Population Me
| Company type | Studio album |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 2003 |
| Founder | Dwight Yoakam |
| Products | Country music album |
| Parent | Audium Records |
Population Me represents the thirteenth studio effort by Dwight Yoakam, released in June 2003 through Audium Records. The album yielded two singles: "The Back of Your Hand" and "The Late Great Golden State."
Background
Following the conclusion of his contract with Reprise, Yoakam transitioned to Warner Bros and issued the soundtrack for South of Heaven – West of Hell, a film he personally wrote, directed, and financed. The movie was met with critical disapproval and saw limited viewership. Afterwards, Yoakam signed with Audium, where he was considered a key artist; however, the label's smaller budgets and fewer resources resulted in decreased radio promotion compared to his time at Reprise.
Recording and composition
Although firmly grounded in country music, Population Me broadens its musical palette beyond the style found on Yoakam’s 2000 album Tomorrow’s Sounds Today. Bluegrass icon Earl Scruggs adds banjo to a rendition of Burt Bacharach’s "Trains and Boats and Planes", while banjo prominently features on Mike Stinson’s "The Late Great Golden State," which also includes backing vocals from Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles. According to AllMusic, the title track fuses rockabilly, honky tonk, and elements inspired by Chuck Berry, propelled by producer Pete Anderson alongside musician Gary Morse.
Yoakam contributes seven original compositions that delve into themes of troubled romance and yearning. The somber title track, set in a minor key, echoes the style of Hank Williams with stark lines such as, "This place will tell you lies with each passing shadow…". "No Such Thing" contemplates a failed relationship with lyrics like, "We never laughed, we never cried/That’s not true, it's better to lie…". The cleverly titled "Fair to Midland" mourns emotional detachment, while "An Exception to the Rule" blends poetic storytelling with Bakersfield influences. Songs such as "Stayin' Up Late (Thinkin' About It)" and "I'd Avoid Me Too" pay tribute to honky-tonk traditions.
Population Me is particularly notable for featuring the duet "If Teardrops Were Diamonds" alongside outlaw legend Willie Nelson, which infuses a pop element into Yoakam’s sound. This album also marks the final studio collaboration with longtime producer Pete Anderson. Their nearly two-decade partnership ended contentiously after Yoakam opted to tour without Anderson to cut expenses, leading to a lawsuit that was resolved privately.
Reception
AllMusic commended Yoakam’s songwriting as an evolving portrayal of American life through a country music perspective, describing the tracks as "lean, tough, raw, and drenched with hooks as well as emotions," while specifically praising the honky-tonk flavor of "I'd Avoid Me Too." The review summarized the album as "stellar, kickin' impure country."
Personnel
- Dwight Yoakam – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
- Pete Anderson – electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, percussion, string arrangements
- Al Bonhomme – acoustic guitar
- Jonathan Clark – background vocals
- Skip Edwards – keyboards, string arrangements
- Tommy Funderburk – background vocals
- Bob Glaub – bass guitar
- Don Heffington – drums
- Scott Joss – fiddle
- Gary Morse – banjo, dobro, pedal steel guitar
- Willie Nelson – duet vocals on "If Teardrops Were Diamonds"
- Timothy B. Schmit – background vocals
- Earl Scruggs – banjo
- Kevin Sepriano – handclapping
- Lee Thornburg – trumpet, trombone
- Gabe Witcher – fiddle
Weekly Rankings
Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart| Chart (2003) | Highest position |
|---|
Annual Charts
| Chart (2003) | Ranking |
|---|---|
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard) | 69 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart Positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Country | ||
| 2003 | "The Back of Your Hand" | 52 |
| "The Late Great Golden State" | 52 |