Stand Out Albums: The Highwaymen ‘Highwayman’ (1986)

There are icons in music that transcend the genre they are known for.  Many of these icons get to know one another and, sometimes, when the stars align, they form what is known as a Supergroup.  Today’s album is by one such group with four iconic Country Music stars providing what could be one of the finest country albums of the 80’s.  This is ‘Highwayman’

Why This Album?

I vividly remember listening to this album on vinyl with my father.  Whenever we took a trip, he would take along a cassette taped version of it for us to listen to in the car.  This was a man who never went anywhere without his music and I can thank him for the love of mine.   Growing up, I was exposed to a plethora (what’s a Plethora?) of musical styles rankings from classic rock, classical music and even country music.  It is in the latter style that I find some joy in revisiting certain bands of my youth.  Modern Country is nowhere near the scope of grandeur that was presented back then and, when four of country’s biggest stars joined forces for an album, well, let’s just say it is pure magic.

Comprised of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, The Highwaymen were a force to be reckoned with. Evoking the classic western storytelling of Marty Robbins with their own unique style,  the ensemble brings a great journey through time and space recording one memorable song after another.  From songs about eternal souls to being committed to an insane asylum and even discussing the end of an era, each song is an amazing moment in time showcasing the very best these four legends have to offer.

The album itself is a work of art.  This is by far one of the greatest country albums ever written and somehow manages to transcend it’s very genre even though it is composed of four of countries greatest stars.  This is one of those rare albums that connects to the listener in a way that few can, even if you are not a fan of any of the artists on the album, there is at least one song on here that you will connect with opening the door just slightly for more to be found.

Luckily, this wasn’t the only album they released under the name The Highwaymen. Two others, including Highwayman 2 and their final collaboration The Road Goes On Forever. Both are amazing and all are worth the listen.

 Favorite Tracks

The title track is by far one of my favorites.  It is such a cool song depicting a soul travelling through time as it inhabits one person after another as it journeys onward.

I always though this next one was just too cool.  It deals with someone committed to an insane asylum and walks you through the people housed there.

I don’t know why but this next one is just one of my favorites.  It doesn’t get much better than this.

 

Ok, Where do I get it?

This one is pretty easy to find and I doubt it will every go out of print.  You can grab a copy here for around $12 on CD,  or if you happen to be a fan of vinyl, you can get one on clear vinyl here for around $30.    Of course, there is also spotify…

Late to the Game 9/8/2020

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