Waylon Jennings
Waylon's Greatest Hits Vol.2
1. Follow-Up Act: As the title suggests, this album is the sequel to "Waylon's Greatest Hits," which was released in 1979. The first volume was immensely successful, making the expectations for the second one quite high.
2. Outlaw Country Movement: By the time this compilation was released, Jennings was already a central figure in the "Outlaw Country" movement, a subgenre known for its raw and rebellious attitude, standing in stark contrast to the polished production of Nashville's mainstream country music. Jennings' work epitomized this movement, and several tracks on this album reflect those roots.
3. Signature Songwriting: Many tracks in this compilation highlight Waylon’s distinctive style and deep, resonant voice. Songs like "Lucille (You Won't Do Your Daddy's Will)" and "I've Always Been Crazy" perfectly illustrate his knack for storytelling and reflecting real-life emotions and struggles.
4. Collaborations and Companions: Waylon Jennings frequently collaborated with other icons of his time, including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. His friendships and musical partnerships with these artists were instrumental in shaping his sound, and some of these collaborations are featured in this album.
5. Chart Performance: Unlike many other artists, Waylon Jennings enjoyed commercial success without compromising his artistic integrity. Although this specific album didn’t top the charts, its individual singles and the artist's reputation kept Jennings in the spotlight.
6. Personal Influence: Waylon's music often reflected his tumultuous personal life, including struggles with addiction and his defiance of the music industry’s constraints. This authenticity and rawness are a big part of why his music continues to resonate with fans.
Many of his fans appreciate "Waylon's Greatest Hits Vol. 2" for its honest portrayal of the man behind the music and as a lasting testament to his enduring influence on country music.