Yoakam’s unique sound is evident from the outset. He’s part of the popular Bakersfield sound, a sound made popular in the 1960s. Merle Haggard shares much of this sound, as does Yoakam’s idol Buck Owens. And while Yoakam does model his style after his idols, his sound and style are also unique.
In 2006, the album was re-released as a deluxe edition, including ten demo tracks from 1981, five which ended up on Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc., four which would end up on later albums, and one demo which was never previously released in any form. It also included a second disc of a live concert.
Each of Yoakam’s albums has been something special. He’s allowed his sound to grow with the times, but never sold out to “chasing trends,” or becoming something fake to achieve success. Everything he’s done has been authentic. And it all started with this album. It’s the very definition of a seminal album – an album any true country music fan should own.