Reviews (page 4 of 12)
I guess everybody knows this one, at least the folks of my generation. It made Willie a household name.
Classic Willie, solid the whole way through.
Like I said on my review of Stardust on this site, listening to Willie Nelson is like just sitting by the fire with a bunch of old cowboys singing songs and telling stories. This is exactly what country music can and should be.
Great record! No wonder Willie Nelson became a household name this was a great change of pace. The stripped down production goes a long way and paired with Willie's vocals it's better than I expected. I love that it's a concept album and for 34 mins this was an intriguing and enjoyable listen. Top 5: Time of the Preacher, Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, Red Headed Stranger, Down Yonder, and Bandera 3.75-4.25/5
Love a good conecpt album. Willie is wonderful to listen to, and every track is nice and calming. I'll have to give this a relisten later
this album did have the same song on 3x but i don't even mind because it was a really nice song. we're lucky to have willie, really, an all-time talent for songwriting.
I really enjoy Willie Nelson, when country is done right it’s just straight forward songwriting and singing.
Emotionally evocative
So far the best country album on this list! Well, maybe with expection of Gram Parsons. The songs are short but flow so nicely
soft twang, forerunner of storytelling
country viejo, juguetón, medio alegre medio triste, me ha gustado, mood tranquilo
Emo country. Lovely. Sad.
Love me some willie. 4/5
My favorite Willie album by far. He’s never been one to float my boat, but this is solid 70’s nasal and twang. Have you seen him act? Painful. He’s a Hill Country God now, selling out arenas in his 90’s! Why Texas hasn’t legalized pot just for him is a mystery. Keep huffing and puffing Willie!
This isn’t my usual style of music, but I really enjoyed this. I like the cohesive story of the album and the overall sound was very calm and relaxing. 4
No. 25 I haven’t had much experience listening to country but honestly this album was a really good introduction.
Absolutely loved this album. No flashy production, no single worthy tunes from it, just a simple guitar, bass and some drums. Harmonica thrown in for good measure. And you thought only rock groups could do concept albums, but this is definitely one. A theme running throughout the entire album and ending with 2 beautiful songs, Hands on the Wheel and Bandera. Other songs to not miss: "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" "Can I Sleep in Your Arms?" 4/5
Sweet, mellow, but also pretty fun at times too. It can go from relaxing to feeling like your in an old town bar drinking with cowboys. I probably enjoyed this album more than I had any right to.
the best country album i’ve heard
One of the best things about this project is that it gets me listening to artists I SHOULD listen to, but that I’m not inclined to seek out. This album is a perfect example of that. I’ve been aware of Willie Nelson for most of my life, but I’ve never bothered to give him a listen. This album is excellent. The storytelling, the sparseness, the simple beauty. Willie Nelson has a beautiful voice! Classic country is such a different genre than modern country —this album has more in common with Woody Guthrie than most stuff I hear coming out today.
I mostly liked this! Very chill. "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain" "Red Headed Stranger" and "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" were faves on here.
Smoothly stated hardship from the distant voice of experience
I'm self-admittedly not a big country music guy, but I definitely enjoy the old school stuff way more than contemporary country music which has shape-shifted a half dozen times in the last 10 years to fit what's popular on the radio. Willie represents the old guard, and I like that. Red Headed Stranger is a real easy listen full of country twang. I also like how most of the album is just Willie, his guitar, and limited arrangement. Its relatively quiet nature makes it feel like a private performance for you. Top tracks: Red Headed Stranger, Time of the Preacher, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Don't cross him! Don't boss him! Love me some Willie and this album's a bonafide classic. Part of why I like the Red Headed Stranger is that it's not afraid to be really simple or sparse. A lot of the album is just Willie singing unaccompanied or with just a little bit of guitar or maybe a touch of percussion. Sometimes, I think simplicity brings out the best in country music. Another reason this album stands out is because of how much it went against the grain of what was popular in Nashville at the time. There's no string arrangements, no highly polished duets, no backup vocals from the Jordanaires. It sounds like something you'd hear some cowboy playing in a dusty old honky tonk outside of Amarillo. One last thing that I think makes Red Headed Stranger special is the fact that it's a concept album with a coherent story that's pretty easy to follow but it’s largely made up of covers and traditional American songs. Willie's performance ties it all together and makes it all make sense. It sounds like he'd sung each of these songs a thousand times before, and he probably had. 4.5/5 P.S. There's a great live album from like 1977 where Willie plays this 20-minute medley of songs from Red Headed Stranger. Highly recommended!
Willie! :)
Really Good country album. He has a great voice and really unique. This has made me listen to more of his Music.
I didn't realize that Willie Nelson has a voice like this...really peaceful - can recommend at the end of a hectic day.
Feels like a foundational country album, as well as American album. Beautifully spare with the instruments given room to shine. Blue eyes is my favorite - although I’d heard it before. Crazy that Willie is still alive and smoking weed by the bushel
Surprisingly good. Almost skipped it and glad I didn’t.
Great classic Willie Nelson album. Easy listening.
3.77
Simple, sounds like Texas on a warm slow-moving day. No frills just good honest music.
Enjoyed this one as the album told a story. Classic Willie Nelson. Favorite Song(s): Time of the Preacher, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Red Headed Stranger.
У этой записи множество поклонников в комментариях на youtube. Саундтрек к фильму.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Not a huge country person, but this hits the spot and goes down easy.
Simple but effective.
