Willie Nelson has been so prolific over the last few decades it’s easy to forget that he’s one of modern American masters of music. Now at the age of 74, wit over 100 albums under his belt, you have to wonder how much longer Willie can keep up his touring and recording pace.
Now, at a time when he could be slowing down, he has released one of his best albums to date; an album produced by country superstar Kenny Chesney (and longtime Chesney Producer BuddyCannon). The CD "Moment of Forever" is in stores now and is a solid offering.
Nelson fans will love the fact that, no matter how influential the producer, if you have Willie singing it will always sound like a good old Willie Nelson CD. Chesney and Cannon do nothing to tarnish Willie’s catalog. In fact they add some really special tracks to the library.
When gaging Chesney’s contribution it’s obvious to first look at his duet with Willie "Worry Be Gone." With Kenny’s latest single (another duet with another legend George Strait) skyrocketing up the charts it’s unlikely "Worry" will be a radio single but I think it couold’ve worked.
The reality is mainstream radio has always been fickle with Willie. The airplay love affair ended about 1989 after 21 or so number one country hits. Nown it looks like he has to packaged in a duet to get airplay (like Mendocino Country line and Beer For My Horses). Plus I’m not sure the label machine ever gets it quite right with him.
Nelson – the songwriter – contributed three songs: "Over You Again," which he wrote with sons Micah and Lukas, and two that he wrote solo, including the hilarious "You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore" ("Did you hear the one about the dirty &%$!/Oh, I forgot . . . you don’t think I’m funny anymore"). Chesney and Cannon also delivered songs for the project.
Willie’s Grave Digger Video
Jessica Simpson in Willie’s "You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore Video
My Grade: B+
Don’t Miss: "The Bob Song" (A pirate treasure. Yes that’s Big Kenny who wrote the cut).
Fast Forward: "Louisiana" (written by Randy Newman is about 2 years late and misses the mark unless you’re from the state.)
Track List:
1. Over You Again
2. Moment of Forever
3. The Bob Song
4. Louisiana
5. Gravedigger
6. Keep Me From Blowing Away
7. Takin’ On Water
8. Always Now
9. I’m Alive
10. When I Was Young and Grandma Wasn’t Old
11. Worry B Gone (duet with Kenny Chesney)
12. You Don’t Think I’m Funny Anymore
13. Gotta Serve Somebody
