Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band · 1972
118 min · 38 tracks · folk rock · country rock
A rich tapestry of traditional Americana woven with heartfelt harmonies and instrumental virtuosity.
Why this album works
'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' is celebrated for bridging generations of American music, receiving widespread acclaim and helping revive interest in traditional folk and bluegrass. Its impact is evidenced by its reissue success, critical praise from publications like Rolling Stone, and its lasting influence on both country music artists and the Americana movement.
- Career context
- By the time 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken' was released in 1972, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band had already established themselves as a leading force in the country rock scene with their previous albums. This record, however, marked a significant artistic pivot as it served both as a tribute to classic country music and a collaboration with legendary artists like Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs, bringing them into the mainstream spotlight.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Neil Young· Bob Dylan· Jimmy Buffett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Grand Ole Opry Song 3:11
- 2 Keep on the Sunny Side Standout 4:27
- 3 Nashville Blues 3:15
- 4 You Are My Flower 3:35
- 5 The Precious Jewel 4:10
- 6 Dark as a Dungeon 2:46
- 7 Tennessee Stud Standout 4:47
- 8 Black Mountain Rag 2:40
- 9 Wreck on the Highway 3:25
- 10 The End of the World 3:54
- 11 I Saw the Light 4:20
- 12 Sunny Side of the Mountain 2:52
- 13 Nine Pound Hammer 2:52
- 14 Losin’ You (Might Be the Best Thing) 2:49
- 15 Honky Tonkin’ 2:26
- 16 You Don’t Know My Mind 2:45
- 17 My Walkin’ Shoes 2:49
Disc 2
- 1 Lonesome Fiddle Blues 2:43
- 2 Cannonball Rag 1:16
- 3 Avalanche 2:51
- 4 Flint Hill Special 2:10
- 5 Togary Mountain 2:28
- 6 Earl’s Breakdown 2:36
- 7 Orange Blossom Special 2:13
- 8 Wabash Cannonball 2:03
- 9 Lost Highway 3:48
- 10 Doc Watson & Merle Travis: First Meeting (dialogue) 1:52
- 11 Way Downtown 3:32
- 12 Down Yonder 3:46
- 13 Pins and Needles (in My Heart) 2:54
- 14 Honky Tonk Blues 2:23
- 15 Sailin’ On to Hawaii 2:11
- 16 I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes 4:26
- 17 I Am a Pilgrim 3:55
- 18 Wildwood Flower 3:34
- 19 Soldier’s Joy 3:31
- 20 Will the Circle Be Unbroken Standout 4:50
- 21 Both Sides Now 2:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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