Description
Tammy Wynette – Stand By Your Man – 180 Gram Blue Galaxy Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Vinyl Me, Please Classics
(AAA) Lacquers cut from tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound. Plated at Welcome To 1979
Pressed on exclusive 180g blue galaxy vinyl
Exclusive listening notes booklet by Angela Stefano
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Stand By Your Man is the most iconic song and album by American country music singer Tammy Wynette, released in 1968. The song, written by Wynette and her producer Billy Sherrill, has become a defining anthem of traditional country music and one of the most famous songs in the genre’s history. The song’s message about loyalty in love, along with its emotional delivery, made it a massive hit, cementing Wynette’s status as the “First Lady of Country Music.”
The album Stand By Your Man was released shortly after the song’s success and features a collection of tracks that highlight Wynette’s emotional depth and vocal power. The title track became a cultural touchstone, sparking discussions about women’s roles in relationships and society, but it also solidified Wynette’s place as one of the leading voices in country music.
By 1968, Tammy Wynette was already becoming a major figure in country music with hits like “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” and “I Don’t Wanna Play House.” However, it was “Stand By Your Man” that catapulted her to superstardom. The song was written in just 15 minutes during a recording session with Billy Sherrill, who was known for his “countrypolitan” production style—a fusion of traditional country and more polished, pop-influenced arrangements.
The song’s lyrics, which urge women to stand by their men despite hardships, sparked both praise and controversy, especially as the feminist movement was gaining traction in the late 1960s. Despite the debates, “Stand By Your Man” became a massive success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Country Charts and crossing over to the pop charts.
The Stand By Your Man album features a blend of heartbreaking ballads and countrypolitan-style arrangements, showcasing Wynette’s ability to convey deep emotion and connect with listeners on an intimate level.
“Stand By Your Man” – The title track is not only the centerpiece of the album but also one of the most influential songs in country music history. Its emotional plea for loyalty in relationships, combined with Wynette’s powerful delivery, made it an instant classic. The lush instrumentation, including strings and backing vocals, reflected Billy Sherrill’s countrypolitan influence.
“I Stayed Long Enough” – This track features a more upbeat tempo, yet it still deals with themes of heartbreak and moving on. Wynette’s vocal delivery brings both strength and vulnerability to the song, making it a standout on the album.
“It’s My Way” – A slower ballad, “It’s My Way” showcases Wynette’s ability to express inner conflict and resilience. The song’s orchestral arrangement gives it a dramatic flair, adding to the emotional weight of the lyrics.
“Forever Yours” – A love ballad that leans into the more romantic side of Wynette’s music, “Forever Yours” highlights her softer, more tender vocal delivery. The song’s arrangement is simple but effective, with gentle guitar and subtle strings supporting her voice.
“I Can’t Take It Anymore” – One of the more heart-wrenching tracks on the album, this song deals with the emotional exhaustion that comes with unrequited love. Wynette’s raw delivery adds to the song’s impact, making it one of the more poignant moments on the album.
“If I Were a Little Girl” – This track takes a more reflective tone, with lyrics about innocence and lost dreams. The song’s melancholy feel is enhanced by its gentle piano and string arrangement, allowing Wynette’s vocals to shine.
“Where Could You Go (But to Her)” – Another ballad that touches on themes of love and betrayal, this song explores feelings of jealousy and heartbreak. Wynette’s voice is filled with emotion, conveying both sadness and strength.
“There’s Quite a Difference” – A classic country track with a more traditional sound, this song brings a honky-tonk feel to the album. It’s a nice contrast to some of the more orchestral tracks, adding variety to the overall sound of the record.
“I’m Only a Woman” – This song captures Wynette’s ability to communicate vulnerability and empowerment in equal measure. The lyrics reflect the complexities of being a woman, and Wynette’s delivery is both heartfelt and powerful.
“Any Way You Look at It” – Closing the album, this song continues the theme of love and longing. Wynette’s voice is accompanied by a soft, soothing arrangement, allowing her to deliver a poignant and intimate performance.
The themes of Stand By Your Man revolve around love, heartache, resilience, and the struggles of relationships. Many of the songs explore the emotional complexities of staying in a difficult relationship, with Wynette often portraying the perspective of a woman grappling with love, betrayal, and inner strength. The title track, in particular, became a symbol of traditional gender roles, while other songs on the album highlight Wynette’s ability to convey both vulnerability and defiance.
The album’s production follows the Nashville Sound or Countrypolitan style, which was characterized by lush, polished arrangements that blended traditional country instruments like steel guitar and fiddle with orchestral elements such as strings and backing vocals. Billy Sherrill’s production played a key role in defining this sound, and his influence is evident throughout the album.
Upon its release, Stand By Your Man was a commercial and critical success, topping the Billboard Country Albums Chart and helping to make Tammy Wynette one of the most prominent country music stars of her time. The title track became a massive crossover hit, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, a rare achievement for a country song at the time.
Though the song Stand By Your Man received backlash from feminists who saw it as promoting submissiveness in women, it also became an anthem for many who appreciated its message of loyalty and love. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists across genres and has been featured in various films, television shows, and political discussions.
Stand By Your Man is widely regarded as one of the most influential country albums of all time. The title track remains one of the genre’s most enduring songs, and it has played a significant role in defining both Wynette’s legacy and the larger landscape of country music.
The album helped solidify Wynette’s position as one of the leading female artists in country music, alongside contemporaries like Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton. Wynette’s emotive vocal style and her ability to convey the complexities of love and relationships have influenced countless country artists, and her music continues to resonate with fans.
For those interested in the history of country music, Stand By Your Man is an essential album that captures the essence of the Nashville Sound and the emotional power of Tammy Wynette’s voice. It remains a defining work in her career and a lasting testament to her impact on the genre.
Track Listing
Stand By Your Man
It’s My Way
Forever Yours
I Stayed Long Enough
It Keeps On Slipping My Mind
My Arms Stay Open Late
I’ve Learned
Cry, Cry Again
Joey
If I Were A Little Girl
Don’t Make Me Go To School