Pretty good and nice and short
good ol willie nelson Favorite track: Red headed stranger other picks: blue eyes crying in the rain, I couldn't believe it was true, bandera
This sounds like authentic country to me. The new stuff just ain't as good. God, I sound like such a Boomer. 4/5
Open, spare and reflective, these are songs for crying into your beer at the bar. Willie’s voice is clear and strong, and the storytelling is first-rate. The brevity of many of these songs — eight clock in at under 2 minutes, and three of them last less than a minute — bring an over-before-you-know-it quality that reminds me of 80s hardcore or maybe early Guided By Voices. I’d very much like to find a copy of this on vinyl.
Sublime.
Bardzo przyjemna płytka. Myślę, że country i album konceptualny to coś, co świetnie się łączy. Dziki zachód świetnie nadaje się do takich długich, meandrujących opowieści drogi. Subtelne, oszczędne aranżacje, bardzo fajny głos Nelsona - bez fajerwerków, ale z uczuciem. Bardzo romantyczny, nostalgiczny album. Jak nie jestem wybitnym fanem country, tak to kupiłem bez zastrzeżeń. Będę wracał.
Red Headed Stranger is as cozy as they come. Bona fide campfire music. I still haven’t figured out the full story of what’s going on through it though.
Willie is such a treasure. Somehow the music lives up to the hype of personality
No fuss or thrills on this album, just Willie Nelson and his guitar telling an album-long tale of a fugitive on the run from the law after murdering his wife and her lover...exactly the sort of music you relax to. Despite the dark subject matter of 'Red Headed Stranger', Nelson's impassioned vocals and relaxed delivery [probably aided by his love of 'the leaf'] make this album surprisingly pleasant to listen to, and this is coming from someone who hasn't always had the kindest words to say about country music. There's just something about Nelson's voice that's very pleasing to the ear. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it has this allure of comfort that makes you feel safe in its presence, as if Nelson's someone who's very self-assured and wise, even though he's singing about running away from crimes and troubles. Sure, it's a bit one-note at times, but I'd much rather listen to country music about outlaws and dark subject matter than liquor, pick-up trucks and boys from the bush being back in town. 'Red Headed Stranger' kinda reminds me of Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska' in its minimalism and darkness, and I mean that as a sincere compliment. Best songs: Hands on the Wheel, Time of the Preacher, Red Headed Stranger, Remember Me [When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming]
Best of basics. See why it was popular. Concept album.
Definitely the best country album I’ve gotten so far. Laid back and so pleasant
Really liked it overall! Very iconic voice and the guitar work is amazing. Will listen to this again!
Really liked it! I like this fairly loose idea of a concept album, most of the songs were pretty good. It loses the plot a bit at the end. Will probably listen to again!
This album really surprised me! I have a generally favorable opinion on Willie Nelson (he wrote one of my favorite songs ever) but can't say that I've ever sat down and listened to an album of his. I was expecting some standard, mid-century country that would be good but not varied or particularly interesting. What I got was a fascinating concept album full of beautiful, stripped down instrumentation and a strong vocal style. It certainly stands out and represents an approach to country music that I personally love. There are a few misses, but the album mostly works. The cover is also good, exactly what the album needs, it's a 4/5.
Great album
Never trust a ginger. Found myself enjoying this album somewhat, despite repetition and somber vibes. But the best track is the hootenanny piano nonsense.
I can't argue - this is a timeless album
Dope
First listen through. Lovely album. Listened to Down Yonder on my break while riding a bike to the gas station, and I felt like I was in a different world. All in all, quality ballads. Quality album.
Did not think I’d be a fan but really enjoyed. A little slow for Chuck’s liking, hence the 4 stars but overall surprised me
Enjoyed more than I expected. Good clean country crooner. I would not have listened to this had it not been for the 1001 project, but glad I did.
Best Song: Red Headed Stranger This is really good, but it is also something I would see myself listening to often. It's super mellow and not my genre of music, even though it is more folk than country to me. 4/5.
Ah, that's some good outlaw country. It's well written, rougher in sound, and Willie has a great voice. Favorite track probably is the title track, Red Headed Stranger, followed closely by Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
This is the right kind of country music.
as a redhead, I approve of this message. Willie Nelson is someone I don't really know much about/much of his work but I am always pleased by what I hear. I remember watching and listening to him a bit in my guitar classes in university and enjoying his style and technique. you can just tell he feels his music so intensely, and there's such an ease about his playing.
Willie Nelson is an absolute legend, and "Red Headed Stranger" is a testament to his brilliance. I genuinely enjoyed this album, and it even prompted me to revisit his greatest hits.
for a country album i fw it heavy very mellow im on a porch sippin on something and enjoying the sounds of the neighborhood 7/10
Concept country. I'm here for it.
Good ol’ Willie - smooth as single malt and always a pleasure to listen to
4 - it's really growing on me
This was better than expected. It's not something I'd normally listen to, but will happily give it another go :)
Loved it
Sembra di stare in Idaho. Bello bello, anche se avrei voluto qualche altro strumento, perché è veramente un album solo chitarra e voce
I have a respect for it, I just don't care for it. It's musically really good though so major props its just not my style 8.07/10 4/5
This is a songwriter's album. Just a great collection of songs, well played and well sung, and captivating. And the concept album-ish nature of it makes me like it even more (Denver into O're the Waves is just ... chef's kiss). I've always enjoyed Willie, but I've never taken the initiative to dive into his catalog. Maybe I will now. I'm definitely keeping this one in my collection.
Now this is a good album! I'm not the world's biggest Willy fan, but he's got a deep discography with lots of good stuff in it. This is definitely among them. I really like the super-spare production. I think it gives the concept more heft in its storytelling. Anyway, 4 stars for me.
I don’t have bad word to say about Willie Nelson. This is a great album and a favorite of mine.
