Red Headed Stranger

So smooth. Not many better with just a guitar and their voice. Album was OK

Não é muito meu estilo

Wanted to like it but it left me underwhelmed. Wasn’t captivating enough. Distracted by other things though

Lowkey misfire.

This is not an album that I would have gone looking for. It has a lovely simple vibe about it. Willie Nelson's voice shines throughout the album. The story telling is poignant. My favourite track was Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain.

Every time I hear Willie Nelson I imagine Ron Swanson listening to these records to drown out the noise of his coworkers bitching, and I feel the same deep sense of peace and calm he did.

Je ne suis pas un fan de country mais je dois dire que c'était un album musicalement intéressant et relaxant. Ce n'est pas mémorable pour moi mais j'ai apprécié la découverte.

Pandering to the country music weirdos

I mean it’s Willie, and pretty short. Nothing wrong with it but likely won’t listen again

Not bad Willy

Not really my thing but nice songs Willie

Not really my cup of tea generally, However, it was a pleasant and interesting listen.

Honestly could've been worse. I'm not a huge country fan, but I found Willie's voice to be quite soothing

It's fine. I normally the old timey country stuff, but this didn't do much for me.

Minimalista e com uma sonoridade muito de velho oeste, que álbum agradável!

The algorithm has been weird this week giving me 3 concept albums, Red Headed Stranger being the third. This is without question the one that nailed and executed the concept perfectly. I wish I could speak more eloquently about music so that I could convey how much I enjoyed this album. On the surface level, it's just a nice sound that makes you feel like you're sitting around a campfire with an old friend. Focusing on the lyrics, you get a wonderful story told by a master storyteller. Easily the best album I've rec'd in a while. 5 stars.

hmm. Interesting, good voice. Really good voice.

6/10

A fine traditional country album. Real folksy and inviting. Like a reminder of a bygone era.

This project has been my Willie Nelson intro. I got Stardust first. It was ok. This is art. If there was a music Louvre, this would be prominently displayed.

Det är något psykologiskt tilltalande med country, "the lonesome rambling man, always on his (för det är 'his') way". Och roots-inslag gillar jag. Men det kan verkligen bli för mycket. Och jag har lite svårt med W. N.s röst.

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.

I have to laugh at the fact that the song "Red Headed Stranger"--about a man who is acquitted of killing a woman for trying to steal the horse of his lost love--was written by a woman. Of course, Willie Nelson made the lost love an unfaithful woman. He kills her and her lover. Poor red headed stranger. I was about to call this a soundtrack-to-a-nonexistent-movie, but it turns out they did turn Red Headed Stranger into a film starring Willie himself in 1986. According to the plot synopsis, it does appear they left out the part where Willie kills a woman for trying to steal his horse.

couldn't place what it was about this album cover that bothered me so much, then i realized: willie nelson is giving gerber baby all grown up. this was way too paired down for me to really get into. while i liked SOME parts of this album sonically, thirty minutes came and went, and the music didn't leave much of an impression on me. the concept and story, however, was a lot more interesting, and i appreciate this a lot more as a country concept album. no highlights because there wasn't anything here that i would listen to casually, but this was an interesting album to listen to, and i did enjoy that!!

Country is fine. I don't like Willie Nelson specifically. Just want that fact known. 3 stars for the music. 0 stars for Willie.

Ok

Not a fan of country but I like Willie. This was easy to get through.

Gaf me wel echte oldschool country vibe. Was wel interessant om te beluisteren in het begin, maar zou het zelf niet snel vaker opzetten.

Felt like Willie was singing by a camp fire at a ranch as people went to sleep one by one. Little too slow for me through the album although his voice has a soothing feel to it and the simple melodies were easy listening.

The music is easy on the ear. A lot of love songs - I guess he’s in love with the red headed stranger. I really liked the piano on the last song. Not my cup of tea but I get why people like his music. 3 stars.

Good, not great, album. Remember Me was a highlight, but the whole thing is nice relaxing easy listening, without the distractions of breaking new musical ground or experimenting with a new sound.

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

Like Bowie, I've never been a Willie fan. Sorry. Boring.

Great stuff. Wish some of the songs/stories were longer.

inoffensive enough, background music that didn't really pique my interest or turn me off. recorded on a potato though.

Good music to listen to when you want something low keyed. I did like the ditty.

Not bad. Didn't mind the folk twang and his voice. Definitely a time and place kind of sound.

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.

Um estilo pouco explorado por mim, sem critérios pra avaliar.

Music for old people. At least the tracks were short.

Background music for a western. It is good. 3 stars

A classic. Already had 3-4 tracks starred from this one. Love his voice on this album. So smooth. 5 stars - a perfect country album.

My first exposure to Willie. Great voice and vibe.

Enjoyed it. I normally don’t like this genre but Willie is on his own tier.

It was only okay. Old school country. Nothing exciting.

Solid 3.5. I like the younger Willie. Not sure if I had heard much of his older stuff.

Geklampfe

I surprisingly liked this one, have never listened to Willie Nelson before.

