Moment of Forever

iTunes Review

While Willie Nelson is one of country music’s most respected songwriters, he’s also someone who can hear a great song and know immediately how to transform it into one of his own. For 2008’s Moment of Forever, Nelson, with producers Kenny Chesney and Buddy Cannon, cherrypicks a satisfying collection that sounds as if the tunes were written with Nelson in mind, whether it’s Randy Newman’s classic “Louisiana,” Dave Matthews’ “Gravedigger” or Chesney’s “I’m Alive.” Nelson sings with his trademarked natural ease, a technique that makes it sound as if he’s reacting to the lyrics as they unfold in front of him for the first time. Cannon’s “When I Was Young and Grandma Wasn’t Old” sports a sly wit and Guy Clark’s “Worry B. Gone,” a duet with Kenny Chesney, keeps a foot in the old roadhouse for an upbeat romp. But mostly, Nelson works on Willie time. The horns kick in for a soulful take of Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody,” but elsewhere Nelson keeps things relatively sedate, as he isn’t one to scream or push his voice past its delicate vibrato. He stands with dignity.