What makes 10 by Asleep at the Wheel notable?

This album is significant for its contribution to the resurgence of Western swing music in the 1980s, showcasing a style that influenced many contemporary country artists. It received critical acclaim and helped maintain Asleep at the Wheel's presence in the country music scene during a time when mainstream tastes were shifting. Released in 1987, '10' was Asleep at the Wheel's sixth studio album, following their Grammy-winning project 'Still the One'. At this point in their career, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers of the Western swing revival, blending traditional country sounds with contemporary influences.

10 works well if you're into lively tunes for social gatherings, short bursts of infectious energy and steady rhythm for casual listening.

How many songs are on 10?

10 has 10 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

10

Asleep at the Wheel · 1987

30 min · 10 tracks · country music

A buoyant mix of Western swing and honky-tonk rhythms, infused with playful storytelling and vibrant instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Way Down Texas Way — The opening track sets an upbeat tone with its infectious melody and vivid imagery of Texas life, embodying the album's spirit.
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Boogie Back to Texas — This track combines lively rhythms with a nostalgic longing for home, capturing the essence of the band's celebration of Texan culture.
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Blues Stay Away From Me — A heartfelt rendition of a classic blues song, it showcases the band's ability to blend genres while highlighting their musical versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant instrumentation with playful storytelling, reflecting its role in reviving Western swing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a lively track that sets a brisk tempo, maintaining an upbeat energy through the first half before introducing slower songs in the latter part.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

lively tunes for social gatherings
short bursts of infectious energy
steady rhythm for casual listening
for road trip soundtracks

Maybe skip if you

seekers of long, introspective pieces
fans of slow, brooding sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1987, '10' was Asleep at the Wheel's sixth studio album, following their Grammy-winning project 'Still the One'. At this point in their career, they had solidified their reputation as pioneers of the Western swing revival, blending traditional country sounds with contemporary influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Riders in the Sky· The Time Jumpers· Dale Watson

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Way Down Texas Way 2:39
2 Tulsa Straight Ahead 2:10
3 Coast to Coast 3:08
4 House of Blue Lights 3:08
5 Blowin’ Like a Bandit 2:22
6 I Want a New Drug 3:45
7 Big Foot Stomp 3:36
8 Boogie Back to Texas 3:19
9 String of Pars 3:10
10 Blues Stay Away From Me 2:52

What to play next

Listen next

Western Standard Time

1988

Go back to

Pasture Prime

1985

Full Asleep at the Wheel discography Where to start with Asleep at the Wheel Artists like Asleep at the Wheel

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata