Considered one of the most legendary singer-songwriters ever, Willie Nelson is an American icon. Waxing his first single ironically titled “No Place For Me” in 1957, he would sign his first major label recording with Liberty Records in 1962. Less known, in 1971, Willie briefly left the music scene, disillusioned by the hype of Nashville, and a stagnate advance with his ideals of success. When he returned a few years later, after raising hogs, it would not be for another few years and albums until he broke into more mainstream consciousness. Interestingly enough, the 1974 album Phases and Stages was focused around a divorced couple and seemed to have found a newly discovered reach that eventually snowballed Nelson into larger recognition.
The short story of a truly unique individual, for over sixty-seven years Willie Nelson has been honing his craft, uncovering a true gift in storytelling, and opening himself up to an audience in an undeniably relatable, yet humbled manner. He can conceive and collaborate on grandiose levels, leaving behind a wake of wholesome ballads. Evident in his expansive discography, you can feel humility in 1972’s “Good Hearted Woman,” explore aging and mortality in 1996’s “Too Sick To Prey,” and find a subliminal suggestion of reincarnation in 1985’s “Highwayman.”
Simply put, Nelson has led a career taking his listeners through all the motions life offers. He has also evolved and is dynamic in his approach. Earlier on, he held a desperado physique, and along with the help of Waylon Jennings, created one of his most memorable songs, 1975’s “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” He also showed a softer side from the old ‘outlaw’ in “Blue Skies,” a song from 1978 that arguably carries one of his best vocals ever recorded. And, just to prove he can keep current and still write and collaborate better than anyone, 2012’s “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die,” can be sung in all four corners of the world.
Back at it in 2024, the latest album Last Leaf on the Tree is yet to add another notch to Nelson’s vast repertoire. His eighth album since 2020, and his second of 2024 (the first being The Border released back in May), impressively it is overall his seventy-sixth studio album. Nothing less than prolific, Last Leaf on the Tree arrives on November 1st through Legacy Recordings, and the roster of contributors behind it is equally as notable. Covering songs in his electric flavor, Nelson has some of the most influential artists behind the setlist; such as Keith Richards, Nina Simone, Neil Young, and Tom Waits to name a few. Furthermore, one of the most beautiful and cherished parts of this collection is “Wheels” (a song written by one of his sons, Micah Nelson). There is also “Keep Me In Your Heart”; which personally carries the most powerful resonance. Covered by Nelson for Last Leaf on the Tree, it was famously written by Warren Zevon and George Calderon when Zevon discovered his terminal cancer. We often all wonder what the purpose of our lives is, and when Warren Zevon received his diagnosis, it was in this song that he finally came to peace with his purpose in writing and playing music. Quiet striking, it was as Zevon put it, his final farewell.
Whether writing, playing, raising hogs, or standing as the poster child for freedom and expression, Willie Nelson continues to leave an inspiring legacy that touches everyone from blue-collar workers to eccentric entrepreneurs. Even if you do not particularly have a taste for Nelson’s music, his ballads are still easily identifiable to the most untrained ear. His relaxed demure presents a man who is admirable, unassuming, and reliable, and in a world where brazen, brandish personas seem to be the prevailing archetype, Nelson not only finds himself a home but gives his listeners one too. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Last Leaf on the Tree 4 out of 5 stars.
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