Like most star-studded superstar comeback albums of the late '80s, '90s, and 2000s,
Willie Nelson's
The Great Divide isn't meant for longtime fans of the artists, or even the artists themselves; it's meant for listeners who always liked the idea or persona of the featured artist, but never liked the artist's music. That's certainly the case with
The Great Divide, which finds
Willie Nelson inexplicably recast as an adult alternative artist, singing songs written by
Rob Thomas -- who, not coincidentally, led
Carlos Santana to the biggest hit of his career in 1999 -- and other professional tunesmiths, all corralled by producer
Matt Serietic. Since professionals are involved -- including
Nelson himself, who gives an admirable vocal performance throughout -- this is an accomplished, classy album, but it sure as hell isn't a
Willie Nelson album. The closest it comes is on the title track, the only song co-written by
Nelson himself, and the
Bernie Taupin co-written numbers, including a pretty good deliberate ballad called "Let Stand in Open Country" featuring
Kid Rock. The rest is radio-ready adult pop, produced fairly well but not inherently interesting, no matter how professional it is. And that's the problem with the record; sure, it may get those who like
Nelson the star, but if it alienates those who love his music, including his legions of quiet masterpieces from
The Troublemaker to
Rainbow Connection, then what's the point?