The Essential Kris Kristofferson

Though many of Kris Kristofferson’s iconic country songs were popularized by other singers (take "Me and Bobby McGee" and "For the Good Times," for instance), it remains remarkable to hear them delivered in his own strong yet tender voice. His take on the latter sounds more like wounded pillow talk than a dramatic farewell, as Ray Price once read it, while the guitar-based "Breakdown (A Long Way from Home)" sees Kristofferson singing like a troubadour, weaving his poetically written words with a powerful, understated subtlety.