Maybe it´s easier for me to judge this album, because I haven´t heard original versions of Kristofferson´s songs. For me "The Austin Sessions" represent the very spirit of country music. The arrangements, the lyrics, the tunes - everything is perfect. Country music isn´t very popular in Russia, but I´m sure, after listening to this album, people would understand, why there are so many fans of all over the world. You don´t need to be a Caruso to sing country songs - Kris prooves it with every track. You need to have something inside you - a spirit of old good times, when everything seemed so simple and plain...