Album Review: Willie Nelson's "Heroes"

By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)Heroes Willie Nelson **** Ever wondered what it would sound like to hear Snoop Dogg singing country? That’s one of the many interesting turns that Heroes has to offer. Snoop joins the onslaught of special guests to sing a verse of the honky-tonkin’ “Roll Me Up” along with Jamey Johnson and Kris Kristofferson. What amounts is a nice variety of styles that visits ambient emo-country, Texas swing, jazzy ballads, and straight-up outlaw country, other guests include Merle Haggard (“A Horse Called Music”), Sheryl Crow, Ray Price, Billy Joe Shaver, and a constant presence of 23-year-old Lukas Nelson shadowing his father in a way that touches the heartstrings in the most genuine of ways. Lukas has built quite the fan base in Teton County, and this album solidifies a chip off of the ole wavering twang that Willie has stamped over the course of a 50-year recording career. Aside from a great selection of country standards, some surprises include Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe” and Coldplay’s “The Scientist.” This is easily one of Willie’s finest “contemporary” efforts, and at 79 years young, this is truly an amazing feat.