I think for this one, the whole is way better than the sum of the parts. The individual songs are pleasant enough, but "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" is the only one I think is great on its own. But listening to the album start to finish is a great experience. Probably even better with whiskey.
Enjoyable! Just a 4. Not much of an 'album', but a collection of lovely singles. Maybe I'll regret this decision later on, because I do really enjoy it. But the short song format is just too jarring to modern ears. Would love to listen to this again. - Another country album I've listened to! Excited. - Folksy soft guitar. Love it - Really short songs. Bounces around a lot - That was really fast! Tough to really engage with the songs when they're so short. Easy 4 either way.
Good old country. Dated but still classic songs
Solid country album. Nice use of older musical elements within.
Minimalista e com uma sonoridade muito de velho oeste, que álbum agradável!
Great, classic Willie
Smooth and classic country music
A couple of weeks ago Willie's album Stardust came up on the generator. It was not an enjoyable listen, in large part due to my dislike of the standards on the record. I'd been looking forward to hearing his albums, as he's someone I feel I should like. When this came up today I was a bit cautious and uncertain, given that previous experience. When I read about the spare instrumentation I was also a bit concerned, thinking I might not like that either. By the time the second song came on, I was totally digging this. His voice was perfectly suited to both the material and the instrumentation, and there was enough of that going on to keep it interesting. Many of the shorter songs I'd actually wanted to be longer. My only nitpick is that a couple of the longer songs just went on a bit too long, such as Can I Sleep In Your Arms which was just too repetitive. Overall a very enjoyable listen, and I look forward to hearing more from him.
Ok
Any album that is 15 songs and 34 minutes is great in my book. Willie’s one of one: simple songs but a great voice because of its emotion and simplicity, and one of the best writer of simple songs that has ever lived. That voice and an acoustic guitar is all you need (but I’ll take some faint didgeridoo in the background). Really enjoyed it and will probably come back to this one. Title track is a highlight
Great stuff. Wish some of the songs/stories were longer.
racconta una bella storia e il country così spinge fortissimo
Even though this is not his best work, I still like listening to this way more than most of the albums presented in this list.
Solid 3.5. I like the younger Willie. Not sure if I had heard much of his older stuff.
I really liked this album. This was my first exposure to Willie Nelson and it was great. It felt like I was experiencing an epic romantic revenge Western in album format. The more I listened to it, the more i liked. I want to listen to it more. I actually was recommended this album years ago by a sound-guy friend of mine. I did not check it out at that time. Sound-guy recommendations can be really hit or miss. They listen to music differently since it's their job... but this was a great recommendation. I shoulda checked it out earlier. It felt like a record where you can't just listen to one song, you have to sit for the whole experience and follow the story. When the Read Headed Stranger shot the woman in the street, it shocked me. The romantic betrayals were compelling. The saloon piano track was really fun. It all blurs together in a great way. It has the vibe of a medley with all the short tracks blending together, which is cool. I love the outlaw country vibes. This kicks the shit out of new country. And it's just under 34 minutes which is a bonus for albums on this list. This is a strong 4 for me and I will definitely revisit this one in the future.
this is the country that I will listen to. I love this style of country, I won't go out of my way but this is true country. Great record. Love the concept.
Never listened to a Willie album before - perfect for a Sunday morning mow.
Normally not really my type of music, but this actually goes hard
Really enjoyed this album, having never really listened to Willie Nelson before. Calming, relaxing music with some good tunes and classic country themes. 8/10
I can’t handle much country, but for some reason Willie is one of those artists I don’t mind. Had fun listening to this one and the tale he waves through the different tracks
When you think of "cohesive" albums, you think of "Dark Side of the Moon" or "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea". Add this to that list. This album is a warm blanket in front of a fireplace with a cup of cocoa on a cold rainy November. The only thing keeping it from being a 5 is that even after two listens, no single track jumps out as being a hit. It’s The Wire of albums: consistently good from beginning to end. 4/5
Good for a rainy day or around the fire. Doesn’t seem quite right to listen to this in a city
Very juicy
Yeah listened to like 4 songs, it was decent
Sparse and beautiful. Just like this review.
I really enjoyed this. Super easy to listen to, great songs, great lyrics.
I’m not generally a fan of country music, but artists like Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson exist in their own category. Willie’s honey voice and soft tales of love and loss sound strummed from a place deeper than genre. They’re straight from the soul.
Very fun country that doesn't overstay it's welcome
For my first country album, I don't really have much to complain about. It did it's thing, Nelson's vocals were frankly amazing. Yeah pretty good album
i do not listen to this kind of music, but the album is good, very creative and relaxing.
Sparse country arrangements in concept narrative.
Is this old country? If so, old country is good.
Great album. Stylistically as perfect as any ever made. It's in its lane the whole way through and Willie is delightful.
I love this style of storytelling folk songs. These all seem like lullabies. The incorporation of traditional Christian hymns further grounds this in Texas culture. I feel like i learned something about the fabric of central Texas
Actually really enjoyed this!
Great Country. 91/100
wow una cosa QUE . no mesperava q magrades tant un album teoricament de country. cançons precioses i melodies molt boniques q dona ganes dabraçar- sort q lhe escoltat sencer. mhe guardat casi tot!
3.5
I don’t often listen to country music. But, when I do it “Red Headed Stranger” by Willie Nelson.
Now *this* is why I got into the 1001 challenge. I love country and I’ve always meant to get into Willie. He’s one of the greats of country, and, for bonus points, hasn’t turned into a right wing moron like some of his contemporaries. Some really pleasant and listenable tunes. The storytelling is so good that this album literally got a film adaptation - now that’s a flex! Lovely songs, lovely man.
Awesome! Very calming and will definitely be revisiting this in the future and more of their stuff
Nice work Willy!
