In another review (click on my name to see it), I stated that "Waymore's Blues (part II)" was Waylon's best album of recent years. I still think that one was great, but somehow this CD seems to find it's way into my stereo more and more.

Waylon states in the final track (a hidden track in which he discusses the background of some of the songs and the production of the CD) that he told his collaborators (which include Sting, Sheryl Crow, Travis Tritt, Mark Knopfler, Marty Stuart, Carl Smith, Randy Scruggs, and of course, his wife Jessi Colter) to ignore everything he had previously done and start anew. The result is the most rock-oriented album of his career. Buddy Holly's influence was never more evident.

The mood is set by the title track, Tony Joe White's "Closing In On the Fire" an outstanding blues-rock number that radiates sexuality with every beat (if not the lyrics). "Just Watch Your Mama and Me" may just be the best ballad Waylon has ever written. "She's Too Good For Me" is Sting's contribution, and although some of the lyrics are corny, it is a fun song. Sheryl Crow duets on this one. "Back Home (Where I Come From)" is typical Waylon swagger, mixed with a little country humor. "Be Mine" is a sweet ballad written by Texas singer/songwriter Kimmie Rhodes. (The two have a great duet version of the song on Rhodes' now out of print album "West Texas Heaven"). "Easy Money" and "The Blues Don't Care" are two more blues-rock numbers that fit the album well. And, while the world may not have needed another cover of the Stones "No Expectations", Waylon fans will probably enjoy his.

But this album shows why Waylon is more than just a singer. He wrote a lot of this, it's very different than things he's done in the past...it's fresh and new. It's not my favorite version of Waylon's music by any stretch. But at least it's a stretch. Waylon has always been a pioneer, unlike people like George Strait that keep making the same album over and over and simply re-titling it.

The reviews above state it very well. I love country and blues, and especially love them well mixed. This mixture takes the cake!

This whole cd is wonderful. The Waylon Jennings sound still comes across like all his others. I liked it because his music is not "twangy". His voice always comes across as perfect. I highly recommend this one to all Waylon Jennings fans. He will live on forever and is greatly missed.

This is my favorite Waylon album, and I don't even like country music, but this is a must have. It also happens to be the hardest to find. My original copy had a terrible scratch on it, it took me three years to find a replacement.

If your looking at it and think you may want it, if it's available get it, you wont regret it.