Album Review: Willie Nelson, Country Music

Legend Willie Nelson takes it upon himself to remind listeners just what the roots of America’s music sound like on his latest project, simply titled Country Music.  The singer-songwriter, who turns 77 on this Friday, April 30th, tapped Oscar and Grammy-winning T Bone Burnett – the man behind the music for films like Crazy Heart and O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the Alison Krauss and Robert Plant collaboration Raising Sand, for producing duties, which was a smart move on Willie’s part.  The album’s collection of 15 songs could be considered an American roots music songbook with tracks like “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down, “I Am A Pilgrim” and “Nobody’s Fault But Mine.”

Not only does Willie take the listener through a journey with traditional songs, he also unearths many popular tunes that were made famous by legendary names in country music, names like Porter Wagoner (“A Satisfied Mind”), Hank Williams (“House of Gold”) and Ernest Tubb (“Seaman’s Blues”).  Willie also sheds light on songs from artists that the mainstream country fan may not be familiar with when he covers the likes of Merle Travis (“Dark As A Dungeon”) and Doc Watson (“Freight Train Boogie”).  The stripped down, old-timey feel of the music, which at times could fit into the bluegrass genre, is refreshing in this day and age of the country crossover tune.  So, if you’re a traditional music fan or want an education on the origins of country music, be sure to check out Willie’s latest project because he sure does deliver on the promise held in its title.

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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