20 Essential Albums Every Country Music Fan Should Own

19. Guy Clark - Old No. 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSxs89qT-r0 Key Tracks: L.A. Freeway, Desperados Waiting For A Train, Let Him Roll Guy Clark released his debut album after his contemporaries had already enjoyed success with his songs. Finally, Clark, who was a well-known figure in the Outlaw country music scene, had his turn. And what a turn it was. Clark's first studio effort set the tone for the sterling career which was to follow. Old No. 1 is honest, funny, moving and catchy all at once. Clark specialised in telling almost painfully true stories of ramblers, outsiders and honest-to-goodness working people. Never is that talent more apparent than on this record. The songwriting is on-point and the composition does justice to the lyrics. The highlight is Desperados Waiting for a Train, the wonderful recollection of Guy's relationship to an old, grandfather figure. One of the best debut albums in country history.