Closing in on the Fire - Jennings, Waylon (CD 2000)

It was a shame that Waylon passed off the scene in 2002. His album, Closing in on the fire is a demonstration of his genius that was not slowed by age. When other artists long faded away, Waylon demonstrates his ability to reinvent himself and yet at the same time remain true to his talents and unique style. As country music continues to be a package of ridiculous lyrics and tired arrangements accompanied by the over-emphasized drawl, you cannot tell one artist from another. Alan Jackson, Montgomery Gentry, Rascal Flats, they may as well be the same artist. No originality, no difference in style, nothing stands out from the other. Same ol' cookie cutter product.
Not so with Waylon! He stands above them all as a model to follow. Sadly most are too stuck in the mainstream cookie cutter crap to make a difference. Let's hope Shooter can become a carpenter like his father and separate himself from the mold.