He has a nice voice, but the tracks are pretty tame and not very produced. 2/5

I had to sit and listen twice because this was so beguiling. One of the only country concept albums, masterfully painted by a true songwriting genius, in a manner that feels utterly effortless, it just flows out of him. Willie is another of those all-time great singers, and this may be his greatest sustained achievement. A masterpiece.

“What a warm, pleasant album,” I thought while playing this in the background as I worked and ate dinner. *Reads Wikipedia entry about the story* I guess not so pleasant after all… I enjoyed listening to this throughout the day and I wouldn’t mind revisiting it, but I don’t know if this would go up to a 4 for me after getting to know it better. Random side note: I went to school with a guy named Willy (with a y) Nelson, well before I’d ever heard of Willie. I remember teachers etc. being like, “Really? That’s your name??” I’m sure that wasn’t annoying for him at all…

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.

Full disclosure, I do not like country music and will likely not rate any country albums very highly. This being said, I have a great deal of respect for Willie Nelson. The man makes good music, and he is a country music legend for a reason. However, that type of music is not my personal preference and is a bit grating to listen to. You will enjoy this no doubt if you are into older country tunes, but since I am not this is where we're at.

Raw, a perfect country and western album

The ability to make such simple music so well is so unbelievable, I don’t even know what to say. The piano, guitar and Willie’s vocals was all he needed to make a classic. Perfect Country very short very sweet.

Never listened to a Willie album before - perfect for a Sunday morning mow.

Like catnip for grandpas

One of the few country artists I am familiar with and can actually appreciate due to his role in the highwaymen(and his solo career I guess). This album had some great storytelling and acoustic guitar, both of those things is basically what the album consisted of but it was done well, especially with Nelson’s iconic country vocals (second only to Johnny Cash), their was a few instances of other instruments like piano, drums and harmonica, this was especially true for the instrumentals, which were probably my favourite of the album, mainly due to the fact that it had more of a focus on engaging instrumentation as it lacked the vocal aspect, the album length is a nice change of pace as well, clearly not bloated and focused on telling what he wanted to tell, although it did sound a bit like generic country sometimes and was a bit repetitive with the way he delivered vocals and the guitar as well despite being played really well, had that country twang to it which made it feel more of the same, although Wilke Nelson was one of the innovators of this style of music so I guess it’s fair. Favourites: Just as I am, O`er the waves, Down yonder and remember me. Overall, 6/10.

The Nelsler Damn he really played the same two songs six times Can I sleep in your arms tonight? I sure hope so this song makin a gangsta eepy

A more serious C&W singer but some good instrumentals. Wouldn’t seek out more really

Willie get a good review from me? No

Country music is crap

That’s two Willie albums we’ve had now and they’ve both bored me utterly shitless. I just can’t fathom what is remotely interesting about this plodding twee nothingness. Given we had Dolly Parton the day before the difference is stark. Which is a revelation, given I had zero opinion on the difference in country genres before doing this list. Just cheer up Willie, you’re a bloody misery, at least Dolly’s melancholy is upbeat!

not really my style, but that's the guy who sang "on the road again" which kevo covered!

Don't like him

Didn't mind this one! Can definitely see the inspiration from the Marty Robbins album I got earlier, but in the same vein I can't see any of these standing out in particular. Just an enjoyable twangy listen.

Awesome. So glad to hear this.

Not my type of music, it was okay though

Great instrumentation and storytelling/songwriting. Each track flows pretty well into the next. It's kind of like one big track. Favourite Track(s): Medley, Can I Sleep In Your Arms Least Favourite Track(s): Denver

Normally not really my type of music, but this actually goes hard

Damn you Willie Nelson, you made me cry on a plane.

It's funny to me that a concept album like this, with recurring themes and a strong narrative thread, would also have such a consciously stripped-down and rootsy approach; I'm used to 'concept albums' being necessarily grandiose, maximalist affairs. The concept in this case didn't engage me much, but I'm grateful that Nelson was able to deliver such a cohesive and influential reminder of how country music is really supposed to sound. This one's reflective, mournful, and stern, full of dust and rust.

It's nice that it has a story but it's hard to get through 30 straight minutes of folk acoustic

A beautiful album that dreamily flows from one song to another. Nelson is a fantastic storyteller! Highly recommended!

Cowboy country. Harmonica. Saloon type stuff. Enjoyable.

Fine to good. I like Willie and this era of country music, but this album just didn’t speak to me. I did like Down Yonder and Can I Sleep in Your Arms. 5/10, 3 stars.

It was a fun album to listen to. One that you can’t help but dance to.

Not a fan of straight country. However, Nelson earns his star status.

After the album concluded, Billy Strings popped into the queue, which I liked a lot more.

Ugh... Country... Does anyone REALLY need to hear Country before they die? For me, Willie Nelson is sorta the polar opposite of Morrissy: love the artist; hate the art. Though this was fairly painful, I'll give it a bonus star for being more "must hear before you die" Country than Dwight Yoakum. That twangy, hyper-masculine shit Dwight was peddling is the Devil; and as awful as this album may be, it certainly isn't that brand of insecure, hateful garbage.

