Album: Music Man

Introduction
"Music Man" is the twelfth studio album by American country music artist Waylon Jennings, launched in 1980. The album was co-produced by Jennings together with Richie Albright, his long-time drummer and close friend. "Music Man" includes a variety of songs, consisting of some covers and originals, showcasing Jennings' distinct mix of country, rock, and criminal music.

Background and Production
Following the success of his previous albums in the 1970s, Jennings got in the recording studio in 1979 to record "Music Man". He had actually ended up being a leading figure in the criminal motion, which looked for to rebel versus the Nashville c and w establishment and assert higher innovative control for artists.

Jennings co-produced "Music Man" with Richie Albright, who played drums on the album, and turned over Albright with more of the production duties than usual. This permitted Jennings to focus more on his songwriting and singing. The album was tape-recorded at the Sound Labs, Inc. and Woodland Sound Studio in Nashville, Tennessee.

Track Listing and Critical Reception
"Music Man" consisted of ten tracks that showcased Jennings' varied musical style and his capability to reinterpret traditional songs while staying true to his outlaw roots.

1. "Clyde" (J.J. Cale) - A swampy, bluesy song written by J.J. Cale, featuring Jennings' gritty vocals.
2. "It's Alright" (Jennings) - A self-penned, positive country shuffle that handles the acceptance of life's struggles.
3. "Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys)" (Jennings) - The now-iconic signature tune from the hit television series, which charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
4. "Nashville Wimmin'" (Jack Tempchin) - A rock-infused track, showcasing Jennings' rebel personality and his disappointment with the Nashville music scene.
5. "Do It Again" (Walter Becker, Donald Fagen) - A cover of the Steely Dan tune which shows Jennings' love of rock music and his capability to incorporate it into his nation noise.
6. "Sweet Music Man" (Kenny Rogers) - An effective ballad by Kenny Rogers, in which Jennings' meaningful vocals take advantage of emotions of love and loss.
7. "Storms Never Last" (Jessi Colter) - A romantic duet with Jennings' wife, Jessi Colter, which reveals the strong bond and harmony between the couple.
8. "He Went to Paris" (Jimmy Buffett) - A reinterpretation of the Jimmy Buffett song, capturing Jennings' gratitude for storytelling and weaving it into a nation narrative.
9. "What About You" (Harlan Howard, Max D. Barnes) - A traditional nation tune, where Jennings questions the choices in his life and considers his future.
10. "Waltz Me to Heaven" (Wayland D. Holyfield) - A tender waltz that closes the album, showcasing the vulnerability in Jennings' voice and his capability to connect with listeners on a psychological level.

Upon its release, "Music Man" received widespread crucial acclaim, and many praised Jennings' distinctive style and his ability to embody the spirit of hooligan nation. The album peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Tradition
"Music Man" remains a display of Waylon Jennings' skill and a testament to his lasting effect on the world of country music. With its eclectic mix of initial tunes and covers, the album exhibits the spirit of hooligan nation and strengthens Jennings' track record as a leader and a legend in the category.