Reviews (page 3 of 12)
Loved it.
Red Headed Stranger is often considered the greatest album in country music. In this concept album, Willie Nelson tells the story of a man who killed his wife and her lover. Some of the songs are simple simple and almost sparse - just Willie singing and his guitar. In others, Willie's band adds supporting instrumentation, including his sister, Bonnie, on the piano. The strength of the recording is in the compelling story Willie tells. The fable of the Red Headed Stranger was perfectly expressed in Willie's simple but elegant songs. The album was incredibly successful, propelling Willie to stardom that reached far beyond country music circles.
Love Willie. Love this album. Reading the backstory on wikipedia on how against the grain this was for the time makes it even better.
Day15 - glad we have willie and his music
Still listening to it, but enjoying it very much.
I love it for many reasons. I'm in a hurry to get to my next album, though.
Never heard before and legendary!
Goat 🐐
A-Love Willie Nelson and makes me feel connected to all my ancestors. Every single one. That's it. D- whole album played through nice and smooth, could hardly tell where one song ended and the other began. Bit in a good way, yaKnow?
Loved it.
Beloved classic
Willie Nelson, der einzige der Snoop Dog unter den Tisch raucht. Für mich der Chuck Norris unter den Musikern. Würde man es wagen Chuck Norris weniger als die vollen Punkte zu geben? Das Album ist solider country, kann man nicht meckern, finde die moderneren Sachen besser. 6 von 5 Punkten wegen Chuck Norris
This one reminds me of Pink Moon in a way. With the striped back instrumentals, it’s kind of like it except in the country genre. In fact, I like the instrumentals a lot. Lyrics as well. Even if it blends together a bit, this is still a cool little concept album!
Not an album I would’ve normally listened to, but it was really good. I like the experimental aspect of the album
I'd expect nothing less than the best from Uncle Willie and this album did not disappoint. I wish more modern country music sounded like the old greats but here we are...still grateful to have Willie alive and kickin' out new tunes. That aside it's tough to do a concept album well but this was one of the good ones. The story was coherent, the themes reinforced, yet didn't feel stale or forced. Would definitely listen again and prompted me to dig deeper into his catalogue than I had previously. Standout tracks: Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Red Headed Stranger, Hands on the Wheel
"You can't hang a man for shooting a woman who was trying to steal his horse." Can't argue with that logic! Insane that Willie Nelson had this voice when he was young. He sounds like he's a bazillion years old.
Willie’s best. Outlaw country is where it’s at.
This is wonderful - love the narrative quality! I suppose it's no surprise that I'd find a concept album much more accessible than I find most country. They should do ten minute long songs about wizards, that's catnip to me, I'd be wearing a stetson in no time! 🧙 Fave tracks - love the repeated instances of "Time of the Preacher" - really ties the album together. "Hands on the Wheel" feels like a great conclusion, and really dug the instrumental "Bandera"...
A great album front to back.
I wish everybody could sing like Willie
so good
This was beautiful and made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. I especially loved I Couldn’t Believe it Was True and the closing instrumental Bandera. This gets a strong 4 stars from me. With a few more listens this would easily be 5 stars for me but alas we aren’t able to edit scores later on. So fuck it, you get 5 stars, Willie.
Good album.
Honestly that was way better than I thought it would be.
This is the first album on my desert island list. Absolute GOLD.
Just amazing. Calm, mellow, relaxing.
O melhor do country norte americano. Cara é mestre mesmo
And they danced with their smiles on their faces.
Круто прям 70-е
Great voice and emotion. Fantastic instrumental
classic, really awesome vibes
yeehaw indeed
Oh Willie. A classic album, which I have never listened to all the way through. Willie is not my cup of tea, but he is great. 15 songs in 33 minutes! The album is a vibe - meaning it is a thematic composition as a whole and evokes thoughtful reverie from earlier tunes with themes between longer tracks. It holds up amazingly well!! Great album and enjoyable listening!!
Yes
This is a step towards a genre of country I can respect.
I surprisingly really enjoyed this.
