Is It's Only Rock & Roll a good place to start with Waylon Jennings?

Yes, It's Only Rock & Roll is recommended as a starting point for new Waylon Jennings listeners. A blend of honky-tonk rhythms and rock energy, underscored by Jennings' iconic storytelling and gritty vocal delivery. Released in 1983, It's Only Rock & Roll marked Waylon Jennings' return to the studio after a brief hiatus and the commercial success of his previous album, Will the Wolf Survive? This record is significant as it showcased Jennings' ability to bridge traditional country with rock influences, further solidifying his role in the outlaw country movement during a period when mainstream country was evolving rapidly.

Who is It's Only Rock & Roll for?

It's Only Rock & Roll works well if you're into short bursts of lively energy, sing-along medleys with friends and nostalgic reflections on love.

How many songs are on It's Only Rock & Roll?

It's Only Rock & Roll has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

It's Only Rock & Roll

Waylon Jennings · 1983

34 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of honky-tonk rhythms and rock energy, underscored by Jennings' iconic storytelling and gritty vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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It’s Only Rock & Roll Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit with its upbeat tempo and relatable lyrics about living authentically within music, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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Living Legends — This track pays homage to iconic figures in music, blending nostalgia with a sense of camaraderie that resonates deeply within Jennings’ fanbase, showcasing his lyrical prowess.
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Medley: I’m a Ramblin’ Man / This Time / Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand / Clyde / Good Hearted Woman / Ladies Love Outlaws / Luckenbach, Texas / I’ve Always Been Crazy — This medley serves as a celebration of Jennings' own storied career, weaving together beloved classics that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike, highlighting his storytelling ability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends country and rock elements but lacks strong cohesion throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

The final track is a medley of several songs, which creates a sense of nostalgia and ties together themes from earlier in the album.
Several tracks incorporate traditional country instrumentation, such as steel guitar and fiddle, while others lean more towards a rock sound.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

short bursts of lively energy
sing-along medleys with friends
nostalgic reflections on love
front-loaded excitement and fun

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, immersive albums
want slow, contemplative tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in his catalog that doesn't fit other primary roles.
Themes: outlaw country legacy· Nashville rebellion· honky-tonk authenticity
Career context: Released in 1983, It's Only Rock & Roll marked Waylon Jennings' return to the studio after a brief hiatus and the commercial success of his previous album, Will the Wolf Survive? This record is significant as it showcased Jennings' ability to bridge traditional country with rock influences, further solidifying his role in the outlaw country movement during a period when mainstream country was evolving rapidly.
Stylistic neighbors: Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard

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Tracklist

1 It’s Only Rock & Roll Start here 3:35
2 Living Legends 2:40
3 Breakin’ Down 3:23
4 Let Her Do the Walking 2:28
5 Mental Revenge 2:54
6 Lucille (You Won’t Do Your Daddy’s Will) 3:25
7 Angel Eyes 4:01
8 No Middle Ground 2:37
9 Love’s Legalities 4:10
10 Medley: I’m a Ramblin’ Man / This Time / Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand / Clyde / Good Hearted Woman / Ladies Love Outlaws / Luckenbach, Texas / I’ve Always Been Crazy 5:45