Willie Nelson - Red Headed Stranger

Though this 1975 album cost Willie only $20,000 to record, it handed him the success he'd craved after years as a hit songwriter and modestly successful singer. By blending originals and vintage material, he created a timeless Western saga, one that originally left Columbia Records, who'd guaranteed him artistic control, skeptical. The label's doubts, amplified by the fact that Nelson had recorded the album in Texas with only his seven-piece touring band, evaporated after the album and two singles, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and "Remember Me," became huge hits and launched Willie into the stratosphere. -Rich Kienzle

This is how I like Willie best. The mellow tone and sparse instrumentation make this one of my top country listens. I never understood why this kind of true, pure music was considered "Outlaw Country", and today "Alt Country" when to me this is real country music full of emotion, pain and no frills musicianship. Definitely an iconic album in my book. -phoneyfresh

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