I don’t listen to a lot of country, but how do you not like Willie Nelson, and this album in particular.
thoughts: i kinda forget how pleasing willie nelson’s voice is. very easy listen, especially for a genre that i’m not super familiar with. "bandera" as an instrumental capper at the end of the album is a really smart move to tie everything together songs: “time of the preacher”, “blue eyes crying in the rain”, “red headed stranger” rating: 8.5/10
Before listening to this, Willie Nelson was more of a caricature to me. I knew "On the Road Again" and the legend of him smoking a joint on the roof of the White House with Richard Nixon. I'd probably heard "Sad Songs and Waltzes" a few times. If I'd ever spent more than a few minutes at a time considering Willie, I can't recall, so it was nice to spend a half hour or so with the album that made him a genuine household name. I don't know that I'm likely to dig much deeper into his extensive discography - he's 93 years old, and per a cursory search, he's released 103(!) studio albums - but at least now, I can say that I get it.
Very comfortable album, bringing back memories of my childhood. I probably heard this album numerous times with my dad. For being only 30 minutes, there's a lot of tracks on here, one less than a minute long. Willie sings with a purity of someone who's lived sorrow and loneliness and the range, and the arrangements are so clean they smell of sawdust and beer. Just an honest album, no pretenses. My Rating: 4/5
Willie delivers per usual. Put me on aux in the ox-driven wagon
Willie Nelson is an all timer, have not listened to him a ton, but this was awesome.
Absolutely beautiful. Such poignant lyrics and that gracious voice. What happens when a god does what he was made to do.
Ótimo álbum de Country Music. CVJ Aria
Willie Nelson golfing dream #3.
Is it called “outlaw country” because it doesn’t suck like most of the genre? Seriously, there’s an authenticity and depth to the sound of these songs that is sorely lacking from his contemporaries (looking at you, George Jones)…and don’t get me started on today’s faceless ocean of WGWGs.
Enjoyable country. 3.5*, rounding up to 4, but I don't think I'll come back to it often.
Liked it - good solid county music
Better track flow than I expected
Some good shit! Sån självklar pondus. Fyra plus
Thoughts before listening: Great album from Willie. I could listen to Willie sing the phonebook and enjoy it, so I will always be happy to have an excuse to put on one of his records. Review: This is a very sparse album with minimal backing on most tracks, just Willie's voice leading the way telling the story of this concept album. What's missing are the Willie barnburner style songs like "Bloody Mary Morning" or "Whiskey River", but if the concept of ballads sung around a campfire is appealing to you, then this is your album. This makes for a very relaxing listen, especially if you're a fan of Willie's voice...which I am. The best songs here are "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", "Red Headed Stranger", and "Hands on the Wheel". 4-star album
String
3.75
Not exactly breaking any new ground, but it's not exactly trying to either. A gentle, easy-listening country album elevated by Willie Nelson singing like he means it.
Typical Willie Nelson, love his voice, his guitar playing, the style variations & the story telling.
Need to give this more of listen. Really liked it.
Good guitar playing on this one
Interesting album, I just wish it was a little bit longer do the story was less disjointed (I know this was the idea). Best songs: Red Headed Stranger, Hand on the Wheel
This is... fine. Really, super, very fine, it's Willie Nelson after all, dude's an international treasure. The good, honest country. But. It's not giving me a lot, to cherish, you know, the actual musical content? While I appreciate how plain and simple this album is, it's just too much (aka little and basic) for me. On the plus side: the runtime. And that I've spent more time with these songs that I needed to. A weak 4.
I would never choose a Willie Nelson album to listen too and I'm not sure why not, such charming chill story telling. I think this is what country music used to be.
Favorites: Blue Eyes Cryin in the rain Never listened to much Willie, real cowboy vibes. Loved it
actually so chill i guess the country hate was unnecessary all along
Classic
He is such a good guitar player. Like the themes and such - was this written for a movie or something?- A lot of the intros sound a little like on the road again. Blue eyes all time great.
Personally not a fan of this type of music or Willie Nelson but still enjoyed listening to this album. You can feel the soul and spirit in the music and I enjoyed the guitar and piano work so anyone can do worse than give up some time to listen to this fine work!
I would not consider myself a fan of country music fan, but this album may have carved out one of the few exceptions. The track length and quality reminds me of The Ramones, short sweet and to the point. Lately I've been listening to albums that stay far past their welcome, this one sneaks out the window leaving you wishing for a little more and wondering where the time went.
Feels like it would be a good car album with windows down on a warm day
It's a fine reprise, but can someone explain to me why I just listened to Time of the Preacher 3 times over the course of 7 songs and then not again the rest of the album? But overall I really enjoyed the album, it was just a nice relaxing listen, the lyrics seemed meaningful, and Bandera was such a nice outro that it replaced my initial impression that this album was just a bootleg of outtakes with the impression that this album was purposefully crafted. 4.5/5. I'm feeling less generous this morning so I'll round down.
There are a few classics, but there is definitely better Willie Nelson out there (and on this list).
I enjoy it very much. A mix of lyrical story and contemplative instrumental
I really enjoy this album. It has some of the best Nelson tracks he’s ever written such as Can I Sleep in Your Arms and Hands on the Wheel and so many more. His voice and story telling is cathartic.
Actually a great country album that I shall return to.
In the immortal words of Marge Simpson, you just don't say no to the Red Headed Stranger. I enjoyed this a lot, and I love Nelson's voice - it's so effortless but so evocative.
still a classic
Good stuff.
Great music.
Get to add context. Man was I surprised by how much I loved this album. Country boo, old Willie Nelson “on the road again” not a fan at all. This recording was great. Really touched me. Still country, but over all solid. 7.8
Surprisingly pretty music. Thoughtful melodies as opposed to the bumbling country I expected.