One of his best albums, lonely and sad but sweet and free
A fantastic country & western album, stripped down to the essentials. I loved the whole thing.
Suprový country
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
I really liked it. I want to listen to more of this type of music
An all time great!
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.
Holy crap! Just brilliant.
9/10. Love some Willie Nelson
Incredible concept album. Brave, stripped down production. The genius is in the feeling and simplicity.
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
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
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.
Bare bones country. Absolutely no fat on this one
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.
I love 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
Used to listen to this years ago. Love it. So simple, stripped down and just about perfect.
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.
Good Story
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.
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.
This is an awesome album. Vocals are impeccable. Blue eyes crying in the rain is an all time great song.
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.
wonderful album from america's troubador. 5 stars.
Genre defining
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.
Banger
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
Really nice evening listening. Who could fault Willie ever.
I love Willie Nelson. So take this rating with a grain of salt.
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.
love!
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.
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.
Can’t beat this for country. I know a lot of these (most? All?) are covered standards, but this is a tremendous album.
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.
This was great. I loved the concept and everything.
Willie is such a good song writer. His songs are like a warm hug. This makes me want to write my own concept album.
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.
Love Willie
Listened to it twice. Loved it. Not even sure what to say.
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!
Sweet lord why can't all country sound like this. Not a blue jean nor a pick up truck in sight.
So purely willie
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.
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
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.
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.
I love albums that immediately get a 5 star within the first few minutes. Willie is an original. A chief storyteller that 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.
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!
4.5/5
I feel like he's got a way better voice than you ever really realize
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
Sad harmonica.
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.
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.
I always love tight, story-driven concept albums. Add Willie’s impeccable delivery, and you’ve got an instant classic for me.
Great album, added it a few playlists
Big Willie styles.
Me ha gustado bastante.
Amazing album. So minimal and clean.
Beautiful album. Loved every track.
Good grief this here is one heck of a beautiful album. The piano interlude on Just As I Am and Can I Sleep in Your Arms near blew me out of the dang water. Such a strutty little bass line on Remember Me. Outlaw country with a tender gentle heart.
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
A classic. A must hear for Texans.
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.
Simple and great.
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.
GOOD dog walking music. It isn't too intensely Willie Nelson, it is the perfect amount. I like the balance between singing and instruments.
Excellent listen
Душа, жизнь, ковбойска житя
Otra sorpresa. Disco perfecto.
The OG goated classic
very very nice. relaxing.
After his period working with Chet Atkins as a largely Nashville songwriter Willie took up his real calling as an 'Outlaw' with the his big name pals in the Highwaymen, and produced this album about an outlaw himself, a kind of alter ego. Working with Jerry Wexler, he created an almost demo like album which ended up being appreciated as a 'stripped back' affair. It's a consistent effort with a seamless set of tunes, all written to a country style harmonic blueprint, and a satisfying sense of completeness as a concept. Never heard it before and was happy to discover.
Lovely easy, breezy arrangement of tunes from Willie. The softest of the Outlaw countrymen but in no shape the weakest. This is a dreadful story baked into these lovely prairie tunes. Willie's voice is mint and the warm production value on the classic country sound is perfectly suited for him. Probably 5 stars on merit and legacy but Willie's not my guy. Merle is.
yeehaw esse vai gerar muito na cajupi eu falei ontem que não curtia country mas pelo visto curto sim!! achei muito legal escutar esse álbum e fiquei feliz por descobrir músicas boas que normalmente eu não teria contato
The Bach Minuet in G was a fun plot twist but something about Willie is so comforting even for non-country fans. Everyone’s favorite uncle.
Excited to get some Willie Nelson, great music, beautiful voice and great storytelling right there. If I think of what a good country should be, this is your guy. Strong 4 stars.
Classic Willie
Who doesn't like Willie? A lovely listen.
I wish country had stayed on this path. Outlaw country is delightful
Really lovely, great harmonica sounds and Nelson’s voice is absolutely gorgeous. Bandera was honestly a standout. Might not listen again since not my usual jam but was pleasantly surprised!
cigarette emoji
WAY too short! It's great for how long it is.
