Introduction
Hangin' On is the ninth studio album by American country music singer Waylon Jennings, released in 1968 on the RCA Victor label. Produced by Chet Atkins and Danny Davis, the album showcases Jennings' growth as a musician and his continuous efforts to make a substantial mark in the c and w scene. With a mix of initial tunes and distinct covers, the album gave birth to a new noise that bridged the space between traditional country and the emerging hooligan nation style.
Background and Production
After accomplishing moderate success with his previous albums, Jennings' creative vision and ambition for Hangin' On grew, reflecting his musical transformation. Although produced by the legendary Chet Atkins and Danny Davis-- who were known for cultivating the Nashville Sound, a lush and orchestral style-- Jennings increasingly began to assert more control over his music and move away from the boundaries of the Nashville facility. This shift in noise was only a teaser of the renowned hooligan country design that Jennings would soon pertain to exemplify.
Hangin' On was taped at RCA Victor Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The sessions were marked by the creativity and experimentation that would start to specify Jennings' works, including stripped-down arrangements and raw, emotional performances.
Album Content
The 11-track album begins with its title track, "Hangin' On", a hard-hitting tune that encapsulates the grit and determination of holding on in the face of misfortune. This track also features a fascinating duet with Anita Carter, showcasing Jennings' capability to develop powerful consistencies.
Hangin' On is a superb mix of initial tunes and covers, including 8 written or co-written by Jennings himself. These tracks permitted Jennings to check out numerous themes, varying from love and heartache to reflection upon his complex life and career. Standout initial tracks consist of "I Fall in Love So Easily", an earnest and vulnerable admission of falling in love too often, and "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right", a defiant take on a Bob Dylan classic that resonated with Jennings' hooligan personality.
Another significant cover on the album is "The Chokin' Kind", a tune composed by Harlan Howard and originally tape-recorded by Joe Simon. Jennings' performance of this emotional track comes up with a much deeper, more introspective take on the lyrics that highlights the intricacy of human relationships.
Release and Reception
Upon its release in 1968, Hangin' On accomplished a moderate degree of business success, reaching No. 9 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. The title track's single peaked at No. 8 on the Hot Country Songs chart, extending Jennings' presence on the charts while showing his creative growth.
Overall, the album received favorable evaluations, with critics citing it as a necessary piece of Waylon Jennings' discography that marked a turning point in his profession. Hangin' On showcased a truly innovative artist who was starting to create his path in the evolving world of c and w, and its impact on the category can not be understated.
Conclusion
Hangin' On stands as a testimony to Waylon Jennings' decision to break devoid of the boundaries of the Nashville music scene and claim his rightful place as a trailblazing artist. Its unique mix of initial tunes and covers, integrated with a more distinct and assertive sound, laid the foundation for the legendary hooligan country design that Jennings would later cement his tradition.
Artist: Waylon Jennings
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