Nat Stuckey - Nat Stuckey Sings (2018) [Hi-Res]

This 1968 album debut by Texan country singer Nat Stuckey finally gets some exposure thanks to this fine reissue by Fuel 2000 Records. In spite of some excellent recordings, Stuckey never became a household name in the country music world and was most successful as a songwriter. Just a few years prior to this album, he co-wrote Buck Owens' number one hit "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line." His own single "Sweet Thang" rose to number four on the country charts and the album went to number six, though that's about as strong a showing as he would make in his recording career. With a classic, rich baritone and nice mix of sentimentality and folksy wit, it's a shame his music never quite caught on. Songs like the witty honky tonk of "Oh, Woman" and "Pop a Top" show that Stuckey had a great command as both a writer and singer, and his ballads are as sad and tender as anything in the greater country canon. -- Timothy Monger