One of the signature hits of the late Waylon Jennings was "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" Well, here's Hank done Waylon's way, in previously unreleased recordings from 1985, when Jennings was in fine voice for what w... more »as obviously a labor of love. Whatever the reason that this project was shelved for two decades has nothing to do with the quality of the performances. There's a bit more fiddle and steel guitar than was common for Jennings, but many of the arrangements have a stripped-down musical intimacy, as a mournful harmonica serenades its way through "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," while "Mansion on the Hill" shows Jennings at his most tender. Among the other highlights, Jennings applies his trademark lope to "Hey Good Lookin'" and a goodtime growl to "Honky Tonkin'." A five-and-a-half-minute, spoken-word bonus track finds Jennings reminiscing about his formative musical experiences and the seminal influence of Hank Williams. --Don McLeese« less
One of the signature hits of the late Waylon Jennings was "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" Well, here's Hank done Waylon's way, in previously unreleased recordings from 1985, when Jennings was in fine voice for what was obviously a labor of love. Whatever the reason that this project was shelved for two decades has nothing to do with the quality of the performances. There's a bit more fiddle and steel guitar than was common for Jennings, but many of the arrangements have a stripped-down musical intimacy, as a mournful harmonica serenades its way through "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," while "Mansion on the Hill" shows Jennings at his most tender. Among the other highlights, Jennings applies his trademark lope to "Hey Good Lookin'" and a goodtime growl to "Honky Tonkin'." A five-and-a-half-minute, spoken-word bonus track finds Jennings reminiscing about his formative musical experiences and the seminal influence of Hank Williams. --Don McLeese
"Hank Williams has long been one of my favorite songwriters; however--and I'm not ashamed to admit it--I cannot listen to his recordings; the "nasal" style of singing has never been a favorite of mine. You know what kind of singing I like? Waylon's. Waylon Jennings was one of the best vocalists country music ever had--along with Paycheck, Jones, Twitty, and several others--and he was also a great stylist...he single-handedly invented a subgenre of country music that is imitated even today. That voice, and that style, put to Hank Williams's lyrics...it's a musical masterpiece.
WAYLON SINGS HANK WILLIAMS is a true delight. I guess I needn't summarize the songs, considering you're probably familiar with most of them. This is truly a touching tribute album (for that is indeed what it is): Waylon puts his own stamp upon Hank's classics, thus showing both his love of the songs and songwriter, and the way they influenced him. This is an intimate, enjoyable Waylon album, finally released twenty-one years after it was recorded."
Waylon showing his heart
Steve | Lubbock, TX USA | 10/29/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album displays a side of Waylon that lets you in his heart and really grabs hold of his gratitude for the legend Hank Williams. You can tell the album was made with sincere heart felt meaning behind it. A real fun track is "Jambalaya" that I could play over and over. The song "Be Careful of Stones That You Throw" really hit home for me and you can hear the deep reality for Waylon in this song as he sings it. Track 13 "Waylon Speaks" really tops off the album, because it unexpected and it's just like he's sitting right next to you sharing his thoughts. There were a few songs I didn't care for, but the more I listened to the album I was pulled in by the deep reality of each song and Waylon conveying those realites. He has a way of grabbing a hold of the listener and getting the message across to them.
I was pulled in by everything about this album and have told all my friends not to pass it up. These are one-of-a-kind unaltered recordings and I'm glad to have them in my Waylon collection."
Waylon the Great
Henry A. Olszowy | Brisbane, Australia | 01/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is classic Honky Tonk Hank Williams music and Waylon does a great job on every tune. The instrumentation is fantasic and I don't know why Barney "Max" gave this CD a one star rating because all tunes sound fine on my stereo system. "Max" get another stereo!! I love this CD and I am giving every tune 5 out of 5. If you love Hank Williams music, this CD is for you. Waylon is in fine form here and I am sure Hank would be proud."
Ol`Hank, In A New Shape.
Peter Behr | Southern Sweden | 01/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Is Just Grweat. You Can Realy Hear That WAylon Is Enjoying What He`s Doing.Just Great,"