In his 80th year, Willie Nelson continues to record music at an impressive rate. Of course, he’s sharing the load more often, recording songs with other stars and friends. To All the Girls... features an all-woman lineup to duet with ol’ Willie, and he sounds plenty relaxed in such a pleasing setting. Some are living legends equal to his profile (Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Mavis Staples), while others came after him and crafted their place in music history (Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd) and a few newer names get a break (Secret Sisters, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile). The music is no-nonsense traditional country, and the songs range from classic Willie to well-chosen, well-known covers and a few originals to fill things out. The Secret Sisters’ harmonies illuminate “It Won’t Be Very Long.” Rosanne Cash accesses her true heart for the Nelson classic “Please Don’t Tell Me How the Story Ends,” and Mavis Staples has quite the time with Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands.” There's not a false note to be heard here.
- Merle Haggard
- Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell
- George Jones
- Jessi Colter
- Ray Price
- Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris
- Kenny Rogers