Beautiful, I need to listen to this more frequently
Very cool album! I love that it tells a story from beginning to end. A lot of them sound like songs you’d sing around a campfire, real Americana-sounding stuff. I can see myself coming back to this one.
One of America’s greatest living singer songwriters.
One of my favorite country albums. Great story, and Willie's vocals really shine. Favorite track: Can I Sleep In Your Arms
Interesting story and easy listen. Willie and Morgan Fairchild in a TV movie in 1986? Didn't remember that one.
Just a really fantastic country album. Compelling narrative, doesn't overstay its welcome, and 'Can I Sleep In Your Arms' is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful songs I've heard in a long while.
uf esto me queda muy lejos pero me ha impresionado la verdad. buenísimo.
normally not my kind of music but this works great as a concept album and it was a nice listen
So comforting oddly enough. I liked the style, didn't get bored. Soothing voice and sound. Made me happy. Wouldn't listen daily though.
It's impressive that Willie Nelson can record several covers with a few of his own compositions thrown in and it comes out as a cohesive concept album that is entirely his own. I love the sparse instrumentation and arrangement of the album. I wish all country music was this good.
I fuck with sad boi cowboy and hate how much people shit on country music on this list. For me it’s a 3 but to prove a point I’m giving it a 4
Classic country
Willie Nelson has always been old to me. Very minimal album but a great listen
Willie should have called the album "Ain't No Demo," per his quote to the pissed record exec. Might be a five had he written all the songs.
I prefer my western music a little pluckier but this was good listening.
I'm not a big fan of country music, but something about his voice, the deep sounds, and the bass - it becomes very comforting. Hearing a high note from a harmonica or a piano in the middle of all those slow and deep instruments just feels so nice and calming. The songs flow well from one to another to form a cohesive story in which you can feel every emotion of the main character in both the melody and the lyrics, and join him throughout this little journey. Even tho it's not something i'd listen to every day, i have a feeling i'll come back to it just because of how warm and personal it felt - really good vibes from this short album. Favorites: "Time of the Preacher", "Red Headed Stranger", "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" gave it 3 starts at first but then i finished it and immediately wanted to hear it again, so i figured it probably deserves 4.
God bless Willie.
I've actually never heard this album before. Absolutely loved it. Also, now realize that Lucas Nelson's Entirely Different Stars includes some of the music from the last song on the album titled Bandera.
love ity
Musical sketches, stripped down. *Medley: Blue Rock Montana / Red Headed Stranger, *Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain, *Just As I Am, *Denver, *O'er the Waves, *Can I Sleep in Your Arms, *Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming), *Hands on the Wheel, Bandera.
Pleasantly surprised to find this an enjoyable and relaxing listen. Liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Really enjoyed the understated nature of the production, and Willie’s voice is magnificent
I could listen to his storytelling and voice over a campfire all night long
What an album. Pure country
Gutes Country Album, aber leider nicht mein Genre
i really like this, I already have a song saved from the album but the rest was pleasent to listen to.
Súper country y excelente guitarra. Interesante escuchar el over the waves en la guitarra!!!!
Definitely a classic. Yeah. It really is. Hard to actually listen to a whole album of it uninterrupted. I just like a bit more back beat with my piano figures. But Willie has such a perfect delivery, perfect stripped down production, beautiful acoustic guitar. And he WAS an industry outlaw. Go Willie go! 4 Boolean: true
I enjoyed this! Pleasant old-fashioned country vibes from Willie
Classic songwriting from Willie Nelson. Because of Spotify glitches, I had trouble listening to it all the way through, and instead listened in pieces, which is less than ideal. This is the country music I remember hearing (mostly on TV) as a kid. It wasn't played at home, but because of its prominence in the 70s when I was a kid, it's the style of country I think of as "real" country. :)
Probably a 3, but giving it a 4 because how pleasantly surprised I was.
A great album by a great artist. Even if you don't like country, this is easy to appreciate.
I've lived in Austin for 20 years and I feel like the pitchforks will be out if I don't rate this at least four stars
Good ole Willie. This was actually a pretty tight album, really enjoyed.
Short and sweet. I like all the piano. Nice music to do a puzzle to.
A great storyteller that needed to have more albums on here. It is like sitting around the campfire and listening to a musician
It’s Willie Nelson how can you not love him. It really feels like he’s just sitting with you and singing some songs around a campfire which is awesome. He is a world class storyteller. Not as good as Stardust but that’s just my personal opinion.
Really nice, mellow listen. Willie’s storytelling is growing on me
Flew by, didn’t even notice it finished
More pleasant than I thought it was going to be. Good voice and guitar work. Nice variety of instruments rather than being SAME SAME SAME.
Bom folkisinho
My favorite genre of country music is "cowboy tells you stories around the campfire" and surely this is one of the strongest examples. I never hear enough people praise Willie Nelson's voice and I really applaud his restraint on this album and how he lets the music breathe.
As a general rule I don't like country, and I don't like music where the main idea is to tell a story. But for every rule there's an exception, and Willie Nelson is amazing.
I'll always have a soft spot for Willie Nelson because my grandpa likes his music (and he met Willie!) as does my step-dad. And I quite enjoy his music myself. I like his singing voice and the simple, wholesome quality of the music. A cool thing Willie Nelson did recently was duet with Orville Peck on a queer cowboy song called "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other".
Struggled with whether to give this a 3 or a 4, but I'll be generous today. It's super simple, but in a really great way -- very intentional, peaceful, and a neat concept. I especially love some of the instrumental tracks; there's something so soothing and heart-ache-ing-ly beautiful about them, e.g. "Just as I Am." Who knows how much I'll revisit this, but for now I'm quite the fan. Fave tracks: - Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain - Red Headed Stranger - Just as I Am - Denver - Can I Sleep in Your Arms - Bandera
If I have to listen to country music, I prefer this over the pop crap being produced now. I also have to give Willie props for the movie inspired by this album and Barbarosa, another great performance of Willie's.
I’d listen to a lot more country if it sounded like Willie.
I can appreciate Willie and enjoyed the album but he isn’t someone I want to listen to on the regular.
way better than i thought
I love Willie and I love this album. I also love the restaurant in Nashville named after it.
Good traditional country music
as minimalist and compact as it is emotional and evocative a great storytelling piece about loss, despair, and redemption, told through lyrics that are vague yet clear enough, and vocal performances that use pauses, spaces, or enter out of beat, giving a natural, almost conversational feel this minimalism also translates into the economy of musical resources; a mix of guitar and piano with sporadic and soft percussion demonstrates that a simple melody and a few chords can convey more emotion than much more ambitious productions
Good Willie
Great concept album that tells the story of lost love, revenge, murder and misery of a preacher in the west. Once I connected the story behind the music it made the album even better. This is an album that the listener needs to engage intellectually to enjoy.
What a great album, would listen to again
Quiet and calming, I love simple instrumentation
The more I listen to albums like this the more I realise I actually do like country. Who could have imagined!
Made the E train smell like campfire smoke and wide open spaces.
I am a sucker for a bluesy, country album and this did not disappoint! I like the storyline throughout all of the songs too— feels cohesive
First thought, this should be an absolute treat. Second thought, oh this is Willie Nelson, not Kenny Rogers. Third thought, "Yes an album with s through line!". 4th thought. This is quiet nice, not necessarily my thing, but still worthy of 4 stars
Favorite songs: Time of the Preacher, I Couldn’t Believe It Was True, Time of the Preacher Theme, Medley: Blue Rock Montana / Red Headed Stranger, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Red Headed Stranger, Time of the Preacher Theme, Just as I Am, Can I Sleep in Your Arms
A country concept album? This is one of the best country albums of all time. Authenticity, coherence, and great songs.
I really loved this album. It's an invitation to slow down and savor the simple things in life. Willie's voice is lovely, and the instrumentation is the perfect accompaniment.
