Description
Waylon Jennings – Honky Tonk Heroes – 180 Gram Rust Vinyl Record
VMP Country Record of the Month for August 2022.
Pressed On exclusive 180g Rust vinyl
AAA lacquers cut from the original tapes by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound. Plated at Welcome to 1979
Listening notes booklet by Jayson Greene.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Honky Tonk Heroes is the 21st studio album by American country music artist Waylon Jennings, released in 1973. This album is widely considered a landmark in country music and a defining work of the outlaw country movement, which sought to break away from the polished, commercial Nashville sound in favor of a rawer, more authentic style. The album’s songs, mostly written by the then-unknown songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, helped establish Jennings as a leading figure in the outlaw country genre.
By the early 1970s, Waylon Jennings was frustrated with the constraints of the Nashville music industry, which dictated much of what country artists could record and how they should sound. Seeking more creative freedom, Jennings started to distance himself from the Nashville establishment, opting instead for a sound that was truer to his own musical vision—a mix of country, rock, and blues, with a rougher edge and more personal, introspective lyrics.
Honky Tonk Heroes emerged from this desire for artistic independence. Jennings was introduced to Billy Joe Shaver’s songs by fellow musician Tompall Glaser and was immediately drawn to Shaver’s raw, gritty storytelling. After some persistence from Shaver, Jennings agreed to record an entire album of his songs, marking a significant shift in Jennings’ career and in country music as a whole.
Honky Tonk Heroes is a collection of songs that reflect the themes of rebellion, loneliness, and the hard realities of life, all set against a backdrop of traditional honky tonk and rock-infused country sounds.
‘Honky Tonk Heroes’ – The title track is a classic outlaw country anthem, with lyrics that celebrate the rough-and-tumble lifestyle of the honky tonk world. Jennings’ deep, resonant voice brings the song’s gritty, rebellious spirit to life, and the song has become one of his signature tunes.
‘Old Five and Dimers Like Me’ – This reflective song captures the struggles of a man who has lived his life on the fringes, making ends meet and surviving on the margins. The song’s melancholy tone and introspective lyrics exemplify the best of Shaver’s songwriting and Jennings’ ability to convey deep emotion.
‘Willie the Wandering Gypsy and Me’ – A storytelling song that evokes the romanticized image of a drifter’s life, this track highlights the themes of freedom and wandering that are central to the outlaw country genre.
‘Ain’t No God in Mexico’ – This song tells the story of a man who finds himself in a tough situation south of the border. Its vivid lyrics and driving rhythm make it one of the more energetic tracks on the album, with a strong narrative that captures the listener’s attention.
‘You Ask Me To’ – Co-written by Jennings and Shaver, this song is a love ballad with a simple, heartfelt message. Its straightforward lyrics and gentle melody contrast with some of the album’s more rugged tracks, showing the versatility of Jennings as an artist.
‘Black Rose’ – This track features a darker, bluesy sound, with lyrics that tell the story of a man who falls for a ‘black rose,’ a metaphor for a dangerous and alluring woman. The song’s moody atmosphere and rich storytelling are hallmarks of Shaver’s writing.
‘We Had It All’ – Although not written by Shaver, this ballad fits well within the album’s themes. It’s a poignant reflection on lost love, with Jennings delivering one of his most soulful performances.
‘Ride Me Down Easy’ – A song that captures the rough-and-ready spirit of the album, with lyrics that reflect a life of hard living and a desire for peace at the end. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
‘Low Down Freedom’ – This track embodies the outlaw ethos, with lyrics that speak to the price of freedom and the loneliness that can accompany a life on the run. The song’s mix of country twang and rock energy is quintessential outlaw country.
‘Omaha’ – Another Shaver-penned song, ‘Omaha’ is a lesser-known track that continues the album’s themes of wandering and searching for meaning. Its narrative style and Jennings’ delivery make it a fitting closer to the album.
Honky Tonk Heroes is often described as the quintessential outlaw country album, characterized by its raw sound, storytelling lyrics, and themes of rebellion, freedom, and the hard realities of life. The songs, mostly written by Billy Joe Shaver, offer a stark contrast to the polished, formulaic country music that dominated Nashville at the time. Instead, they reflect the lives of people living on the edges of society—outlaws, drifters, and working-class heroes.
Musically, the album blends honky tonk, country rock, and blues, with Jennings’ deep, gravelly voice adding weight and authenticity to the lyrics. The production, overseen by Jennings and Tompall Glaser, is deliberately rougher and less polished than most country albums of the era, helping to establish the gritty, authentic sound that would come to define the outlaw country movement.
Honky Tonk Heroes was a commercial success and was critically acclaimed, though it initially challenged the Nashville establishment’s norms. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and is now considered one of Jennings’ greatest works. It played a crucial role in shaping the outlaw country movement, which would go on to dominate the country music landscape in the 1970s.
The album’s success also launched Billy Joe Shaver’s career as a songwriter, and the songs on ‘Honky Tonk Heroes’ have since become standards in the country music genre. The album’s influence is evident in the work of countless artists who followed, both in country music and in rock.
Honky Tonk Heroes is now regarded as one of the most important albums in country music history. It is often credited with helping to redefine the genre, breaking away from the commercialized Nashville sound and laying the groundwork for the outlaw country movement. The album remains a touchstone for fans of country music, particularly those who appreciate its more authentic, rebellious side.
Honky Tonk Heroes was a turning point in his career, solidifying his status as a leader of the outlaw country movement and as one of the most influential artists in the history of the genre. The album continues to be celebrated for its raw honesty, its storytelling, and its uncompromising approach to country music.
Track Listing
Honky Tonk Heroes
Old Five And Dimers (Like Me)
Willie The Wandering Gypsy And Me
Low Down Freedom
Omaha
You Asked Me To
Ride Me Down Easy
Ain’t No God In Mexico
Black Rose
We Had It All
