Reviews (page 12 of 13)
From what I know of Willie Nelson, I expected him to be more outlaw country but this is more old-fashioned songs about dyin'.
This was great. I loved the concept and everything.
I like the slow acoustic ballad stripped down vibes but after a while it starts to sound the same- doesn’t help that there are multiple reprises. Was really glad when Remember Me came (probably my favorite track). Actually the last three songs are all great. I didn’t really pick up that it was a concept album until reading about it but that’s pretty cool. His voice is great.
Really cool concept record. Great songwriting and storytelling, I love how he references earlier lyrics later in the record. I love the whole outlaw country sound and movement, I like Waylon’s records a lot more but this one is great.
Willie is such a good song writer. His songs are like a warm hug. This makes me want to write my own concept album.
I have the utmost respect for Willie Nelson, his music, his politics and his undeniable talent. He is a stand-up guy and fights the good fight. It can’t be easy to be a liberal in a musical industry that is primarily targeted to and supported by conservatives. It cracks me up every few years when conservatives get bent out of shape that he is supporting a democrat or a liberal cause. Did they really think the guy who’s been stoned for the last 50 years was a conservative? Country music, on the other hand, is not a genre I love. Putting the politics of it all aside, it’s not a musical tradition I was raised with. I understand what people get from it and why it resonates. For me, though, I can’t seem to get in the headspace to truly appreciate it. Red Headed Stranger is a fine album. I liked it a lot, but it’s unlikely that I’m going to revisit it with any frequency. Not because of anything that Willie did or didn’t do on the album; this is a “me problem”…country music just doesn’t do it for me and I’m afraid it never will. Sorry, Willie, but I still think you’re awesome.
Pleasant and calm
Classic Willy Nelson. The first not the best.
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 first time, pleasant listen. Only recognized "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" from the initial runthrough. Some of the phrasing in the lyrics ("screamed like a panther in the night," etc.) is amusing. The combination of solid guitar playing and generally enjoyable tracks makes this a worthwhile listen. Willie's voice is palpably poignant and sentimental. With that said, the country legend's music still doesn't motivate me to further engage interest in outlaw/classic era country music willingly.
Claslassic Willie....twangy guitar...incredible voice....
Love Willie
Stripped down but also just a great sounding record.
Listened to it twice. Loved it. Not even sure what to say.
fav songs: blue eyes crying in the rain, red headed stranger, denver, can i sleep in your arms
Melancholy country ballads, a classic sound with the godlike Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain as the ultimate example
Great atmosphere. A quick listen.
This is a bunch of lullabies. Super happy it's not pop country. And I like the concept that it's going with. But this is very sleepy.
In part, I come from a family of Eastern Colorado farmers and they all love Willie. In fact, when we buried my Uncle a few years back, we played Willie Nelson to send him home. It's not without emotion that I enjoy a good solid Willie album and I love what he stands for. He did an awful lot of good for the farmers with Farm Aid. Awesome guy.
Is Willie Nelson a country musician? ... I hate country with a passion, especially this newer stuff labeled 'country' Maybe the better question is what is country music? Because, this Willie Nelson album would've been considered 'country' in its day, but maybe that's just because of where it originated and recorded... Texas. But to me this doesn't fit the container of what I'd refer to as 'country' maybe 'classic country' is a better term for this. I liked it, it's hard not to like him, or at least not appreciate him in small doses which is exactly what this is. RHS is relaxing. It's low-key. It's true and sung from the heart and the best part is it's only 33 mins. long. That's probably the most 'country' I've ever consumed in one sitting. :)
Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” was perhaps only possible in the mid-70s coming out of the outlaw country movement. It’s a cool little concept album, it’s stripped down and sparse, and it certainly eschews the increasingly formulaic trappings of the Nashville-centric country world. Formulaic mainstream country would continue to take over in the decades that followed, but Nelson would remain firm in his outlaw, outsider position. It’s great that Nelson and others were able to maintain creative freedom and stick to their roots and values. But ultimately “Red Headed Stranger” is too slow for me.
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
Another 1001 find! I’m not much of a country fan and this album helped me unravel that mystery a bit. The aspect of this album that surprised me the most is how much I like Willie Nelson’s voice. The music was very low key at times with his voice being the primary instrument and it shines. I also liked the guitar and piano too. A minor annoyance to note: the music and vocals were so soft on a couple occasions that I couldn’t hear. What I really don’t care for are the down home country lyrics. I lose interest when Willie is talking about stallions and such. I somewhat buy into the stereotype that country music lyrics are about god, trucks, and puppy dogs. And it’s those types of subjects in country music that turn me off. Thankfully, there aren’t too many overly folksy orations to drown out the positives on this album though.
Country shit
I'm not familiar with Willie Nelson's music, other than "On the Road Again" and his version of "Always on My Mind." I thought this album was really good. Willie is a great singer, and I love how gentle his voice is. His simple melodies really pair well with his voice, and I thought all the songs on this album were catchy and nice to listen to. It's not the sort of thing that I typically listen to, but I can appreciate it for what it is. Also, shoutout to Willie for pissing off conservatives when he vocally supports liberal causes.
I loved this, I really like willie nelsons music
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!
Good songwriting, and a very clean production. Willie can tell a story, convey the sense of loss and the toll of grief and make you believe in the hope for something better knowing that the character will never do the same.
A great campfire country album.
Sweet lord why can't all country sound like this. Not a blue jean nor a pick up truck in sight.
So purely willie
No thank you
11th January 2023 Listened on the drive in to London. Finished slow horses season 2 in the evening. Nice bit of country folk from the master storyteller.
the EIGHTEENTH album by willie wtf?! Also didn't realize this was "outlaw country". Shit is great great great
Still struggling to find the country album that really gets me going. Feels like a collection of assorted demos and outtakes.