I did rather enjoy this. I could quite happily have put this on, loaded up Red Dead Redemption 2 and rode a horsey through the mountains.
I can’t believe I’m going to give a country album more than a 2 but I found this really engaging and enjoyable, and just goes to show that it isn’t worth writing off a whole genre like I may have been quick to do in the past. I felt this had much more in common with traditional folk than some of the other tosh you get coming out of Nashville. The stripped back vibes really sold this to me as it put so much further emphasis on the lyrics and delivery. The percussion was subtle but enough to carry it where needed. I liked the bluegrass flourishes when they were added but songs like ‘can I sleep in your arms’ - simple songs at their heart - were the ones I found most enjoyable here. It’s a shame that this style of country has generally fallen out of favour.
I enjoyed this album. There is a strange similarity within these songs that also reminds me of other Willie songs.
Great listen. No skips
Great album ..taking us back to simpler times??
Just pure, clear straightforward solo folk-country. Willie’s got a beautiful voice. Sad storytelling. Won’t go back to it often, but I liked this quite a bit. Must-listen #353.
Æ har hørt overraskanes lite på Willie Nelson, egentlig, og det helt uten grunn, for æ like det jo veldig godt når æ gjør det?
me sinto vagando pelo deserto cok meu cavalo e um chapéu em minha cabeça desbravando o velho oeste sozinho
big lenda do country teria um vinyl desse álbum
New to me, very very good indeed. 4 stars, thank you for sharing RGP. Tom.
Not a fan of country music. But his voice is like a well played violin and I can listen to that with contentment. A calming album.
I thought this was pretty good actually. Maybe because I enjoy Sturgil Simpson Sturgill and Jason Isbell and Charlie Crockett today this is the origin story...It’s a masterclass in doing more with less: a sparse, haunted, quietly rebellious record that helped define outlaw country and proved that country music could be cinematic without being overproduced. Good stuff Willie!
uh i didnt expect this to be as serene as it was? beautiful lyricsm, vocals, calm atmosphere and just all together wonderous to be honest. in a world of yelling country fuckers a dime a dozen, be more willie.
I grew up where Willie is demi-deific, I was always going to like this album. Its really good, its not perfect, its what country music should be. 4/5
I love that raggedy cowboy. As with most concept albums, the concept is lost by the halfway mark, but who cares. Red Headed Stranger is a lovely little gem. My complaint is that many of the “songs” are really 90 second instrumental tracks, which are great, but unfit for my playlist-heavy lifestyle. I totally love the instruments on this though, and Willie’s sparse, tender lyrics. My favorites are Can I Sleep in Your Arms for the harmonies and that closing instrumental, Hands on the Wheel for lyrics, and Time of the Preacher Theme or the Blue Rock medley just because.
story album, go back and listen
not my usual listen, but a bittersweet collection of reflections and memories of times and people passed
Fav- blue eyes crying in the rain 4/5
Willie er góður kall. Þessi plata er falleg og ljúf.
very pretty! i feel like i could appreciate it even more if i had paid stronger attention to the lyrics but i enjoyed what i heard. Fav track: Bandera
Maybe not the best pick for a grey day where I'm struggling to not feel down, and everything starts to blur together by the end of the album. But, I'm still giving this a low 4 because I have a feeling that -in the right frame of mind- I'd really love it.
Neat little concept album and his voice is great
This album is by far the best experience that I have had with a Willie Nelson album. Feels pure and organic. Definitely a vibe.
I was pleasantly surprised by this. Country is really not my genre, but this album was really nice. I think it is mostly due to Willie Nelsons voice that carries his emotions open wide. Also, I like the tempo and tone that Nelson wants to convey to the listener. The music is best where there’s only a classic guitar and Nelson’s voice. When the tempo is turned up and piano comes in on a later song the music lost it’s magic a little. Favourites: Time of The Preacher, Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, Red Headed Stranger.
