Hangin' On
Waylon Jennings · 1968
27 min · 12 tracks · country music
A blend of traditional country and rockabilly infused with heartfelt storytelling and a touch of rebellion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hangin’ On Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Gentle on My Mind — This track stands out with its lush arrangement and poignant lyrics, capturing the essence of longing and heartache that resonates throughout the album.
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Woman, Don’t You Ever Laugh at Me — The song's raw emotion and vulnerability showcase Jennings' ability to convey deep personal struggles, making it a cornerstone of his narrative style.
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The Chokin’ Kind — With its melancholic melody and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies Jennings' mastery of storytelling through song, further establishing his artistry.
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 rockabilly, showcasing Jennings' storytelling while contributing to the outlaw country movement.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo title track that sets a laid-back tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat rockabilly rhythms and slower ballads.
- Several tracks feature prominent steel guitar and piano, creating a rich texture that complements Jennings' vocal delivery.
- The sequencing includes a cover of 'Gentle on My Mind' positioned as the seventh track, which serves as a pivotal moment in the album's flow.
- 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
- quick bursts of heartfelt storytelling
- light-hearted moments for casual listening
- ideal for sing-alongs with friends
- nostalgic reflections on love lost
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of lengthy compositions
- prefer polished, studio productions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Helped establish Waylon's voice in outlaw country, gaining wider recognition.
- Themes
- outlaw country spirit· heartbreak in bars· resilience in love
- Career context
- Released as Waylon Jennings' third studio album in January 1968, Hangin' On came at a time when he was solidifying his unique voice in the evolving country music landscape. Following his previous album, Folk-Country, this record showcased Jennings' shift towards the outlaw country style that would define his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard
Tracklist
- 1 Hangin’ On Start here 2:17
- 2 Julie 2:23
- 3 The Crowd 2:32
- 4 Let Me Talk to You 2:09
- 5 Woman, Don’t You Ever Laugh at Me 2:17
- 6 The Chokin’ Kind 2:23
- 7 Gentle on My Mind 2:04
- 8 Right Before My Eyes 2:00
- 9 Lock, Stock and Teardrops 2:43
- 10 I Fall in Love So Easily 2:05
- 11 Looking at a Heart That Needs a Home 2:25
- 12 How Long Have You Been There 2:34
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Shares the outlaw spirit and raw storytelling of life’s struggles and resilience.
Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson
Features heartfelt narratives and a blend of country rock with an introspective edge.
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Combines traditional country sounds with themes of heartbreak and personal rebellion.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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