Search - Willie Nelson :: Spirit

Another Willie concept album

Michael Carley | San Joaquin Valley, CA | 02/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There aren't many songs on this album that stand out individually (at least in comparison to some of his other 90's albums like Across the Borderline and Teatro), but Willie's latest concept album is strong anyway because of the way that the collection of music creates a mood for the listener. No one does the job that Willie does establishing a mood with such simple arrangements. Strange as it sounds, this album is morose and uplifting at the same time. You'll have to listen to understand"

Timeless acoustical guitar on this WN concept album

Eddie Lancekick | Pacific Northwest | 08/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Willie Nelson's discography spans several decades with a variety of favorites that range in different styles and direction. With the 1996 release of "Spirit", Willie gets back to what I think he does best, and that is simply telling a story. What sets this CD apart from so many other of his releases is that it is in fact, all acoustic and does not jump into the team play style of co-contributors that many of his albums had done up to this point.



If you like the sound of "Spanish Guitar" you can't go wrong with this CD. The vocals are clearer and in my own opinion this CD does in fact rival everyone's seeming favorite "Red Headed Stranger". It is a concept album that portrays a story but does not, in fact, have every song be about some guy who lost his dog and his wife on the same day. The fact is that Willie Nelson's music never really was about that; it was about people and their feelings, experiences and journeys in life. Sure, the subject here is about a man whose wife abandons him, but the lyrics and tones that emit throughout these songs are not sorrowful dronings of self pity, but instead reflections of past experiences up to that point and how they affected him. In closing, Spirit is a true keeper from the Willie Nelson discography, and is also a mainstay for country western fans who want their music to be sandy with the Southwestern breezes as opposed to strict, pop accessible tunes that cloud the radio today.

"

One he most inspired, deep-rooted performances of his career

DLight (dwlightiv@aol.com) | Temple, TX | 10/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a must for any true Willie Nelson fan. The laid back but powerful "attitude" that is vintage Willie is made even more inspiring by the incorporation of true south-of-the-border flavor."