Hank Williams Albums Ranked
Hiram “Hank” Williams (September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one (three posthumously). Many artists covered songs Williams wrote and recorded. He influenced Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan, George Jones, Charley Pride, and The Rolling Stones, among others. Williams was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1961), the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1970), and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987). The Pulitzer Prize jury in 2010 awarded him a posthumous special citation “for his craftsmanship as a songwriter who expressed universal feelings with poignant simplicity and played a pivotal role in transforming country music into a major musical and cultural force in American life.” Here are all of Hank Williams albums ranked.
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10. Beyond The Sunset (1955)
“”Beyond The Sunset” is the tale of a couple promising that if one goes before the other in death, the other will soon follow. It looks forward to a hope of an afterlife in Heaven with the Savior. This is one of the most beautiful songs Hank ever recorded.”
9. 20 Of Hank Williams’ Greatest Hits (1998)
“The larger compilations are fine but so much Hank can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s nice to have 20 of his arguably greatest songs in one place. This is definitely not comprehensive but is the best at showing what all the fuss is about. It’s the definition of country. Simple but profound lyrics mixed in with a little rockabilly, upright bass, one or two Django style guitar leads and a lot of amazing pedal-steel and fiddle. Can’t go wrong!”
8. The Complete Hank Williams (1998)
“”The Complete Hank Williams” is ideal for anyone who wants to obtain the largest collection of work that made him such a pioneer. But there’s also an intellectual value to the music within; these songs can be seen in many respects as Williams’ autobiography. The man wrote a vast majority of his own music (something few country singers do these days), making it possible for country music to be used as a form of personal expression, as well as entertainment. It’s a shame that today’s country performers have shown very little of the excellence that came from this frail-looking man from Alabama.”
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7. The Ultimate Collection (2002)
“The Ultimate Collection (thankfully not called “complete”) is a wonderfully mastered, well-chosen 2-disc selection of truly the best of Hank Williams. All his biggest hits are here, in chronological order, up through 1952’s “Take These Chains from My Heart.” These are followed by ten solo demo recordings, which would lead most listeners new to Hank Williams to seek out the many more that are available. Finally, the last six songs are vibrant, live versions of more Greatest Hits (including “Why Don’t You Love Me” and “Lovesick Blues.”
6. Honky-Tonkin’ (1954)
“This 1957 collection of 12 of Hank Williams’s singles is a series of lessons in honky tonk writing- Williams composed more than half here- and singing. Several of these include Jambalaya, I’ll Never Get Out of this World Alive, Rootie Tootie, Baby We’re Really in Love, Honky Tonk Blues while all of them made the top ten. Such singing, phrasing, emotional nuance was stilled forever in the white Cadillac that night in 1953 but it is preserved on this and a few other albums.”
5. Memorial Album (1955)
“12 classic songs by the great one ,Hank Williams,and a wonderful addition to any collection!!!A must for any listener who appreciates fantastic music..These are his Big ones that will have you see the enormous talent he possessed.”
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4. Hank Williams Sings (1951)
“Hank Williams set the template for the genuine country music artist: a distinctive voice, backed with musicianship strong on steel guitar and fiddle, and the skill to emit real emotion, whether sorrow or happiness, from songs kept basic and real, the majority composed the singer himself. While subsequent compilations may bring together the greater number of hits, these albums reveal how Williams was represented immediately before and after his death”
3. Ramblin’ Man (1955)
“Think of this album as Hank Williams telling you who he is. He’s happy to roam from town to town but at the same time wants steady love. He wants you to understand who he is and be with you, but not do all the work. Then he is back on the road again to look for it all over again. Not many of his contemporaries could give you the same heart and soul in country music.”
2. Moanin’ The Blues (1952)
“Country music had been recognised and adopted by mainstream artists before Hank Williams made his debut. But his approach was to pare the music back to its traditional roots, in terms of both instrumentation and delivery. That simplified accompaniment of fiddle and guitar threw the spotlight onto his voice, underlining its nasal, reedy quality and strong Southern accent.”
1. 40 Greatest Hits (1978)
“”Hank Williams: 40 Greatest Hits” is a celebration of the music of this true American original. His lyrics will move you and his vocals will haunt you. Listen carefully to these tunes and you will come to appreciate what a truly remarkable talent this man was. These are all the original M-G-M studio recordings. Beware of some collections that include some inferior “live” recordings. For my money, “40 Greatest Hits” remains to this day the finest Hank Williams collection ever issued.”
