"This is a pure, break-out-the-brown-whiskey, honky tonk collection. The only fallacy is that it lacks Luckenback, Texas. How any Waylon cd can neglect this and include What Ever Happened to the Blues is beyond me. Other than this, it's perfect."
Not quite living up to its title
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 08/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a good introduction to Waylon's music but I would have expected any collection of his RCA music titled Essential to include Luckenbach Texas - and that's only the most obvious omission among several. Compare this compilation with the more recent single CD (Ultimate), the American double CD (RCA country legends) or the Australian triple CD (Legendary) - this last compilation was issued in the UK titled Legends.
Once you get past the shock of some obvious omissions, look on the bright side - this includes some wonderful tracks instead of the obvious ones, especially a couple of great duets with Jessi Colter (his wife) - Storms never last and the medley, Wild side of life / It wasn't God who made honky tonk angels. Also included are Just to satisfy you (a duet with Willie Nelson that is also on Ultimate but not on RCA country legends) and Wurlitzer prize.
Even on this collection, some of Waylon's essential tracks are included such as Only Daddy that'll walk the line, Good hearted woman, Amanda, Are you sure Hank done it this way and Theme from the Dukes of Hazzard.
So this is a great collection in its own way, but other collections are stronger - look at those before deciding that this is the one you really want."
This album covers the broad spectrum of Waylons' life.
Brett Fagerness(jenlf@net-link.net) | Kalamazoo Michigan USA | 08/29/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album contains songs from just about every era in Waylons long career. From early to late these songs will help you to 'understand' Waylon through his music.You'll recognize many of these songs and will find yourself singing and tapping your toes to the beat. I belive this one recording is a MUST for any Waylon fan or someone who is currious about his music. You will be hooked after listening just once. I give it a 5 star rating and hope you will enjoy his best lifes effort to bring America Good country music from the soul."
Half Essential
Brett Fagerness(jenlf@net-link.net) | 12/19/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The Essential Series by RCA, which this cd is a part of, rarely lives up to its title(The newer RCA Legends series, despite having fewer tracks, tends to do a better job). Like most Essential cd's, the first half of this cd is filled with great songs by a truly great artist. Many of the songs on the second half, however, have no business whatsoever being on a Waylon Jennings compilation, especially when there are countless Outlaw classics that could take their place."
Great CD, you won't be disappointed
" Anti Microchip " | Desolation America | 09/26/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Now I have to admit that I originally purchased this CD for the theme from the Dukes Of Hazard (Yes guilty as charged). I'm not a Waylon Jennings fan per se. However, after listening to this entire CD old Waylon won me over. I can't find one bad song on this thing(of course it is titled The Essential Waylon Jennings so that should be a given I suppose). You have to understand that I am very new to country music (steady doses of Motley Crue, Metallica, and Journey in my youth). But ya know what old Waylon has got me hooked. I bought this album in 2005, and I still listen to it. I love it, and this is coming from a guy who doesn't normally like country music. Trust me on this one, you can't go wrong with the CD."