Not my style. But I can see why people like it.
amazing storytelling with calming music
I can't say I've ever listened to country willingly. But I gotta admit I didn't mind this. The laid back sound really mellows you out, and it put me in a pretty relaxed mood. Wouldn't mind it in the slightest listening to more.
calm
It’s good country but is country my kinda thing…no 3/5.
Willie Nelson at his good ol' country story tellin' finest.
Ew
i do love american country music. some of it at least. it can be very beautiful and moving. very sad, and very soothing. very analog. but i gotta say, there's a barrier that stops me from ever liking it TOO much - it's cos i'm not american, so i feel like its impossible for me to actually connect with this stuff. im not really making a comment about the target audience of american country music. im sure lots of non-americans are into that! good for them. hope they enjoy it. but for me, i feel like too much of it just goes over my head. like, this dude from blue rock montana rode into town on a black stallion, did he? ok. i dont know where that is. is it a good place? a bad place? is that even a real place at all, or is it it like a metaphor? and are people cool with black stallions, or is that a grim omen of dark things to come? whats the group vibe on this dude and his horse? i dunno, i live in the south of england. we have like, seagulls here. big ones like dinosaurs. and lots of rain. i listened to this whole doing the dishes with my daughter, which was fun! but distracting enough that i couldn't really hone in on a favourite track. 3/5 i think.
6/10
Just wasn't feeling this.
Amazing country concept album.
🤠
Fire
Love Willie, loved this one.
I'm sure this is wonderful, but its not my jam
Great.
Nuorempana nyrpistelin nenääni kantrille. Vasta lähivuosina olen huomannut, miten kantri on vaikuttanut musiikkiin, jota olen kuunnellut nuorena. Kun teininä fanitin Smashing Pumpkinsia, miten en kuullut amerikkalaisuutta noissa levyissä? Ymmärsin toki, että Pumpkinsit ja Sonic Youth ja Pixies kuulostivat huomattavasti vähemmän ironisilta kuin brittitoverinsa, mutta en osannut sanoa miksi. Ironian puute on kuitenkin se, mikä saa jenkkijutut kuulostamaan jenkkijutuilta. Nuorempana dissasin huumorintajuttomuutta, nykyään huomaan olevani itsekin vakavampi, vähemmän ironinen ja enemmän elämästä nauttiva (ja samalla enemmän siitä kuormittuva). Ei ole mitään vitsin aihetta tässä kaikessa, ei. Tai edes kyynisen observaation arvoista. Eli iskee tämä Nelsonkin näemmä nykyään, jollain tasolla.
Country on kyl edelleen mulle hieman haastavaa, mutta ei tämä huono ole. Todistaa sen että country on todellista surumusiikkia siinä missä blues on enemmän valittamista. Tai ainakin joidenkin mielestä. Lienee ensimmäinen Willien levy jonka kuuntelen kokonaan. 3/5
Oikein miellyttävää countrya.
Aika perus kantria, en sävähtänyt. 2/5.
Great album
Well howdy there pardner I had a rootin and a tootin good time
This is the songs of my people
Makes me want to sit on my front porch sipping sweet tea
I didn't think I'd need to open this review with 'I think murder might be wrong', but here we are. Red headed stranger is a sparsely instrumented, plaintive, barely-controlled breakdown of an album. I like a concept, and I love a ballad, but I don't so much enjoy the balls-out misogynstic entitlement, especially when it's done with such a deft and elegant touch on the vocals. Let's talk songs for a minute: Time of the Preacher is a classic for a reason - it beautifully sets a scene, and lays out the ominous, nervy vibe 'Now the preachin' is over, and the lesson's begun.' The repeated motif holds the first side together, drawing deeper into the darkness 'Now the killin's begun.' My favourite track off the album is 'I Couldn't Believe It Was True', but I wish we'd stuck longer in the 'Her happiness always I hope will remain' groove. I enjoyed the emotional staging of the bouncing between disbelief, forgiveness, rage, and out-and-out destruction, which felt very real. The gentleness of the guitar, smiles and happy allusions that lead into the actual murders is very well done. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain is where it starts to come off the rails for me - the Christian allusions and rose-tinted spectacles met the passive distancing from violence ("Oh, my love, she just tripped and fell, woe is me!") It's around this time I put down my headphones and complained to the cat - 'the rest of this album is going to be about this guy whinging about the consequences of his actions, isn't it?' I was (not?) disappointed - his 'little lost love lay asleep on the hillside' in the next track had me reaching for the metaphorical sick bag. And he's shot someone for stealing a horse he stole from someone else he murdered, and the punchline is like delivered like that's funny. I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the pianist, Bobbie Nelson, who was an absolute delight throughout and kept my ears amused even when my guts were growling. The longing for a destroyed home is captured so well all through the second side - but the whole thing is marred by my loathing of the protagonist, who is so clearly the author of their own destruction, and feels entitled to get away with it. I find it hard to cheer for the little comforts found in Denver, and have started to think of good traditional English folk ballads which always end with the plucky young woman shoving the murderer off a ledge. Playing out with the harmonica, and gentle piano rolls of Bandera, I feel a sense of nostalgia for the first few songs of the album, back when the world was expansive, and we were poised on the edge of a wonderful adventure.
Är väl ingen countrymänniska egentligen. Få låtar som stack ut.
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.
Pleasant Willie Nelson country fare - but not his most distinctive.
Country, not my thing really
Simple! Stripped back! And very bittersweet. Just a narrative with consummate musicianship. There are no flashy twiddles or over-production to hide behind. Raw instruments and a distinctive voice. Here Nelson tells a story in a direct, intimate and beautiful way. This is country done pure.
This album belongs on this list. Willie Nelson has such a distinctive voice and he's a great story teller. I love the variety of instruments even though still simple and light. This is a very well produced album. It is consistent with enough color to keep it interesting. Not my favorite genre or selection of Willie's music but fits my criteria for recommending music to others.
Willie’s distinctive voice, combined with the spare, simple arrangements were put to good use in the telling of the tale of the red headed stranger. I’m not sure I liked it, but I appreciate it.
What can I say, I enjoyed Willie Nelson's album. This isn't a style of music I've dug deep into, so I don't have a ton to compare it to, but the bare-bones approach and intimate sound appealed from the get-go, and while I may have missed all the nuance in the lyrics from beginning to end, the preacher's story and theme was laid out nicely. I assumed this was an early Willie album — the man has released albums consistently from 1962 through this year — so what's early? This was his 18th release. Damn. Any way, not exactly his first rodeo, as they say in the disco circuit, so a more deliberate call out to an older style of campfire music. Anyway, I'll stop pretending I know more about this than I do and just say, "well done!"
As much as I love National Treasure Willie Nelson, and as much as I enjoy some of the tunes on here (Blue Eyes, Hands on the Wheel), I don't love the album as a whole. I dig the stripped-down approach that wound up being so influential, but the concept album aspect gets a little old, especially with that refrain showing up again and again. Also, I wish there were more Willie originals on here. Still, it's impeccably performed and not a single song overstays its welcome. But I prefer Phases and Stages and Shotgun Willie. It's a 3 for me in terms of listening to the whole album, but it gets an extra star because I love me some Willie. Plus, the dude is 89 and still touring. Long Live Willie Nelson!
Can't say I've ever listened to a full Willie Nelson album. I've certainly treasured him over the years for his songs and most certainly for his commitment to Farm Aid. (Farm Aid has raised more than $64 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture!) I've also been grateful for his commitment to destigmatize cannabis use. Holy moly...this was his 18th album in 1975! What a national treasure.
Nice clear Country. Crisp vocals and guitar.
was ok nothing special imo all songs blended into 1 but some were pretty i guess
Very solid album.
It’s a tightly wrapped 33 minutes of twang. Willie is a prolific and admirable artist, but I’m not a country music lover. Or even liker. But I gotta give respect to one of the country scene’s most iconic players.
Willie Nelson's big break and one of the finest outlaw country albums. Aside from the occasional accompaniment, this is all him. I saw someone describe it as "a cowboy and his guitar singing campfire stories", and I'd reckon that makes for a damn fine album. It's a comforting feeling that gives you solace knowing you're in good company with Willie Nelson and his songs I think there's beauty in simplicity, but that doesn't make it easy. To be both simple and engaging takes a certain kind of skill. Nelson has it in spades. It's in his guitar's warm tone, his voice's slight twang, and his wonderful stories. Willie Nelson will be cherished for a long time, long after he's gone, and this is just one great reason why.
Yeah, yeah, he's a legend, but if I'm honest with myself, I'm bored. On the other hand it's cool to hear that he had creative control over the album, and chose to make it this stripped down - mad respect for that. But... I'm still bored.
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.
Y'know, not bad. Was driving so this was an appropriate soundtrack for the road.
Прослушано! Отличное кантри, спокойное и мелодичное. Обязательно переслушать.
Casual listening country, a nice relaxing vibe for the fall.
Actually pulled out an 8-track tape for that period-appropriate listen on this one (not my original copy or anything, I’m old but not that old, my player was a gift from a dead-media-aficionado friend and he tape was a thrift find). And what can you say, this thing is an artifact, a singularity of outlaw country. Have to pull a point back for the “she was unfaithful so I just had to murder them both” trope.
название говорит само за себя......
GOATED COUNTRY
2.5
Love love love Willie Nelson. The old outlaw county has a special place in my heart. Simple and somber. Great storytelling
Although I will probably never listen to it again, this album was enjoyable and relaxing
This is an excellent rectangle !
très étrangement j'ai bien aimé et c'est peut être parce que j'étais en train de faire un puzzle sur le thème du far west
I liked it. It was a weird story but Willie has an excellent voice and the music was decent. 3 stars
very nice chill time
Is esmes albumo dainos yra kokybiskos, bet visiskai ne mano stiliaus, nes nesu sio muzikos zanro megeja. Rekomenduociau tiems, kuriems patinka kantri muzika, nors asmeniskai manau, kad yra ir geresniu sio stiliaus dainu.
Nesu tokio tipo muzikos megejas, tad albumas nepatiko visiskai. Vienintele palaima kad daugelis dainu nesekia 2 min. MEGSTAMU DAINU CIA NESURADAU
labai grazu. Patiko paklausyt toki stiliu. 'Time of the Preacher' keliavo i playlistĄĄĄ
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.
I thought this was wonderfully tuneful, thoughtful and calming. really nice storytelling too! Heartfelt and interesting. And I'm not a big country fan
Not bad at all and he's a legend but it was a bit much by the end
Good old country, can't miss
3.8 + I salivate when I hear phrases like "country music's first country album" and "Willie Nelson stripped down" but sadly this album doesn't live up to my excitement. To be sure, Nelson sounds uncommonly sweet as always, and there's plenty of twinkle in the spare guitar and piano parts. But there's lots of repetition, especially in the first half. I keep hearing "he cried like a panther" and "don't cross him, don't boss him" over a sedate oompa-pa and I wonder if I missed something.
Not totally my vibe but it's definitely solid.
Blissful and beautiful with just the right amount of rough edges. Note to self: Listen to more Outlaw Country
Willie Nelson songs all sound pretty much the same. And they are all great. Love you Willie!
4.75
It was an alright listen but I can’t understand how it made the list. Is it that good ? 3*
I don't mind some country but this was a bit too schlocky for me.
Thought I'd dislike this album more than I did. I think it's saving grace was that it was mercifully short. Nelson has a way with words and is able to evoke feelings of wanting to head out camping in some remote part of the US, sitting in front of a campfire, having some s'mores and strumming on a guitar. Best: Down Yonder Worst: Can I Sleep In Your Arms
Classic country album. Willie remains one of the most inspiring and influential minds in country/pop/rock. 4.5/5
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.
Nice, short songs full of lush storytelling and solid instrumentation. Can see how this put Willie Nelson on the map.
It may be utterly unfair to give this a low score, because the man is a legend, and must be doing something right. Maybe it is because of the age of the album and because of the influence he had on the music (I genuinely don't know, I am not a fan of C&W) - but this album almost sounds like a parody to me - an album put together of C&W cliches.
I loved it. Thoroughly. 4 1/2
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.
I have never been very interested in Willie Nelson, nothing against him, just not attracted. This album was a pleasant listen, though the subject matter is heavy. I especially enjoyed hearing some familiar folk and classical melodies. The lyrics are good.
There’s something captivating about this. Simple, authentic country music appeals to me (for what it evokes more than how it sounds), and short, flowing concept albums interest me too. In other ways it’s not my usual bag, but I’m glad I was introduced to it. 3.5
p352. 1975. 4 stars Country/Americana with most of the saccharine extracted. Most of the tracks are short, so it doesn't outstay its welcome. Yeehaw, but in a good way.
Country is not really my bag. This album was inoffensive, interesting in places - if a little bizarre e.g. the murder of a woman for an attempted theft of a pony.
That old folk country so fair
His 18th album was released in 1975! Wow he must be old. The album is very simple and shows off something he is not known for which is how well he plays guitar.
Mellow mellow country. Nothing I like in there.
All songs sound samey. Highlights: Bandera Lowlights: Everything else
I love albums that immediately get a 5-star rating within the first few minutes. Willie is an original. A chief storyteller who evokes the place and time he sings about. As a concept album, it kind of fails, but as a whole, it really evokes the Wild West he sings about. What a legend. Give this man all the love he deserves. Like Bruce and Cash, he's one of the American greats.
Beautiful record, I never expected to love it so much
Been a few months
Almost ambient in its restraint with background instrumentals, giving it a beautiful and soft tone, despite the multiple murders going on. Short and sweet, proof that country doesn't have to suck. Most of the tracks were written by other people, but picking and choosing songs to fit the story is actually pretty impressive. Nearly a 5 tbh
Decent old school country album.
Willie makes it sound so easy, like anyone could do it. I think it's his sincerity.
Great induction the man Willie
Extremely relaxing country music and makes me feel like a breeze of freedom hits my face , a little slow sometimes but has a relaxing feeling to the overall album
Another C&W album. Its fine. I just find the genre tiresome. (Especially since I've been given Gillian Welch's Time) It's fine. I like WNs voice though nothing massively stands out. Prob wouldn't listen again.
Lot of good stuff here, will have to listen closer next time around to see more of the connection of the concept album. I was picking up some connections here and there but didn’t realize it was a full concept album which gets me going and bumps this from a 3 to a 4
I don't really think that Nelson's vocal and melodies are strong enough to elevate the VERY sparsely instrumented songs on this record to something interesting. Then you finally get full orchestration on the terrible 'Down Yonder' which sounds like a parody more than anything else. While this may be a concept album dealing with a double-murder and subsequent newfound love-interest of the Red Headed Stranger, I was never truly invested in the story nor enticed by anything musically. Although the title track does have a nice melody and Willie-boy is quite good at conveying emotions (as on 'Can I Sleep in Your Arms'), this just wasn't for me.
Released in 1975; how is this Nelson’s 18th record?! While I never grow tired of listening to Nelson’s timeless vocal, the same can not be said of the instrumentation. No one plays badly, and Bobbie Nelson’s piano and Jody Payne’s mandolin are especially beautiful - the mixing of the backing vocals are spot on as well. But as everything goes on in almost the exact same tempo it all becomes rather dull in the end. I don’t get the big picture of the concept album that this should be either; but putting together an actual concept having only written under half of the songs yourself is everything but easy. The first time I feel that the band puts something on the line is during the wonderful instrumental “Bandera”. And by then it’s already time to wave goodbye for now to the Red Headed Stranger.
Very entertaining, a splendid listen, a unique voice in every sense
Sparse, understated. Showcases his expert songwriting and sensitive singing. He manages to say so much, with so few words, about what people need and what they’ll do if they can’t get it. Above was my reaction without knowing that many of these songs are covers. It’s amazing that his interpretations and the material he added joined these pieces together so well.
willie nelson - red headed stranger (1975) notes - i knew who willie nelson was but id never actually listened to his music - the first half of the album is the story of the red headed stranger split up across 5 or 6 songs - the whole album is sort of in the same vocal and guitar range, so everything kinda blends together fav - blue eyes crying in the rain - great emotional ballad with some fantastic imagery least fav - remember me when the candle lights are gleaming - cool guitar solo but the lyrics and chord progression were sort of unremarkable 2.5/5
A lovely simple country album by willie Nelson. Country music like this is some of the best. The lovely Melodies and stories built into the songs are significantly better than the poppy Nashville sound. This is a good record and could listen to it many times over. 8.1/10
liked his voice, but don’t really like country.
simple sleepy mournful charming country. good mix of pure acoustic + some ez listening instrumentation 3.5/5
I feel like I'm utterly lost when it comes to country music. I can't tell what makes an average album to a so-called masterpiece. And this one sounds very average to me, contrary to what many critics have said. Guess it's probably the "concept album" that *Red Headed Stranger* is that appeals to them. And maybe the barebones way it was recorded, too. The thing is, even in concept albums, individual songs should shine. And I feel like none of them do on this one. I remember giving Marty Robbins a 3/5 grade and excluding him from my own list. Yet in the realm of outlaw country music, Marty was a bit of fun at least. Maybe I was unfair, you tell me... Yes, maybe I'll even my judgment on him--because some of my final grades will certainly be different than those I gave on the spot for each album. It's another interesting thing when you're spending three years or so with this app on your phone... That being said, and compared to that Marty Robbins album in Dimery's list, *Red Headed Stranger* currently sounds dull and dreary to me. So I have no choice but to give Willie Nelson an even lower grade than that 3/5 mark I gave Robbins. At least for this particular LP... Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 796 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 107 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 50 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 47
Murderers with pretty singing voices should be allowed to get away with it
Should go back and listen to the lyrics more, but fun even when not paying attention
Can appreciate the sentiments, but Country is not really my thing
yep he country
You’ve just got to admire the balls on Willie Nelson to release this album, without a single fuck given as to the record company’s dismissal of its low-fi production. Punk as fuck. And it has some great tracks on it as well. Solid country record.
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yes, heartwarming and warm in sound, Will need to come back to this again at some point Favourite song: Track 14 - Hands on The Wheel
okay
It's alright
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.
It was ok!
Enjoyed
Beautiful collection of songs, some being mega classics covered in country and folk. Very soothing and emotional, they don’t have musicians with soul like this anymore.
Decent country album without any highlights or standout songs
Solid willie—didnt know he was this good!
4.5/5
Willie Nelson...again...
I can see why Willie Nelson is so huge. He has a lovely voice, he has lyrics that are a cut above standard country fare, and he isn't extremely yeehaw right wing like a lot of his compatriots. Sadly, it all leaves me a bit cold. I just don't think my brain is wired to enjoy country all that much. Maybe because I'm not American, and it's not ingrained in my culture? It's just sort of sad, nicely orchestrated, I listened to it then it ended.
I feel like he's got a way better voice than you ever really realize
Even in his youth, Wille Nelson’s vibe seems to have been avuncular pot smoking Uncle. Gently singing songs about red headed strangers and such, this is a brilliant example of outlaw country and an enjoyable concept album. Nelson’s voice is a delight and the guitar playing superb.
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!
Stunning
A good country album. Simple stuff, but it works
Muito triste
Sad harmonica.
Favourite track(s): Can I Sleep in Your Arms More of a vibe than a compilation of individual bangers. Nelson's voice is magic and the instruments are full-force american. Would play it again but I am not longing for repeated listenings.
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.
Ohhhh yes Willie! Bringing some mad big dick energy to my life. You fuckin' legend. I want to eat your ass.
Shite
I love how often the wiki says something along the lines of "the label didn't want to release this album..." only to have the album absolutely blow up. Music industry execs clearly suck.
i can see why this is a classic and i almost hate to admit it but i just don't dig country that much
Blue eyes crying in the rain
Guitar and vocals were enjoyable, but I’m not a fan of the saloon piano
Soft, gentle country music with sparse instrumentation and Willie Nelson's calming voice. I didn't listen actively enough to pick up the story of this concept album, but enjoyed it nonetheless. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Red Headed Stranger Date listened: 09/08/22
This album was not really that great in my opinon but thats coming from someone who doesnt really like country. 3/10
Star rant: A high 3 in the way that “Clandestino” & “Steve Mcqueen” are high 3s, not to be confused by the low 3s of “Locust Abortion Technician” and “I’m Living All Over You”. :/ Now the actual album: “Down Yonder” has a great piano solo by Bobby Nelson, who I’m just learning of now and also that she died earlier this year. The performances are consistently great, as is Willie Nelson’s voice, it’s just that the earnest adherence to the classic country formula reminds me why I can only take so much of the genre. PS to star rant: Blackstar was for me a 5 star, I knew that as soon as I gave it 4
Listening to this felt like watching a movie made in black and white to keep it spare and a bit lonesome-feeling. Kind of lovely in the right setting and mood, but also the sort of thing that would kill a party.
At least I am finding that Willie Nelson does have a place in my listening library. My attention span for this one was limited, however. On first listen, I found the music enjoyable, although the theme of the story not so exciting. When I repeated the album, I thought that I would like it more, but actually got bored. I think it was the story more than the music, but a little bored nonetheless.
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.
I grew up hearing this album in the background, but its spartan production and mature themes went over my head and I didn't appreciate it. I haven't heard it since my pre-teen years. Returning to it now is like discovering an entirely new album. The music is arresting and beautiful, the album filled with suspense, tragedy and heartache, and I loved it. While murder ballad albums tend to turn me off, this had a very different feel and focused on a range of emotions other than anger and revenge. It is surprisingly wistful. How fortunate are we that Willie Nelson had negotiated a contract that allowed him to release this album. It is easy to see how record producers would demand that more production be added to this album. I imagine that would have greatly diminished the power of this album. Red Headed Stranger is an affecting work I will listen to again and again.
This that good kinda country
Red headed stranger bitch
I'm surprised Nashville hasn't built a Mount Rushmore of Country Music. Seems like something they'd be all freaking over. We'll do the easy work for them here in terms of selecting the 4 figures on Mount Country Music. Johnny Cash and Hank Williams are slam-dunk no-brainers. And I believe the third obvious choice is one Willie Hugh Nelson. They'd probably complain about having to put a bandana on his head, and they'll be jokes about how Willie should also be displayed smoking a joint, but no Mount Rushmore is complete with him. The argument could begin and end with the fact that Willie Nelson wrote "Crazy". Mic drop. And if that's not enough, allow me to present to you a concept album he recorded entitled "Red Headed Stranger". Great simple storytelling music that showcases what made Willie Nelson a legend, including the quintessential version of "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain" where Ol' Willie even one-ups Hank Williams. As for that 4th person on the Mount Rushmore of Country Music...the internet would absolutely explode if it isn't Dolly Parton. Fuck that. I'd take Loretta Lynn or Emmylou Harris over Dolly. Also acceptable: George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, and an argument could be made for Patsy Cline. It'd be fitting to have her next to the pot smoking, bandana wearing hillbilly/hippie who wrote her signature song.
Country Blues the way it's supposed to be played
Really well done old-school country album.
"Red Headed Stranger" is the 15th album from outlaw country artist Willie Nelson. And outlaw is right as this is a western concept album about a guy who sees his wife cheating on him, comes home to find her gone, hunts both his wife and her lover down, kills them and, for the remainder of the album, tries to find redemption. Sounds interesting and this was, very much exceeding my expectations. This is a very sparse recording with really the only main instruments being guitar, piano, harmonica, bass and drums. Willie had recently signed with Columbia and had been given complete control which allowed this album to be released it was as opposed to the more popular Nashville Sound which had a lot of orchestration. The album concept was inspired by "The Tale of the Red Headed Stranger," a song Willie used to play as DJ in Fort Worth. Given the sparse instrumental arrangement, the strength of the album is Willie's storytelling and voice. The slower pace is also necessary and perfect. The album is really divided into two sides. The first side pretty much tells the whole story concept with the second side being his redemption and finding love again. There are also a few cover songs loosely fitting within concept. "Time of the Preacher" starts things off with the narrator finding his wife cheating on him. Probably the climax of the story is the fourth song "Blue Rock Mountain/Red Headed Stranger" where the narrator finds his wife and her lover in a bar and shoots them. One of the song highlights is "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" which is a cover song by Fred Rose/ Hank Williams. It loosely fits in the concept I guess and is just a great country song. Another great cover song on the second side is "Can I Sleep in Your Arms." It's a more traditional country song with guitar, piano and harmonica solos. I am admittedly not the biggest of country music fans with really the majority of which i like being the traditional storytelling songs of the 50's, 60's and 70's. This album fits that and has to be one of the better ones.
Yep, Willie vind ik altijd goed. Ik heb een zwak voor blue eyes crying in the rain...
Als je met soort klotemuziek voor de Hema gaat staan, word je gelijk weggestuurd. Klap om de oren voor Willie en terug naar het opvangschip!
Psies op het juiste moment. Heerlijk wegzwijmelen met Willie.
Dit begon aardig maar na een paar nummers had ik wel genoeg gehoord. En nadat Nieke in al haar fanatisme de plaat daarna nog 3x had opgezet, was voor mij de lol er compleet af ;-)
Ik heb een soort zwak voor willie Nelson, maar niet voor deze plaat.
More country more bore
This makes me want to go to the county fair
Sounds nice and sounds like Willie Nelson. It's just not for me.
Ya know what. If someone is going to go full country i want it to be like this, country and western. Gunslingers in bars.
I always love tight, story-driven concept albums. Add Willie’s impeccable delivery, and you’ve got an instant classic for me.
I love you, Willie. Thank you for keeping it 100% authentic throughout your career. Also, a little bump for a sweet song about Denver!
Not for me.
Didn't like it Very boring
Great album, added it a few playlists
Nice to chill on a hot afternoon
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.
What county music should be, but isn't anymore
Classic groundbreaking country. Want to do a second listen for the narrative but despite not being super into country it’s a fun listen
What a breath of fresh air this was. Maybe because I just had to get through Agaetis Byrjun by Sigur Ros! This concept album with organized, thoughtful, thoughts all tidily articulated in 35 minutes over 15 tracks is exactly what the doctor ordered. I never knew Nelson wrote something so structured and cohesive. Some of the songs are overly "twangy" for my liking, but I loved the story and how it unfurls. I also love the minimalism - just a guy, a guitar, a harmonica, a piano and that voice.
Cry yourself to sleep at night album. Emotional stories about his dang woman leaving him. Enjoyed this album.
Too country and western for me. This is Yankee Doodle do music for yanks!
The man can sing! Great instrumentation and the recurring pastor theme stuck with me after I’d listened to it. I reckon if I saw it in a record store I’d buy it.
Willie Nelson is a wonderful singer and songwriter. There’s a great mix of melancholy songs and upbeat tunes (including a little bluegrass and ragtime here and there). And the production has a warmth that complements his expressive vocals.
There is something so ~warm and cozy~ about this whole album.
I like this early Willie Nelson as it is more like Hank Williams sounding country western folk. Willie has never been one of my favorite singers in this style but his influence is unquestionable. This album specifically is probably one of the more enjoyable ones of his for me to go through. Weird that there's the track "Time of the Preacher Theme" which is 1:13 long, and then a few tracks later there is a short little reprise that's the same exact title and is a 0:26 second intro sort of piece to the following track, "Just as I am". "Can I Sleep In Your Arms" is really an incredibly underrated track. Per Spotify it is the 7th most played track out of 15 on the record and I found myself really enjoying it.
Nice - I like the sparse clean arrangements
4 so nice
sonzao do tio willie
I don't think I'm the target demographic for US country, but I can appreciate Willie It just wasn't for me
I've heard many individual tracks from Willie Nelson, but I'm not sure if I've heard a whole album. "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" was the only song that I'm sure I've heard before. This album seems like a good representation of Nelson's talent. Red Headed Stranger is country music, including some country swing, but not pop country music. The album has an interesting format with many shorter tracks that flow together. I enjoyed the instrumental tracks in particular, but I was content to listen to Nelson's iconic voice as well. I saved "Just As I Am" for a re-listen. I also liked the last three tracks ("I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love with You)", "A Maiden's Prayer", "Bonaparte's Retreat") in particular. I'd come back for a second listen to the whole album.
Het album klinkt effectief als een verhaal, met terug kerende melodietjes. Verder vind ik er weinig aan
Simple country. No steel guitars needed. There's something... pure about it. It's quite refreshing, actually. Nice to hear very little overproduction. No pitch correction, no artificiality to it. Simple and to the point. Really dug it.
I liked this album quite a bit. Stripped down and simple, solid display of Willie and his backing band's skills on guitar and piano (and drums). Really nice work on guitar and his voice fits the environment perfectly. Good storytelling too, interesting how he weaved other artists' songs into his own theme, including I Couldn't Believe it Was True, the title track and Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain. Those are key parts to the initial story and you wouldn't even know they weren't conceived by Willie.
