Risin' Outlaw
Hank Williams III · 1999
43 min · 13 tracks · country music
A gritty blend of classic honky-tonk and rebellious rock influences that encapsulates the spirit of modern outlaw country.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cocaine Blues — This cover of a traditional folk song showcases Hank III's ability to meld classic storytelling with a raw, edgy delivery that defines the album's spirit.
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Devil’s Daughter — The track stands out for its haunting narrative and darker themes, illustrating the emotional range that sets this album apart in the country genre.
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87 Southbound — This energetic track captures the essence of road life and freedom, encapsulating the adventurous spirit that resonates throughout Risin' Outlaw.
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 rock elements while maintaining strong lyrical storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm and maintains a consistent tempo across the first six tracks, creating an energetic start.
- Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that blend traditional country picking with rock influences, particularly in 'Cocaine Blues' and 'Thunderstorms & Neon Signs'.
- The lyrics often reflect themes of heartache and rebellion, with a storytelling approach that is evident in tracks like 'Devil’s Daughter' and 'Lonesome for You'.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a more introspective finish to the album.
- 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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8/10
- 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
- rebellious spirit and attitude
- short bursts of raw emotion
- late-night driving soundtrack
- nostalgic tales of heartache
- sing-along choruses with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seek polished production quality
- prefer lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1999, Risin' Outlaw marked Hank Williams III's debut album, establishing him as a distinct voice in the country music scene. This album followed his work with the band Assjack and set the stage for his future explorations of country, punk, and metal influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Waylon Jennings· David Allan Coe· Sturgill Simpson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Don’t Know 3:23
- 2 You’re the Reason 2:49
- 3 If the Shoe Fits 2:54
- 4 87 Southbound 2:52
- 5 Lonesome for You 3:17
- 6 What Did Love Ever Do to You 3:01
- 7 On My Own 2:55
- 8 Honky Tonk Girls 2:42
- 9 Devil’s Daughter 3:17
- 10 Cocaine Blues 3:53
- 11 Thunderstorms & Neon Signs 4:21
- 12 Why Don’t You Leave Me Alone 5:03
- 13 Blue Devil 3:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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