Description
Rodney Crowell – The Houston Kid – 180 Gram Sepia Marble Vinyl Record
First ever vinyl release of Corwell’s Diaristic 20001 album
Lacquers cut by Barry Grint, AIR Mastering
Pressed on exclusive 190g Sepia Marble vinyl
Listening notes booklet by David Cantwell
Vinyl Me Please
The Houston Kid is the tenth studio album by American singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, released on February 13, 2001. This album is widely regarded as one of Crowell’s most personal and critically acclaimed works. It marks a significant departure from his earlier, more mainstream country music style and is a reflective, autobiographical exploration of his childhood and upbringing in Houston, Texas. With a blend of country, folk, and rock, The Houston Kid showcases Crowell’s sharp songwriting and his ability to blend deeply personal stories with universal themes.
Rodney Crowell had already established himself as a successful country artist, both as a songwriter and performer, by the time The Houston Kid was released. He gained prominence in the 1980s with hits like After All This Time and She’s Crazy for Leavin’. He also penned songs for artists such as Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, and Waylon Jennings. However, by the late 1990s, Crowell was moving away from the commercial country sound in favor of more introspective and artistic projects.
The Houston Kid marked a turning point in Crowell’s career, as he shifted his focus toward autobiographical material, exploring his troubled childhood, his complicated relationship with his father, and life growing up in working-class Houston. The album’s raw, honest storytelling set it apart from the more polished country albums of its time, earning praise for its authenticity and depth.
The album’s songs are deeply rooted in Crowell’s personal experiences, with narratives that touch on family, hardship, and redemption. Some standout tracks include:
Telephone Road – A vibrant, rock-infused opener that paints a picture of life in blue-collar Houston. It’s an upbeat track that captures the excitement and danger of growing up in a rough neighborhood, with a nostalgic yet gritty feel.
The Rock of My Soul – A reflective and poignant song about Crowell’s relationship with his father and his father’s struggles with alcoholism. The song is heartfelt and explores themes of forgiveness, regret, and the lasting impact of family.
I Wish It Would Rain – One of the more introspective tracks, this song delves into feelings of loss and sorrow, using rain as a metaphor for emotional release. Crowell’s voice is restrained but filled with longing, backed by a simple yet effective arrangement.
Wandering Boy – A deeply moving song about the pain of estrangement, Wandering Boy is one of the most emotional moments on the album. It tells the story of a family member who struggles with acceptance, reflecting Crowell’s compassion and his talent for telling complex, human stories.
I Walk the Line (Revisited) (feat. Johnny Cash) – This track reinterprets Johnny Cash’s classic I Walk the Line with a modern twist. Crowell duets with Cash, paying tribute to the country legend and his influence on Crowell’s career. The song cleverly weaves Crowell’s own experiences with the iconic lyrics of the original.
Topsy Turvy – A lively, rockabilly-inspired track that balances the album’s heavier themes with a fun, upbeat sound. It highlights Crowell’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.
At its core, The Houston Kid is a reflection on Rodney Crowell’s past, particularly his tumultuous childhood in Houston. The album addresses themes of family, redemption, addiction, and identity, all woven together with Crowell’s keen sense of storytelling. He explores his own journey of self-discovery, touching on difficult and often painful memories, but doing so with an empathy and wisdom that only time can provide.
The album’s sound is a blend of traditional country, Americana, and folk-rock, but it also carries a rock edge that distinguishes it from Crowell’s earlier, more radio-friendly releases. The Houston Kid is both musically and lyrically adventurous, offering a raw, unvarnished look at Crowell’s life and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
The Houston Kid was met with critical acclaim, praised for its emotional depth and Crowell’s willingness to confront his past through his music. Many critics hailed it as a return to form for Crowell, and the album’s autobiographical nature resonated with listeners who appreciated its honesty and authenticity.
The album also marked a shift in Crowell’s career trajectory, as he moved toward more introspective, artistically driven projects in the years that followed. The Houston Kid became a key part of his legacy, establishing him not only as a great country songwriter but as a master storyteller capable of capturing the complexities of the human experience.
For fans of country, Americana, and singer-songwriter music, The Houston Kid is a must-listen, offering a powerful and intimate look at one of country music’s most respected voices. The album remains a touchstone in Rodney Crowell’s career and continues to be celebrated for its raw emotional power and lyrical brilliance.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Telephone Road
The Rock Of My Soul
Why Don’t We Talk About It
I Wish It Would Rain
Wandering Boy
I Walk The Line (Revisited)
Highway 17
U Don’t Know How Much I Hate U
Banks Of The Old Bandera
Topsy Turvy
I Know Love Is All I Need
