Jennings is an ultimate performer. His shows are mixtures of tension, sensitivity, audience interplay and tight, powerful music. In the studio things are more controlled and he seems to aim more for the midnight mind. Several songs here have insistent, pulsing backups. The standouts are "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way," an autobiographical commentary about the state of Music City, and the bouncy "Waymore's Blues," a Jimmie Rodgers-like hobo song.

Most cuts are more reflective. In "Let's All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues)," Waylon continues his series of Western mythology; he speaks both for himself and a vanishing breed of sensitive studs. Roger Miller wrote "I've Been a Long Time Leaving" but Waylon molds it into his own—listen to the way he wraps around the line, "I been a fool."

The last track, "Bob Wills Is Still the King," is a live track from an Austin gig. A tribute to the King of Western Swing, it demonstrates how well Waylon knows and moves his fans. The fire and drive in this cut foreshadow an upcoming live album—and that ought to be the one to spread Waylon into everybody's ears. (RS 194)

TONY GLOVER