What makes Cowboy Songs by Michael Martin Murphey notable?

This album is significant for its role in reviving interest in traditional cowboy songs during the early '90s, a time when country music was increasingly dominated by pop influences. 'Cowboy Songs' resonated with both critics and fans, leading to a resurgence of Western music's popularity and influencing subsequent artists interested in traditional Americana. By 1990, Michael Martin Murphey was well-established in the country music scene but sought to revisit his roots with 'Cowboy Songs.' This album marked a return to his Western heritage after several successful albums in mainstream country. It followed his previous work, which included hit singles that had broadened his appeal beyond traditional country audiences.

Who is Cowboy Songs for?

Cowboy Songs works well if you're into heartfelt storytelling of cowboy life, steady pacing for reflective moments and narrative flow through traditional tunes.

How many songs are on Cowboy Songs?

Cowboy Songs has 21 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Cowboy Songs

Michael Martin Murphey · 1990

66 min · 21 tracks · country

A heartfelt homage to the American cowboy, blending traditional tunes with Murphey's evocative storytelling.

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Why this album works

This album is significant for its role in reviving interest in traditional cowboy songs during the early '90s, a time when country music was increasingly dominated by pop influences. 'Cowboy Songs' resonated with both critics and fans, leading to a resurgence of Western music's popularity and influencing subsequent artists interested in traditional Americana.

Best for: heartfelt storytelling of cowboy life steady pacing for reflective moments narrative flow through traditional tunes
Context: By 1990, Michael Martin Murphey was well-established in the country music scene but sought to revisit his roots with 'Cowboy Songs.' This album marked a return to his Western heritage after several successful albums in mainstream country. It followed his previous work, which included hit singles that had broadened his appeal beyond traditional country audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: No Doubt· Christina Aguilera· Harry Nilsson· Prince· Cher· Madonna· Donna Summer· Sparks

Tracklist

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

1 Cowboy Logic 3:35
2 I Ride an Old Paint / Whoopee Ti-Yi-Yo, Git Along Little Doggies 3:01
3 Tumbling Tumbleweeds 2:20
4 Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail Standout 3:06
5 The Old Chisholm Trail Standout 4:46
6 Home on the Range Standout 3:31
7 What Am I Doing Here 3:02
8 Wild Ripplin’ Waters 1:47
9 The Yellow Rose of Texas 3:00
10 Spanish Is the Lovin’ Tongue 5:40
11 Cowboy Pride 2:51
12 Red River Valley 3:30
13 Let the Cowboy Dance 3:01
14 Jack of Diamonds 1:13
15 Texas Rangers 3:21
16 When the Work’s All Done This Fall 3:18
17 The Streets of Laredo 4:06
18 O Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie 3:02
19 Where Do Cowboys Go When They Die / Reincarnation 3:42
20 Goodbye Old Paint 2:13
21 Happy Trails 2:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

Cowboy Christmas: Cowboy Songs II

1991

Go back to

Land of Enchantment

1989

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