This is truly a masterpiece by the man that is quite possibly the greatest country artist of all time. I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself is a laugh riot, Lucille offers a touching look at a wifes leaving, This is Getting Funny (But There Ain't Nobody Laughing) explores the awkwardness of breakups, and Belle of the Ball magnificently expresses a man's loving beyond his stature. Of course Luckenbach, Texas is here, too. But the standout track is If You See Me Getting Smaller, which almost seems like an elegy since his passing. If you can listen to that song and not feel at least a little sad that he's gone, you are a bigger man than me.

i have over 60 waylon albums and this is by far my favorite. on this album you get to hear what waylon can do and what he is all about. brand new goodbye song is a must hear for anyone who thinks they know what country is. ol'waylon is a must have for anyone who thinks garth made big changes in the industry because this album changed the industry when it didnt want to change

Ol'Waylon is an example of a rare combination of artist and material blending to produce a work which transcends the narrow bounds of the genre in which it was produced. This album is great music not just great country music. Anyone who honestly loves fine musical artistry would enjoy this collection of songs. The signature song for this album, "Luckenbach,Texas" or "Back to the Basics of Love", is one of many songs Waylon has recorded in which he voices his dissatisfaction towards excess and the music industry. After this opening the album takes on very introspective feel in which one truly get a glimpse of the soul of this performer. This album also reflects the turbulent emotions surrounding a performer slipping into the hell of addiction. "Till I Can Gain Control Again" is a moving Rodney Crowell number in which a man tries to hold onto a relationship while dealing with the problems of life. Not all of this album is emotionally heavy. Waylon's medley of Elvis songs is a fast mover and was certainly hard stuff for country music at that time. "This is Getting Funny, But There Ain't No Body Laughing" is another uptempo number and serves to finish the album off on upbeat note. The other selections are all superb examples of musical craftsmanship. The key feeling one gets when listening to this album is honesty or pureness. There is no hype or pretension. Only honest feelings and pure emotions are found on this album. This is true artistry and not just industry generated junk intended to make money. The song most enjoyed by this performer is "If You See Me Getting Smaller". In this song, the writer is giving a account of his jouney through the music industry. The song is a supprisingly candid and self defacing ballad in which the artist marvels at how far he has come in his career. The song seems to ask "We've done it all, now what?". The line from the chorus "If you see me getting smaller, I'm leaving, Don't be grieving, I've just got to get away from here.", seemed to serve as a sad goodbye as Waylon's talent disappeared into the toilet of drugs and addiction. Although he would eventually emerge, Ol'Waylon was the highest acheivement of the artist known as Waylon Jennings.

I remember my parents buying this album and they weren't necessarily music aficionados. The music rekindles a lot of memories of my innocent days, when my age was in the single digits. Timeless music is how I would label this album. Own it, and you'll be cool in my book.

Who wouldn't want to go to Luckenbach, TX? Everything about that town seemed awesome when you listen to that mellow song. I miss that music. What happened to country music? Check out Kevin Fowler if you want to get a taste of some genuine Texas Country Music in the modern era:

Great album! Truley one of his best recordings! This was a great time in Waymore's life, the recordings reflect this. I would strongly advise you to have this in your collection if you don't already.