Habits Old and New
Hank Williams Jr. · 1980
35 min · 10 tracks · blues
A blend of honky-tonk rhythms and Southern rock grit, capturing the essence of Americana with a rebellious spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dinosaur — This track uniquely critiques the changing landscape of country music while showcasing Williams' signature blend of humor and nostalgia. Its witty lyrics and catchy melody made it an anthem for fans feeling disconnected from contemporary trends.
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The Blues Man — This poignant ballad reflects on loneliness and resilience, illustrating Williams' storytelling prowess. It encapsulates themes of heartache that resonate deeply in both country and blues traditions.
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Old Habits Start here — The title track explores themes of addiction and longing, revealing a vulnerability that adds depth to the album. Its blend of traditional instrumentation with modern storytelling exemplifies Williams' unique artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends honky-tonk and Southern rock effectively, showcasing Williams Jr.'s emerging identity.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong honky-tonk rhythm in 'Old Habits', setting a lively pace that continues through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Dinosaur' and 'The Blues Man' feature prominent guitar solos that emphasize Southern rock influences.
- The final track, 'If You Don't Like Hank Williams', serves as a defiant closing statement, contrasting with the more reflective themes of earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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 mid-tempo storytelling flow
- for afternoon drives
- nostalgic reflections on life
- sing-along moments with friends
- vibrant energy for gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced listening experiences
- seek experimental soundscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Hank Williams Jr.'s reputation in outlaw country.
- Themes
- personal demons· changing country landscape· traditional blues influence
- Career context
- By 1980, Hank Williams Jr. was transitioning from his father's shadow to a distinct identity in country music, making 'Habits Old and New' his fifth studio album. This release followed the commercial success of 'Family Tradition' and solidified his status as a leading figure in the outlaw country movement. His sound evolved to incorporate Southern rock influences, reflecting both personal and musical growth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waylon Jennings· Lynyrd Skynyrd· Johnny Paycheck
Tracklist
- 1 Old Habits Start here 3:03
- 2 Dinosaur 3:19
- 3 Kaw-Liga 4:25
- 4 Here I Am Fallin' Again 3:39
- 5 The Blues Man 4:21
- 6 All in Alabama 4:03
- 7 The American Way 3:07
- 8 Move It on Over 3:07
- 9 Won't It Be Nice 3:10
- 10 If You Don't Like Hank Williams 2:51
What to play next
Rowdy
1981
Continues the honky-tonk and Southern rock vibe with a rebellious edge.
Family Tradition
1979
Sets the stage for the themes of rebellion and authenticity in 'Habits Old and New'.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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