As with Willie Nelson's '70s Atlantic breakthroughs, the self-written and self-produced collection is something of a concept album, though its not driven by as strong a narrative as Phases & Stages and Red-Headed Stranger. This is simple declarative account of a man abandoned by the great love of his life. He reflects upon his loss, expresses his fears and desires, and searches the heavens for solace. He finds some and gives thanks. The band (Nelson backed by fiddle, piano, and second guitar) plays a wistful waltz and life goes on, though the end is in sight. The Willie of Red-Headed Stranger was wild and dangerous when he was hurt; the Willie of Spirit is reflective and contrite. Still, Spirit ranks with Red-Headed Stranger, one of the landmarks in modern country music history. --Steven Stolder