How the West Was Won cover

How the West Was Won

Bing Crosby · 1960

83 min · 34 tracks · country · folk · jazz

A nostalgic journey through American folk traditions, blending Crosby's smooth crooning with vivid storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic storytelling with warmth
  • varied pacing for reflective moments
  • suitable for cozy gatherings
  • short tracks encourage exploration
  • smooth vocals invite sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer fast-paced, modern sounds
  • dislike traditional themes

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1960, Bing Crosby was a celebrated figure in music and film, transitioning from his peak career years of the 1940s and 1950s. 'How the West Was Won' marked a thematic shift, showcasing his affinity for American folk songs and Western narratives, following his successful collaborations in Hollywood musicals.
Stylistic neighbors
Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Dean Martin

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Shenandoah / Bound for the Promised Land 3:08
  • 2 En Roulant Ma Boule Roulant 1:10
  • 3 Lupita Divina 2:00
  • 4 The Sioux Indians 1:35
  • 5 Shenandoah 1:54
  • 6 Crossing the Plains 2:22
  • 7 Buffalo Boy 1:38
  • 8 Sweet Betsy From Pike 1:52
  • 9 Ox Driving Song 1:44
  • 10 Will You Go Out West With Me? 1:34
  • 11 Buffalo Gals 3:38
  • 12 All 'Pewtrified'/Will You Come to the Bower 3:41
  • 13 Green Grow the Lilacs 4:23
  • 14 What Was Your Name in the States? 3:02
  • 15 When I Went Off to Prospect 4:15
  • 16 Old Settler's Song 4:21
  • 17 Drill Ye Tarriers Drill 1:25
  • 18 A Railroader's Bride I'll Be 1:44
  • 19 900 Miles 2:03
  • 20 Billy the Kid 1:43
  • 21 Hang Me, Oh Hang Me 2:57
  • 22 Jesse James 1:54
  • 23 Skip to My Lou 2:56
  • 24 Careless Love 1:44
  • 25 Hell in Texas 2:26
  • 26 Jennie Jenkins 1:53
  • 27 The Streets of Laredo 2:53
  • 28 Down by the Brazos 2:04
  • 29 Git Along Little Dogies 2:16
  • 30 Buckskin Joe 2:06
  • 31 Red River Valley 2:06
  • 32 The Handcart Song 2:05
  • 33 The Spirit of God Is Like a Fire Burning 2:29
  • 34 Come, Come Ye Saints 4:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata