Willie Nelson just never seems to slow down. When he’s not singing duets with just about anyone that asks, the red-headed one is recording yet another album. This latest collection gathers up various country hits into a 14-song collection. These are the kind of classic songs that always go over well in any honky-tonk.

Although Nelson’s incredible phrasing is fully on display throughout, the man’s voice sounds a little scratchy and ragged throughout. Let’s hope he was just having a bad voice day because it would be like losing a national treasure if Nelson’s special singing instrument ever fell into permanent disrepair.

Some of country music’s very best are represented here, from George Jones to Merle Travis. However, only Merle Haggard is spotlighted twice.  Early on, Nelson sings the obsessed-by-love “Today I Started Loving You Again,” which The Hag penned with Bonnie Owens. The song’s lyric smartly describes how humans sometimes fool themselves. They may think they’re finally over another, only to realize that they’re just as deeply in love as ever. The album ends with Haggard’s “Ramblin’ Fever,” which was a kind of “On the Road Again” before “On the Road Again” ever existed. Much like Haggard, Nelson is a lifelong road dog.

Traveling is also saluted again – train style this time – with Hank Snow’s “I’m Movin’ On.” It’s the ultimate kiss-off song. This guy has had it with his good girl and he’s physically and emotionally outa there!

Except for this pair of road songs, however, there isn’t a whole lot of thematic consistently with Remember Me Vol. 1. It just seems as though Nelson handpicked a bunch of songs he really likes, recorded ‘em, and called it an album. The lyrical range is wide, from the spiritual bankruptcy of “Sunday Morning coming Down,” to the God-centered “Satisfied Mind.” “This Old House” may be closer to Nelson’s heart than when it was first recorded because this older singer/songwriter’s body must certainly be showing its age. He’s about ready to trade in his aging Earthly body for a new, heavenly one.  Many bodies will be done in by smoking, speaking of Earthly bodily decay, and Nelson references the nicotine habit with the upbeat "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)."  

When it comes to recommending country music, it’s nearly impossible to go wrong with Willie Nelson. The combination of Nelson and all these great old songs seems nearly unbeatable. Even so, this is not nearly the best Nelson album that’s come down the pike. It’s difficult to hear him sound so weak and tired so often. Although he is quite lively during "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)," this track’s an exception. For the most part, Nelson just doesn’t sound like himself.  If you’re a Willie Nelson collector, one that must have at least one copy of everything the man does, then by all means purchase a copy of Remember Me Vol. 1. However, if you’re not a Nelson diehard, this is one CD you can pass over. Let’s hope that when he gets to Vol. 2, he’s in much better voice.

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