As with Willie Nelson's '70s Atlantic breakthroughs, the self-written and self-produced collection is something of a concept album, though its not driven by as strong a narrative as Phases & Stages and Red-Headed Stran... more »ger. This is simple declarative account of a man abandoned by the great love of his life. He reflects upon his loss, expresses his fears and desires, and searches the heavens for solace. He finds some and gives thanks. The band (Nelson backed by fiddle, piano, and second guitar) plays a wistful waltz and life goes on, though the end is in sight. The Willie of Red-Headed Stranger was wild and dangerous when he was hurt; the Willie of Spirit is reflective and contrite. Still, Spirit ranks with Red-Headed Stranger, one of the landmarks in modern country music history. --Steven Stolder« less
As with Willie Nelson's '70s Atlantic breakthroughs, the self-written and self-produced collection is something of a concept album, though its not driven by as strong a narrative as Phases & Stages and Red-Headed Stranger. This is simple declarative account of a man abandoned by the great love of his life. He reflects upon his loss, expresses his fears and desires, and searches the heavens for solace. He finds some and gives thanks. The band (Nelson backed by fiddle, piano, and second guitar) plays a wistful waltz and life goes on, though the end is in sight. The Willie of Red-Headed Stranger was wild and dangerous when he was hurt; the Willie of Spirit is reflective and contrite. Still, Spirit ranks with Red-Headed Stranger, one of the landmarks in modern country music history. --Steven Stolder
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.
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One he most inspired, deep-rooted performances of his career
"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."
His best in twenty years
DLight (dwlightiv@aol.com) | 03/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not for the sheltered or immature. This is a break from the more rowdy, the sensual, or the standards that Willie is so good at. This comes from deep within the man, and will touch those of us who have lived life with "real" hills AND "real" valleys. It is aptly named "Spirit" for it is the most intimate perspective I have seen of Willie Nelson in thirty years of enjoyment. It was a lifetime in the making...Willie's lifetime."