Waylon Jennings – “This Time”
Artist Overview
Waylon Jennings (1937–2002) was a pivotal figure in the development of the outlaw country movement. Emerging from the Nashville studio scene in the 1960s, Jennings cultivated a reputation for his deep baritone voice, rugged image, and a fierce desire for artistic independence. His collaborations with fellow rebels such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson helped reshape the sound and ethos of country music during the 1970s.
Song Context
“This Time” was recorded for Jennings’ 1974 album This Time – That’s What It’s All About. The song was written by Waylon Jennings and his frequent co‑writer Don Bowman. Released as a single in early 1975, it arrived at a moment when Jennings was asserting greater control over his recordings, a stance that would become a hallmark of the outlaw country aesthetic. The track reflects Jennings’ personal and professional determination to chart his own course in the music industry.
Musical Style
The arrangement of “This Time” blends classic country instrumentation—steel guitar, fiddle, and upright bass—with a rock‑inflected rhythm section that underscores Jennings’ signature “outlaw” sound. The production emphasizes a raw, stripped‑back feel, allowing Jennings’ resonant vocal delivery to sit front and center. Lyrically, the song conveys themes of resilience and self‑reliance, echoing the broader narrative of autonomy that defined Jennings’ career.
Cultural Impact
While “This Time” did not dominate mainstream pop charts, it resonated strongly within the country music community and contributed to Jennings’ growing stature as a leading voice of the outlaw movement. The song’s success helped solidify the commercial viability of a more rugged, artist‑controlled approach to country recording. Over the decades, “This Time” has been cited by musicians and scholars as an exemplar of the shift away from the polished Nashville sound toward a grittier, more personal style that influenced subsequent generations of country and Americana artists.
Conclusion
“This Time” stands as a key milestone in Waylon Jennings’ discography, encapsulating his determination to forge an independent artistic path. The song’s blend of traditional country elements with a rebellious spirit not only reinforced Jennings’ legacy but also helped pave the way for the broader outlaw country movement that reshaped the genre in the 1970s and beyond.