The collection of artists on this record is interesting.

I’m not sure who chose the artists (Shooter and Jessi?), but after looking at each there is a commonality among them that creates a bond with the star of the record.

Each artist that covers Waylon on this record has been criticized at some point for being too far outside the Nashville norm. Take for example, Justin Moore. The current country star wasn’t given a chance by many execs in Nashville because his voice was too country or even too twangy.

Crazy right?

Now, Justin is riding on a string of hits and his fans love him. It would be easy to see Justin Moore having a sustained career with upwards of 20 or more charting hits.

The same is true for many other artists here. They don’t do what is considered normal in country. They broke the mold just a little bit in country and that’s what connects them with Waylon.

Waylon was of course one of the original outlaws that changed things for the better in country music. There aren’t many times in music when things change so much, but it’s interesting to see a the collection of a few small outcasts here as they pay their tributes to the legendary difference maker.

Waylon: The Music Inside Volume II

The record sounds just as a Waylon fan would want it to sound.

There is attitude, emotion and passion with each song. The likes of today’s biggest stars and outcasts give life to these classic tracks. It’s also good to hear a few from the gals in the bunch including Jessi Colter. She sounds good and so does today’s artist, Jewel.

The songs are sharp. The production is neat, but with an edge. It sounds like a Waylon record.

Great job by everyone involved from the artists to the sound engineers and producers.

1. Lonesome, On’ry and Mean – Dierks Bentley

Dierks gets things kicked off. The guy has been on an interesting path the last couple years, but he’s been back at the top of the charts now and seems to be ready for another long run of success. He also does a great job on any song he covers including this Waylon classic.

2. Waymore’s Blues – Hank Williams Jr.

You gotta have Hank on the record. The man is his own and he truly does well on this song. Legend.

3. Good Ol’ Boys – Montgomery Gentry

What a great track. This is the the best two minutes in country history. I guess it’s also one of the best known TV themes in history as well. Troy and Eddie lay down a cool groove and do it justice. Great song that will never die.

4. I Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This – Justin Moore

Great song. Great artist. Justin Moore has won me over as a fan in recent months. The guy has been criticized and yet all he does is put out music that his fans love. This is a great song for him to cover. He could release this and it would be a huge hit. Simply a great combination song and artist although you’ll never top the original version.

5. Bob Wills Is Still The King – Jack Ingram

I’m not sure where Jack Ingram has been the past few years. He’s got an interesting voice for a country singer; always has. The guy is cool and interesting. He’s had a few hits out there, but it’s been awhile since he was on the charts. Now he’s making a great appearance here with a tribute to the ultimate Nashville outcast.

6. Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line – Colt Ford

If there is one person today that should be on this record it is Colt Ford. There is no one further outside the current Nashville landscape that Colt. The man is a country rapper and he’s really making it work. He hasn’t been on the mainstream side of things, but damn is he close. Colt has a huge fanbase and he’s only getting bigger each year. I love his take on this track. Some won’t like it, but get over yourself. This is classic outlaw.

7. Rainy Day Woman – Pat Green

It’s good to hear from Pat Green again. He had his moment in the spotlight with mainstream country and then sort of retreated back this home in Texas where he’s much loved in the Texas country scene. It was never really Pat’s thing to fit in with mainstream although he certainly had the talent and the songs to succeed. He belongs on this record for being just on the outside by doing his own thing. This is one of my favorite Waylon songs too so this one gets an extra credit mark in my book.

8. Love of the Common People – Josh Thompson

In the video interviews about this record it was Josh Thompson that really stood out. He speaks of how much Waylon influenced him and it’s easy to believe what he’s saying. Some artist will name drop in their songs and in interviews and it’s not always easy to believe them. With Josh, you really feel like Waylon had an impact on who he is as an artist. Josh does a great job on this record. The man can sing an outlaw country song. He fits the genre with sound and purpose to perfection.

9. Mama – Jessi Colter

Waylon’s late partner, Jessi, still sounds great. She was there for most of his life in the spotlight. She supported him when he was up and when he was down. It’s great to see and hear her involvement on this album. From a song standpoint, this is a strong song. It’s something special. You can’t find emotion like this on many records these days.

10. Dreaming My Dreams With You – Jewel

Every record needs a soft edge. Jewel brings that element to this record. Her voice is so angelic and sweet. This is a great song with an interesting take on one of the interesting songs in the Waylon collection. I think this is one of the surprise hits on the entire record and worth the price alone.

11. A Long Time Ago – Wyatt McCubbin

This is a great way to end the record. I’ve never heard of Wyatt McCubbin. With the help of the song he sounds like a guy straight out of the ’70s. The song is great. I love this kind of song. It’s mean. It has attitude and it just has a cool edge to it. I love it.