Tossing Salt Presents:
Music Review:
Waylon: Songbird
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

A new album by Waylon Jennings, in 2025. Really? Well, it’s true, and I just finished listening. The album is called Waylon: Songbird, and guess what? It’s good. Very good.

Ten previously unreleased tracks recorded by Waylon and his band, The Waylors, between 1973 and 1984, but for whatever reason, were never released as part of an album and were left on the cutting room floor, until now. But luckily for us, Waylon’s son, Shooter Jennings, rediscovered all of these forgotten recordings, realized what a lost treasure he had discovered, and here we are.

And truly a treasure this is. From the first song, a cover of Christie McVie’s Songbird, to a cover of Johnny Cash’s After the Ball, and everything in between, Waylon took these songs and made them his own. The band is sharp, the voice is strong and clear, and this is pure Waylon at his best.

Even bad Waylon, if there was such a thing, is better than 98% of the stuff that passes for music these days, but this isn’t bad. It’s like a trip back in time to see Waylon, raw and having the time of his life, recording with his friends, and inviting us along for the ride. Listening to this, it just feels right, and real, and good. The music, the gritty voice, touched parts of my soul that I thought had vanished and disappeared forever.

The bottom line is this. If you liked Waylon, this album will bring a warm touch to your heart and soul. And if you don’t really know Waylon, but like good, real music that isn’t overly fake or overproduced, this album will work for you and be a fitting introduction to one of the best. Ratings? That’s subjective, but it works in every way for me. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed. After all, there are singers, legends, icons, and great entertainers. And above them all, there is Waylon. ‘Nuff said!

Ubuntu!