My Way

Released in 2018, 'My Way' is Willie Nelson's second full-length tribute to Frank Sinatra, following 2016's 'Summertime'. Recorded when Nelson was 85, the album serves as a masterclass in vocal phrasing, a quality Nelson famously shared with Sinatra. While the arrangements feature lush strings and brass, they are anchored by Nelson's idiosyncratic nylon-string guitar work and Mickey Raphael's soulful harmonica, bridging the gap between the Nashville sound and the Great American Songbook. The tracklist focuses heavily on Sinatra's 'suicide songs' and mid-century peaks, emphasizing themes of reflection and mortality. Critics, particularly from AllMusic, praised the album for its technical proficiency and emotional depth, noting that Nelson's aging voice adds a layer of poignancy to tracks like 'It Was a Very Good Year' that younger singers cannot replicate. It stands as a testament to Nelson's versatility and his lifelong affinity for jazz structures.