Cowboy in Sweden cover

Cowboy in Sweden

Lee Hazlewood · 1970

31 min · 11 tracks · country music

A wistful blend of country, pop, and cinematic soundscapes reflecting the spirit of an American outlaw in a foreign land.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Leather & Lace — This track captures Hazlewood's signature blend of melancholy and romance, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet poignant storytelling.
  • →
    Cold Hard Times — The song’s raw honesty about the struggles of life resonates deeply, with a haunting melody that emphasizes the weight of its lyrics.
  • →
    What's More I Don't Need Her — This track stands out for its clever wordplay and self-reflective nature, exemplifying Hazlewood's knack for blending humor with heartbreak.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album's rich orchestration and storytelling create a unique sound that stands out in the country genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestration with strings and horns that complement Hazlewood's deep, narrative vocal style.
  • Tracks often blend spoken word elements with traditional song structures, creating a cinematic feel.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • wistful storytelling with steady flow
  • for reflective afternoons
  • mid-tempo melodies for easy listening
  • evocative imagery of distant places

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1970, Lee Hazlewood was transitioning from his earlier work in mainstream country music to more experimental sounds. This album followed his successful collaboration with Nancy Sinatra and showcased his unique storytelling style, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Nancy Sinatra· Glen Campbell· Townes Van Zandt

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Pray Them Bars Away 2:37
  • 2 Leather & Lace 3:02
  • 3 Forget Marie 1:59
  • 4 Cold Hard Times 2:22
  • 5 The Night Before 3:12
  • 6 Hey Cowboy 3:17
  • 7 No Train to Stockholm 2:17
  • 8 For a Day Like Today 3:59
  • 9 Easy and Me 2:47
  • 10 What's More I Don't Need Her 3:29
  • 11 Vem Kan Segla 2:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata