When this was first released in 1972, Kris Kristofferson was one of the most popular young songwriters in the country, having written hits for Janis Joplin ("Me and Bobby McGee"), Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through the ... more »Night"), and Johnny Cash ("Sunday Morning Coming Down"). Those songs don't appear here, but "Josie," "Kiss the World Goodbye," and "Somebody Nobody Knows" are almost as good. Kristofferson is backed by a capable band of Nashville cats (including Pete Drake, Donnie Fritts, and Kenny Buttrey), and his gruff singing--often a dubious proposition--is fairly palatable this time around. The 1970's Me and Bobby McGee and 1971's The Silver Tongued Devil and I are stronger overall, but Kristofferson fans shouldn't be without this one. --Dan Epstein« less
When this was first released in 1972, Kris Kristofferson was one of the most popular young songwriters in the country, having written hits for Janis Joplin ("Me and Bobby McGee"), Sammi Smith ("Help Me Make It Through the Night"), and Johnny Cash ("Sunday Morning Coming Down"). Those songs don't appear here, but "Josie," "Kiss the World Goodbye," and "Somebody Nobody Knows" are almost as good. Kristofferson is backed by a capable band of Nashville cats (including Pete Drake, Donnie Fritts, and Kenny Buttrey), and his gruff singing--often a dubious proposition--is fairly palatable this time around. The 1970's Me and Bobby McGee and 1971's The Silver Tongued Devil and I are stronger overall, but Kristofferson fans shouldn't be without this one. --Dan Epstein
SHANA R. from CLAYTON, NY Reviewed on 3/13/2009...
This record album was just one of 5 that my grandmother kept in her stereo cabinet out of the 100's that she owned. It's still one of the first albums I reach for on a lovely & mellow spring day.
Kris Kristofferson's voice is edgy, raw and sexy in these vocals. The guitar is tried and true. This is one of few albums I own that I can listen to & enjoy each and every song. All the songs have lasting replay value. As far as I know, this was the 3rd of Kris Kristofferson's albums and it was the first that was made up of original Kristofferson material. Border Lord proved to be a disappointment sale wise. As I've read the critics say it's the worst of Kristofferson (I disagree). The song "Josie" was the first single released from Border Lord. In my opinion "Josie" isn't near the best song on this album. Of the ten songs, six -- "Josie," "Stagger Mountain Tragedy," "Somebody Nobody Knows," "Little Girl Lost," "Smokey Put the Sweat on Me," and "When She's Wrong" -- were on the subject of women. Probably, the most meaningful song on this album is "Kiss the World Goodbye"- a ballad about coming to terms with one's own death. Among the songs religious & bar room references, the only really new subjects were about life on the road, which was treated in such songs as "Border Lord" and "Gettin' By, High and Strange," an indication that this always confessional songwriter was writing about his current life as a touring musician. Fiction has nothing on reality, as this album proves.
"Little Girl Lost" has to be my favorite song on the whole album. It's a sexy little bittersweet love song. Kris' vocals are the best in this song. Border Lord is THE BEST of Kris Kristofferson!
CD Reviews
Best Album EVER
J. Danner | Tenino, WA | 11/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album, which, apparently recieved lukewarm reviews and poor sales when released, is one of my favorite all-time albums. Kristofferson is at best. Songs are stream-lined, lyrics first rate. "Stagger Mountain Tragedy" is one of the best songs ever written! I've owned three vinyl versions of this album and wore the grooves out of all of them! Buy it!"
His best album
Darren Fowler | Halifax, Nova-Scotia Canada | 12/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The sound here is great. It's real. Acoustic guitars, fiddle, piano. No frills. No overproduction which mired him on later, much [worse] albums. This sound is perfect for his raspy, grunting singing style. These songs are so great. These kinds of songs do not need elaborate production, just musicians with heart. His sound went to hell after this album. Why do guys like Kristofferson, Prine, and Shaver feel the need to make commercially succesful albums. They should just write great songs and sing them with sparse arangements."
Truth, Passion, Laughter, Heart
Darren Fowler | 09/12/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yesterday, Today, Tommorrow!!!! This man's poetry and genius marveled me twenty-five plus years ago and continues to do so today. Those who have not been touched by his soulfullness in the past must do so now. It was life back then, it is life now. It was love back than, it is love now. Willie Nelson once gave a definition of mixed emotion, don't let this be a missed emotion. Lyric's, Lesson's, Legend."
Stands the test of time... excellent album
Shana | NY- the Empire State | 05/06/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record album was just one of 5 that my grandmother kept in her stereo cabinet out of the 100's that she owned. It's still one of the first albums I reach for on a lovely & mellow spring day.
Kris Kristofferson's voice is edgy, raw and sexy in these vocals. The guitar is tried and true. This is one of few albums I own that I can listen to & enjoy each and every song. All the songs have lasting replay value. As far as I know, this was the 3rd of Kris Kristofferson's albums and it was the first that was made up of original Kristofferson material. Border Lord proved to be a disappointment sale wise. As I've read the critics say it's the worst of Kristofferson (I disagree). The song "Josie" was the first single released from Border Lord. In my opinion "Josie" isn't near the best song on this album. Of the ten songs, six -- "Josie," "Stagger Mountain Tragedy," "Somebody Nobody Knows," "Little Girl Lost," "Smokey Put the Sweat on Me," and "When She's Wrong" -- were on the subject of women. Probably, the most meaningful song on this album is "Kiss the World Goodbye"- a ballad about coming to terms with one's own death. Among the songs religious & bar room references, the only really new subjects were about life on the road, which was treated in such songs as "Border Lord" and "Gettin' By, High and Strange," an indication that this always confessional songwriter was writing about his current life as a touring musician. Fiction has nothing on reality, as this album proves.
"Little Girl Lost" has to be my favorite song on the whole album. It's a sexy little bittersweet love song. Kris' vocals are the best in this song. Border Lord is THE BEST of Kris Kristofferson!"
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1
SHANA R. from CLAYTON, NY