take it or leave it. But this album was a home run. It was stripped-down country, which is better than today's country-twanged rock sound. This was a calming, gentle album that was just good song writing and delivery. What a nice listen.

He’s Country royalty at this point, responsible for changing the genre and for broadening the conversation about an outlaw’s place in the mainstream. This record is at the heart of that impact and that influence. Had Nelson been known for this record alone, he’d still be some kind of legend. It’s a simple but profound song cycle that’s certainly semi-autobiographical. It should be noted that Willie Nelson is a triple threat: songwriter, singer/performer, guitar player. His overall persona adds another layer—a combined aesthetic, one part from the Nashville machine, the other from the outskirts of Texas, one part stoner-hippie, one part patriot-cowboy. It’s why he’s embraced by so many from so many walks of life.

Melancholy country ballads, a classic sound with the godlike Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain as the ultimate example [EDIT: was low-key looking forward to getting this again, and it did not disappoint. Bumped up to the top and purchased - his voice and the material are perfectly suited, and even though the vibrato trick is basically the same on every track it gets me EVERY TIME. Could be the only country album you ever need, just great]

I love you, Willie. Thank you for keeping it 100% authentic throughout your career. Also, a little bump for a sweet song about Denver!

Murderers with pretty singing voices should be allowed to get away with it

There is no need to pretend like Willie Nelson isn't one of the greatest and most influential country artists of all time. There is something very calm and relaxing about his music, perfect for a campfire night out in the American west. And with 'Red Headed Stranger' he not only created an album full of short but sweet and mellow songs with great songwriting but also an album that really cemented him as one of the most forward thinking artists in 70's country scene. At at this point he was well above his contemporaries even Johnny Cash (at that time). The album opens on the very Outlaw Country 'Time of the Preacher' that puts his songwriting and lyrics into the spotlight while still adding more guitar and effects throughout that add to the sound of a man in the Western-inspired outlaw imagery like most of the albums songs. It is a very sweet but interesting song with well implemented percussion. The similar 'I Couldn't Believe It Was True' mainly stands out with the country guitar solo in the bridge and the fast paced second half that has a very present bass work. It's a really good song, I like it a lot. The continuation of 'Time of the Preacher Theme' returns to the first song in a pretty great way. It has some nostaliga to it even if the actual song was less than two minutes before. It's pretty cute. The 'Medley: Blue Rock Montana / Red Headed Stranger' is very simple because it pretty much only has acoustic and bass guitar on it but that results in a pretty emotional story that doesn't take more room than it needs. I like it even if it doesn't really achieve the interesting highs of before. The albums greatest song, 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' is easily the most sentimental and universally emotional song here with a great depiction of love in a very pure way. It kind of reminds me of "Pale Blue Eyes" by the Velvet Underground for some reason but that only adds to the greatness. A nearly perfect calm Country song. The title track 'Red Headed Stranger' extends the short intro we got to the song with the medley but this time it can shine much more. The songwriting is phenomenal, it flows and the different instruments that appear only add. Especially the very quiet but sweet piano in the second half makes this even more special than it already was. I think this would've been a perfect song if it was a little rougher around the edges and maybe even a little shorter but still, I love it. We get another but even shorter version of 'Time of the Preacher Theme' that works as a great interlude and adds in my opinion more to the albums flow than intended. The piano is much more present on 'Just as I Am' and drives this instrumental outro that closes the albums first half with a great and sentimental melody. This is more genius than others might give credit for. It feels like an outro which it is if you listen to it on vinyl and I love it when artists put certain themes to each half of the album and this is great example as seen by the Time of the Preacher parts. The second Side opens on 'Denver' which is another song with great songwriting that really flows through the song but I would've wished that it was a little longer because I really like the sound of it. Still, I think this is a great song. 'O'er the Waves' is has a very "Mexican" sound to it, if that makes sense and I do like how it plays and works as an interlude but if the previous track was longer, this would've shined even more. With 'Down Yonder' we get a little Ragtime piano and a song that sounds much older than it is but that just adds to the Western atmosphere that the album has. It is really fun to listen to like how will you not have the urge to dance to this! 'Can I Sleep in Your Arms' feels like an epic in comparison to the lengths that most songs offer. With over 5 minutes the song is nearly 5 minutes longer than the shortest song. But the song deserves that length as it is a more typical Country song with more musical and songwriting depth that make the whole time enjoyable while keeping the calm and "campfire" sound that is so great about this album. There is a little Swing and Jazz added on 'Remember Me' which I like a lot in combination with the Outlaw Country sound. It makes this not only a standout track but one of the most interesting songs here as well as one of my favourites. This really shows how he plays with more traditional sounds and genres on this second half of the album. Another quite "long" one is 'Hands on the Wheel' which is much more Folk inspired than most songs here. It is both structured and performed in a very traditional Folk style but with hints of the Country sound. The album closes on 'Bandera', a return to the definitve Outlaw Country sound with fewer influences but great songwriting. And even though it is another instrumental song, like on Side 1, it closes this Side and the album as a whole perfectly. This is the outro an album as wild and different needs. favourites: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Remember Me, Red Headed Stranger, Time of the Preacher least favourites: O'er the Waves, Time of the Preacher Theme (short version), Bandera Rating: decent 8

