A maverick to his Virginia-born bones, Earle took a long stride toward freedom on 1988’s Copperhead Road. The guitars snarl and the drums slam fiercely on this fiery, take-no-prisoners song collection. The title track (a FM rock favorite) and “The Devil’s Right Hand” roar with the defiance of a Confederate guerilla force, with Earle’s vocals ringing with feverish desperation. Softer tunes like “Nothing but a Child” (a tender nativity song) take the edge off the anger. Another highpoint, “Johnny Come Lately,” matches him with the Pogues for a galloping Irish-Appalachian romp. At this point in his career, Earle was veering away from Nashville’s restrictions and reveling in his own potent country/rock/folk blend fearlessly. He’s gone on to release other outstanding albums, but Copperhead Road is unmatched for its musical ferocity and fine-etched lyrical insights. There’s venom and honey alike to be savored here.

Tracklisting

1. Copperhead Road (4:28)
2. Snake Oil (3:29)
3. Back To The Wall (5:25)
4. The Devil’s Right Hand (2:59)
5. Johnny Come Lately (4:06)
6. Even When I’m Blue (4:11)
7. You Belong To Me (4:21)
8. Waiting On You (5:07)
9. Once You Love (4:42)
10. Nothing But A Child (4:27)

Apple Music

Videos

Steve Earle - Back To The Wall

More Videos

• Steve Earle - Copperhead Road (Official Video)

Release Images

Previous Next

Release Information