Label
	Vagrant Records
	Release
	2008
	Artist
	Waylon Jennings
	Rating

Of the members of the Highwaymen, Waylon Jennings was the last I got into and unitl only recently when I have started to listen to his early recordings have I realised just how good he was. I had heard his music many times before, but hadn’t appreciated it as much as I do now. Waylon Forever is an album arranged by Waylon’s son Shooter and it consists of the supposed last recordings made by Waylon before his death in 2002. The songs are updated versions of some of his timeless classic hits from the days where he rewrote the rulebook with his very own form of outlaw country music. This album is more country-rock, and sometimes just rock as the brilliant ‘Ain’t Livin Long Like This’ proves.

The songs sound as good as ever and Waylon’s voice is no worse off than the 70’s when he was at the top of his game. There’s a slightly deeper and darker tone to his voice than in his earlier recordings - the ballad ‘Outlaw Shit’ in particular has been reworked into a haunting and much more emotional piece of music.

The album contains welcome re-recordings of some of my favourite Waylon songs including ‘Lonesome, O’nry and Mean’ and ‘Are You Ready for the Country’. There’s only 8 songs on the album, a result I’m sure of Waylon slowing down towards the end of his career due to illness, but the quality of his singing is completely uncompromised. I’d say that it’s not quite as enjoyable to listen to as the likes of Dreaming My Dreams, Lonesome, On’ry and Mean, and Honky Tonk Heroes, but it is still fully deserving of  5 stars.

You’re not likely to get the chance to hear of any new Waylon Jennings albums coming out in the future so make the most of this album. I’d like to thank Vagrant Records for contacting me to review this album as it’s been a pleasure to listen to and they’ve done a great job ensuring Waylon signs off in his typical outlaw style.