Willie Nelson: The Five Essential Albums & Opinions on Kacey Musgraves
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into Willie Nelson’s vast catalog of 150+ albums. Along with author Geoffrey Himes, they highlight the “five essential” albums people should hear. They also review the latest album from Kacey Musgraves.
Middle of Nowhere Kacey Musgraves
Jim and Greg review the latest from country-pop artist Kacey Musgraves, “Middle of Nowhere.”
The Five Essential Willie Nelson Albums
Geoffrey Himes' book “Willie Nelson: All the Albums—The Stories Behind the Music” details all 152 albums that Willie has released as a solo act or as part of a group. We winnow that down to five essential albums.
The Five Essentials:
- Phases & Stages
- Sings Kristofferson
- Stardust
- Spirit
- Live at the U.S. Festival 1983
- Bonus: Most Underrated: Tougher than Leather
Featured Songs:
Willie Nelson, "Stardust," Stardust, Columbia, 1978
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
Kacey Musgraves, "Dry Spell," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026
Kacey Musgraves, "Middle of Nowhere," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026
Kacey Musgraves, "Horses and Divorces (featuring Miranda Lambert)," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026
Kacey Musgraves, "Uncertain, TX (featuring Willie Nelson)," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026
Willie Nelson, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," Red Headed Stranger, Columbia, 1975
Willie Nelson, "Phases and Stages (Theme) / Washing the Dishes," Phases and Stages, Atlantic, 1974
Willie Nelson, "Bloody Mary Morning," Phases and Stages, Atlantic, 1974
Willie Nelson, "Help Me Make It Through the Night," Sings Kristofferson, Columbia, 1979
Willie Nelson, "Georgia On My Mind," Stardust, Columbia, 1978
Willie Nelson, "I Guess I've Come to Live Here in Your Eyes," Spirit, Island, 1996
Willie Nelson, "On the Road Again (Live)," Live! At The US Festival (June 4, 1983), Shout! Factory, 1983
Willie Nelson, "Last Man Standing," Last Man Standing, Legacy, 2018
Willie Nelson, "Always on My Mind," Always on My Mind, Columbia, 1982
Gary Stewart, "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," Out of Hand, RCA Victor, 1975
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