Hank Williams, Jr. - Habits Old & New
In this week's episode, we're featuring one of the most honest albums in the long career of Hank Williams, Jr.: "Habits Old & New" (1980). After a suicide attempt in 1974, a severe climbing accident in '75 and a divorce in '77 - there's little doubt that Hank Jr. did some re-evaluating. He emerged with a new musical direction. Steering away from the traditional country sounds of his famous father that had been his mainstay for the past 10+ years, Bocephus added elements of blues and southern rock and in a fourteen month period in the late 70s/early 80s, he hit his musical high point, in this reviewer's opinion. Three releases, which culminated in our feature album in 1980 brought a brutal honesty and rebellious attitude which he became known for. "Habits Old & New" pulled no punches and remains a fan favourite. Highlights include the intensely personal "All In Alabama" about his near-death trip up Ajax Peak; the cynical "The American Way" and the iconic "The Blues Man". A lot of country fans found something to relate to in this album, and you may just be able to see why.