The Wolf

Shooter Jennings

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 23, 2007)
• Original Release Date: October 23, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Universal South
• ASIN: B000W7Y1UQ
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,305 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It begins with an eerie bit of original autobiography called "This Ol' Wheel," as Jennings, invoking the same no-frills sound of his earlier albums, barrels through a collection of largely self-penned numbers. He invokes the waltz-tempos his dad used so effectively on "Old Friend," creatively punctuated with pedal steel and Mariachi horns. "A Little More Time on You" remains the simplest sort of country lament, even with the R&B horns. He takes another interesting detour with a rough-edged, decidedly countrified remake of Dire Straits' "Walk of Life," a tune so identified with that band and Mark Knopfler that it's difficult to imagine someone else tackling it. While Jennings doesn't surpass the original, his rendition is both effective and unique. The more pensive "Concrete Cowboys" and slicker "Blood From a Stone" is as close as he has (and likely will) come to smoothing his sound. It's true that Shooter hasn't achieved stardom close to Waylon's. Yet he's cultivated an audience by ignoring Nashville's smarmy trendiness and carving his own niche. Come to think of it, that's also what Waylon did. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just can't find no shelter for the wolf..., October 23, 2007

By	DanD - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Shooter Jennings is one of the true outlaws of today's musical scene. His albums are a unique blend of country--both slick and traditional--rock, and blues. THE WOLF is Jennings's third studio effort, and it continues his tradition of playing by his own rules.

The only problem is this: Shooter isn't about to let you forget that he's Waylon's son. On the opening track, he sings of listening to his dad and Johnny Cash. You get a Hank reference latter. On "A Matter of Time," one of the album's highlights, he affects a quirky Waylon growl that makes you think, for just a moment, that you've discovered a brand new Waylon song. What Jennings is doing isn't original; but since he's the son of the man who started it all, we can forgive him. We can even forgive him for referencing his father every third or fourth song; after all, odds are that you're a Waylon fan and enjoy the referenes as much as Shooter seems to enjoy dropping them.

And besides--his albums stand on their own. THE WOLF is a great country/rock record, no doubt. Shooter's lyrics aren't of the highest caliber, but they don't have to be; these are honest rock songs, done more of a country bent than perhaps they deserve. He sings of music, drugs, women, heartache, pride...things that underly the very best country and rock have to offer. If you want proof that country and rock aren't all that far apart, pick up a Shooter Jennings record. THE WOLF is as good a place as any to start. His father opened the doors, and Shooter strolls right on in and does his own thing. And, thank God, he's damned good at it.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wolf is great, October 23, 2007

By	Amanda Miller "am3661" (Madison, GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Shooter's new cd The Wolf is a great buy. This album delivers from beginning to end. This is NOt a cheesy album with 2 good songs. Put it in the cd player sit back and enjoy the ride. It may make you wish the drive were longer. I can't stop listening to it. I can't wait for the tour to promote this album. Shooter is even better live!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Shooter has potential, but hasn't yet realized it, August 31, 2008

By	Penny Nayme (Funkytown) - See all my reviews

I really wanted to like this album. I despise the direction country music has gone in during the last 25 or so years. Shooter is pointed in the right direction, but I think he has yet to define his own style. The songs were overall too eclectic both lyrically and musically, and didn't have the "stripped down/minimalist" sound I like to hear in alternative country. Some songs sound like overproduced country of today, some sound like old Waylon songs (can't help the comparison), some sounded like a whole new sound altogether (ex: This Ol Wheel). I think with a few more years and perhaps some good producing and writing, he could be great. He definitely has the pedigree.

Overall, the album is enjoyable, and I am looking forward to Shooter's next album. I think he has vast room for improvement. I hope he moves toward a more consistent, minimalist style.