Willie Nelson – Band of Brothers

Nelson’s first full album of predominantly new material since 1996 sees the country music singer-songwriter in fine form, displaying top-notch melodies and instrumentation, and unique vocals that have only become more characterful with age.

Highlights here include the confessional The Wall – replete with slide guiatrs and a ‘rear view mirror’ narrative, the rollicking honky tonk of Crazy Like Me, and the slow country rocker Band of Brothers – but the whole album is accomplished and stands up well to Nelson’s (and the genre’s) best work.

He may be 81 years of age, but this octogenarian has still got it. (PH)

***½ /5