Townes Van Zandt Albums Ranked
John Townes Van Zandt (March 7, 1944 – January 1, 1997), better known as Townes Van Zandt, was an American singer-songwriter. He wrote numerous songs, such as “Pancho and Lefty”, “For the Sake of the Song”, “Tecumseh Valley”, “Rex’s Blues”, and “To Live Is to Fly”, that are widely considered masterpieces of American songwriting. His musical style has often been described as melancholy and features rich, poetic lyrics. During his early years, Van Zandt was respected for his guitar playing and fingerpicking ability. Van Zandt died on New Years Day 1997 from cardiac arrhythmia caused by health problems stemming from years of substance abuse. A revival of interest in Van Zandt blossomed in the 2000s. During the decade, two books, a documentary film (Be Here to Love Me), and numerous magazine articles about the singer were written. Here are all of Townes Van Zandt albums ranked.
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10. At My Window (1987)
“This album is class, and practically every song is a mini masterpiece. While the amazon review mentions that Townes re-recorded old songs for the album, only one song is actually re-recorded – For The Sake Of The Song – and I think it’s an improvement over the original, which suffered from overproduction in its original form.”
9. The Nashville Sessions (1993)
“This is the album that would have helped link and continue Townes’ career and success. Originally titled 7 come 11 these songs are the perfect example of Townes musc with a band should have been recorded and mixed.”
8. High, Low And In Between (1972)
“While there are one or two songs that are a bit “Low”, most of the album is concerned with the “Highs” – good time rollers, spirituals, and even a fun, light-hearted goof (No Deal). This an album that puts a smile on your face and shows you the way back onto your feet. With humor, dancing, singing, some drinking, and just a bit of the good Lord’s help.”
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7. Flyin’ Shoes (1978)
“This album contains some of Townes’ best songs, many of which could be regarded as classic Townes. “No Place To Fall”, “Dollar Bill Blues”, “Rex’s Blues”, and “Pueblo Waltz” were all mainstays of Townes’ live set through his years of touring, and have been recorded by other notable artists since he committed them to tape. I have heard many versions of “No Place To Fall”, and the version on this disc is by far my favorite. It is a beautiful song to begin with, but the arrangement here really brings it home.”
6. For The Sake Of The Song (1968)
“By far my favorite songwriter of all time. With amazing ability to write lyrics that aren’t trite, but completely other-worldly and eternal. And at the same time, inventing melodies that are original, and natural, and beautiful.”
5. Delta Momma Blues (1971)
“Townes Van Zandt’s simple melodies along with truly honest lyrics is what makes Him a true treasure amongst Singer/Songwriters. Although He isn’t well known, fans like myself can’t imagine music without Him. With songs like ‘Rake’, ‘FFV’, and ‘Tower Song’, Van Zandt delivers a combination of love, pain, and every emotion presented in numerous methods meant to invoke thoughts about one’s own life. This record is bound to become an instant favorite in your collection.”
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4. The Late Great Townes Van Zandt (1972)
“This album is criminally underrated in TVZ discography. If I Needed You, No Lonesome Tune, Sad Cinderella, are all standouts in his career. Not to mention the first appearance of Pancho and Lefty! Great great album title and cover too”
3. Live At The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas (1977)
“The most intimate live album I’ve ever heard. It pulls you right into Old Quarter, right there with Townes. I love this album. Townes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves, but who cares. He’s just the amazing Townes Van Zandt The bare-bones guitar/vocals setup is perfect for his songs, and most of his best songs are featured on this set. And there’s just a wonderful feeling of intimacy created by the audience noise and the stupid jokes Townes makes between songs.”
2. Our Mother The Mountain (1969)
“Borrowing elements from folk, country, blues, Townes Van Zandt’s poetry is emotionally intense. His gentle acoustic style has a unique desolate quality to it and his stories are simultaneously intimate and universal. His voice kills and the songs are really good, and the production is less cartoonish but still a bit overboard.”
1. Townes Van Zandt (1969)
“Townes has a way with words that not many other artists have. While an artist like Dylan is acclaimed for his ability to weave snide poetry into his music, Townes sets himself apart with his ability to paint beautiful pictures of people and scenery with his voice. In the ballads on this album, his voice and demeanor are extremely loving and comforting. “I’ll be here in the Morning” is such an example. It’s a song that you can sing to your daughter or your lover and it would have the same message, and the message of the song is conveyed so vividly.”