Sometimes timing is everything. I put this album on a few hours before dawn on a quiet Saturday morning and was taken on a journey through the backroads of America by Nelson’s voice and music. The first side tells the story of a man who murdered his wife after discovering that she was cheating on him. Side two has him finding love again along with redemption. This might be the first country concept album. Nelson’s voice has a sense of longing to it and carries the story so well that you feel for the character throughout even knowing that he murdered his wife. All in all, this was an enjoyable way to spend the wee early hours of a Saturday morning.
Eh, it's country. Don't get me wrong, if I have to listen to country, Willie's a good choice. But it's country.
Understated is the best word to describe this. I need to listen to this again more carefully and not as background music, because I only just realized halfway through that there's a story to the lyrics. I was expecting typical country nonsense, but I was pleasantly surprised. So far not my favorite Nelson album, but it's still very good.
Love Willie's voice and the album was so pleasing as just one song effortlessly transitioned into another! Good length too
It was a relaxing album to listen to. Not my go-to but still enjoyable. 2.5 stars but I'll round up.
This album was able to be truly beautiful while being so simple. Even if you’re not an older country fan you have to appreciate the messages of Willie’s lyrics and his ability to keep his instrumentation and vocals concise and clean. Loved listening to this.
I enjoyed this more as the album progressed, probably won't return to it, but it was comforting.
3/5
Slower than I would like, but I guess that’s what you listen for.
Country will never be my fave but I can understand why people like Willie Nelson
Get's points for being a best seller despite a rather bizarre concept. The music is less enduring for me.
Never been a Willie Nelson fan. Thi is fine but wouldn’t Hopi of my way to listen
Willie Nelson is great. This is a beautiful and simple album which shows how powerful stripped down country music can be without the flash. I’ve always loved willie Nelson’s guitar playing (Can I Sleep in Your Arms was a highlight for me) and wish there was a bit more of it on this album.
For something called "outlaw country" I thought this was pretty soothing, which is not a bad thing. I actually liked it. It started to feel a little bit samey during the last half but the overall mood was really pleasant.
Almost fell asleep. Not bad for a slow country album, but not my cup of whiskey.
I really like willie nelson, but must admit this one is a bit boring.
A sweet and sad album that hardly changes mood throughout. A complete work of slow and melancholic country can be long. The album ended up losing my interest. But... It was great in a way. 3 stars will do it.
Not as good as the one I had earlier in the week.
That’s a beautiful Willie
Big Willie styles.
Eh, it's just ok. I like Willie Nelson as a cultural icon and for his activist endeavors, but his music is pretty meh for me, this album being a prime example.
Pretty decent album. Not amazed, though.
As someone who does not care for country, this is actually really good. Catchy, mellow and well performed.
Now THIS is my speed. I only really knew Willie as a personality and not so much his music, but damn, he has a killer voice and knows how to fill a track with hooks. I do think it peaks in the first side, but I can definitely see myself add this to my collection. B
Me ha gustado bastante.
Lonesome Rustic
Genre: Outlaw Country 3/5 A totally adorable little country album, Red Headed Stranger is a concept album detailing the story of a man on the run after killing his wife. It's told in a decent enough way that it isn't too difficult to follow, but the story isn't the star here. It's Willie's slick baritone vocal, and the ease with which it fills up the mix. Elevating rather sparse material, it's a real treat to hear Willie's voice in this intimate setting, spotlighting what I feel are fairly underrated vocals in the catalogue of 70s music. Overall, the country folk style of most of the tracks here can get pretty boring, and it's generally unexciting as the tracklist continues. However, that doesn't mean there aren't any highlights. The title track is a perfect example of the Outlaw Country genre, with dark, introspective lyrical themes mixed with that classic country sound. It even makes time to take some instrumental breaks like Down Yonder, with Wille Nelson's sister, Bobbie, rippin' on the piano. All in all, fairly bland, but a neat little piece of history, given its concept and its importance in the genre, and is certainly easy on the ears. Not bad.
A fine outlaw country album. I imagined Willie Nelson sitting on a porch in a rocking chair playing guitar telling his stories when I listened to this album. It's alright but I'm still not really into country therefore my score is as it is.
Country sureño suave de escuchar y sin ninguna estridencia. Para relajarse
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
Liked it more than I thought i would, it's a well executed concept album.
Good collection of country songs definitely worth listening too
Best country album so far, but still a 3/5 since I'm not a fan of this genre at all. Willie Nelson seems like a great guy though. He's almost 90 and still kicking ass apparently. 5 albums in the last 3 years, damn.
Very melancholy, very nice
There are flashes of this tightly made and bare bones album being like a pulp western novel set to music. Barren landscapes and barren relationships. Best Tracks: Time of the Preacher; Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain; Remember Me (When The Candle Lights Are Burning)
willie 420
Country lentillo. Ni fu ni fa.
Lo siento. Un poco rollo. Venga, un 3, porque es Willie Nelson
Willie tells the tale of a murderous preacher who gets revenge in a cheating woman and her lover. Delicately arranged with few instruments and Willie’s signature yodel-esque vocal tone. It’s very solid.
Loved "couldn't believe it was true" good background music but not blown away
Red Headed Stranger is Country and Western at its best. Music that sways and pulls more than shows off. Lyrics that weave together complex stories that are built around simple emotions. A dance and a tap that is slow but hopeful. This isn't the best collection of Willie but it is a masterful showing of someone that is sharing the closest thing to universal truth.
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.
I didn’t appreciate Willie Nelson when I was younger, but have grown to like a lot of his music. This album included.
Not bad. Not really my thing.
Its good. Not as good as Shotgun Willie.
We want chilli Willi. There is something about the nasal twang that makes me feel like a kid.