I didn't quite follow the story being told here, but I liked the outlaw idea. Willie Nelson has a voice that always sounds so fragile, yet he's one of life's great survivors. There is genuine emotion in this album, even if it's telling a tale far removed from my world. Decent.
Sparse but excellent
Gosh, so much music coming out of the 1970s, some of it good, some of it bad. This is one of those gems, that sound like it could be a lot older. This transports you to the wild west, by a roaring fire, it's been a sunny day but the chill has come into the air. You are sipping a bourbon and listening to that chatty uncle telling stories about their love interests. Their voice not too annoying, deep, or too cheesy. Just about right.
Country isn’t often my thing, but this is one of Willie’s best!
Redheaded stranger is no skips, which seems almost like a cheat because there are a lot of re-reiterations of songs on the album itself. But I wanna hear them again because theyre that good. Shout out to the title track, which is fucking awesome. That remember me solo is awesome.
C'est real.
I’m generally of the opinion that country music is shit. I started this expecting my opinion not to be changed. However, I liked this album. Don’t get me wrong. Country music is still shit, but if all country music was like this then my general opinion might well have been different.
What a voice. Lovely stuff. The only song I'd say that truly stood out was the first track, and one of the few actually written by Willie. Torn between 3 and 4 but I'll go 4 cause I like him
A little sparse, but the bones are good.
As someone who’s not into country, this was surprisingly enjoyable. Lots of country music feels like a parody of itself compared to this. This instead felt genuine!
My first Willie Nelson album and it was great!
4 estrelas
Really enjoyed this album. Never spent the time to listen to a Willie Nelson album previously and thought this one was excellent. He has an amazing voice and this short but entertaining album was a great start to my day!
I own Wille Nelson albums but not this one. I went into this one cold. Loved it. Stripped down, outlaw country.It's quiet but haunting . A hint of menace. You need to listen to the album as a whole not just cherry pick songs from it. I can honestly say that this one is now on my list
Some great gems and first time I realized how musical Nelson's voice is. I did love listen to the small, almost almost unnoticeable runs he adds to lines so they have character and sound different each time he repeats a line.
MANGO AND BEEF JERKY GOOODNESSS. DOWN YOUDER & CAN I SLEEP IN YOUR ARMS.
ganz geiles country Album fav track Red headed Stranger oder can i sleep in your arms
Don’t cross Willie
great country music!
Are you telling me the great actor, Willie Nelson, from classics like Beerfest, the Dukes of Hazard remake, and Zoolander 2 also sings?!
Lovely country album - soft and forlorn
Easy going album for a Tuesday morning. An evocative story told over well constructed music. Glad I got to hear this one.
This is the kind of country I like
It's a concept album! I grew up hearing Willie Nelson so I'm biased but I really enjoy this album. The stripped down music, the story, Willie in his prime.... I get not liking modern country, it's just pop with a twang, but this is what it used to be. Decent songs written by some country dude that has seen some shit. Great album and it will be added to my rotation and I now need to listen to some more Willie Nelson.
Cozy old country music!!!
Did this guy pay to be on the list?
While I obviously knew that Willie had made music I always saw him as someone like Snoop Dogg; obviously a legendary figure in their genre but the music has become secondary to the fame and they play an exaggerated version of themselves. Still as someone who has always wanted to get into more of the country classics like this I was excited. Especially at the idea of a concept album. Unfortunately, it was a bit flat and a bit too short but overall not bad. 7/10
Enjoyable listen.
Fuck yah dude
A little forced, maybe? Nice melodies.
Niet helemaal geluisterd, maar wat ik hoorde heb klonk goed!
Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
Willie be Willie.
I just love the vibe of a Willie Nelson album
What a different album. Short songs telling brief stories. Completely stripped down- a guitar and a mandolin sometimes, Willie's nasally voice. Some of the songs are entirely instrumental. Incredibly different. Time of the Preacher I Couldn't Believe It Was True Time of 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 Denver O'er thr Waves Down Yonder Can I Sleep in Your Arms Remember Me Hands on the Wheel Bandera Bach Minuet in G I Can't Help It A Maiden's Prayer Bonaparte's Retreat
The red-headed stranger: I'm going to kill my cheating wife! The red-headed stranger, 5 minutes later: I'm going to kill you for touching the horse that belonged to my wife, who I loved! Tommy Lee Jones: I don't care!
Good. I only knew Shotgun Willie
Damn. I thought I'd hate this but enjoyed it quite a bit. Simple storytelling across 30 minutes which adds up to a very pleasant album.
Stoner cowboy music for any occasion. Sit outside and play this on a speaker nearby. Fav - Resonance - 10 Hooks - 5 Yield - 8 Technique - 7 Heart - 11 Momentum - 7 48/60
10/10
Willie Nelson is maybe the most important American artist of the last century.
My first Willie Nelson album and I absolutely loved it
4 stars
damn. i’ve transcended. i can’t stop listening
Super fun album!
Though the album is somewhat controversial with its spare song structures and theme of murder and betrayal, I loved listening to it. I connected with its immediacy and its languid pacing and of course its deft storytelling. Loved it. 4.5 stars
A pretty breezy and stripped down country concept album. Consisting of a fugitive outlaw on the run after killing his wife and her lover, then his ensuing "redemption". It's melancholic, tender, sweet, hitting all the right chords. Willie Nelson has always been a great storyteller, embracing his "outlaw country" persona in a time where country music was getting the "Nashville Sound" treatment and leaning more towards a pop-ier sound. Can't hate the man!
Really enjoyed it. Quick songs.
So this made me cry, which I was not expecting. Some really beautiful songs on here, Can I Sleep In Your Arms set me off. Also there's a song early on where his girlfriend leaves him for someone else and he's like 'fair dos, hope you're happy and he's a lucky guy', I respect it Big Willie
I liked this! No country twang, some chill guitar. I'd definitely listen again.
Love the spartan production.
A great Album -- listened to it twice
Meh, more like red headed step child
i love this album from him but it’s no stardust.
Overall great, straightforward, and solid listen.
Favorite Track: Red Headed Stranger
Moved this one to my listen-again playlist.
7/10
Classic Willie!!! An icon for sure!!!
Wow what if I just dislike folk more than country, 4 stars v enjoyable
Stupendous. I enjoyed so much of this, very nostalgic.
75/100. Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson shows what great storytelling in country music is all about. This is a solid country record with calm instrumental playing and a very consistent sound. Every track feels perfectly placed, as if each piece was meant to be there—nothing seems out of place. The album flows smoothly, drawing you into its narrative with a clear, unhurried pace. Overall, Red Headed Stranger is a good example of country music that delivers both on musicality and storytelling.
Good stuff here from Sweet Willie.
Stripped-down and solid country music typical of Willie Nelson. I haven't listened to him for years, so it was nice to revisit his artistry.
Good vibes, would listen again
Well now, at one point I was thinking this was turning into what I could only describe as a country concept album, as ridiculous as that sounds. To be fair I really enjoyed listening to it. Most of the songs were (unusually enough for country music) about heart break. But not in a morose way. And that it is perfectly acceptable for a man to kill a woman because she tried to steal his horse is always going to be heartwarming. This is very much the best country album we've had so far, but will I ever listen to it again? Probably not, but in order to style consistent with my scores so far I'm afraid it's got to be a 4.
Song: blue eyes i like this song its very country so it is nice but it is kind of scary he killed his wife Song: i couldnt believe it was true this song is scary again because he killed her wife but this is when he found out i think Song: time of the preaches
I like this album because the songs are very calming and I feel like they would help me fall asleep. I like the voice octave in Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.
I like this song because it's calm. I would recommend I like this song because it's calm too. I would recommend this song
Do you want to listen to some music that has some guitar? Well in Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain you can! I rate this song a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has a lot of guitar? Well in I couldn't Believe It Was True you can! I rate it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐., I recommend this song. Do you want to listen to some music that has some guitar? Well in Time Of The Preacher you can! I rate it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐. I recommend this song.
Have you ever wanted to listen to music? Then this album is perfect for you. I kind of life this album because I like how his voice sounds and also because I don't really like how the music sounds. I probably would recommend this album to someone else because I feel like I like it and so I feel like they would also like it. I would probably give this album a solid 4 stars out of 5.
I like this song because it is a country song and why did he have to kill his wife and I feel like he can find another woman. red headed stranger I couldn't believe it was true I don't like this song because it is kinda a slow song I like this song because it is also a country song
It’s Willie Nelson, so how bad can it be?
With this album Wille became the legend. For its genre, this album is close to perfect.
Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger" is a concept album that tells the story of a fugitive preacher evading the law after killing his wife and her lover. This album features a creative mix of original music alongside classic covers, including Fred Rose's "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," Wolfe Gilbert's "Down Yonder," and Juventino Rosas' "O'er the Waves." The album explores themes of loss, guilt, and longing, with a minimalist sound that emphasizes Nelson's signature gravelly voice, supported by acoustic guitar and harmonica. Standout tracks include "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Red Headed Stranger," "I Couldn't Believe It Was True," "Theme of the Preacher," and the somber instrumental "Bandera," which serves as the album's closing song. What distinguishes this album is its brevity; 15 tracks in approximately thirty minutes, creating an intriguing contrast between the slow, melodic nature of the songs and their swift progression. To fully appreciate this work, you need to dedicate time to immerse yourself in the story Nelson intricately weaves throughout the album. When listening, I felt I was transported into a quiet conversation with Nelson by a campfire under a starlit sky in the expansive Midwest. While Nelson has penned many remarkable songs throughout his career, for me, "Red Headed Stranger" stands out as his most complete album. This is a truly great album.
A good album by the country legend.
4.3 - This was so much better than the other willie nelson album. Just super easy listening and great music
It was really good. It's a quiet country album that wipes it's boots at the door before walking in, and tips its hat before it leaves.
A lovely country album about a stranger with ginger hair.
★★★★⅕
“Red Headed Stranger” is a decent, middle-of-the-road album by Willie Nelson. It’s not my favorite, but it’s not the worst either. It has its moments, but overall, it’s a fairly average listen.
4 or 5 eughgggg
Lovely to find where 'preacher' came from, as sung in Heart of Darkness. Charming
Every now and then I would forget what time it was and then, thankfully, Willie would remind like ten times me that it was the time of the preacher. This is such classic western thematically: a man was scorned by a lover and now he just kills people without consequence, because he is sad and mysterious.
Quite lovely honestly. Classic country is a genre that I’ve barely listened to over my life, but I see the appeal here. Simple yet soulful and sorrowful. Makes me want to sit on a rocking chair on a front porch on an August summer night and ponder
I’m excited to say I know nothing of these songs or this album. I already like the opener. That was a really enjoyable album.
Someone hurt this man very badly. Appalachian breakup music designed to bring a tear to one's eye.
It's a Willie Nelson album. You know what you're getting and it delivers it well.
WIllie's best. IMHO.
