Under the Covers cover

Under the Covers

Dwight Yoakam · 1997

42 min · 11 tracks · country music

An eclectic mix of country and rock covers, infused with Yoakam's signature twang and heartfelt vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Wichita Lineman — Yoakam's rendition captures the haunting essence of loneliness present in the original while adding a distinctive country flavor that highlights his vocal prowess.
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    Train in Vain — This cover transforms The Clash's punk anthem into a soulful ballad, showcasing Yoakam's versatility and ability to bridge genres seamlessly.
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    Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues — Yoakam’s interpretation brings a fresh emotional depth to the classic, emphasizing themes of ennui and heartache through his poignant delivery.
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    Things We Said Today — This Beatles cover features a stripped-down arrangement that allows Yoakam's voice to shine, illustrating his knack for reimagining beloved classics with sincerity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends country and rock covers but lacks a strong cohesive narrative across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • Yoakam's vocal delivery is consistently heartfelt, often emphasizing emotional nuances in the lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate traditional country instrumentation alongside rock elements, creating a blend that highlights both genres.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • nostalgic reflective moments
  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Under the Covers' was released in 1997, Dwight Yoakam was well-established as a leading figure in country music, following his breakthrough album 'This Time' in 1993. This collection of covers showcased his ability to reinterpret classic songs while maintaining his unique style, marking a creative pivot that reflected both nostalgia and artistry in his career.
Stylistic neighbors
George Strait· Travis Tritt· Alan Jackson

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Claudette 2:59
  • 2 Train in Vain 3:22
  • 3 Tired of Waiting for You 2:59
  • 4 Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues 3:17
  • 5 Baby Don’t Go 4:00
  • 6 Playboy 2:23
  • 7 Wichita Lineman 2:54
  • 8 Here Comes the Night 3:20
  • 9 The Last Time 3:59
  • 10 Things We Said Today 3:51
  • 11 North to Alaska / T for Texas 9:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata