Guitar Town

Steve wrote or co-wrote all the songs on this album, which contains two major country hits (the title track and Hillbilly highway), both up-tempo rocking songs, which are typical of the album's style. Steve shows that he can do ballads too - just listen to My old friend the blues, a song subsequently covered by Janie Fricke for her album, Labor of love. Another great ballad is Someday, though I generally feel that Steve is at his best on the rocking up-tempo songs.

If you enjoy rocking country music as recorded by Travis Tritt, Marty Stuart and others like them, give this album a listen. If you are a fan of Steve's later music, you'll find this album somewhat different but you'll probably enjoy it. If you're a fan of The Boss, you should definitely give Steve's music a try.


music for the heavens   March 26, 2003
 6 out of 8 found this review helpful

this masterclass in songwriting taps into the core of the human mind, soul and spirit. foot-tapping, country, honky-tonk rock 'n' roll never sounded quite so magnificent. Buy it, play it, live it, love it. God bless you Steve Earle.


The best debut album ever, re-mastered and re-released   March 19, 2002
 21 out of 22 found this review helpful

Although already something of a veteran performer by the time it was was released, Guitar Town marked Steve Earle's debut into mainstream music, without losing his country roots. Coming at a time when "new country" was finding its feet, Guitar Town was critical in turning the world's ear towards Nashville. Kicking off with the clear, crisp title track Guitar Town and moving through the highs and lows of life with classics such as the much-covered My Old Friend The Blues (sorry Eddie Reader, Proclaimers and the rest of you - you don't do it anywhere near as good as Steve)and slower, more emotional songs such as Little Rock'n'Roller, Steve Earle produced a high standard for all of his future work. There is not one duff track on Guitar Town. It is as relevant now as it was when it was released in the 80's. Buy it, play it, put down the remote control - you won't need the 'skip' button.