Willie Nelson's "Moonlight Becomes You" is a wonderful cross section of songs with memories. Many of my favorites are together on one CD. I was afraid I wouldn't hear some of these songs again due to the time elapse since the CD was produced. But you found it and now I have it. Thank you.

Moonlight Becomes You (1994) finds Willie Nelson interpreting classic songs from the 1940s, including the title song made famous by Bing Crosby. Willie opens and closes the album with two of his own compositions, December Day and In God's Eyes, and both are very, very good. The melancholy December Day reflects on love lost.

This looks like a December day
This looks like a "time to remember day"
And as my memories race back to love's eager beginning
Reluctant to play with the thoughts of the ending
The ending that won't go away

In God's Eyes ponders God's view of the world.

Never think evil thoughts of anyone
It's just as wrong to think as to say
For a thought is a word that's unspoken
In God's eyes He sees it this way

In between these two gems are thirteen pop standards/classics done by Willie and some of his long-time friends. This is not Stardust 2 by any means. Where the meticulous Stardust classic had a glossy and lush production, the largely acoustic Moonlight sounds like friends just getting together and playing some old favorites. It doesn't sound homemade or cheap, the production is first rate and crisp. Johnny Gimble plays the fiddle (there is a lot of great fiddle on the album), Paul Buskirk and Freddie Powers play rhythm acoustic guitars, Paul Schmitt plays piano, Dean Reynolds plays bass, Mike LeFebvre is on the drums, and Willie plays guitar and sings. This isn't Willie's usual band, so the songs sound a little different, but I like the fresh sound of the album, and Willie's trademark nylon string guitar is still prevalent, sounding like a welcome old friend. The songs all have a light and carefree feel to them, and even the sad songs aren't weighed down with tension or unease. Because nothing seems rushed, you also get the feeling that nobody was in a big hurry here, either. Still, everything about this album is professionally and conscientiously done. The Heart Of A Clown, Everywhere You Go, Sentimental Journey, and You Always Hurt The One You Love all get updated here and sound great. Willie doesn't hide behind these old classics, he makes them his own, and they sound new again. If you like Willie Nelson, especially Willie doing music from years past, you'll like Moonlight Becomes You.

This album by Willie Nelson was released in 1993. It is, for the most part, a collection for pop standards. But Willie did manage to sneak in a few non-standards, like his own compositions "December Day" and "In God's Eyes", and his friend Paul Buskirk's song "You Just Can't Play a Sad Song on a Banjo". But it's his album, so he can do whatever he wants, right? The songs are played in a pleasant country/jazz style that fits well with Willie's vocal stylings. Willie's fans should enjoy it.

Willie Nelson has again pulled some of the best standards and has done them as only Willie can. It starts off with a Nelson original, December Day, and moves through such classics as the title track, "Sentimental Journey," "You Always Hurt The One You Love" and 11 others that will put a smile on your face and just make you feel good. The musicianship is first rate and Nelson's voice is a true classic. If you own the other standards albums, you will definately want this one. If not, then pick this one up. It is a treasure.