Waylon and Company cover

Waylon and Company

Waylon Jennings · 1983

31 min · 10 tracks · country music

A fusion of traditional country with rock influences, featuring storytelling and a laid-back charm that defines outlaw country.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hold On, I’m Comin’ Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Leave Them Boys Alone — This track combines humor with a catchy melody, exemplifying Jennings' storytelling prowess and playful take on life on the road.
  • →
    Spanish Johnny — An evocative narrative that captures the essence of fleeting relationships, this song showcases Jennings' ability to blend poignant lyrics with engaging melodies.
  • →
    So You Want to Be a Cowboy Singer — This track serves as both a critique and celebration of the cowboy singer lifestyle, encapsulating the spirit of authenticity that Jennings embodied.
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    Mason Dixon Lines — With its themes of regional pride and identity, this song reflects Jennings' deep connection to Southern culture, resonating with listeners across America.

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 showcases a blend of storytelling and musicianship typical of outlaw country, though it doesn't fully stand out in Jennings' discography.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover of 'Hold On, I’m Comin’,' which sets a lively tone with its upbeat tempo and strong rhythm section.
  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that blend traditional country sounds with rock influences, particularly in 'Leave Them Boys Alone.'
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
7/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
  • suitable for casual gatherings
  • easy sing-alongs with friends
  • short bursts of lively energy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer longer, expansive albums
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Jennings' style but isn't a standout in his catalog.
Themes
outlaw country spirit· cautionary tales· collaborative storytelling
Career context
By 1983, Waylon Jennings was already a prominent figure in the outlaw country movement, having released several successful albums. 'Waylon and Company' followed his acclaimed album 'Willie and Family Live,' continuing to showcase his unique blend of country and rock while collaborating with various artists. This album marks a period of sustained popularity for Jennings as he navigated the evolving country music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard
New to Waylon Jennings? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Hold On, I’m Comin’ Start here 2:33
  • 2 Leave Them Boys Alone 3:32
  • 3 Spanish Johnny 3:50
  • 4 Just to Satisfy You 2:50
  • 5 So You Want to Be a Cowboy Singer 2:58
  • 6 I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain’t Used Up) 2:57
  • 7 Sight for Sore Eyes 3:46
  • 8 I’ll Find It Where I Can 2:55
  • 9 The Conversation 3:48
  • 10 Mason Dixon Lines 2:45

What to play next

Never Could Toe the Mark
Listen next

Never Could Toe the Mark

1984

Continues the fusion of rock and country with a similar laid-back vibe.
It's Only Rock & Roll
Go back to

It's Only Rock & Roll

1983

Sets up the transition with its blend of genres and storytelling style.
Full Waylon Jennings discography Where to start with Waylon Jennings Artists like Waylon Jennings
country rock outlaw country rockabilly

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

At Folsom Prison

At Folsom Prison

Johnny Cash

Shares a raw storytelling approach and outlaw themes, blending country with a gritty rock edge.

Red Headed Stranger

Red Headed Stranger

Willie Nelson

Both feature narrative-driven songs and a laid-back charm, embodying the spirit of outlaw country.

Guitar Town

Guitar Town

Steve Earle

Combines country storytelling with rock influences, echoing themes of rebellion and personal struggle.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata