Search - Steve Young :: Honky Tonk Man

More than just honky tonk music

Roger Jönsson | Lund, Sweden | 09/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Young is probably one of the best and most influentual (yet least successful) American singer-songwriters ever. He blends the styles of folk, country, soul, blues and early rock'n'roll together like no other. His music is a vibrant picture of the American south. He has been called the first outlaw, and he was as important to the "country rock" era as Bob Dylan or Gram Parsons. Other artists like Waylon Jennings, Tom Russell and most recently Dolly Parton have covered his songs, and recognized his greatness, but in his own career he has faced only a limited, but devoted audience. His recent album "Primal Young" was a welcome return to form after many years in the wilderness, but it's his first five albums that I would recommend if you want to hear him at his peak. And this may be the best of them all. The title should not be taken as a declaration of musical content, because this is an extremly varied collection of songs. There is folk (Rock, Salt And Nails), bluegrass (Sally Goodin, White Trash Song), blues (Brain Cloudy Blues) straight honky tonk (title track) and even a contemporary rock classic (The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down). The arrangements vary from minimal to full-bodied acoustic country. Steve is a superb guitar picker and on some live tracks, like the haunting "Travelin' Kind", he can be heard all by himself. His voice is also remarkable; deep, strong and passionate. In his own compositions, especially the majestic soul number "Alabama Highway" he seems to me like America's answer to Van Morrison. And when you hear him pour out all of his his soul in Hank William's "Ramblin' Man" you'll understand why Waylon Jennings had this to say about Steve Young: "If he gets any better I'll kill him."
A Steve Young record is essential to any serious country collection and if you want an original album this would be an excellent choice. The collection from the Australian label Raven, "Lonesome On'ry And Mean", is also a good starting point."