first listen cool man sings stories at a campfire

No. 254/1001 Time of the Preacher 3/5 I Couldn't Believe It Was True 3/5 Time of the Preacher Theme 3/5 Medley 3/5 Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain 3/5 Red Headed Stranger 3/5 Time of the Preacher Theme Nr Just As I Am 3/5 Denver 3/5 O'er the Waves 2/5 Down Yonder 2/5 Can I Sleep In Your Arms 2/5 Remember Me 3/5 Hands On The Wheel 3/5 Bandera 2/5 Average: 2,71 Pretty disappointed by this. I was really bored towards the end. It was lacking some diversity.

I really wish I knew why country music doesn't click for me. I have attempted to listen to this before. It was fine, but I am unlikely to return.

Great! I'm a sucker for albums that have a story. My only real issue is the "disjointed" nature of said story. But still great. The album did sound a little demo-ish, but I like the low production style with Willie Nelsons voice.

Amazing album. So minimal and clean.

Beautiful album. Loved every track.

Had no idea this was such a cohesive album. Absolutely loved the ‘Time of the Preacher’ theme running throughout. Adding this to the regular rotation.

I always love tight, story-driven concept albums. Add Willie’s impeccable delivery, and you’ve got an instant classic for me.

I really liked it. I want to listen to more of this type of music

Great album, added it a few playlists

Holy crap! Just brilliant.

Simple and great.

Fantastic album. Always heard of Willie Nelson, but never took a dive into a full album until this one. Was blown away by the songwriting and Willie’s singing. Top 3 songs off the album for me are Red Headed Stranger, Down Yonder, and Can I Sleep in Your Arms. -Klep

9/10. Love some Willie Nelson

A true country western album from one of the best to ever do it. No frills, no flash, just good old western story telling. The song writing is authentic and charming and sad in just the right way. Absolutely required listening

Bare bones country. Absolutely no fat on this one

Used to listen to this years ago. Love it. So simple, stripped down and just about perfect.

Willie

All time classic country great, and cemented a star becoming a legend.

Feels like a old country tale told by a campfire. One of the best examples of storytelling through music in all of music.

Genre defining

1st time of listening. Love Willie Nelson, his lyrical aptitude as a writer is clear from his back catalogue but what I like about this is that he has developed, through others songs, a wonderful, simple narrative about the red headed stranger. Love the title track and "Denver" and of course the recurring "Time Of The Preacher" "O'er The Waves" (Which to me is reminiscent of The Harry Lime Theme) and the honky-tonk Piano (Played, I believe by Willie's sister Bobbie) of down yonder. A tale of betrayal redemption and love and stripped down to the instruments with Willie's distinctive voice being the main star! Love it and rightfully in this list in my opinion.

I don’t know what I could write here that has not already been written. This album is perfect and it’s beautiful. The mood it sets is so evocative that this album feels much longer than it’s runtime, but in a good way. You are transported when you listen to it.

Really nice evening listening. Who could fault Willie ever.

This might have been the best album yet from this project. I will be revisiting this many times in the future, which I can't say for most of this. Pretty close to perfect.

Great album from Willie with some amazing instrumentation. Classic country sounds. Love it.

This is a quintessential country album. Willie Nelson is one of my favorite singers for his distinctive voice and the songs are worthy of it. I especially love the title track for its storytelling, which is really interesting. A lot of the tracks are short and there are a lot of instrumental songs, too, giving it a nice, quick feel.

Big Willie styles.

Love Willie

That was entrancing. I listened to it three times over and still felt this weird calming spell. Magical, really. I guess that’s what smoking all that weed can do for country music.

love!

Willie is such a good song writer. His songs are like a warm hug. This makes me want to write my own concept album.

Listened to it twice. Loved it. Not even sure what to say.

Otra sorpresa. Disco perfecto.

Fire

Love Willie, loved this one.

