The Essential Willie Nelson is a two-disc compilation of Willie Nelson songs. This digitally remastered compilation covers five decades of Nelson's recording career, and is part of Sony's Essential series of compilation albums. A 2009 release in limited Essential 3.0 series came with a bonus disc of eight fan-favourites and rarities. The album was re-released with an updated track listing on October 16, 2015.
Reception
David Quantick of Q wrote, "[T]he songs here sound fresh and almost youthful. The arrangements are sparky, too... All the sheer scope of Nelson's writing is displayed." In a retrospective review, AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that "The Essential Willie Nelson gets about as close as a set could to providing the basics".
Track listing
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2003) Peak position Australian Albums (ARIA) N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart. 128
Year-end charts Chart (2003) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 62
Certifications
References