Without a Song
Studio album by
Willie Nelson
Released1983
Recorded1983
GenreCountry, pop, jazz
Length38:53
LabelColumbia
ProducerBooker T. Jones
Willie Nelson chronology
Tougher Than Leather
(1983) 		Without a Song
(1983) 		Angel Eyes
(1984)

Without a Song is a studio album by the American country singer Willie Nelson, released in 1983.[1] Similar to Stardust (1978), it consists of renditions of traditional pop standards. The album was produced by Booker T. Jones.[2]

"As Time Goes By" was nominated for a Grammy Award, in the "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" category.[3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[4]

Rolling Stone noted that "the familiar vocal hesitations and throat-catchings are all in place, but straightforward readings of these mostly less-than-spectacular tunes are tossed off by Nelson with little energy."[5] The New York Times wrote that "Mr. Jones's arrangements, with their simple, plodding rhythms, and guitar and harmonica solos that repeat the tunes, keep the mood appropriately informal... If the music became any barer, however, Mr. Nelson might start sounding like a contemporary Mitch Miller."[6]

Track listing

  1. "Without a Song" (Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans) - 3:54
  2. "Once in a While" (Bud Green, Michael Edwards) - 4:27
  3. "Autumn Leaves" (Johnny Mercer) - 4:04
  4. "I Can't Begin to Tell You" (James V. Monaco, Mack Gordon) - 4:03
  5. "Harbor Lights" (Hugh Williams, Jimmy Kennedy) - 3:52
  6. "Golden Earrings" (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans, Victor Young) - 3:48
  7. "You'll Never Know" (Harry Warren, Mack Gordon) - 4:13
  8. "To Each His Own" (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans) - 4:09
  9. "As Time Goes By" (Herman Hupfeld) - 3:54
  10. "A Dreamer's Holiday" (Kim Gannon, Mabel Wayne) - 3:27

Personnel

Chart performance

Chart (1983) Peak position
U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums 3
U.S. Billboard 200[7] 54
Canadian RPM Country Albums 2
Canadian RPM Top Albums 35

References

  1. ^ Morse, Steve (8 Sep 1983). "Willie Nelson: Cowboy with a Soul". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 1.
  2. ^ Willistein, Paul (2 Sep 1984). "Living Legend Is Returning for Allentown Fair Show Today". The Morning Call. p. F1.
  3. ^ "Willie Nelson". Recording Academy. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  4. ^ Willie Nelson - Without a Song Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved 2023-04-27
  5. ^ Berman, Leslie (1984-02-16). "Without a Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  6. ^ Holden, Stephen (9 Nov 1983). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C23.
  7. ^ "Willie Nelson". Billboard. Retrieved 22 June 2023.

External links


Willie Nelson
Authority control databases
Categories