Willie Nelson is a country music legend and has released many albums throughout his career. Here are 7 of his best albums of all time, in no particular order:
1- “Red Headed Stranger” (1975) – Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” is a classic country album released in 1975. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including the hit single “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” The album is a concept album and tells the story of a vengeful outlaw on the run. It’s one of Willie’s greatest works. The album’s sparse arrangements, featuring mostly Willie’s guitar and harmonica, and his emotive, lived-in vocals, give the songs a timeless quality that has only grown with the passing of time. “Red Headed Stranger” is a must-listen for fans of country music and is a classic of the genre. It might be the greatest country music album of all time.
2- “Stardust” (1978) – Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” is a 1978 album that features a collection of pop standards. The album is a departure from his usual country sound and showcases his love for classic standards and big band jazz. Some of the songs included in the album are “Moonlight in Vermont”, “All of Me”, and “Georgia on My Mind”. The album was a commercial success, spending years on the charts and earning Nelson a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. It’s considered a classic in the genre of standards, and it’s a great example of how Nelson’s unique style and voice can bring new life to these timeless songs. “Stardust” is a must-listen for both fans of Willie Nelson and fans of classic standards. It seems like everyone is doing a “Great American Songbook” kind of album these days, but Willie was creating one earlier than anyone.
3- “Shotgun Willie” (1973) – Willie Nelson’s “Shotgun Willie” is a 1973 album that was his debut album for Atlantic Records. It’s a classic and features the hit song “Whiskey River”. The album is a combination of country, rock, and folk music, and it’s a big departure from the traditional Nashville sound. The album is a reflection of Nelson’s free-spirited and playful nature, featuring a mix of original songs and covers. The album was critically acclaimed and it helped establish Nelson as a unique voice in the country music scene. “Shotgun Willie” is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of country music in the 1970s.
4- “The Troublemaker” (1976) – Willie Nelson’s “The Troublemaker” is a 1976 album that features a mix of original songs and covers. The album includes the hit singles “Good Hearted Woman” and “If You’ve Got the Money I’ve Got the Time”. The album showcases Nelson’s songwriting skills and his ability to reinvent classic songs. The album was well-received by both critics and fans, and it helped establish him as a major player in the country music scene. The album’s sound is a mixture of his traditional country sound with a bit of rock and roll. It’s considered one of his most diverse albums. “The Troublemaker” is a must-listen for anyone who likes a mix of traditional country and rock and roll.
5- “Phases and Stages” (1974) – Willie Nelson’s “Phases and Stages” is a 1974 concept album that tells the story of a failed marriage. Like “Red Headed Stranger”, it’s a concept album that progresses through the different stages of a relationship. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including the hit single “Bloody Mary Morning”. The album was a commercial and critical success, and it’s one of Willie’s most personal and emotional albums. Phases and Stages is a masterpiece of storytelling and songwriting. It showcases his ability to capture the universal human emotions and experiences. The album is for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and songwriting.
6- “To Lefty from Willie” (1977) – Willie Nelson’s “To Lefty from Willie” is a 1977 album that pays tribute to Lefty Frizzell, one of Nelson’s biggest influences. The album includes covers of Lefty Frizzell’s biggest hits, such as “Saginaw, Michigan” and “Always Late (With Your Kisses)”. The album showcases Nelson’s love and admiration for Lefty Frizzell’s music and his ability to put his own stamp on the songs. The album was a commercial success, and it helped bring Lefty Frizzell’s music to a new generation of listeners. “To Lefty from Willie” is another must-listen for fans of Willie Nelson, Lefty Frizzell, and traditional country music. It’s a great example of how an artist can pay tribute to his influences while still making the songs his own.
7- “The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?” (1992) – Willie Nelson’s “The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?” is a 1992 album that was recorded during a difficult time in Nelson’s life. The album was recorded as a result of a legal dispute with the IRS that led to the seizure of Nelson’s assets. The album includes a mix of new songs and older hits. The album is considered a testament to Nelson’s resilience and determination, as well as his ability to continue to create new music even under difficult circumstances. “The IRS Tapes: Who’ll Buy My Memories?” is a must-listen for those interested in the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the album. It’s a powerful reminder of how an artist can turn a difficult situation into an opportunity to create something meaningful and enduring.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Willie Nelson. Retired businesspeople like Nicholas Bredimus, young business hotshots like Evan Spiegel, and regular folks like me can all relate to the best of the Red Header Stranger’s albums.
These are just a few of Willie Nelson’s many albums, and it’s hard to pick only seven. He has released many other albums that are worth listening to, but these albums are considered his best and most influential.
