Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute

 (52 customer reviews)

...but I'm trying to make up for the guy who only gave it two. This album is way better than two stars. Yes, you SHOULD go buy some '"real" Hank Williams if you haven't already. "40 Greatest Hits" is a great starter album if it's still in print. Only three kinds of people generally buy tribute albums: someone who is a huge fan of the artist who is being paid tribute, or someone who really likes one or more of the artists on the album, or the person who falls into both categories. So chances are you probably already are familiar with Hank and don't need preaching from the likes of me and the guy who gave the album two stars.Now, lets get down to the nitty gritty. Most of the songs on this album are fine renditions of Hank Williams work. Some that stick out:Dylan. Yeah, he's blown out his voice. Get over it. He never had one anyway. Just marvel at the turns of phrase, intonations, and humor he can inject into the song with what he's got. A vocal...Read more

Hank Williams is undoubtedly one of the most talented singers and songwriters of our time. And while this album does not contain any of his own musicianship, it does exhibit performances of his songs that he would surely be proud of if he were alive today. Every artist on this tribute does a fabulous job of intertwining the classic sound of hank williams with their own contemporary edge. Only Hank Williams could bring artists like Beck, Keb 'Mo, and Johnny Cash together on the same album. This album comes highly recommended for anyone who has heard the name Hank Williams. The simple fact that you are reading this makes you a prime candidate to buy this album! I promise you will not be disappointed.

Hank Williams' music is still thriving here in the new century. Some great artists have gotten together for this loving tribute to his music. Bob Dylan's expressive snarl rocks happily on "I Can't Get You Off of My Mind." Sheryl Crow's take on "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" is remarkable for how well she does country! Heck, we might have to stick her up there with Patty Loveless & Trish Yearwood! Blues master Keb' Mo's voice caresses the melody with a beautiful fiddle and transforms the classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" with a reading more wistful than sad. Beck's voice is fragile with a music box arrangement of "Your Cheatin' Heart." Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame does a churchlike take on "Lost on the River" with Emmylou on background vocals. One of my favorites is Tom Petty's country rocking on "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)." The beauty of the melody really comes out even if the lyric seems...Read more