What does Wanted! The Outlaws sound like?

A vibrant fusion of traditional country and rock, underscored by rebellious themes and heartfelt storytelling. Rooted in rockabilly and country rock. Start with "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys".

Is Wanted! The Outlaws a good place to start with Waylon Jennings?

Yes, Wanted! The Outlaws is recommended as a starting point for new Waylon Jennings listeners. A vibrant fusion of traditional country and rock, underscored by rebellious themes and heartfelt storytelling. Released in 1976, Wanted! The Outlaws marked a pivotal moment in Waylon Jennings' career as it solidified his status as a leading figure in the outlaw country movement. This album was notable for being one of the first collaborative projects featuring key outlaw artists, including Willie Nelson and Jessi Colter, showcasing their collective defiance against mainstream Nashville norms.

Who is Wanted! The Outlaws for?

Wanted! The Outlaws works well if you're into steady storytelling for road trips, nostalgic themes of rebellion and short tracks for quick listens.

How many songs are on Wanted! The Outlaws?

Wanted! The Outlaws has 11 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Wanted! The Outlaws

Waylon Jennings · 1976

33 min · 11 tracks · country music

A vibrant fusion of traditional country and rock, underscored by rebellious themes and heartfelt storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys Start here — This track encapsulates the essence of outlaw country with its reflective lyrics on heroes and personal struggles, resonating deeply with fans of the genre.
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Good Hearted Woman — A classic anthem celebrating resilient love, this song highlights Jennings’ storytelling prowess and features a memorable duet with Willie Nelson.
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Honky Tonk Heroes — This track serves as a rallying cry for the working-class experience, blending lively instrumentation with poignant lyrics about life in honky tonks.
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Suspicious Minds — A cover of Elvis Presley's hit, this rendition showcases Jennings' ability to infuse a classic rock ballad with a country sensibility that broadens its emotional reach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and country with strong storytelling, marking a key moment in outlaw country.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate rock instrumentation, such as electric guitars and drums, which contrasts with traditional country sounds.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

steady storytelling for road trips
nostalgic themes of rebellion
short tracks for quick listens
easy sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

seeking long, immersive experiences
prefer modern production styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Waylon's status in outlaw country, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: outlaw country rebellion· honky tonk life· working-class heroes
Career context: Released in 1976, Wanted! The Outlaws marked a pivotal moment in Waylon Jennings' career as it solidified his status as a leading figure in the outlaw country movement. This album was notable for being one of the first collaborative projects featuring key outlaw artists, including Willie Nelson and Jessi Colter, showcasing their collective defiance against mainstream Nashville norms.
Stylistic neighbors: Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard