16 Biggest Hits: Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings' baritone voice was capable of both booming force and deep tenderness, and his music boasted tight, propulsive rhythms and spectacular group interplay. And though best-known as a master interpreter with uncanny taste in material, he also penned a few diamonds of his own. 16 Biggest Hits is a worthwhile introduction to Hoss’s music and style, focusing primarily on his halcyon mid-‘70s Outlaw days. Songs like “I’m a Ramblin’ Man,” “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” and “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” are quintessential Outlaw Waylon tracks — insistent, defiant, and full of forward momentum. Yet, on tracks like the beautiful, heartfelt “Amanda,” Jennings proves himself to be a sincere, touching balladeer. On the Jennings original “This Time,” he forges a winning blend of both styles, and his co-written duet with Willie Nelson, “Good Hearted Woman,” exudes joy. This compilation merely scratches the surface, forgoing not only the best of his ‘60s work, but also a raft of incredible cuts from the 1970s, a time when Jennings was pumping out classic LP after classic LP. But if you’re looking to discover the Jennings sound for the first time, this will suit you fine.