Description
Loretta Lynn – Back To The Country – 180 Gram Denim on Denim Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
VMP Country Record of the Month for February 2022
(AAA) Lacquers cut from tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound. Plated at Welcome to 1979
Pressed on exclusive 180g ‘Denim on Denim’ vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Marissa R Moss
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Loretta Lynn’s Back to the Country (1975) is a notable album in the country music legend’s discography, marking her return to more traditional, roots-oriented country music while continuing her role as a bold voice for working-class women and socially conscious topics. The album includes some of her most iconic songs, blending honky-tonk, classic country, and country-pop, while showcasing her sharp storytelling and uncompromising stance on issues facing women and families.
Produced by Owen Bradley, who had been a key figure in Lynn’s rise to fame, Back to the Country reflects both her personal and artistic identity. The album balances upbeat, danceable honky-tonk numbers with heartfelt ballads, combining Lynn’s distinctive vocal style with straightforward, down-to-earth lyrics.
Back to the Country features a blend of traditional country sounds with elements of Nashville Sound production. Lynn’s music on this album is rooted in the classic honky-tonk tradition, with a mix of fiddle, pedal steel guitar, and twangy electric guitars providing the backbone of the arrangements. The album’s production is clean and polished, typical of the Nashville Sound, but still retains an authenticity and directness that matches Lynn’s straightforward, no-nonsense persona.
Key Tracks
“The Pill”: Perhaps the most famous track on the album, ‘The Pill’ is a controversial and groundbreaking song about birth control and women’s sexual autonomy. In it, Lynn celebrates the newfound freedom that the birth control pill gave women, allowing them to take control of their reproductive health. The song was banned by many radio stations at the time but became a hit regardless, signaling a significant cultural shift in the conversation about women’s rights and autonomy in the 1970s.
“Back to the Country”: The title track is a celebration of country living and the simple joys of rural life. With its upbeat, traditional honky-tonk feel, it expresses Lynn’s connection to her roots and her desire to return to a more grounded, rural lifestyle.
“The Hands of Yesterday”: A reflective ballad that delves into themes of time, memory, and regret, this track showcases Lynn’s emotional depth as a songwriter. It’s a slower, more melancholic song that contrasts with the more upbeat, honky-tonk numbers on the album.
“Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven”: This playful, upbeat song with gospel undertones reflects Lynn’s sharp wit and humor, commenting on how everyone wants to get to heaven, but no one wants to die. It’s another example of how she can combine humor with deeper philosophical insights.
“Trouble in Paradise”: A honky-tonk song about marital difficulties and romantic misunderstandings, this track highlights Lynn’s ability to speak to the everyday struggles of her working-class audience with honesty and empathy.
The Pill stands as one of the boldest feminist statements in country music history, addressing the idea of female autonomy, especially in relation to sexuality and reproductive rights. This song, in particular, speaks to the liberation that birth control brought to women in the 1970s and remains a cultural milestone.
The title track and other songs like “Back to the Country” emphasize the joys of rural life and the desire to escape the fast-paced, modern world. This theme resonates with Lynn’s own background as a coal miner’s daughter and her continued connection to her small-town roots.
As with much of Lynn’s music, Back to the Country features songs that deal with relationships, romantic challenges, and family dynamics. Tracks like “Trouble in Paradise” highlight the complexities of marriage and relationships, a theme Lynn often revisited in her career. Songs like “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” reflect on morality, faith, and life’s contradictions, using humor and wit to comment on human nature.
The production, led by Owen Bradley, maintains the Nashville Sound that had defined much of Lynn’s earlier career, blending traditional country instruments with smoother, more polished production elements. The album balances honky-tonk grit with lush, radio-friendly arrangements. Despite the cleaner production, the album remains rooted in classic country sounds, with prominent use of pedal steel guitar and fiddle, giving it a timeless quality. The mix allows Lynn’s vocals and storytelling to take center stage, ensuring that her message remains clear and direct.
The Pill sparked significant controversy upon its release, with many radio stations refusing to play it due to its frank discussion of birth control and women’s sexual freedom. However, the song resonated with women across the country, becoming a rallying cry for feminism in the 1970s and pushing boundaries in a genre traditionally dominated by conservative values. Lynn’s decision to release such a song in the mid-1970s, when conversations about women’s rights were growing louder, solidified her role as a pioneer in both country music and the feminist movement, even if she didn’t label herself as a feminist. “The Pill” reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, proving its cultural significance despite its initial radio bans. The broader themes of rural identity, family values, and women’s independence throughout Back to the Country helped Lynn remain a relevant and impactful figure during a time when country music was starting to embrace more contemporary sounds.
Back to the Country is a prime example of how Loretta Lynn used her platform to address controversial and important social issues while staying true to her traditional roots. The album, particularly “The Pill,” continues to influence female artists in country music, with figures like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves acknowledging Lynn as a trailblazer for her unapologetic voice. Lynn’s role as a voice for working-class women, and her ability to tackle difficult subjects like marriage, parenthood, and female autonomy, helped change the narrative for women in country music. Her influence is seen in the work of countless country artists who use their music to challenge societal norms and advocate for gender equality.
Back to the Country is a significant album in Loretta Lynn’s career, blending traditional country sounds with forward-thinking, often controversial themes. With songs like “The Pill,” Lynn not only pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in country music but also became a voice for women’s empowerment and social change. The album remains an important part of her legacy, showcasing her ability to stay true to her roots while addressing the evolving issues of her time. For anyone exploring Lynn’s discography, Back to the Country is a must-listen for its cultural impact, emotional depth, and classic country sound.
Track Listing
The Pill
Will You Be There
It’s Time To Pay The Fiddler
Paper Roses
You Love Everybody But You
Mad Mrs. Jesse Brown
Back To The Country
The Hands of Yesterday
I Can Help
Another You
Jimmy On My Mind