Certainly his best album. Shotgun WIllie was too commercial, and Phases and Stages was too theatrical. Both of those albums are very good, but Red Headed stranger walks the fine line just about perfectly and stands above them. It's a concept album both full of beautiful interludes that lead into spectacular poetic displays of country and folk. Like a true outlaw, Willie stands against all odds, with only his guitar and occasional piano or bass following, laying an emotional tale of an outlaw on the run. What's also great is how he managed to tell the story in quick little snippets. Only three songs pass the 3-minute mark, but they all tell a story that an album twice the length struggles to.
Simple, delightful, but a bit sleepy.
Actually good music, it’s a surprise to be sure
Me gustó mucho la verdad. Una mezcla de folk y country.
Lo re disfruté la verdad
heerlijk!
Une voix à la James Taylor sur de country qui se transforme en folk. I couldn’t believe it was true
It's difficult to sound vulnerable and like a total badass at the same time, but Willie Nelson threads that needle here. Less is often more, and the sparse instrumentation and the simple yet evocative lyrics make a great pairing.
BÃO ALBUM DE COWBOY
Aoo carpeado
Really liked this album. Willie is a national treasure!
Heading in, I was only familiar with Willie through, admittedly, Beyonce. That to say I’m not particularly interested in country music generally, but I quickly came to understand why he’s loved, though, with this project. The music lets the story take the lead here, but not without some beautiful instrumental breaks and interludes that aid it. A brilliant concept constructed in a manner I’ve never seen before. With it being written around a cover surrounded by a mix of others and his own inclusions, all wonderfully executed by Willie, this is a special country album. 2 listens Favorite Track: Can I Sleep in Your Arms
Came to country later in my musical journey but man Willie makes it easy to love. Beautiful album.
A great listen
Would buy
like tbh high 3 but im rounding up bc i cant keep giving 3s
enjoyed this, love his voice
Pretty, sweet and pastoral
Ik vind dat country muziek veel is gestagneerd in het genre. Willie Nelson laat zien hoe het wel moet. Gewoon een cowboy met een gitaar. De country muziek is tegenwoordig richting pop gegaan en in alle verkeerde manieren. Dit album vond ik wel goed. Beter gaat bij mij het genre niet scoren denk ik. Ook is het wel lekker om deze nog na werk te fietsen als je overprikkeld bent. Dit album zou ik een hoge 3 sterren geven of een lage 4 sterren. Het probleem is dat het op een gegeven moment te veel hetzelfde is en het dan lastig is om te blijven focussen op de muziek
Je kan het bijna geen muziek noemen, zo minimalistisch. Verhalen vertellen op melodie. Het hoeft niet ingewikkeld te zijn.
Love a good concept album
good and short
Very enjoyable listen.
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Tolles Album, stabiler Dude.
Like a warm time with an old friend, despite never having heard this record before.
Can't go wrong with Willie, he is a natural storyteller
This came up on the day I took a trip to the country and it was the perfect soundtrack.
What a surprise! Loved this album and all the story telling, played it twice back to back🙂
Good
always love
nice, slow and relaxing music, felling like in a western...
so cute
feels like listening to my boyfriend explain the plot of a western he’s reading
I put off this album for so long because I got Kid Rock and Willie Nelson mixed up in my head. This certainly isn't Kid Rock
I thought this was going to make me feel like a cowboy, but it just made me think of cowboys occasionally while listening to it
Somehow, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to any Willie Nelson before, but I really enjoyed this album. I liked the storytelling and I find outlaw country of this era really interesting. I feel like I need to dig into some more of his discography and see what else I enjoy.
Classic. Het hele album is goed, maar vooral het laatste gedeelte is perfect.
Positivt överraskad
Är ingen countryskalle, men det här var ju bara för mysigt och oemotståndligt att dricka morgonkaffe till tyckte jag!
Hyllat Shotgun Willie sen San Andreas. Legend! Och den här skivan. Sååå mysig 🥰
sant, rent, vackert!
Wow, this one really surprised me! I have somewhat enjoyed some Willie Nelson stuff in the past, but only ever really on the level of appreciating it for what it is but not feeling all that strongly about it. But this particular album really did grab me, I love his storytelling abilites which was a huge part of what kept me so captivated, and his voice too is something that stands out more than you would think for this style of music.
Solid record. Was lucky enough to have a copy of this on vinyl from when my Dad gifted me his collection. I find some of his other work to be a bit more compelling than this. 4/5
Du soleil et Willie Nelson, j’aurais pas demandé mieux! Un album que je vais conserver pour mes prochains roadtrips! Je mets 4 étoiles juste parce que c’est assez simpliste, on sort pas de la grande créativité tant dans les paroles que musicalement. Mais j’ai adoré l’écoute entière de l’album. Mes préférées : Bandera, blues eyes crying in the rain, Time of preacher theme
4.2
140726 23:30 3.5
Do I love this because I live in Texas now
Willie Nelson is another artist who, no matter his actual age, always looks like a 70-year-old man.
I know of Willie Nelson, and feel like I know what he sounds like, but I don't think I could name any of his songs. This is going to be the first album in a few days that's completely new to me. • Time of the Preacher is a very nice opening track, and I already know what the rest of the album will sound like from this. I really like his voice • I Couldn't Believe It Was True sounds really familiar, I don't know if I've heard this song before or just something that sounds very much like it • It's interesting how interwoven the songs are, by the seventh track you've already had Time of the Preacher, Time of the Preacher theme and a short version of the latter, as well as Red Headed Stranger already making two appearances. It's making the album feel really cohesive, like I'm listening to one continuous song. • I really liked how the short Time of the Preacher Theme led into Just as I Am. The second half of this song has by far the most instrumentation yet too, there are two guitars, a piano, a bass and drums. • Down Yonder is such an upbeat track compared to everything else so far • Can I Sleep In Your Arms is the longest song on the album by a decent margin, but it feels like it earns that length • I really like the guitar in Bandera This album was an absolute treat to listen to. The story it told throughout its tracks was told really well, and the instrumental tracks helped keep the pacing from feeling too rapid. I don't see myself revisiting any of the tracks on their own, as this feels like an album you can only really appreciate as a whole, but as a complete album it was really good. Favourite song: I Couldn't Believe It Was True
Mournful and forlorn, this is Outlaw Country to a T. Willie waxes poetic; covering a majority of the time, a handful of classic country tunes set to loose concept of a man who regretfully murders his spouse. It's a rather short listen, but the way this record is composed sounds like something coming out of a jail cell inmate who was given a guitar and a harmonica. It's very lovely stuff, and absolutely a must-hear.
Love me some brother Willie. Crazy this was his 18th album. And wild that he's written so many country songs but some of his most famous are covers. Love the voice and sound.
Me siento bien vaquera y country con este álbum, me voy a un bar de Denver a buscar pelea porque mi querida me dejó yeehaa
Good album, I’m starting to enjoy country
Loved this album. Listened to it twice. Definitely love younger Willie.
Love Willie. Not quite as conceptually interesting as other albums, but enjoyable
An album as remarkable and commendable for it's concept and context as much as it's content, so thankfully the content is as good as it gets. Sublimely understated compositions masterfully performed. The only thing keeping me from a 5 is the sequencing and repetition which I think will gel better for me after a few more listens.
"He's wild in his sorrow". What a great lyric. His voice is genuine and grabs you. I can't imagine putting this on but maybe I should think on why it doesn't occur to me. Good album and worth having on the list. I kind of wish I liked it more. It feels like it could take the right person somewhere special
Lekker album voor de achtergrond. Zou m zo weer opzetten
Powerless to describe this as anything other than "Cowboy Country", it's quite pleasing to the ear. Nelson has a great voice that's complimented well by the acoustic guitar. Each song is differentiated by it's lyrics up until "Just as I Am", which had a gentle piano break that was both welcome and beautiful. "Down Yonder" was a fun instrumental, with the piano taking to lead; I can understand, too, why Nelson did not choose to have lyrics to this song, as his voice is more suited for the somber, slow type of music. "Can I sleep in your arms" was beautiful and hard-hitting; Nelson's voice really soars on this track, and the gentle bass sells the whole thing. Then came the harmonica, which sent shivers down my spine. Just a constantly unfolding delight. Also really loved "Remember Me", "Hands on the Wheel", "Bonaparte's Retreat" and "Red Headed Stranger". I really enjoyed this album, but the 4 instead of the 5 due a lack of variety, even just in pace for most of the time. It gave me the same vibes as McLean's American Pie album, only McLean didn't do a job as great as Nelson. I also understand this is his 18th Studio Album! From all the way back in 1975. Want to pay my respects here, too, for that sheer creative output; great stuff.
