Willie, Waylon, Kenny, Glen, and more: This '70s vinyl country cover gallery will make you long for the days of colorful threads and twangy sounds.
We continue our visual and audio tour of 1970s country vinyl. Check out the country queens if you haven't already, but it's now time to give the male vocalists their due.
The fellas you are about to see and hear embraced in their own ways those '70s styles and trends in albums, from the front covers to the blissed-out musical arrangements.
This is a must-have for any vinyl lover — a collection of immaculate Willie tunes with a cover image worth framing. There's not a bad track on the album, but I always go right to "I'd Have To Be Crazy." "I know I've done weird things/told people I hear'd things."
Well, are you? Because it's always ready for you. I don't know of many folks who like Waylon ... because they all love him. And, let's face it: There are very few men in the world who can confidently pull off the look he's got goin' on this cover. That soft, feathery hair and dimply smile can be found in our regular daydreams about country music heaven.
Man, what a smooth crooner. "Countrypolitan" wouldn't be the same without him. I like him doing "Night Life" — every vocal note has purpose. Shoutout to the jacket on the cover. Could I pull it off next winter? Should I try no matter what?
Another unimpeachable vocal legend who wasn't afraid to take on the trends of the decade. His voice is one of those car-radio regulars from that decade and the next. Ah, when he hits those unexpected high notes ...
We'd be remiss not to include "Murph," one of the artists who has brought to the mainstream true Western music traditions. The title track of this album has a rock-ier vibe, but the look of the cover takes us to some sort of country-folk utopia.
One of our favorite covers from the stack, mostly thanks to the horse whom we assume is called Pepper. The image aside, you don't ever get much more regretful than Mel crooning the words to "Lying Time Again."
Another legend, another standout jacket. But here, the stance against the fence takes the mellow vibes even further. The driving title track should be a favorite of anyone named Janet.
Listen to the entire album here — it's definitely influenced by the softer, more flowery pop of the '70s. Or, stare at the cover for an hour. Either brings great joy. ... That hat sure is sittin' up there, ain't it?
I mean, what can you say? Kenny Rogers was committed to his concepts, and he always pulled them off with style and vocals that break through any speaker.
OK. I'll declare it. Official winner of this post's sudden jacket war. And it's amazing how well Conlee's unmistakably country stylings mesh with elegant strings and tender lyrics. Where can I find those "let's chase the sunset together" shades?
Must have been a hard night, but he makes the hangover look pretty dapper. You have to watch him do the title track live.
The photo and his attitude make me crave a blue plate special from anywhere. Young "Bocephus" is earnest and effective on the forlorn-but-groovin' title track.
These lyrics absolutely slay me every time — they have a similar effect to that of "Coal Miner's Daughter." But you aren't reading this right now. You are admiring his shirt and stance, as you should be.
Making a note to my colleagues to recreate this in a C&I fashion shoot. Hair and all. If you don't know the title song, correct that.
I'll end with the great Glen. Doesn't this cover image just sum up his smiling, endearingly showy genius? Take in the glory of Campbell below, and stay tuned for more Vinyl Visions very soon!