Willie is just plain awesome. A great voice and music. This is the kind of music I like to listen to on April day where it's not quite warm yet, and it's overcast and rainy. It just works somehow. It also sounds great in December...or any time.

Sweet lord why can't all country sound like this. Not a blue jean nor a pick up truck in sight.

This is a very special album to me. It reminds me of my father more than any other album. I have a somewhat complex relationship with my father so having this as a positive association with him is a rare and bittersweet treasure. I remember listening to this and "Willie and Family Live" on many road trips with him as a kid. I would go so far as to say that this is the best narrative driven concept album of all time. The fact that it is also a country album makes it all that much more spectacular an achievement. Country has always been more of a singles driven market, but Willie bravely constructed an amazing outlier of an album that had more in common with the AOR of its time, weaving an enchanting tale of betrayal and tragedy. It has recurring musical themes that tie it all together and many instrumental pieces to allow it to breath. In fact, I think it is those instrumental pieces that are the reason this album is so effective. It forces the listener to have to emotionally engage with the music itself, rather than through being fed more narrative in the lyrics. The listener has to connect the dots in their mind. Willie doesn't overdo it or spoonfeed you. He gives you just the right amount of story to set the scene and no more. I feel that this is not only a stroke of genius, but it shows that Willie has faith in, and respect for, his audience. Listening to this as a kid in the passenger seat while my dad drive through the night, I found this absolutely spellbinding. Still do.

labai grazu. Patiko paklausyt toki stiliu. 'Time of the Preacher' keliavo i playlistĄĄĄ

Душа, жизнь, ковбойска житя

Willie Nelson is one of the kings of outlaw country. His ability to produce poetry which he puts to music which is simple in its delivery and isn't overproduced like most country music today is an art. The music on this album is simple, and unpolished, but those impurities are what make this such a stellar album, and they are why Willie is such a force in the industry. The overarching story that is woven through this 33 minute album is one of love and loss. It is a beautiful album, and is perfect for sitting and listening to cover to cover. Can I Sleep In Your Arms shares its tune with Charlie Poole's classic: Can I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister. Poole's song holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my grandfather. He used to love to sing that song. So hearing that familiar tune again, even though the lyrics were slightly different, brought on a wave of nostalgia. I'm thankful for those memories of Grampie. Overall, a fantastic album today. I've always liked Willie's raspy voice and spoken delivery. It is immediately recognizable. I've never listened to this album before, but am very glad I did today. It will be put into regular rotation from now on! Favourite songs: Can I Sleep In Your Arms, Red Headed Stranger, I Couldn't Believe It Was True, Hands on the Wheel, Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger, Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming), Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain Least favourite songs: if forced to pick, Just As I Am 5/5

An all time great!

Suprový country

Excellent listen

A fantastic country & western album, stripped down to the essentials. I loved the whole thing.

What on first impression feels unfocused, random, rough and incomplete you will then learn is the result and product of Willie's artistic control. Sparse and demo-like, it is never dwelling on one idea. Instead it is constantly moving onward with its narrative.

BL: Willie Nelson’s previous album was really good I thought: this one seems to be originals as oppose to covers so more interested to hear this one. I like the album cover a lot. AL1: first time round I enjoyed the listen. Very honky tonk. I tried to decipher the story behind it but found it very difficult to follow. Round about 2/3rds of the way through I realised the album was on shuffle play. So I’ll give it another listen the right way around and see what I think this time. As of first time around it’s a 3/5 AL2: wow. What a way to do a storytelling album. Very impressed by this. The story was fun, the juxtaposition of short and long tracks gives this a very ahead of it’s time feeling. I really really sincerely enjoyed this, I’ve never been a massive country fan bar Jason Molina but I’m starting to get roped into certain aspects of the singer/songwriter material. Very very enjoyable FT: “Medley: Blue Rock Montana”, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”, “Denver”, “Bandera” 5/5

Even if you're not a country fan (and I'm most definitely not), it's hard to deny Willie his due. The man is a great songwriter and a legendary performer. This super stripped down album really showcases the emotional range of his voice and I couldn't be more here for it. Which is REALLY surprising given my aforementioned dislike for the genre. Great album.

Checks every box possible for a country album. It’s a concept album, underrated and beautiful guitar, good production, nostalgic, influential, album length fits the style of music, tells a story, there’s a flow to song order, great album cover, beautiful ending.

Incredible concept album. Brave, stripped down production. The genius is in the feeling and simplicity.