Good
I don't think I've heard this much concept in a country album, so I'll give this one points. It's an enjoyable record with songs I can get with. From my understanding, it's a story about a preacher who kills his unfaithful wife and her lover. The dude kills another woman for touching his horse and then gets off scratch-free because it's THE OLD WEST. Then he goes to Denver, finds another woman and has a nice life. That's a pretty nutty but amusing story and I think it's done well enough. At least Willie Nelson isn't boring. Points for creativity (7/10, 4/5 on this scale)
Classic! Willie is a legend and his outlaw legacy will live on forever. Not much of a country fan but I do enjoy a good outlaw artist. I actually really enjoyed this album. Stand out songs: Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain Red Headed Stranger Denver Down Yonder Remember Me Hands on the Wheel Bandera
I'm not a country listener, but I do like Willie Nelson as a person for a lot of different reasons, and I'm glad I gave him a chance. He is extremely talented on the guitar. This album had a fun surprise for me, a Bach Minuet my children learned to play on the violin when they were little. He also has a really nice voice that doesn't have the twangy country style that grates for me. I was very pleasantly surprised by this album. 4/5 stars
Just Willie, a guitar, a piano and drums making the best country concept album there's ever been.
Pretty excellent
I liked this somewhat and for sure appreciate WNband all his contributions to the industry. Just a bit slow for my taste. Another one that needs a 10 point scale but I’ll give him the round up to separate from all the other 3’s. 3.5/5
Really enjoyed this. The songs were brief and to the point, and the album overall survives due to its minimalistic production and instrument approach. This is in the sweet spot of Willie which I think rounds out a bit better on his 1978 album Stardust.
Solid album. A little simple and slow but something very authentic about Willie that levels this up. 3.5 and giving the nod up to 4.
Time of the preacher - melancholic, soothing, lovely
To było bardzo przyjemne doświadczenie, myślę że będę wracać do tej płyty
OG Willie, not the rebel cowboy, but the gospel one. Love the callbacks to the time of the preacher theme throughout 4
Saved? ✅ Would listen again? ✅ Would recommend to anyone? 🤔 Would buy on Vinyl? ✅ So nostalgic
All you need is Willie & Trigger. 4
Terrific album.
Willie fkn Nelson Actually a pretty good album Doubting between 3 and 4 but because it’s Willie a 4
Pleasant easy going country album, all very well put together
I mean, pretty much anything Willie does is gonna be pretty enjoyable. I don’t know that I’ve ever felt like I’ve NEEDED to listen to Willie Nelson, but I’ve been glad every time I’ve taken the opportunity to. This record is really no different. 7.5/10
First Willie project I’ve listened too and I liked it
Before I listened to this album, I maybe knew 4 Willie Nelson songs. I looked at the track listing, and saw none of the songs I knew, and I got worried because I don't care for country music. If more country music were like this, I might actually like it. I usually like my music a little more produced than this, but by keeping it spare, it really helped bring out Willie's lyrics and unique voice. This did a lot of things I'm not used to in most country music: 15 songs (many tend to stick to 10, maybe 12), shorter songs... several under 2 minutes, and songs that seamlessly transitioned into other songs. For such a simply made album, there's a lot going on under the surface. Several songs just seemed to float into each other effortlessly.
Country and classic but the licorice and toon are surprisingly catchy and really good I love the harmonies and this album could get me into country
This is what country should sound like. Willie sounds genuine when he performs these songs, and they are not lacking emotions. Great album.