I was hopeful that Willie Nelson would be the one to get me to appreciate some classic country. Tragic, that this was not the case.

don't like country; good listen tho

Willie has a great voice but every song sounds the same Fav song: Bandera

🎵 Album #51 / Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger (1975) 🗯 Two concept albums in two days — yesterday’s was a screenplay, today’s is a ghost story. Where Mike Skinner packed A Grand Don’t Come for Free with chatter and detail, Willie strips everything back to the bone. Red Headed Stranger is as sparse as country ever got: voice, guitar, piano, the occasional brush of drums. Columbia thought it sounded like a demo — turns out it became one of the greatest outlaw country statements ever pressed. The story’s bleak — a preacher-gunslinger wandering after killing his wife and her lover — but the delivery is haunting in its understatement. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain is the obvious classic, and the rest feels like parables told at closing time, half-whispered over an empty glass. Verdict: Respectable (a classic in country lore, but not essential for me personally) For fans of: Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, storytelling with all the edges showing

Necesito que la corten con este country que es igual en todo tiempo y lugar que se haga Nota: 2.5

Camping near a river

Good ol' cowboy sound

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

Not an album I would normally listen to but a lovely concept album and a great listen!

I've never loved country, but if I'm gonna listen to country, make it this country.

Very simple stuff. Mostly just a guy and a guitar. I'm not that into country, but this was okay.

Biggest load of keech in a long time.

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

I like the concept for this concept album, and I'd like to like Willie Nelson more, but while this grew on me after a second listen, I still had trouble connecting with it.

What a fantastic album. I really enjoyed listening to each song and soaking in the lyrics and Willie’s voice. Other than a few of his famous songs, this is the most I’ve ever sat down and listened to the “red-headed stranger.” I like how they are definitely country songs but there is a strong folk feeling to the songs as well.

I don't really know Willie Nelson the performer, just Willie Nelson the persona. Obviously this isn't my genre, but I didn't hate this. The songs are perfectly short -- one good idea, not drug out, like a good punk album. I didn't have time to get sick of songs before he was on to his next idea, though they are all cut from the same cloth. I appreciated how lively and present it was. "I Couldn't Believe It Was True" felt like it was recorded in my living room, in a good way. Still, I was ready to move on halfway through, which is only like 15 minutes of music, and I can't imagine pulling it up again. Yet another example of a very good version of a thing that's not for me.

We disagreed on this one, he liked the instrumentals better than the vocals but I'm a much bigger country fan than he is. Splitting our votes (me 4, him 2)

His EighTEENTH album? Mr. Willie Nelson really was churning that music out. Honestly, this album's really lovely – in a melancholic way. Makes me want to take an ol' pickup down one of these dirt roads and have a good cry.

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

3 out of 5 WILLIE! I am not a country fan but he is legend. Fire one up, and kick back to some outlaw country. Few songs were really slow but was pretty good overall.

Still need to finish but 15 songs in 33 min is wild. I like

He’s better on collab albums

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

Decent enough. Willie is ight

“We got both kinds of music: Country and Western!” Growing I always associated the two genres without really having a context. When country hit in the ‘90s I assumed that’s what it was all like. Now I know different: this album may be the best example of western …ever. The entire time I wanted to look up at the open sky from the range, tip my Stetson back, sip the whiskey and listen the fire crackle. I don’t really have a context to speak against this album but I can say I didn’t hate it. Songs like Denver were fun in due to our native roots, while Down Yonder was a knee-slapper and a Dosie-Do! Red Headed Stranger was very singer-songwriter along with the opener Time of the Preacher. I know this album was produced in the 1970s but it feels like an Americana time capsule in kind of a cool way.

Random thoughts: * I have never listened to a Willie Nelson album before. Of course, I'm familiar with a few of his big hits. * This was a nice listen while I folded laundry. * There were so many short songs on this one. I'm not sure I understand what Willie was going for. * I did enjoy to hear a shout out to Denver! I wanted a bit more to grab on to but it was short and sweet. * Apparently this is a concept/them album. They even made a movie with the story!

Sparse and beautiful. Just like this review.

It was okay FOR ME. I’m not super into country as is and old country especially, however, the “Red Headed Stranger” song was cool in the fact that it told a story of how a man killed his lover, and I feel like mainstream artists don’t tell stories like that nowadays. One of the highlights on the album was in the song “Down Yonder” with its cool old timey, saloon style instrument.

Slow paced old country

Maybe it was nice in its day? But hell nah man!

I hate country western only slightly less than metal.

I really enjoyed this. Super easy to listen to, great songs, great lyrics.

This one was weird, like Willie and Austin TX. I wanted to rate this a 2 for all the repeats of Day of the Preacher but kept being surprised by other quiet triumphs.

Not my tipe of music

I've already listened to his album (6). Willie's the best, no one does it like him.

Willie is excellent

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.

now This is country music. love it.

Quite a cool little concept record, with recurring moments throughout. Won't put it on all that often but happy to have listened.

Están aburridas las canciones y no me gusta el country

It is alright for its genre but I don't really like this music anyway. I probably will never listen to it again but it was alright while I did.

Banger

Easy listening. Reminds me of those old Westerns I watched l, as a child.