I love Willie Nelson

Tight, Americana country music from the storytelling singer and guitar player. With a boyish voice and a beautiful acoustic, Willie Nelson invites any listener to enjoy the stories of an older, less fickle America. Still religious prone with a taste for the nostalgic, but love and heartbreak are the centerpieces of American worth. Much of the album is covers, but what sets this album apart is how genuine and peaceful it is sung.

One of his best albums, lonely and sad but sweet and free

This is an awesome album. Vocals are impeccable. Blue eyes crying in the rain is an all time great song.

This is what I love about this album generator. I would never have listened to Willie Nelson by choice, Country Music is a genre that I always considered as something to despise, lots of "Get Along Lil' Doggie" and Dolly Parton. The closest I would ever normally get to Country would be parody songs about families all dying and the crops dying, etc. This album has opened my eyes to music that I never realised existed. Sparse and simple, relaxing, laid back, a concept album that tells a coherent story about love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption, all tied up nicely and bookended with some outstanding piano pieces. Loved it.

wonderful album from america's troubador. 5 stars.

Album 78 of 1001 Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Track: This is a remarkable album. I went back and forth with this one. My first feeling was that it is under produced. After some research I found that I sounded just like the record company when Willie presented them the completed project. They said it sounded like a demo. I was won over, as well. Willie did Willie and he did it like nobody else could. This album grows on you.

My only complaint is that some tracks weren’t long enough. He seemed to have about half a concept album and finished the rest with some filler tracks that could have really enhanced the album if more time was put into them. Everything else was perfect and I can’t imagine any other issues someone could have. His singing, as always, is beautiful. Instrumentation was tight and I even enjoyed the instrumentals. One of my favorites of his. This was Willie’s second album of the year and, to this day, it is common for him to release at least an album a year. I can only imagine if he took a break from pumping out album after album and took a pause to really craft one incredible album. 5/5

Banger

I love Willie Nelson. So take this rating with a grain of salt.

Good Story

Can’t beat this for country. I know a lot of these (most? All?) are covered standards, but this is a tremendous album.

So surprised by this one. Shame on me for my undeserved biases. From the soulful singing to the amazing musicality I couldn't believe I had discounted Mr. Nelson as country twang.

This was great. I loved the concept and everything.

Concept albums aren’t only for psychedelic rock! Blue Eyes Cryin in the Rain is one of the prettiest songs I’ve ever heard. I’ll keep coming back to this.

GOOD dog walking music. It isn't too intensely Willie Nelson, it is the perfect amount. I like the balance between singing and instruments.

Best album I have discovered through this journey so far. Great concept album with a simplicity to it. Dolby Atmos bring it to another level. Was on repeat all day. Super album.

A classic. A must hear for Texans.

I surprisingly really enjoyed this.

Exceptional album, a classic. Tight, minimalist compositions, with strong songwriting from Nelson. Not a bad song on here. Fave Songs: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Red Headed Stranger, Hands on the Wheel, Can I Sleep in Your Arms, Time of the Preacher

This is a quintessential Country album to listen to. Show the naysayers this album and they’ll soon turn around and be more open of Country!

Oh my GOD I am so taken with this album!! I already love Willie Nelson but due to my old way of listening to music excluding entire albums, I never listened to this album. I LOVE a concept album, and I love some good country story-telling. I don't always love it coming from a man but in this case it's golden. I am really excited by this story and I will definitely watch the film soon. I even love the instrumental tracks like Down Yonder coming right after Denver where he sings of a chance meeting in a tavern and then the dancing and with this music I can picture a saloon and a pair dancing to this music it's magic! I love thinking about the old un-finished songs which inspired Willie to write this whole concept album and tell this whole story, it's super inspiring. Also loving the simplicity of guitar piano and drums and his beaut voice.

With a mixture of short tales and epic tomes, Red Headed Stranger is a exploration of infidelity, murder and desertion in a manner made sparsely and simply that can only benefit Shotgun Willie; any minute longer and it would have been sabotage. It is not surprising to know how this became a beloved album in Willie's canon and an enduring hallmark in country. The complex feelings of the outlaw, encapsulated by the songs that expresses his feelings that flowed through his heart; a tale as old and well told as time.

Solid willie—didnt know he was this good!

So purely willie

Stunning

Brilliant, a country concept album with a coherent story and great tunes. One of the reviews said it was "the Sgt pepper's of country", which sounds about right!

Sad harmonica.

I feel like he's got a way better voice than you ever really realize

As with the album Stardust, I am again struck by the deliberateness of Willie Nelson's music. Every note, every tempo, the order of the songs...all show a clear intent and purpose, nothing ad libbed or left to chance. Despite the murderous themes in the lyrics, I feel safe with Willie at the helm. This is music that makes me feel good.