CMT Blog: Archive

I heard some songs from Lyle Lovett's new album, Natural Forces, on a road trip earlier this month. My traveling companion mentioned to me that she's always wanted to get into Lyle Lovett but she has no idea where to start. After all, the long tall Texan has been making records for more than 20 years. She likes his bluesy side while I'm partial to his country/singer-songwriter stuff. Then again, I always enjoy seeing him perform with his boisterous Large Band. All that considered, I'd suggest that newcomers start with Anthology, Vol. 1: Cowboy Man, which culls 13 definitive tracks, like "If I Had a Boat" and "God Will." After that, try 1996's The Road to Ensenada, a Grammy-winning country album that balances his quick wit and a knack for telling epic stories in just a few minutes. With a consistent yet quirky collection of original songs, it's still my favorite album in his catalog.

Once you've absorbed those, consider downloading this playlist of songs not included on the aforementioned albums. Of course, this isn't a definitive playlist but I believe you'll be well on your way to discovering the far-reaching parameters of Lovett's music.

"She's Leaving Me Because She Really Wants To"
"Stand By Your Man"
"Nobody Knows Me"
"Funny How Time Slips Away" (with Al Green)
"Here I Am" (live)
"You Can't Resist It" (live)
"Faded Love" (with Asleep at the Wheel and Shawn Colvin)
"Step Inside This House"
"Bears"
"The Ballad of the Snow Leopard and the Tanqueray Cowboy"
"I'm Gonna Wait"
"The Alley Song"
"Loretta"
"Don't You Think I Feel It Too"