Willie Nelson will release an album of newly-written songs called “Last Man Standing” on April 27, two days before the legendary singer-songwriter’s 85th birthday. The album is led by the release of the title track as its first single and video.
While “Last Man Standing” arrives amid concerns for Nelson’s health after a series of canceled concert dates due to the flu and respiratory issues, Nelson recently announced a stretch of new dates in March and April, as well as several in October and November. He’s lively in the new song and video, which lightheartedly addresses old age: “I don’t want to be the last man standing/ But wait a minute, maybe I do,” are the song’s opening lines.
The album’s 11 tracks were written by Nelson and longtime collaborator/producer Buddy Cannon, with whom he also collaborated on his previous album “God’s Problem Child.” Cannon spoke of the duo’s songwriting technique, which involved back-and-forth text messaging of lyrics with the melodies. “Willie’s a jazz singer and jazz player — he’s an improvisational musician,” Cannon said. “It’s different every time. Get a good take and go with it.”
“Last Man Standing” tracklist:
- Last Man Standing
- Don’t Tell Noah
- Bad Breath
- Me And You
- Something You Get Through
- Ready To Roar
- Heaven Is Closed
- I Ain’t Got Nothin’
- She Made My Day
- I’ll Try To Do Better Next Time
- Very Far to Crawl
