Review: Willie Nelson — My Way

★★★★

Willie Nelson released his new album “My Way” on September 14. The album; a tribute to Nelson’s departed friend Frank Sinatra, features 11 of Sinatra’s classic songs covered by the king of country himself.

The album opens with ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ which if you didn’t put two and two together and figure out this album was a tribute to Sinatra before listening to it would take you by surprise as the jazzy intro starts up. A swing-like improve section gives Nelson a chance to express his own musical styles about halfway through the track. It was a good choice song to open the album up with. 

A slower paced ‘Summer Wind’ features a harmonica riff also highlighting Nelson’s blues-y side which is again displayed in ‘I’ll Be Around.’ These slower more blues-like songs are accompanied by big band pieces such as ‘A Foggy Day.’

Many of the songs feature a piano accompaniment and guitar riffs that emphasize the jazz features of this album but only one of the songs features another artist. Norah Jones joins Nelson on ‘What is This Thing Called Love.’ The song includes Jones’ sweet vocals and Nelson’s harmonica to add a new sound to a classic song.

Nelson ends the album with the ever so classic ‘My Way’ which he lends his powerful vocals to to highlight the song’s classic lyrics. With both a string band and harmonica layered tones it proves itself to be not-so-new-new-take on an classic.

Overall, Nelson’s take on his friend’s classics will make you smile, put goosebumps on your arms and make your heart feel love again. It’s a beautiful tribute expressed through Nelson’s own originality. 

Madi Gross can be reached at ae.spectator@gmail.com.

RELATED ARTICLES