In Brief

There are two reasons to celebrate the first country album ever from Chris Blackwell’s tastemaker Island Records, home of Bob Marley and U2. First, the key songs in this spiritually tinged concept album about heartbreak and loss represent Nelson’s best work in years. Plus, the fact that Blackwell would respond to the universality and character in Nelson’s music may be recommendation enough for even fans who profess to dislike country music to finally sample this extraordinarily gifted singer, writer and guitarist.

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good), four stars (excellent).

*

* TimesLine 808-8463

To hear excerpts from the albums reviewed, call TimesLine and press * and the artist’s corresponding four-digit code.

Willie Nelson *5721

In 805 area code, call (818) 808-8463.