Without a Song (album)

Without a Song
Without a Song
Studio album by Willie Nelson
Released	1983
Recorded	1983
Genre	Country, pop, jazz
Length	38:53
Label	Columbia
Producer	Booker T. Jones
Willie Nelson chronology

Without a Song is a studio album by the American country singer Willie Nelson, released in 1983.^[1] Similar to Stardust (1978), it consists of renditions of traditional pop standards. The album was produced by Booker T. Jones.^[2]

"As Time Goes By" was nominated for a Grammy Award, in the "Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" category.^[3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	^[4]

Rolling Stone noted that "the familiar vocal hesitations and throat-catchings are all in place, but straightforward readings of these mostly less-than-spectacular tunes are tossed off by Nelson with little energy."^[5] The New York Times wrote that "Mr. Jones's arrangements, with their simple, plodding rhythms, and guitar and harmonica solos that repeat the tunes, keep the mood appropriately informal... If the music became any barer, however, Mr. Nelson might start sounding like a contemporary Mitch Miller."^[6]

Track listing

"Without a Song" (Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans) - 3:54
"Once in a While" (Bud Green, Michael Edwards) - 4:27
"Autumn Leaves" (Johnny Mercer) - 4:04
"I Can't Begin to Tell You" (James V. Monaco, Mack Gordon) - 4:03
"Harbor Lights" (Hugh Williams, Jimmy Kennedy) - 3:52
"Golden Earrings" (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans, Victor Young) - 3:48
"You'll Never Know" (Harry Warren, Mack Gordon) - 4:13
"To Each His Own" (Jay Livingston, Ray Evans) - 4:09
"As Time Goes By" (Herman Hupfeld) - 3:54
"A Dreamer's Holiday" (Kim Gannon, Mabel Wayne) - 3:27

Personnel

Willie Nelson – acoustic guitar, vocals
Julio Iglesias – vocals on "As Time Goes By"
Booker T. Jones – organ, arranger
Bobbie Nelson – piano
Mickey Raphael - harmonica
Grady Martin, Jody Payne – guitar
Bee Spears – bass guitar
Paul English – drums
Billy Gene English – percussion
Jules Chaikin – string and horn conductor

Chart performance

Chart (1983)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums	3
U.S. Billboard 200^[7]	54
Canadian RPM Country Albums	2
Canadian RPM Top Albums	35

References

^ Morse, Steve (September 8, 1983). "Willie Nelson: Cowboy with a Soul". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 1.
^ Willistein, Paul (September 2, 1984). "Living Legend Is Returning for Allentown Fair Show Today". The Morning Call. p. F1.
^ "Willie Nelson". Recording Academy. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
^ Willie Nelson - Without a Song Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved April 27, 2023
^ Berman, Leslie (February 16, 1984). "Without a Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
^ Holden, Stephen (November 9, 1983). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C23.
^ "Willie Nelson". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2023.

External links

Without a Song at Discogs

[1] Morse, Steve (September 8, 1983). "Willie Nelson: Cowboy with a Soul". Calendar. The Boston Globe. p. 1.

[2] Willistein, Paul (September 2, 1984). "Living Legend Is Returning for Allentown Fair Show Today". The Morning Call. p. F1.

[3] "Willie Nelson". Recording Academy. Retrieved June 22, 2023.

[4] Willie Nelson - Without a Song Album Reviews, Songs & More | AllMusic, retrieved April 27, 2023

[5] Berman, Leslie (February 16, 1984). "Without a Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 27, 2023.

[6] Holden, Stephen (November 9, 1983). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C23.

[7] "Willie Nelson". Billboard. Retrieved June 22, 2023.

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