Long in the Tooth
Billy Joe Shaver · 2014
32 min · 10 tracks · country music
A gritty blend of honky-tonk storytelling and soulful melodies reflecting the struggles of life in modern America.
Top tracks — play these first
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Hard to Be an Outlaw — This track encapsulates Shaver’s perspective on the complexities of outlaw life, combining traditional country sounds with modern themes of disillusionment.
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Long in the Tooth — The title track serves as both a reflection on aging and a declaration of resilience, showcasing Shaver's signature storytelling prowess.
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American Me — In this song, Shaver poignantly addresses identity and belonging, merging personal narrative with broader cultural commentary that resonates deeply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines strong storytelling with solid musicianship, marking a notable return for Shaver.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving honky-tonk rhythm that sets a gritty tone, while the second track shifts to a slower, reflective pace.
- Several tracks feature storytelling lyrics that unfold in a conversational style, often incorporating personal anecdotes and social commentary.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- gritty storytelling with emotional weight
- short tracks for quick listening
- reflective moments of personal struggle
- sing-along choruses with friends
- for late-night drives
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- seek upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Long in the Tooth was Billy Joe Shaver's first album in over a decade, following the critically acclaimed The Storyteller (2006). At this stage in his career, Shaver was recognized not only as a veteran songwriter but also as an enduring voice in country music, bringing decades of experience into his reflective songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waylon Jennings· David Allan Coe· Townes Van Zandt
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hard to Be an Outlaw 3:03
- 2 Long in the Tooth 3:19
- 3 The Git Go 3:57
- 4 Sunbeam Special 2:30
- 5 I’ll Love You as Much as I Can 3:26
- 6 Last Call for Alcohol 3:56
- 7 Checkers & Chess 2:29
- 8 American Me 3:25
- 9 I’m in Love 3:01
- 10 Music City USA 3:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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