WWII

About

A sequel to Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings’ smash album from 1978, <i>WWII</i> is a similarly potent display of the duo’s chemistry and the range of their talent. The major difference is that while <i>Waylon & Willie</i> had an organic '70s production style, <i>WWII</i> is entrenched in the '80s. Chips Moman brings the songs a more processed sound, but he compensates with beautifully spare arrangements. “Last Cowboy Song,” “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” and “Lady In the Harbor” have the intimate, low velvety sound that became Waylon’s trademark in the '70s. Although Jennings dominates the album with six solo tracks, Nelson complements him with inimitable sweetness on “Write Your Own Songs,” “Heroes” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” “Mr. Shuck and Jive” is a curious experiment that shows Waylon and Willie seemingly attempting to imitate a theme for a cop show. The album didn’t have a breakout song and some fans felt it was too heavy-handed, but there are gems here if you know where to look.

via Apple Music

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