It's a Country Album, but Henley doesn't see that as a bandwagon he's jumping on but something that is an extension of the person he is (he's a Texan born boy so Country music is in his veins!). Eleven songs penned by Henley and Lynch and a few seasoned covers thrown in for good measure.
Here's a few thoughts about the tracks:
Bramble Rose (featuring Miranda Lambert and Mick Jagger)
For the most part the album works really well and the opener is pretty good up until the point that Mick Jagger's vocals enter the fray! Kind of ruined it for me as it's a great wee tune.
The Cost of Living (featuring Merle Haggard)
This is actually one of a number of tracks that I could almost hear the Eagles doing! Haggard knows a lot about The Cost of Living and so brings an authenticity to the song.
No Thank You
Don Henley almost sounds like he's been steeped in a lot of modern Country by the likes of Urban, Brooks, Church etc. A good stomper of a tune.
Waiting Tables
This another that has that Eagles type sound. It shows Henley as a great storyteller in song.
Take A Picture of This
This is one of those songs that you are going to see turn up with photo montages etc of people's lives. It's good though and Henley's voice sounds great on it.
Too Far Gone
Not bad, a bit of a slow ballady type of tune.
That Old Flame (featuring Martina McBride)
One of the standout tracks on the album I think. His voice fits well with McBride's. I saw a review that said she owns him on this song, and I don't think that's right at all. She doesn't overpower but does enough to really enhance the song.
The Brand New Tennessee Waltz
Wasn't overly fussed about this one, it's a bit twee. Originally released by Jesse Winchester back in the early 1970's
Words Can Break Your Heart
Reminiscent of his earlier work on End of the Innocence album I think but still a great set lyrics speaking some down to earth truth.
Whe I Stop Dreaming (featuring Dolly Parton)
A beautiful reading of the old Louvin Brothers song.
Praying For Rain
Lucinda Williams does the backing vocals on this one and it's a delicious song, another standout track.
Too Much Pride
Lyrically this sounds like a typical Country song, tales of regret, hopelessness, sin etc. It's the kind of song you'd expect from a drunk old fella at the bar giving a lesson on morality! Not meaning that it's a poor song, it's just the kind of image that came into my head.
Tracklist for Deluxe Edition
1. "Bramble Rose" (featuring Mick Jagger and Miranda Lambert) 4:30
2. "The Cost of Living" (featuring Merle Haggard) 3:40
3. "No, Thank You" 3:45
4. "Waiting Tables" 4:47
5. "Take a Picture of This" 4:06
6. "Too Far Gone" 3:43
7. "That Old Flame" (featuring Martina McBride) 4:25
8. "The Brand New Tennessee Waltz" 3:20
9. "Words Can Break Your Heart" 3:40
10. "When I Stop Dreaming" (featuring Dolly Parton) 3:06
11. "Praying for Rain" 5:00
12. "Too Much Pride" 3.45
13. "She Sang Hymns Out of Tune" 3:15
14. "Train In the Distance" 4:47
15. "A Younger Man" 4:20
16. "Where I Am Now" 2:34
Expanded Edition from Target includes
It Don't Matter To The Sun (featuing Stevie Nicks).
Here Comes Those Tears Again (featuring Alison Krauss).
2. "The Cost of Living" (featuring Merle Haggard) 3:40
3. "No, Thank You" 3:45
4. "Waiting Tables" 4:47
5. "Take a Picture of This" 4:06
6. "Too Far Gone" 3:43
7. "That Old Flame" (featuring Martina McBride) 4:25
8. "The Brand New Tennessee Waltz" 3:20
9. "Words Can Break Your Heart" 3:40
10. "When I Stop Dreaming" (featuring Dolly Parton) 3:06
11. "Praying for Rain" 5:00
12. "Too Much Pride" 3.45
13. "She Sang Hymns Out of Tune" 3:15
14. "Train In the Distance" 4:47
15. "A Younger Man" 4:20
16. "Where I Am Now" 2:34
Expanded Edition from Target includes
It Don't Matter To The Sun (featuing Stevie Nicks).
Here Comes Those Tears Again (featuring Alison Krauss).
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