Didn't listen TOO intently (sorry, Willie), but man this made me feel some type of way. What a legend. Wish they still made country music like this. 4/5.
been meaning to listen to this. Glad I did. Highlights include: “Blue Rock Montana / Red Headed Stranger” “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” “Denver” “Can I Sleep In Your Arms” “Hands on the Wheel”. Wish it was longer!
love it, kind of feels like a country twinged lullaby, like Willie is singing me to sleep while I look up at the stars. Weird to say this about one of the most acclaimed country artists of all time but he doesn’t get enough credit for his beautiful voice
Nice country
Not my first choice of genre but still some pretty good country songs. I don't think I'm in a rush to go back and listen to the whole thing but still a decent collection of music that's a pleasant listen.
It was a cool concept album, I enjoyed the storytelling and imagery he used in it, some of the songs were a little short for my taste however. Favorite Tracks: Time of the Preacher, and Red Headed Stranger
Cortita y al pie
Mejor carátula de momento, ¿no? Me ha flipao que, contando una historia y manteniéndose bastante en el mismo mood todo el rato sea lo contrario a una turra. Parece una radionovela con interludios musicales o que te la está tocando él en la época en un salloon contándote unas movidas que tuvo uno de su pueblo o algo así. Es la hostia.
Willie was always old. Classic as they come.
I liked this album, but what I like more was when Spotify kept it rolling with old timey cowboy music. I like cowboy music.
Liked this a lot!
COUNTRY COUNTRYING
'Now the preachin' is over / And the lesson's begun'; 'Now the lesson is over / And the killin's begun.' Willie is a pure storyteller, and no moralizer. He lets things be, and like the great painters of precarious minds coming to their ends, he passes no judgement. I'm reminded of Orlando and Don Quijote, Othello and Leontes, and several characters who populate Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska. Structurally, this record is brilliant, no song doing more or less than it needs to: four instrumentals, three tracks less than a minute long, one over five. And his voice, tho high and feeble, carries this album's impressive fire.
GREAT album. I love how circular this is in its rhythms and motifs. I just wonder what the hell he was smokin when he wrote this frickin thing….
So beautiful in its repetition and simplicity.
willie is so ubiquitous that i had never actually really listened to any of his albums - but this was straight fire . loved it - as a huge outlaw country fan this is totally my shiT! will be checking for more willie albums
Simple in its composition but raw and powerful in its execution - how can you not love Willie? Outlaw country at its finest.
I liked it. No red cups or boot scootin' here.
YAY
I’ve listened to the album a few times and own it in my record collection, but never really dive into the lyrics / story throughout. Considered the first concept album in country music, Nelson bucks the traditional / overproduced Nashville Sound with a stripped down, bare bones approach and it’s a delightful listen. Easy listening country with some great covers, including “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” I’ve been on a little bit of a Willie kick of late and loved the re-listen with this context.
Generally not my thing, but I actually kinda liked it. A little slow so not a 5, but overall solid
Lovely album. Can't believe I wasn't familiar with it, but I look forward to making up for that!
Like Italian food, this album is about a simple approach to great ingredients. I like how spare it is and would fault it only in sing choice.
Ah, Willie. The man has such a consistent sound. I only knew Blue Eyes Cryin’ in the Rain before listening. What I didn’t know is how many of his songs I also knew because of that. But that’s folk for you. A young Willie has such a strong voice and is so quietly adept at guitar. His electric Trigger has such a unique sound. It’s groundbreaking honestly. Really cool album all said.
I noticed about 2/3 of the way through just how immersive this album actually is. It feels very purely lone cowboy of the west, and as a city slicker who prefers sex drugs and rock and roll, kudos to Nelson that I definitely felt what he was trying to convey. It’s not going to be a repeat album for me, but it was enjoyable to listen through. Nelson shows a mastery of all instruments (and mixing!) and i think he’s made a fan favorite for listeners of folksy western. Favorite - Red Headed Stranger
Great album by Willie Nelson. This is what country music should be like.
Great
Not a big fan of concept albums but it's Willie so the playing and singing are wonderful
Really good old country music. The highlight was the title track where a woman dies cause a man loves his horse too much.
Good ole' Willie Nelson. He's always good for a charming, folksy album of country songs, isn't he? Probably will be until the day he dies. He's got such a charm and charisma in his voice alone. He seems like such a kind person, and that shines through in his music. That, and his love of what he gets to do. I'm not going to tell you that I fully understand what this album means to country or popular music. And I'm not going to tell you how good a country album it actually is because, frankly, I don't know. But I'll tell you that I found it damn endearing and charming and I loved it. Willie Nelson is an American treasure and should be treated as such. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Time of the Preacher, Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger, Red Headed Stranger, Denver, O'er the Waves, Down Yonder, Remember Me (When the Candle Lights Are Gleaming), Hands on the Wheel
I love concept albums <3
My grandfather definitely listened to this! I remember him listening to it as he was laying on the couch trying to nap. Gives me good vibes though - nice old chill music.
great stuff!
# Album Name: Red Headed Stranger # Artist: Willie Nelson # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Willie nelson is like the American version of Mick Hucknall - a red headed sex panther. The dudes packing over 8m listeners a month of spotify! What a fire cracker. Really enjoyed the finger picking style of some tracks. Willie has a nice voice and mellow vibe. Cant believe this was his 18th album!!! It was a decent listen. I quite enjoyed it. Wasnt the best but you could feel the quality of the tracks for this genre. Its tough to rate. im torn between a 3 or 4. I'd probably give it a low 4. The quality of the tracks just pull this up from other 3-rated steady as she goes albums. # Top Tunes: Blue eyes cryin in the rain / Red headed stranger / O'er the waves # Would I listen to it again? Probably once or twice.
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.