Love it

Very fun country that doesn't overstay it's welcome

3.0 - Ok

I’m sorry Reilly this just isn’t my taste

This style of music will just never be my thing. It was pleasant enought though

Pleasant but nothing popped out at me. Looking forward to listening to one of his more lively ones

I listened to this last night and already have forgotten the entire thing. I remember enjoying it enough for it to not feel like a drag but thats about it. Sorry Willie but its a 2 for forgettability.

Absolute masterpiece of a country album.

This album is from a genre I'm a complete foreigner to, country music. Immediately off my first listen I was captivated by Willie Nelson's voice. Country music is often times too slow or too melodic to me, but Nelson's storytelling kept me captivated throughout the whole experience. From when the Preacher man kills his wife to where he realizes he will never have the love he once knew. As someone who doesn't listen to any country music or tried to, this album thoroughly impressed me and has opened my eyes to delving more into the genre. Although I wasn't hooked on any one specific song, I see myself going back to this album again and eventually growing more attuned to the style of country. A pleasant change of pace in the music I normally listen to and a wonderful album experience. If I were to pick three of my favorite songs it would be Can I Sleep in Your Arms, Time of the Preacher, and Red Headed Stranger

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

A bit yodel-country for me, but clearly an important work. 3 stars for influence and longevity.

i do not listen to this kind of music, but the album is good, very creative and relaxing.

Sparse country arrangements in concept narrative.

Not my thing

Willie sounds crushing but the arrangements are pretty friggin' meh.

Is this old country? If so, old country is good.

I listen to this a lot

Not for me, but not bad

country:/

Great album. Stylistically as perfect as any ever made. It's in its lane the whole way through and Willie is delightful.

I really enjoyed this! Not traditionally an outflow country super fan but glad to have heard this

Das Album Red Headed Stranger wurde in den Autumn Sound Studios in Garland, Texas aufgenommen. Willie Nelson, ein US-amerikanischer Musiker, veröffentlichte das Werk 1975. Es zählt zur Country-Musik, wobei das Album Elemente von Folk und Western-Swing aufgreift. Nelsons Erzählweise steht im Vordergrund, mit teils sehr reduzierten Arrangements aus Gitarre, Klavier und gelegentlicher Rhythmusbegleitung. Bekannte Stücke sind unter anderem „Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain“, „Time of the Preacher“ und der Titeltrack „Red Headed Stranger“. Das Konzeptalbum erzählt in loser Folge die Geschichte eines Mannes auf der Flucht, die Songs sind dabei bewusst sparsam instrumentiert. Das Album wirkt in seiner Struktur durchdacht und vermittelt einen geschlossenen Eindruck. Die Produktion bleibt zurückhaltend, was den narrativen Gehalt unterstreicht. Nelsons Gesang ist ruhig und gleichmäßig, wodurch sich die emotionale Wirkung allmählich entfaltet. Insgesamt zeigt das Album eine konsequente künstlerische Haltung ohne stilistische Ausschweifungen.

i really don't think i had ever fully listened to much willie nelson at all, let alone a full album. and i think i loved it.

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

This is nice. Willie Nelson definitely deserves to have some albums on here, and this is a great one to add to the list because "Red Headed Stranger" is one of his most iconic songs. That being said, it's pleasant, but not particularly exciting or groundbreaking. I enjoyed the album, but didn't love it. It almost feels a little like filler on a list like this, but it's Willie Nelson, so I can't hate.

I used to think I disliked country music, but I have to admit the country albums offered on this list have been reasonnably enjoyable (well, at least I didn’t hate them), and I’m slowly changing my mind in that regard. This album started well with a nice Far-West vibe, and I immediately felt transported to the Frontier in the early 19th century. Listening to the first few tracks felt like sitting on my porch in the desert, watching dust devils and changing shapes in the clouds. Quite a nice feeling... But alas, watching clouds and dust devils also gets very boring after a while. I totally understand the laid-back vibe, it’s nice when you’re in the mood – but a whole album of it is a bit too much for me. When the last track ended I was glad it was over. I have nothing but respect for Nelson, he obviously knows what he’s doing. But it’s the kind of music I can only appreciate at very small doses.

It became clear to me around a third of the way through this one that I was fighting a lost cause, and the remaining 20 minutes or so felt like an eternity. It's clearly a respectable enough bandit country album with more nuance to it than I expected, but for my tastes, that's like giving a bad pizza takeout props for at least not leaving you toilet bound throughout the night.

Too country

Actually really enjoyed this!

Not a fan of country. The storytelling and instrumentals are good. 3/5

Certainly not a bad album, but not my favorite of Willies. A nice calming listen though, and one that I think would be great on a road trip.

I am. Not enough of a country fan for this.

killer tunes

Amazing album. Have listened to it many times

10/10 Favorites: Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain Red Headed Stranger

I wore this album out when I was 19, which is amazing if you think about the fact that I was listening to UFO, AC/DC, Van Halen and Thin Lizzy. To move to a completely different genre like this Willie album speaks to how great it is. Each song is a story that lures you in and has a beginning, middle and end. What an incredible song writer Willie was. He is able to control the pace of the song, the loudness and softness of the song and the keys to create the moods that fit the words or the words to fit the moods of the song. I can tell by listening today, that I mostly listened to side one. I knew every word, despite not hearing it for probably two decades. Side two was a bit blurrier, but just as enjoyable. I'll not make that mistake again and it's time to look for it for my second go around with vinyl and listen to it often, including side two. Yesterday, I listened to St. Etienne and remarked about how the lyrics didn't do much for me and the repetition of the songs made it feel more like background music. Today was a perfect illustration of how a masterful song writer can bring the songs out of the background and lure you into the story and the melodies.

