Customer Reviews

The Great Divide

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(26)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I purchased this album without hearing a track off of it, just because it's by country legend Willie Nelson. When I popped it into the system and gave it a couple listens,I decided to let you people out there know what you get. Rob Thomas, wrote 3 songs, 2 of which are Maria and Won't Catch Me Crying. The dude that writes for Elton John, Bernie Taupin co-wrote 3 songs. Willie only wrote one song, the title track, but it is a good one. The collaborations with Sheryl Crow and Brian McKnight offer positive messages. The Kid Rock track features good vocals from him, recalling his performance of "Only God Knows Why". Leeann Womack is also in fine voice on her duet with Willie. I would have like the closing track with Bonnie Raitt more if she and Willie flashed some guitar exchange. Willie offers another version of Just Dropped In, which features more studio tinkering than the version on 2001's Rainbow Connection. Overall, 10 songs out of the 12 are worth a listen. This is better than Rainbow Connection and Milk Cow Blues. I hope he releases the collaboration he has been working on with The Wailers. They should have included the wonderful song Bono of U2 wrote for him, "Slow Dancing" on this release.For more recent Willie, check out the great 1998 session: Teatro, and for a more countryfied release get 2000's Me and the Drummer.

A number of critics have heralded this album as an attempt for Willie to break into the pop music world. True, Willie has not had many Top 40 hits lately, but back in the late 70's and early 80's he was pop (or rather pop decided that Willie was okay). A number of critics have also said that this attempt is an unwise move on Willie's part. I think Willie's reached an age where he doesn't really give a hoot 'n hell what anyone thinks about his musical choices (as if he ever did). That aside, I think the album is pretty good; it's certainly better than last year's Rainbow Connection--which did have its charm. The sound of the album is very polished and "The Great Divide" does stand out as one song that is close to the classic stripped down Willie style. However, I don't think this is a bad thing. "Just Dropped In" is rendered better on this album than RC's version--some songs just need a big sound. It is a trip to hear Willie sing a Cyndia Lauper tune, but he is God afterall, so it works. I was surprised at the number of Bernie Taupin songs (hence the title of this review), and equally surpirsed how good they were. Maybe Bernie should take a leave from Elton and move to Austin for a spell. I seem to be rambling. In any case, I think this album is his best album since Teatro, but not quite as good. A thoroughly entertaining and lively album. I had originally given the album three stars, but as I overlook what I have written, I'll give him another star. I may not be the best critic to listen to since I am a bit biased towards the man (he and James Joyce fight for possession of my soul every day of my life--Willie wins today since I just got this album; however, Jimmy might win out tomorrow if I reread the "Circe" episode for my thesis as planned). In any case, if you are the type of person who thinks Willie Nelson advised Prince Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita you will enjoy this album.

Listen people, its time to get some things straight. First of all, be your own judge when making decisions about this record. This is not Stardust. When Willie is ready for that kinda recording again he will make it known. This album is pure with intent and it is straight from his heart as usual. I was first dismayed by the reviews I read here. I thought, "damn", he sold out. But I had not even listened to any songs yet. This is a GREAT album. One that is to be revered for a long time. In the wake of all the tradgedy in the world, this guy has what it takes to offer so much happiness to his fans and newbies. Second of all, I would not have asked him to change anything on this album. It is rich with new ideas and you will be able to see he is a very focused individual. The more an entertainer grows with music, the more they will reach out and expand on what they have already done. I sincerely ask you all to give this a try. I think the highlight song is "You Remain" with Bonnie Riatt. Moreover, listen to the messages in each song because music is so universal. It gives us a piece of the entertainers heart. That is something you can hold onto forever.

But I just was not taken with this album. It sounds, to me, not pop in the radio-pop sense, but like adult contemporary pop: bland and soulless at times. In other words, much of it sounds more like the living room than a juke joint off an open road. It's the drums and the background vocals that bother me. My least favorite has to be the opening track, too Rob Thomas-y. That said, Thomas' Recollection Phoenix is one of the best tracks, one that compensates for some of the others. The Kid Rock duo was relieving, except towards the end when Kid Rock starts to sound like a honky-tonk Rod Stewart. I was disappointed with Time After Time; his off-rhythm singing seems almost calculated and unnatural compared to the usual loose style that we love him for. Best song, of course, is the title track (for which I purchased this album).

An overall ambivalent album. But the title track and Recollection Phoenix are outstanding, and there are more good songs in there. Worth buying if you already like Willie, but for those who are new, don't let this album be an introduction to the man since it's not his best.

In country music, one name stands above all others: Willie Nelson. While not a huge Willie fan, I've always admired the man, for he has such a talent for bringing a song to life. And "The Great Divide" is no exception.

I won't waste time telling you which songs were my favorites, for you are not me. I will tell you, however, that you are in for a treat. Rob Thomas, Sheryl Crow, and Bonnie Rait show themselves for harmony duets, blending their voices well with Willie's. Lee Ann Womack, Kid Rock, and Brian McKnight go for the full-fledged thing--bringing to life tales of gunslingers, lost loves, and hope. Willie redoes the old Kenny Rogers rock'n'roll song "Just Dropped In..." and goes entirely country on the title track and "This Face," a wonderful ballad about aging. "Maria," "Last Stand," "Be There For You," and "Time After Time" keep the album's upbeat going, while "Mendocino County Line", "Won't Catch Me Crying," "Don't Fade Away," "Recollection Phoenix", and "You Remain" provide a gentler, quieter side.

With all the talent on this CD (with Willie, of course, being the most prominent) this is one divide you should not step across. Take the time to pick it up and listen to it...who knows, you just may have a good time, Heaven forbid!

I've been anticipating the release of this Willie album for quite some time now. After a release date change (The Great Divide was originally to be released last year) it's finally here, and all I have is one question: What's the point here? By the end of the first track, "Maria (Shut Up & Kiss Me)", it's clear that the listener is in for a lesson in what greatly exaggerated production sounds like. A horn section, backing voices, pedal-steel, Willie's guitar, and a whistle (among others) all struggle to heard in the entanglement as the song winds down. This pretty much sets the pace for the rest of this very uneasy, unassured record. It's desultory sound tries desperatley to pinpoint a single string of semblance, but fails at any attempt at uniform or theme. Pedal-steel wanders aimlessly throughout; Mickey Raphael's trademark harmonica searches hopelessly to find a home, sounding lost whenever it appears; percussive sound effects suddenly appear out of nowhere and out of context, lending nothing but annoyance when they do appear. An orchestra even swells on "This Face", and pointlessly on this simply track. Kid Rock's too-strained vocal (otherwise not a bad vocalist in the past) and Willie's ill-attempt are both buried under the heavy guitar of "Last Stand In Open Country". Perhaps a much more understated instrumental setting and a pointed rap about the homeland from Rock would have fared much more effectively. And he isn't the only guest who's lost in the mix. By the end of the last track I found myself wondering where all those big names were. Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow are reduced to barely audible backing vocalists. Brian McKnight and Willie sound wonderful together, but with its dramatic melody, the dated ballad on which they duet sounds like an 80's piece more suitable for Willie and Julio--one they may have even passed on. Two highly capable interpreters of ballads are wasted. Maybe there'll be a next time. Some really terrific songs do pepper this collection, however, it's just finding them under Matt Serletic's masterbatory production skills that tired this listener out. If it's Willie's extreme apt for broadening the lines of country--or stepping outside them altogether--that you're hoping to find here, this is no Teatro, no Night & Day, no Stardust, no Across The Boderline. Unfortunately, sit this one out.

I am not a dyed in the wool country music fan. But I am a Willie Nelson fan. I grew up listening to Willie as my mother had fallen in love with his voice when he first came out on the radio. He has the kind of voice I love, even more so when he sings a ballad. I am also a fan of Rob Thomas, Sheryl Crow, and Bonnie Raitt, so this album was especially appealing.

