The Great Divide

by Willie Nelson

Overview

Like most star-studded superstar comeback albums of the late '80s, '90s, and 2000s, Willie Nelson's The Great Divide isn't meant for longtime fans of the artists, or even the artists themselves; it's meant for listeners who always liked the idea or persona of the featured artist, but never liked the artist's music. That's certainly the case with The Great Divide, which finds Willie Nelson inexplicably recast as an adult alternative artist, singing songs written by Rob Thomas -- who, not coincidentally, led Carlos Santana to the biggest hit of his career in 1999 -- and other professional tunesmiths, all corralled by producer Matt Serietic. Since professionals are involved -- including Nelson himself, who gives an admirable vocal performance throughout -- this is an accomplished, classy album, but it sure as hell isn't a Willie Nelson album. The closest it comes is on the title track, the only song co-written by Nelson himself, and the Bernie Taupin co-written numbers, including a pretty good deliberate ballad called "Let Stand in Open Country" featuring Kid Rock. The rest is radio-ready adult pop, produced fairly well but not inherently interesting, no matter how professional it is. And that's the problem with the record; sure, it may get those who like Nelson the star, but if it alienates those who love his music, including his legions of quiet masterpieces from The Troublemaker to Rainbow Connection, then what's the point? ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	06/23/2023
Label:	Lost Highway / Umr
UPC:	0602448727053

Tracks

1. Maria (Shut Up and Kiss Me)
2. Mendocino County Line
3. Last Stand In Open Country
4. Won't Catch Me Cryin'
5. Be There For You
6. The Great Divide
7. Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)
8. This Face
9. Don't Fade Away
10. Time After Time
11. Recollection Phoenix
12. You Remain

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Willie Nelson   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)
Sheryl Crow   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Kid Rock   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Bonnie Raitt   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Lee Ann Womack   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Brian McKnight   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Vocals
Alison Krauss   Guest Artist,Fiddle
Rob Thomas   Guest Artist,Vocals
Kenny Aronoff   Drums
Brad Dutz   Percussion
Mickey Raphael   Harmonica
Curtis Young   Vocals (Background)
Gabe Witcher   Fiddle
Louis Dean Nunley   Vocals (Background)
Greg Leisz   Dobro
Greg Phillinganes   Keyboards
Pete Anthony   Conductor
Leland Sklar   Bass
Lisa Silver   Vocals (Background)
Matt Serletic   Electronics,Vocals (Background)
Neil Stubenhaus   Bass
Matt Rollings   Piano,Wurlitzer,Fender Rhodes,Organ (Hammond)
Dan Higgins   Horn
Harry Stinson   Vocals (Background)
Dan Dugmore   Pedal Steel
John Wesley Ryles   Vocals (Background)
Dennis Wilson   Vocals (Background)
Reggie Young   Guitar
Bruce Fowler   Horn
The Water Sisters   Vocals (Background)
Michael Black   Vocals (Background)
Stacey Robinson   Director
John "J.R." Robinson   Drums
Heitor Pereira   Guitar,Whistle (Human),Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Stephen Marcussen   Mastering
Bill Talbott   Stage Engineer
Cyndi Lauper   Composer
Jackie King   Composer
Tosh Kasai   Assistant Engineer
Dennis Sands   Engineer
Mark Dobson   Engineer,Pro-Tools
Rob Hyman   Composer
Jim Cregan   Composer
Sam Story   Assistant Engineer
Matt Serletic   Composer,Producer,Orchestral Arrangements
Bernie Taupin   Composer
Mickey Newbury   Composer
Willie Nelson   Composer
Steve Marcantonio   Engineer
Kevin Kadish   Composer
David Thoener   Mixing,Engineer
John Nelson   Assistant Engineer
Leslie Satcher   Composer
Noel Golden   Engineer
Jay Goin   Mixing
Stewart Whitmore   Digital Editing
Danny Saber   Programming
Aaron Brougher   Production Assistant
Rob Thomas   Composer
Todd Johnson   Assistant Engineer
Robin LeMesurier   Composer
John Rodd   Assistant Engineer
Dennis Tufano   Composer
Derek Carlson   Mixing
Matthew Freeman   Project Coordinator
Tom Steel   Stage Manager
David Bryant   Assistant Engineer
Valerie Pack   Project Coordinator
Mark Seliger   Photography
Rick Patrick   Art Direction
Christopher Wade Damerst   Programming
Robin Le Mesurier   Composer
Donald Wallace   Composer