Over the last few years we've been bombarded with one unnecessary CD that remakes American standards after another. Ughh! I can only think of two artists who honor these songs while still making contemporary albums: Steve Tyrell's A NEW STANDARD and, best of all, Willie Nelson's STARDUST. Re-discovering this album, complete with two new tracks, is a joy. Of the many great albums that Willie Nelson has recorded, this one is my favorite. It sounds just as good today as it did twenty years ago, and I suspect it will sound the same in another twenty years. I am living proof that you don't have to listen to standards on a regular basis - if ever - to love this album. STARDUST is an absolute gem that gets better every time you play it. Bravo, Willie!

This is an album of covers of traditional pop songs, but the primary impression it leaves is neither country nor traditional pop. Instead, the key is the tasteful production by Booker T. Jones - swinging but understated percussion, warm bass, and bluesy keyboards. Willie's weary outlaw vocals and sublime guitar picking fit it like a glove. The result is, simply, classic American music, more Muscle Shoals than Nashville. It's just a shame that Willie and Booker T. didn't make another album. This is truly a diamond in the rough.

Surprisingly, the two outtakes on this version are a welcome addition. "Scarlet Ribbons" fits well with the rest of the album, and "I Can See Clearly Now" ends with an extended blues jam that makes for a perfect conclusion.

An album is beautifully produced when it avoids polishing and sterilizing the music. In this album the inimitable and haunting voice is left in its raw purity as he "covers" songs not usually included in a country repertoire. An outstanding example is Nelson's moving rendition of "September Song," I first heard this recorded by the strings of Mantovani and later crooned by others, it has only been since hearing the naturally rugged tones of Nelson that I have appreciated how beautiful it is. This is an album to listen to of an evening, perhaps a glass in hand, to empty the mind and enjoy the emotion.

How could I not alert other listeners to an extraordinary album that kept me alive spiritually during 1980 and 1981 in France, and gave my kids a fast short course in some fundamental musical Americana? Willie's voice is utterly unique, his phrasing is masterful, and his choice of songs is exquisite. These songs are, largely, the best of the1940's, songs I heard as a young child. I'm buying copies for myself, my dad, and my kids - all off whom love these wonderful songs.

As a music major currently obtaining my masters, I have spent much of my life developing a critical ear in music. Listening and reaching for perfection in music. With that in mind, I recently listened to this again for the first time in a while.

I must say, that I first heard this record many years ago when my parents played it - going back and listening to it again, I remember really enjoying it then - and returning to it once again, I find the same wonderful music.

Willie is a wonderful guitarist and brilliant American original artist. Someday he will be placed at the level of importance with Steven Foster or Cole Porter or George Gershwin.

This is one of his finest recordings, in my opinion, as the covers of the standards are superb.

Bravo.