Waylon's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 cover

Waylon's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2

Waylon Jennings · 1984

33 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of twangy guitar riffs and heartfelt storytelling that embodies the rebellious spirit of outlaw country.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Looking for Suzanne Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Theme From The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys) — This track not only became synonymous with the popular TV series but also showcased Jennings’ ability to merge storytelling with catchy melodies, capturing the essence of rural America.
  • →
    Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand — In this song, Jennings critiques the commercialization of outlaw culture while delivering a powerful vocal performance that reflects his own experiences and frustrations within the music industry.
  • →
    I Ain't Living Long Like This — This track exemplifies Jennings' signature style, combining dark themes with an upbeat tempo, showcasing his knack for storytelling and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Jennings' storytelling through solid songwriting and production typical of outlaw country.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of twangy guitar riffs that underpin the storytelling in each track.
  • Several songs, like 'Theme From The Dukes of Hazzard', incorporate narrative elements that reflect personal and social themes.
  • The pacing varies, with mid-tempo tracks dominating but interspersed with slower ballads and more upbeat numbers.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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 mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • heartfelt storytelling in each track
  • for casual gatherings
  • nostalgic reflections on life
  • easy background for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced energetic tracks
  • seeking experimental musical explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This compilation features beloved tracks, appealing to dedicated fans of Jennings.
Themes
Southern pop culture· outlaw country rebellion· gritty storytelling· tender balladry
Career context
Released in 1984, Waylon's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 came during a peak period for Jennings, following the success of his earlier compilation in 1979. By this time, he had firmly established himself as a leading figure in the outlaw country movement, blending traditional country sounds with rock influences and personal narratives.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Johnny Cash· Merle Haggard

Tracklist

  • 1 Looking for Suzanne Start here 3:38
  • 2 The Conversation 3:52
  • 3 Waltz Me to Heaven 3:06
  • 4 Theme From The Dukes of Hazzard (Good Ol' Boys) 2:09
  • 5 Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand 3:00
  • 6 I Ain't Living Long Like This 4:41
  • 7 Come With Me 3:03
  • 8 America 3:46
  • 9 Shine 2:51
  • 10 Women Do Know How to Carry On 3:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata