ARE YOU READY FOR THE COUNTRY is advertised at Waylon's "mature" record, a transition from the outlaw status to the soft-hearted, world-weary singer. Yet, there's still enough grit on this album to show that Waylon never lost his sandpaper edge, that he could easily combine he reknowned attitude with a heavy heart.

Such songs as the Neil Young penned title track and the cover of Marshal Tucker Band's "Can't You See" are heavy on the country/rock, while "Them Old Love Songs" is a slow country ballad that'll take you back to the good ol' days. "Old Friend" is a tribute to Waylon's late friend "Buddy Holly," while "Precious Memories" is one of the few gospel tunes Waylon ever recorded (despite the fact his voice was made to sing the genre).

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COUNTRY has no downside to it. It is a collection of truly great songs sung by one of the best voices country music ever had to offer. Waylon Jennings left a huge legacy behind him, and this album is an example of Waylon at the peak of his talents.

The pairing of these two pieces of Waylon's work seems rather odd. However, both are very welcome to be back in my Waylon collection after several years of being absent. "Are You Ready For The Country" is an example of Waylon's ability to capture that renegade spirit during the height of his commercial success. All of these songs are pure Waylon at his best, but his rendition of Toy Caldwell's "Can't You See" is, in this reviewer's opinion, the epitome of what the "Outlaw Movement" of the seventies was all about. Listening to "What Goes Around" takes us into a different era of Waylon's fame and legend. You can tell that his taste in material has changed, as has his delivery. Two stand out tracks on this album are "If You See Her" and "Old Love, New Eyes". Waylon was always defying anybody to label his music or pidgeonhole him as an artist. The differences in these two albums

is a testament to what made him one of the greatest recording artist in the history of country music. He could continuosly grow and expand his horizons, all the while making his fans want to ride along and listen. This collection brought back a lot of great memories for me. Thank's Amazon for offering it. And thank you Waylon, for all those years of rebellious inspiration.

I was a fan of Waylon and his music, so I have the hits and concerts on CD. But this album really expresses his universal appeal. Like Johnny Cash, Waylon was a rock & roller just as much as he was a "country singer." For starters, Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" is classic because he doesn't tack on an obligatory guitar solo. Who could top Toy Caldwell, anyway? This version is about the vocals, about Waylon's performance, about "what that woman is doing to him." "Precious Memories"...once again cross-referencing the many powerful spirituals recorded by his fellow Highwayman Johnny Cash...is a career-best performance. The title track...Neil Young's "Harvest" track "Are You Ready For The Country" is another Cash touchstone (any true Neil Young fan remembers his appearance on the genre-busting Johnny Cash TV show). Words can't express how much I miss Waylon Jennings. Some of his albums were hit and miss. Not this one. Get it.

These are what I consider the last few good records Waylon cut before the string of bad records. In his auto biography he talks about cutting these records high as a kite on Cocaine.

This album is really incredible!! The title track was written by Neil Young!...and believe me, Waylon does it justice my friend! You'll be pleased from the very first note...