Hey, a country album. I’ve heard quite a few albums on this list that ape a country influence, though I think this may be the first true country album to grace my ears. It’s been a long time coming. I’m looking forward to hearing this one. Huh. This album is a mixed bag. The sound is inoffensive and likeable, but the music goes by real quick and fails to leave much of an impression. It’s also crazy to me that, despite already being on the shorter end of album runtimes, nearly half of this album is made up of five different versions of the same two songs. In any case, there are some good points to this album. I especially appreciate the atmospheric use of silence in some of these songs – especially on “Just As I Am” and “Can I Sleep in Your Arms”. On to the music itself. “Time of the Preacher” is alright. A very pleasing acoustic guitar performance, and I like the songwriting/vocals. The title track is good. The full version loses me a little, but I like the abridged version included earlier on the medley track. “Just As I Am” is a very nice instrumental track – likely my favourite song on the album. I enjoy the lonely and tranquil atmosphere, as well as whatever instrument kicks in at the end of the track (the name escapes me right now). “Down Yonder” is a fun jig. Can’t fault a little tavern music here and there. Willie Nelson is a name that vaguely rings a bell, though I don’t think I’ve heard a single song of his. His discography is nuts. I can’t think of another musical act that has 77 albums to their name on top of all the other wackadoo stuff that he’s gotten up to. I’d say he’s worthy of making it in here on those grounds alone, though I’m still gonna check the book anyway. A huge deviation from other country albums of the time. “...a loose concept album about a lovelorn murderer’s adventures”. A big player in the “outlaw country” genre. Yeah, this album appears to have its fair share of accolades. I respect the inclusion

Great Country. 91/100

i am not a big fan of country and there was really only one song I kind of liked

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!

Can see the influences to other singer/songwriters. Listenable.

Classic Willie. Great lyrics, easy music. Makes me feel like a campfire and bourbon!

Not for me

3.5

I don’t often listen to country music. But, when I do it “Red Headed Stranger” by Willie Nelson.

Nice record, really soothing and pretty

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!

Slow country music. I just can’t get into it. Remember Me is the only one that feels kinda bluesy and cool, with a nice little piano solo. Otherwise, all I can picture is the Coen brothers movies and their ironic vibe, redneck music.

I don’t listen to a lot of country, but how do you not like Willie Nelson, and this album in particular.

One of the greatest country albums of all time

Made me want to cry into my whiskey. Great storytelling from Willie 😭

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

Placentada

nene pero esto qué es?? ni que estuviéramos en RDR2 Arthur? Arthur is that you? no lo voy a volver a escuchar nunca 1.75/5

Dope-smokin' Willie was popular with my generation in a cultish sort of way, but for me it's just old style Texas swing or some such, the Western in C&W, and pretty intolerable.

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.

I see them all time.

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

Relaxing to the point that I zoned out and didn't realise the album was looping. Lyrics are a bit on the nose. Not my go-to genre but I can appreciate the talent.

Excellent /

Superb listen. The storytelling was clear and the lyrics were beautiful and aligned well with the theme. Reading into the making of the album a bit, the minimalist vibe with instrumentals plays really well into the album. Super well done, now a fan of Willie Nelson

Willie delivers per usual. Put me on aux in the ox-driven wagon

Beautiful!

"Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" was Willie Nelson's first chart-topping single. It appears in this short concept album inspired by The Tale of the Red Headed Stranger. This is early Outlaw Country Willie, and while I did enjoy it, I found myself consistently looking at the track list, because some of the songs seemed to meld into each other.

Nice, I like how it maintains its vibes, how short it is, and the overall feel.

