Always On My Mind

Willie Nelson’s smooth interpretation of “Always on My Mind” became an unexpected pop crossover hit, climbing into the Top 10 and spending two weeks at the top of the country charts. The accompanying album of the same name contains a handful of songs that match the casual grace of “Always on My Mind,” including fine versions of “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man,” “Let it Be Me,” and “Bridge over Troubled Water,” plus lesser-known songs and originals like “Old Fords and a Natural stone” and “Party’s Over.” There’s a handful of mediocre songs, including an awkward “Whiter Shade of Pale,” but Always on My Mind is a laidback, nearly pop album that is one of his best contemporary crossover efforts. – Thom Owens