Songs of Kristofferson

Released in the wake of Kris Kristofferson’s Golden Globe win (for A Star Is Born), Songs of Kristofferson is the first collection of the singer-songwriter’s “greatest hits.” The heart here is the four hit songs that made Kristofferson a star when they were recorded by other artists: “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “For the Good Times,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” In their author’s hands, the emphasis is on the songs alone. It's striking how idiosyncratic Kristofferson’s early hits are: slow and largely drumless, they are anchored by the singer’s now-legendary baritone. His voice puts weight on every word, and his attitude is sincere because of Kristofferson’s lived-it presence. The second half of the album draws primarily from Kristofferson’s mid-'70s output, during which time he chronicled the perils and disappointments of fame and fortune. While the singer stayed true to his mournful, stately ballad style, Songs of Kristofferson traces the changes within a man who was shaped by the changing circumstances of his time.