There have been a myriad of accusations surrounding this album cover and I’d like to clear them up. People say that when this portrait was taken, Willie was inebriated. Sure, he looks at though he is gazing past our dimension into worlds beyond our comprehension, and yes, it appears that what he sees is a clear message of the reckoning that is to befall humanity, but I like to think he was just a little shy. Willie is a known teetotaller and wouldn’t dream of using a mind altering substance. Anyway, take it away ya big crazy nut. Time of the Preacher - Pretty sweet little song. I want to laugh about screaming like a panther, but that vocal melody is so catchy. Whoa. In the year of ‘01? Did Willie predict the US invasion of Iraq? I Couldn’t Believe it Was True - Better start believing, pal. Hell, I might start believing here. I love a good folk song about some hussy breaking the poor narrator’s heart. Nobody says hussy anymore. Shame. Time of the Preacher Theme - Well, we’re back. I wish I was making this up. Pretty funny concept, genuinely. Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger - Another simple folk song that feels like I’ve heard it before. In a nice way, not in a repetitive garbage way. For a medley, it’s pretty damn short. Willie doesn’t get paid by the hour. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain - This is probably the worst song so far. No huge slight against it, but it’s just more of the same, and feels sappier than some of the other stuff. Too modern. Red Headed Stranger - Man. Wasn’t this part of the medley? What the hell is this track list? This is a weird song. Apparently the lesson is to not try to steal horses from the red headed stranger or he will kill you and walk away without punishment. Isn’t Willie supposed to be the red headed stranger? Whatever. Moving on. Time of the Preacher Theme - Short Version - Uhhhh? I am starting to question the sobriety of this man. Maybe he isn’t the staunch anti-drug pioneer I believed him to be. Just As I Am - BOOOOOOO. Denver - Ah yes, one of the world’s great metropolises (metropoli??) Denver. Do you wish to encounter altitude sickness AND roving gunmen? Come on up to Denver, they don’t call it the mile high city because of the mountains! Down Yonder - hoooooo weeee. I’ll take a sarsaparilla. Heavy on the parilla my good man. I am dying of tuberculosis - the musical. Can I Sleep in Your Arms - This is a sweet song. Today, masculinity has been boiled down to being a weird porn-brained loser who always has to be some borderline abusive dominator. It’s funny, because in the “good old days” when “men were men,” there were way more songs that had this kind of messaging. Atta boy Willie. Warrior for the smashing of bizarre, unattainable gender norms. Remember Me - A slightly less jaunty trip to the saloon. A fine song. Just fine. Hands on the Wheel - Yes, the world spins. WHOA BAR. Spinnin’ (Outta control) by Big Willie feat R.H. Strangers. Why don’t we give Stan a a turn with the wheel. Can’t hurt at this point. Good song. Bandera - A smooth instrumental closer. By smooth, I mean emotionally devastating. The inventor of Big Willie style™️ came to play on this one. By play, I mean bang out about three songs, throw in some outtakes and call it a day. Is this thing breaking any new ground? I don’t think so. Is it enjoyable? Besides the emotional weight of everything destroying my Monday morning, i can say it was pretty good. I think I’ll take a shot of your finest brandy, and think about a lonely desert plain where I wander like a lost desperado, searching for nothing in particular and finding much of the same. 3 HIGHLIGHTS: I Couldn’t Believe It Was True, Can I Sleep in Your Arms

Willie! 😃

One word review: restraint It's amazing how sparse everything is on this album.

Willie Nelson is an all timer, have not listened to him a ton, but this was awesome.

400/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

I'm usually a fairly big lover of a lot of older country songs/ artists, but this album really didn't leave much of an impression on me. I feel it may have to be one I revisit and pay more attention to next time. I did enjoy it, it definitely wasn't bad, but without giving it more attention a lot of it blended together for me.

Idk not too much else to add to the last one I got from him, it could definitely be a lot worse i.e more country, but every song seems the exact same, the same chords and tempos for most. The storytelling is good I guess. Probably worse than the last one from him. Favourite songs: down yonder, and maybe some more I missed. Overall around 4/10

Me he sentido como un hillbilly escuchando esto, realmente se me ha hecho largo pero si quieres sentirte en un western supongo que esta bien?

It’s ok

absolute perfection

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

Ome Willie vertelt een bak verhalen. De meeste in driekwartsmaat (hoempapa). Heel af en toe een keer vierkwartsmaat en ook zit er een instrumentaal intermezzotje tussen. Ik ben niet zo kapot van country-achtige taferelen, maar dit kan ik dan wel weer hebben. Voor een keer, voor even. Het geheel duurt maar 33 minuten en tegen de tijd dat ik het gezien heb is het ook wel weer voorbij. Is het heel hoogstaand? Neuh. Valt het me mee? Ja. Ik hou het op 3 sterren. Als het mogelijk was had het nog een halve ster extra gekregen.

Willie Nelson golfing dream #3.

Cool concept but I can't see myself listening to this again tbh. I like Willies voice I think it sounds very fitting for this album. 6/10 Favourite: Can I Sleep In Your Arms Least Favourite: Denver

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.

The songs tend to sound alike, but the instrumentals for a couple of the last songs are quite beautiful.

Enjoyable country. 3.5*, rounding up to 4, but I don't think I'll come back to it often.

A benchmark for the country genre and rightfully so. An album to listen to when you’re feeling lonely but don’t want a pity party. The arrangements are tight and as dynamic as a classic country album can get. At the center of it is Willie, of course. What a singular voice.

Liked it - good solid county music

Better track flow than I expected

Willie, you're great. You're also super depressing and really not my thing.

Doesn't do it for me, its nice and pleasant, isn't this supposed to be some outlaw shit? There are far greater country singers imo, I guess this is just more popular. Now Phases and Stages is good as fuck, crushes this boring stuff. Maybe im just not in the mood for this.

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.

*Standard Willie. Good stuff. RATING - 7/10

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.

Música que escucha Arenita (Yee-haa).

sad but nice

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

Platonic ideal of a country album

Willie's voice has a way of making you feel like everything is going to be ok. He's a national icon at this point. An easy 5 stars. Excellent album.

