Album: Only the Greatest

Introduction
"Only the best" is an album by American country vocalist Waylon Jennings, launched in 1967 by RCA Victor. This was Jennings' third album and includes 10 tracks, featuring both original tunes and covers of popular country tunes. The production of the album was generally handled by Chet Atkins and Danny Davis, who were known for producing the "Nashville Sound"-- a smooth, polished, and orchestrated style that dominated the c and w scene in the 1960s. Regardless of Jennings' later track record as an outlaw in the category, "Only the Greatest" shows a more conventional, country-pop sound.

Background
Prior to taping "Only the Greatest", Waylon Jennings had launched two albums-- "Waylon at JD's" (1964) and "Folk-Country" (1966). Jennings' early career had a hard time for success, and he did not have any significant hits prior to this album. The singer's growing disappointment with the Nashville Sound production design and his desire for artistic freedom would later on lead to the development of the Outlaw Country motion in the 1970s, together with fellow country artists such as Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard. "Only the best", nevertheless, showcases a young Jennings complying with the mellow and popular sound of the age.

Tracks and Notable Songs
The album consists of 10 tracks, with five songs on each side, incorporating a mix of ballads and uptempo nation tunes. Some of the standout tracks from the album consist of:

1. Just Daddy That'll Walk the Line - A timeless Waylon Jennings hit, this uptempo tune became one of his signature tunes. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and has actually because been covered by various artists. The tune tells the story of a man who wants to do anything for his family, even at personal expense.

2. Stroll on Out of My Mind - Written by Red Lane, this ballad includes Jennings singing about a stopping working relationship where both partners understand it's over but neither is willing to make the very first transfer to end it.

3. Yours Love - A cover of a tune initially composed by Harlan Howard and taped by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Jennings includes his distinctive vocal design to the already gorgeous song about everlasting love.

4. Beautiful Anabel Lee - A haunting ballad penned by Jennings himself, motivated by Edgar Allan Poe's poem "Annabel Lee". The song informs the tragic story of a lover grieving his late sweetheart, Anabel Lee.

5. Such a Waste of Love - Another uptempo track, this one finds Jennings singing about the futility of clinging onto a love that is gone, and how it's simply a waste of love and life.

Reception and Legacy
"Only the best" did not chart as an album, but marked the start of Waylon Jennings' chart success with singles "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line" and "Walk on Out of My Mind" arriving 5 on Billboard's country songs chart. Although it did not have a considerable commercial effect nor develop Jennings as an outlaw right now, this album stays a crucial part of his discography and the development of his unique style.

In the years that followed, Jennings would break free from the restrictions of the Nashville Sound and end up being a leading figure in the Outlaw Country motion. However, "Only the best" acts as a suggestion of his modest starts and his ability to adapt to different designs throughout his profession.