Search - Hank Williams Jr. :: Family Tradition: Original Classic Hits, Vol. 3

A bluesy classic from 1979

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 02/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hank's music has three main roots - country, blues and rock'n'roll. The blues influence is less evident than the other two on some of his other albums but it is strong on this one. The majority of the album (the first four and the last three tracks) is quite mellow, though three consecutive tracks in the middle (I fought the law, Family tradition, Only Daddy that'll walk the line) pick up the tempo.Family tradition is one of several great songs that Hank has written about himself and his father. I guess it was written in response to people who said that he wasn't like his father, especially his musical style. In the song, Hank lists all the ways in which he is like his father - drinking, smoking, singing and living out his songs.Old flame new fire, Always loving you, We can work it all out, I've got rights and I just ain't been able are all great original songs. Paying on time sounds like an old Crystal Gayle song (Dreaming my dreams with you) with new lyrics. There are several excellent covers including To love somebody (Bee Gees), I fought the law (an American hit for Bobby Fuller but revived in the late seventies by British punk rockers The Clash) and Only Daddy that'll walk the line (Waylon Jennings).This is not the most instantly appealing of Hank's albums but there is a lot of great music here, which grows on you with repeat plays. If you like your country music served with a strong blues flavor, this is for you."