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.

Not the worst album, very pleasant voice, but it's just too country for me, sorry Willie. 3 is an absolute maximum I can give.

Not as gripping as a so-called best album of any genre, but cool concept. Country. American/English. 15 tracks. 33:30 runtime.

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.

Not familiar with this album Favorite song: can I sleep in your arms

Some country

Favorites: Blue Eyes Cryin in the rain Never listened to much Willie, real cowboy vibes. Loved it

Not my genre but it was enjoyable. I would like this if I liked country. Strong 7/10

Went into this album expecting very little and was pleasantly surprised. Modern country sounds nothing like this and that’s a real shame. His voice is beautiful and the simple instrumentation worked really well. There wasn’t an obvious single but as an album, it was an enjoyable listen.

Yes!

A really simple but very thoughtful album, so different from how most music is made today, with layer upon layer of complex music and lyrics. You can clearly see what an influence on so many artists this guy had.

Don't think I've ever listened to a country record in full before, though I can't say I didn't really know what to expect. Having said that, I was indeed surprised by the short length of the tracks. Big change of pace, especially considering a lot of the albums I've listened to recently have had rather long songs. [Side note before listening, I have a feeling I might not have so much to say about some tracks lol.] I am empty brain with little appreciation for lyrics, so the story behind the album didn't do much for me. Having said that, I didn't have any issues with any of the tracks, though after a while they kinda just blended together anyway. Not sure if that's my opinion of country as a whole or if it's just the way this record is structured lol. I enjoyed the listen, none of it really bored me or put me to sleep zzz, though I feel like it's value is mostly in a full listen of the record, moreso than almost every album I've sat through, while I tend to listen to my music in shuffled playlist goo-goo-gaa-gaa form, and also again the tracks didn't super wow me either. As a result, I don't feel like it's fair to rate it lower than a 3, but equally, in an attempt to rate it on a scale that's fair with other albums and in-line with my own personal resonance with the record, I also don't feel like I can rate it higher. Time of the Preacher is a nice, calming intro with a particularly nice instrumental. The guitar and piano compliment eachother nicely, with nice vocals to tie it together. A lot of the tracks here are short, and sound relatively similar, though it's hard to say whether that's just me or if that's really the case. Hence I don't have much to say about many individual tracks, but it's cool how well they flow into eachother, there's clearly a lot of value here in revisiting the record. Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain had a particularly nice melody, I thought, and the use of the harmonica added a nice atmosphere to the track. I'm sure there's some rhyme and reason to it but it made me laugh that there's three different versions of Time of the Preacher on here. Something about the instrumental break in Remember Me revived me a bit, despite being further on in the record. FAVOURITES - Time of the Preacher (I guess, since it came up three times it feels rude not to lol); Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain; Remember Me LEAST FAVOURITES - None?

Normally I'd talk about each track individually, but given the sparse arrangements here there isn't so much I want to talk about. In general each track gives off the country vibe appropriately and I think the simplicity does it favours here, you can easily imagine sitting around a campfire hearing these songs. Later into the album it feels like we're just being given more of the same, this combined with the fact I don't love country to begin with means it wasn't the most enjoyable time. Though I would like to point out that this album is very consistent, whilst I'd find it hard to point to many high points it is even more difficult to think of any low points. Time of the Preacher - I like the singing and guitar Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain - is understandably the most popular track, its decent Red Headed Stranger - as it goes on it end up being on the fuller side compared to other tracks with piano dancing with the guitar. Probably my favourite track. Just as I Am - quite a nice instrumental, growing into something beautiful mainly due to the piano Denver - super short one but I love a lot of his vocals here and the guitar is good too. Down Yonder - love the super fast bouncy rhythm, the piano is great. Best - Time of the Preacher, Red Headed Stranger, Just as I Am, Denver, Down Yonder

Lovely little tunes, lovely little album. I know less about production than I know about woman, so nothing, but I know what I like. Apparently everyone who was supposed to have a say in it complained about this one sounding unpolished? It sounds exactly the way it should. Fuck 'em, Willie was right.

Fun little country album but alot of time of the preacher

Ok, I hate to be the nay sayer here but this album isn’t a masterpiece. I like the concept and I like Willie for who he is and his amazing career. That being said, all of these songs are very similar, with the lone exception of Down Yonder. For an album that’s 34 minutes long, it felt like an eternity to get through.

Most country music, Outlaw or otherwise, just does not click for me. However, this album is just brilliant. So minimalist, piano, guitar and Nelson singing. Great album, incredible artist.

Good background music but mid

actually so chill i guess the country hate was unnecessary all along

Not good fam 👎

Maybe if you got rid of that old yee yee ass haircut you'd get some bitches on your dick

I liked this, nice sound, great voice and lyrics. A little samey.

Interesting storytelling. Probably won’t relisten. This type of country relies so heavily on lyrics for me as the music itself all sounds too alike. glad to have listened

Good ol' classic Willie Nelson. Easy listening, my kind of country. Listened while I made dinner. Good vibes. Nothing spectacular though, most songs sounds the same.

I would never claim to be a huge Country fan but this one hits just right. Willie’s confidence to let that voice ring with sparse instrumentation is something to behold. 50 years later this one holds up so well.