I bought this cd when it first came out and keep it in my car and listen to it quite often while driving to and from work. This is a very good album, especially when you are alone and can really listen to the music and the lyrics. The contributions of Bernie Taupin, Matt Serletic, and the three songs by Rob Thomas make this cd very special, with Willie then taking these wonderful songs and making them his own.

My favorite songs are Maria, Be There for You, Won't Catch me Crying, You Remain, Recollection Phoenix, and the surprise Time After Time. I find the duo with Kid Rock growing on me, but for my money, Just Dropped In could have been left off the cd completely. But then, how many albums can you say you love 100%? This one comes pretty darn close!

This album has great material, great performances, and is exquisitely produced. My favorite song is "Maria", an upbeat song written and co-sung by Rob Thomas. [Reminded me slightly of Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard".] THis song is catchy, fun, and the vocals of Willie and Rob are fantastic. Rob contributed two other excellent slower songs - "Won't Catch Me Cryin" and "Recollection Phoenix" - beautiful, melancholy wistful ballads, both depicting emotions of a relationship.

THe other collaborations with Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack, Bonnie Raitt, and Brian McKnight are all enjoyable to listen to. Willie shines in the more poetic and life-assessing musical moments, such as "Recollection Phoenix". Matt Serletic did a fantastic job of producing all the music on this album, with tasteful orchestrations to enhance where appropriate.

THis is a great album. Willie really shows his diversity in these different styles. And his expertise in choosing great people to collaborate with, especially the excellence in songwriting and vocals by Rob Thomas.

WHen musicians get older, they usually go downhill and sound...well, old. I had begun to think that age had finally overtaken Willie Nelson a few years ago, since his CD's just didn't seem to have much spark, and while the musicianship was competent it just never sounded ''inspired''. His 1998 release, 'Teatro', was the lone exception during the 1990's.

SO, my expectations had been somewhat lowered in anticipation of this CD. Frankly, I was thrilled when Willie Nelson violated all expectations and put out one of the best "country & western" CD's in years. Except that it's not actually County & Western. It's more of a folk/blues CD. Nelson tries rock/pop material, and has mixed success, but his blues & folk songs here are the ones that work best.

The title cut gets better upon repeat listenings. If this CD has a central flaw it is that there are are too many collaborations that seem experimental. The Lee Ann Womack duet (Mendocino COunty Line) is truly sublime, but "Kid Rock" adds nothing to his tune (Last Stand in Open County). The biggest surprise is 'Time After Time', a song originally recorded by Cyndi Lauper in the mid 1980's. Neslon's re-interpretation makes one wonder if Lauper would consider a new mix of her old hit at some point. Several songs here also seem to have benefitted from the input of Elton John's collaborator in chief, Bernie Taupin.

If you think that most Country & Western radio today is "velveeta music" (cheesy and synthetic), then you'll just fall in love with theis CD. It draws its tunes and arrangements from a rich mix of mainly folk, blues, country -- with touches from other genres mixed in.

This is a CD that ''goes back to the roots'' in many ways: several old songs are resurrected, and the production is very sparse by today's standards. No obvioulsy digitized voices, no synthetic harmonies, no electronically re-created or re-processed instrumentals. Just willie & his friends. In short: this is the real thing.

Even though it's 2002, this CD sounds like a return to the days of itinerant Country singers who played in smnoke filled honky tonks, and bars (before those Politically Correct air-fascists banned smoking just about everywhere).

If you like digitized Pepsi-pop-stars, boy bands, velveeta and other cheesy synthetics, then this may not be your choice. But if you love ''real music'' by real music men, then this CD is a keeper.

With this album or any from this master is only to look at it from song to song. Overall this album has more of a country feel as opposed to milk cow blues and the rainbow connection. Still it is incredible. The best I would say would have to be "This Face", which really helps one appreciate aging. The album has an overall feel of optimism and at the same time loss. All that is encompased in a life. The cover of Cyndi Laupers time after time is another landmark. The title track which I think is about a life cycle in general or the coming and going of lovers. I have only heard it 2 times and its really growing on me more after each listen. A master work from a master. The guests sdd little to most of the tracks I would have prefered willie took them on alone.