Greatest Hits [RCA]

by Waylon Jennings

Overview

RCA's nine-track 1979 Greatest Hits collection has since been supplemented by more thorough compilations -- most notably the double-disc sets Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line and RCA Country Legends -- but as a snapshot of Waylon at his outlaw peak, this serves quite well. And, make no mistake, this concentrates solely on the outlaw years, leaving off anything from the '60s, including such defining songs as "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" and "The Taker." Instead of being hurt by such exclusions, this Greatest Hits gains strength by its sharp focus on the peak of his outlaw years. Each of these nine songs has a nearly mythological pull, presenting ol' Waylon as the Nashville rebel, honky tonk hero, and ramblin' man who stormed through country music in the '70s with his piledriving hardcore country (yet wasn't afraid to show a macho sensitive side, as he did with "Amanda"). He made plenty of other great songs than what's here, especially during the outlaw era, but every tune here is at the core of his legend, which is why this Greatest Hits remains a great listen, even after it's been replaced by more comprehensive collections. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	07/03/1989
Label:	Bmg / Bmg / Sony Music
UPC:	0886978800527
Rank:	26409

Tracks

1. Lonesome, On'ry and Mean
2. I'm a Ramblin' Man [Live]
3. I've Always Been Crazy
4. Amanda
5. Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys
6. Honky Tonk Heroes (Like Me)
7. Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)
8. A Good Hearted Woman
9. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Waylon Jennings   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Willie Nelson   Primary Artist,Guest Artist

Technical Credits

Chet Atkins   Producer
Jack Clement   Producer
Ed Bruce   Composer
Waylon Jennings   Composer,Producer
Ritchie Albright   Producer
Ray Pennington   Composer,Producer
Ken Love   Mastering
Willie Nelson   Composer,Performer
Tompall Glaser   Producer
Steve Young   Composer
Bobby Emmons   Composer
Chips Moman   Composer,Producer
Billy Joe Shaver   Composer
Ken Mansfield   Producer
Patsy Bruce   Composer
Bob McDill   Composer