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!

First time listening to Willie Nelson. I enjoyed it. Favorite Track: Just As I Am

Puh. Das muss man aber auch mögen, damit es einem gefällt;)

Good listen. Did not know anything about the artist before listening.

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.

Love it

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.

Totally fine replacement-level album from Willie Nelson. Pleasant enough in the background, but putting this on this list was a little perplexing, especially given his other one was much better and more distinctive. Also the 2 reprises of time of the preacher adds little. Like, this song was extremely mid to begin with, why do we need 2 reprises (this coming from someone who loves a good reprise). But at the end of the day, Willie Nelson is never gonna be bad per se, just not compelling. 2.5, rounding down, because we just had a country artist who was way better.

There are a few classics, but there is definitely better Willie Nelson out there (and on this list).

I was bored by most songs. They're quite slow and didn't have a lot going on. I enjoyed some of the song on the 2nd half of the album. My favourites were Down Yonder, Remember Me and Bandera.

langsam, klassischer Country. Auch schön, aber monoton

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.

Classic Willie

Actually a great country album that I shall return to.

Really enjoyed this, the storytelling was some of the best i've heard on an album. Favourite songs would have been Time of the Preacher, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain and Can I Sleep in Your Arms. A 5 in my eyes.

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.

🤠🐎👢👖🐄

What a great album.

I liked the concept but I was so bored throughout this album. I kept waiting for something to happen or the pace to pick up and it just didnt

I like classic country a decent amount but this was a fairly boring listen. Willie needed to crank out a few more hits or something!

still a classic

What a great album listened to it 4 times today.

Good stuff.

Great music.

Timeless iconic OG Willie Nelson. Nothing better. This is one of Willie’s best albums. One of my earliest memories is of my dad turning on some Willie Nelson (or Johnny Cash) and dancing in the front room.

Good short country album first couple songs were really fun!

Jag tycker det är tråkigt

ZzzzzZz

Blasphemous I am sure, but camp fire 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

So sorry Willie, but aside from some ragtime piano bits, this was dull. I'm not a fan of country, so my opinion carries no real weight on this album.

Country no me convenç, avorrit

As a fan of Red Dead Redemption, I knew I was going to love this. Sometimes, less is more. With only his voice and a few instruments, Willie Nelson is able to create a masterpiece. I'm convinced that if it wasn't made the way it was, maybe this work would not be as strong as it is, once its authenticity is one of the factors that make this a perfect-10 album. One of the most interesting aspects that I believe should not be ignored is the worldview the artist is willing to present. This is one the most genius parts of Red Headed Stranger - yes, it is about a murderer whom Nelson never explicitly condemns. But does he have to? In the Bible, sometimes a story is told without a clear condemnation of the characters for a specific reason: showing the results as enough evidence for characterizing an action or decision as bad and immoral. I have a strong impression that the same artistical choice is made by Willie Nelson in this album. The weight of guilt, emptiness and the melancholy that follows the main character is the judgment we long to see coming to him. In a technical analysis, the album is a delight. I know from now on when I think of country music, this is what I'll remember. Everything fits together very well, the voice, the instruments, the feeling Nelson expects the listener to feel, the overall rawness... it's hard to describe, some things are better felt than said - and that's what makes us different from an AI, after all. --- Como fã de Red Dead Redemption, eu já sabia que ia amar isso aqui. Às vezes, menos é mais. Com apenas sua voz e alguns poucos instrumentos, Willie Nelson consegue criar uma obra-prima. Estou convencido de que, se esse álbum não tivesse sido feito exatamente como foi, talvez ele não tivesse o mesmo impacto. A autenticidade é um dos elementos que fazem dele um 10 perfeito. Um dos aspectos mais interessantes e que creio que não deva ser ignorado é a cosmovisão que o artista escolhe apresentar. Essa é, inclusive, uma das partes mais geniais de Red Headed Stranger: sim, trata-se da história de um assassino — que Nelson nunca condena de forma explícita. Mas será que ele precisa? Na Bíblia, há momentos em que uma narrativa é apresentada sem condenação direta aos personagens, justamente para que o leitor perceba, nas consequências, o peso moral daquilo. Tenho uma forte impressão de que essa mesma escolha artística está presente aqui. O peso da culpa, o vazio, a melancolia que seguem o personagem principal são, por si só, o julgamento que esperamos que recaia sobre ele. Tecnicamente falando, o álbum é maravilhoso. Sei que, a partir de agora, quando eu pensar em música country, será este álbum que me virá à mente. Tudo se encaixa perfeitamente — a voz, os instrumentos, o sentimento que Nelson quer provocar no ouvinte, a crueza geral da obra... É difícil descrever: certas coisas são melhores sentidas do que explicadas — e é exatamente isso que nos distingue de uma inteligência artificial, no fim das contas. --- 10/10

Surprisingly pretty music. Thoughtful melodies as opposed to the bumbling country I expected.

Quite enjoyed this but couldn't say that I remember much about it. Solid Seventies country singing & songwriting.

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.

Much country, on ma face a bounty Every song follows the same recipe