This was just what I needed, some gentle country harmonies as I cooked dinner. Thanks, Willie.
Alright for country. Didn't listen too closely to the lyrics but apparently it's all murder and revenge so that's exciting. Top tracks: I couldn't believe it was true
Classic. The album is full of great songs.
Country que envolve.
I’ve now listened to 2/97 of Willie’s studio albums. This is my favorite.
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
Largely wasn’t into this
Country isn’t my thing at all, but this was pretty mellow and easy going. A bit repetitive imho.
Great album but not his best. The subtlety transports you to a ranch in the spring
I like the thematic album here
All the respect in the world of willie but I just could not get into this
Short and sweet, Willie Nelson on top form.
Another Country album! Still not my thing.
Amazing album. So minimal and clean.
I know its good but not my jam
Sometimes melodic, usually boring, and generally not my kind of music.
Its a pretty tight album. But also there is nothing stand out
Granddad here trees with the best of them 💨. A very pleasant album with one of the nicest voices around
Willie Nelson's music is so peaceful. I love his voice and the tone of his amplified nylon string acoustic guitar. I like that this record is stripped down to just him, his voice, a piano, drums, bass, and that's about it. "Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain" has always been one of my favorite Willie hits. Though, "Crazy" is his crowning achievement as a songwriter, IMO. It was my grandpa Yuncker's favorite song and we would play it on the jukebox at Weaver's Tavern in Weidman Michigan, when we would go there for hot dogs and Busch Light. For me, Willie's music is honestly less about the songs for me than the laid-back and unassuming vibe. Loved this record and the loose concept happening. I've always just randomly picked a Willie record when I wanted to hear him. Now that I've heard Red Headed Stranger, I'll return to this one when I need a Willie fix. Wow, I made it through that review without mentioning weed!
I don't know much about Wilie's catalog or album history, but he's just good, old-fashioned, singer-songwriter awesomeness. Maybe I'm sentimental because I recently toured the Moody Theater (where they film Austin City Limits), but I really, really like this album.
Beautiful album. Loved every track.
Genuinely not sure what to say about this. Again, it's one of those cases where I understand the intention and admire the artistry behind it, I appreciate that it's Willie doing exactly what he wanted in the face of record company opposition (not to mention the country music mainstream at large), but I'm not sure how much I like it as such. But it's one I'm sure I will come back to.
Well, I'll say this much; my mother loves him. Personally I can't bear him.
Really can't believe I listened all the way through.not long ago I wouldn't even bother. Must be getting old
Good.
3, short and sweet songs
Could not get into it 3.5/10
a bunch of slow cowboy music 2.5
I am glad and somehow relieved that the two country albums I got so far came out on a Sunday. Sundays are ok for country, or should I say country is ok for Sundays? One way or another, this is a really pleasant listening, but I am not sure if I will throw it on again in the future. Nice try, though!
Ugh.
Apparently I like Willie Nelson.
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson (1975) A man called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Montana (“Time of the Preacher”) loses the affection of his wife (“I Couldn’t Believe It Was True”) and commits the ‘justifiable’ homicide of both his wife and her lover (“Blue Rock Mountain/Red Headed Stranger”). Grief stricken, he departs, only to arrive in another town, where he again commits ‘justifiable’ homicide, this time of a yellow haired lady who, through greed and trickery, tried to take the beloved horse that had belonged to his late wife (“Red Headed Stranger”). He finally proceeds to Denver (“Denver”), where he finds solace with a woman (“Can I Sleep in Your Arms”) and apparently becomes her husband and (much later) a grandfather, who reflects on his misery and his hopes for the future in the company of his grandson (“Hands on the Wheel”), finding resolution and redemption in his dotage. This is the basic synopsis of the country western near-opera “The Red Headed Stranger”. Many of the details can only be surmised by listening through the spare lines of narrative, and imagining the drama as the tale unfolds over 15 tracks in 34 minutes. Your take might be different. But there are intertextual weavings and recapitulations that hold the poetry together throughout the album. Some of these are really fine; check out the last two lines of “Denver”. I won’t spoil it for you. What is most refreshing about this musical tale is the fact that it exists in the first place. The country western scene in 1975 was transitioning away from the loopy sequins and buckskin fringes (Think Ernest Tubb, Buck Owens, Porter Wagoner, etc.) toward the more mature ‘outlaw country’ of Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, and our hero, Willie Nelson. Albums of the earlier period were mostly mere collections of songs. But this album is different. More than a ‘concept’ album, it tells a story, chiefly by cobbling together songs written by others and held together by original lyrical material from the heart and soul of Willie Nelson himself. The narrative sort of falls apart toward the end (most of the action is on side one), but it still retains interest, progressing from tragedy to loss to grief to wisdom. The music is starkly simple, with limited instrumentation, well performed with the sort of authenticity one has come to expect from the inimitable voice of Willie Nelson. This very good album is what happens when a great artist persuades the suits to allow full creative control. The executives at Columbia Records reportedly didn’t like this record. I did. (It went multi-platinum, so apparently others did too). 4/5
Really enjoyed this album. Now a willie nelson fan
Country. No mal del todo
My grandma lived Willie. There was to be complete silence when he came in the radio lol. Good times.
Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash i Willie Nelson su sveto trojstvo country glazbe.
Hello, I'm playing Red Dead Redemption, stop interrupting me! Obožavam ovakve (outlaw) country albume, tipa gdje bi mogo slušat ovo da se nalazim na nekom pustom zapadu - lagan album, lagana gitarica, mirno, melankolično, tužno u neku ruku, ali samo po instrumentalu ja bi dao dobru ocjenu. Jednostavno mi paše. Outlaw Country is the best genre, my best friend today! PROTECT WILLIE AT ALL COSTS! DON'T LET HIM LEAVE THIS PLANET!
Red Head Redemption 💀