4 good throughout
Never really been a fan of Willie's voice. So havnt previously taken time to listen to any of his albums. However about halfway through the first listen through I realised what a brilliant album this is. There are loads a lovely musical touches through the album that make it a great listen.
Just as I am is mad good And blue eyes crossing in the rain Can I sleep in your armssssssssss. Very good really good super good
Now we’re talking. This is fantastic. I’d never have listened to this if it wasn’t suggested here, but will definitely be listening again.
Iconic country and western
This is the archetypal outlaw country that comes to mind when someone mentions the term.
Great music. Legend!
4.5
Can't help but think about how bad modern country music is when compared to stuff from the 20th century. I don't go out of my way to listen to this older country stuff (unless I wanna feel like a cowboy) but when I do I typically really enjoy it
It's not really my genre, but I enjoyed this a decent amount. You could clearly tell the difference in quality between this album and the stuff Spotify autoplayed when it finished.
The power of simplicity. And what a contrast to Stardust. Willie could do it a lot of ways, but has always been original throughout. He gets such mileage out of just a few plucked notes and the simplest of chords, that distinct, echo-y warble just goes a million miles. And the inimitably nasal vocals, always credible, are as distinctive as Dylan, really. This is vaguely predictive of Teatro (put another: if Lanois had produced this, it would've been Teatro, basically). There's not really a hit here, but "Hands On the Wheel" and "I Couldn't Believe It Was True" are excellent (one's personal fave) and every cut works and offers good value. And it's the lovely, patient pacing that makes the record – the brief, tasteful soloing (many of which might've been extended to even more satisfying effect).
Taken as a whole this record works.
What a warm hug of a voice. I will always appreciate Willie. A tad too County to appeal to my tastes but welcome nonetheless. I prefer his mainstream covers. 4/5
7.5/10
not too big on country but it was cool and short
Willie nelson has a great voice, this is perfect for riding on a horse towards the setting sun, turning your back on your love for promised fortune.
"Red Headed Stranger" n'est pas un album, c'est un film pour les oreilles. Un western crépusculaire et poussiéreux, qui sent le whisky bon marché, la poudre et la solitude. Quand on lit le concept, on se dit que le mec était complètement cinglé ou visionnaire : raconter l'histoire d'un prédicateur en fuite qui, dans un accès de rage, bute sa femme infidèle et son amant avant de traverser le pays avec le cadavre de sa bourrique. Le tout sur un disque de country. Il fallait oser. Et c'est là que réside le premier coup de génie de l'album. La narration car Willie Nelson ne se contente pas d'enchaîner des chansons, il tisse une véritable trame, avec des interludes, de courts poèmes, des reprises de vieilles chansons qui viennent commenter l'action, comme le ferait un choeur antique dans une tragédie grecque. On suit ce "prédicateur au regard de fou" dans sa quête de rédemption, on ressent sa peine, sa violence, sa quête désespérée de réconfort. C'est d'une ambition folle pour un genre musical qui, à l'époque, se contentait de formats de trois minutes pour la radio. Le deuxième coup de génie, c'est le son. Quand les pontes de Columbia Records ont reçu les bandes, ils ont cru à une mauvaise blague. Ils pensaient que c'étaient des maquettes. Le son était nu et dépouillé, pas de cordes, pas de choeurs dégoulinants, juste la voix nasillarde et pleine d'émotion de Willie, sa guitare "Trigger" et un piano bastringue. C'était l'anti-Nashville et les boss du label ont supplié Nelson de ré-enregistrer, d'ajouter des arrangements. Willie, qui venait de signer un contrat lui donnant un contrôle artistique total (une rareté à l'époque), les a envoyés paître. Et il a bien fait car c'est cette nudité qui fait toute la force de l'album. Chaque note, chaque silence, est au service de l'histoire. La voix de Nelson n'est pas celle d'un chanteur technique, c'est celle d'un conteur. On a l'impression d'être assis au coin du feu avec lui, tandis qu'il nous déroule son récit tragique. C'est du pur Americana, au sens le plus noble du terme. Ça sent la terre, la poussière, les grands espaces et les âmes perdues. Et le miracle, c'est que ça a marché. Contre toute attente, cet album aride et conceptuel est devenu un succès monstre. Le single "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", une reprise d'une vieille chanson de Fred Rose, est devenu un tube planétaire. Le public, lassé par la soupe country de l'époque, a plébiscité cette authenticité, cette prise de risque. "Red Headed Stranger" a fait de Willie Nelson le chef de file du mouvement "Outlaw", et a prouvé qu'on pouvait vendre des millions de disques de country en refusant de faire des compromis. Alors, pourquoi un solide 4 sur 5 et pas le 5/5 indiscutable ? Parce que l'album est si dévoué à son concept, si radical dans son dépouillement, qu'il demande un effort à l'auditeur. Ce n'est pas un disque qu'on met en fond sonore pour faire la vaisselle. C'est une oeuvre qui exige une écoute attentive, presque religieuse et si on n'est pas d'humeur à se laisser embarquer dans cette chevauchée funèbre, certains passages, certaines transitions, peuvent paraître un peu longs, un peu austères. C'est un chef-d'oeuvre, oui, mais un chef-d'oeuvre exigeant. C'est un bloc, une expérience totale, à prendre ou à laisser. Un disque qui se moque des modes et du temps qui passe. Il suffit d'un feu de camp, d'un ciel étoilé et de la voix de Willie Nelson pour que la magie opère, hier comme demain. Un classique absolu.
love the mood setting, the calm story telling, the beautiful background instrumentals .. the concept and lyricism in intriguing and makes me wana listen more intently. I will revisit this for sure until i have feel like i have graspped the full story but its a very fun listen without it still
Something from the 70’s I actually kinda liked.