Good Hearted Woman
Waylon Jennings · 1972
28 min · 10 tracks · country music
A blend of traditional country storytelling with rock-infused rhythms and an outlaw attitude that defined a generation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Good Hearted Woman Start here — This title track exemplifies Jennings' signature storytelling style, blending heartfelt lyrics with a catchy melody to create a timeless classic.
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Willie and Laura Mae Jones — The song narrates a poignant story about love and loss with vivid imagery, showcasing Jennings’ ability to convey deep emotions through simple yet powerful language.
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To Beat the Devil — This introspective track stands out for its contemplative lyrics about the struggles of success and personal demons, marking a reflective moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional country with rock elements, showcasing Jennings' outlaw persona and solidifying his influence in the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong title track that features a prominent guitar riff, setting a confident tone for the rest of the record.
- Several tracks incorporate backing vocals that harmonize with Jennings' lead, adding depth to the storytelling.
- The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a steady rhythm while others shift to more upbeat rock-infused styles.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady flow of heartfelt stories
- for short listening breaks
- nostalgic reflections on love
- engaging narratives with raw emotion
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive experiences
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Jennings' role in the outlaw country movement after Honky Tonk Heroes.
- Themes
- outlaw country rebellion· small-town love stories· life's temptations
- Career context
- Released in 1972, Good Hearted Woman was Waylon Jennings' follow-up to the groundbreaking album Honky Tonk Heroes. This record solidified his role as a leading figure in the outlaw country movement, showcasing his unique sound and rebellious spirit during a pivotal moment in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard
Tracklist
- 1 Good Hearted Woman Start here 3:00
- 2 Same Old Lover Man 2:48
- 3 One of My Bad Habits 2:14
- 4 Willie and Laura Mae Jones 2:57
- 5 It Should Be Easier Now 3:05
- 6 Do No Good Woman 2:11
- 7 Unsatisfied 2:50
- 8 I Knew You'd Be Leavin' 2:43
- 9 Sweet Dream Woman 2:59
- 10 To Beat the Devil 4:04
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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