[dropcap]W[/dropcap]illie Nelson released his new album, ‘Band of Brothers,’ which debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 charts, and #1 on the country charts, marking his first #1 country album since 1986’s ‘The Promiseland.’ This is his second album in less than a year to debut in the top 10 on the Billboard 200 charts. All 14 tracks on ‘Band of Brothers’ are new recordings and none have been previously recorded by Nelson.
The new album has been receiving high praise from many outlets.
“We have had many, many great musical performers and music acts on this stage, and this theatre has seen the best of the best,” said host David Letterman recently, introducing Willie Nelson to his Late Show audience, adding, “No one better than this guy….”
NPR gives the same respect to Nelson with them devoting a section on their music page with a “First Listen” of the new album, and also an extensive and lively interview with Nelson. Host Arun Rath called Nelson “such a great songwriter.”
The New York Times called ‘Band of Brothers’ “…a serenely feisty autumnal statement from the singer, who formed his sage, grizzled persona decades ago. […] his relaxed, quavery, behind-the beat vocals and his acoustic lead guitar always made him a voice of maturity. The sly versatility of his style has allowed him to cruise through many albums of collaborations, covers and tributes to vintage country music. But ‘Band of Brothers‘–with nine of its 14 songs written by Mr. Nelson and Buddy Cannon, the album’s producer–is set in the present. At 81, Mr. Nelson has more right to be autumnal than ever. That doesn’t mean he’s retreating….”
People Magazine, who called the album “spirited,” made sure people checked out the album by making it one of their music picks. They also stated that “the 81-year-old legend is ready for any challenge yet to come….”
‘Band of Brothers’ Tracklist:
- Bring It On (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- Guitar in the Corner (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- The Wall (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- Whenever You Come Around (Vince Gill/Pete Wasner)
- Wives and Girlfriends (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- I Thought I Left You (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- Send Me a Picture (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- Used to Her (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- The Git Go (Billy Joe Shaver/Gary Nicholson)
- Band of Brothers (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
- Hard to Be an Outlaw (Billy Joe Shaver)
- Crazy Like Me (Dennis Morgan/Shawn Camp/Billy Burnette)
- The Songwriters (Gordie Sampson/Bill Anderson)
- I’ve Got a Lot of Traveling to Do (Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon)
