How the West Was Won
Bing Crosby · 1960
83 min · 34 tracks · country music
A vibrant tapestry of American folk songs weaving stories of the West through Crosby's warm, resonant vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shenandoah / Bound for the Promised Land Start here — This opening track beautifully showcases Crosby's vocal richness while blending two classic American tunes, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Buffalo Gals — Crosby's playful rendition of this traditional song highlights his ability to breathe new life into familiar melodies, captivating audiences with its charm.
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The Streets of Laredo — The haunting narrative quality of this track exemplifies Crosby's storytelling prowess, drawing listeners into the emotional weight of frontier life.
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
- prefer fast-paced, modern sounds
- dislike traditional themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant exploration of American folk traditions in Crosby's catalog.
- Themes
- American folklore· westward expansion· nostalgic storytelling
- Career context
- In 1960, Bing Crosby was a seasoned star, with a career spanning nearly three decades. 'How the West Was Won' arrived after his successful transition into television and marked his continued exploration of American music traditions amidst a changing musical landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Frank Sinatra· Nat King Cole· Dean Martin
Tracklist
- 1 Shenandoah / Bound for the Promised Land Start here 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
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Dust Bowl Ballads
Woody Guthrie
Explores similar themes of American folklore and storytelling through folk songs.
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Features a narrative style that captures Americana, blending storytelling with country music.
The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio
Showcases smooth harmonies and folk narratives reflecting American traditions and nostalgia.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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