Alright, let’s talk about One Trip Thru The Hills by Don Crawford. This little gem from 1966 is one of those albums that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s got this raw, unpolished charm that feels like sitting on a porch somewhere in the U.S., sipping something cold while life just kinda rolls by. Released under Valiant Records, it falls into that sweet spot of Folk, World, & Country with a solid lean toward Country vibes.
Now, I gotta say, two tracks really stuck with me here: “Americano” and the title track, “One Trip Thru The Hills.” Let’s start with “Americano.” Man, there’s something about how Don pulls off these simple yet heartfelt lyrics. It doesn’t try too hard to be flashy or clever—it just tells its story straight, y’know? You can almost picture him strumming away at his guitar, lost in thought but totally present at the same time. There’s no crazy production tricks or anything; it’s just good ol’ country soul laid bare. That melody sticks to your brain like syrup on pancakes.
Then there’s “One Trip Thru The Hills,” which honestly feels like the heart of the whole album. It’s not even so much what he says as how he says it. His voice has this weathered quality, like he’s lived through every word he sings. And the instrumentation? Super stripped-down, letting the emotion do all the heavy lifting. When I first heard it, I wasn’t expecting much—just another old-school country tune—but halfway through, I realized I’d stopped whatever I was doing just to listen. That doesn’t happen often, trust me.
What makes this album stand out isn’t perfection—it’s personality. These songs feel lived-in, like they’ve been around for ages waiting for someone to dust them off. Sure, some parts might sound dated if you’re used to today’s slick productions, but that’s kinda the point. It reminds you where modern country came from, warts and all.
Funny thing is, listening to this record made me think about how we’re always chasing after the next big thing in music. But albums like One Trip Thru The Hills? They’re proof that sometimes the best stuff comes from slowing down and keeping things real. Honestly, if Don Crawford were still making music today, I bet he’d laugh at how complicated everything’s gotten. Maybe that’s why this album feels so refreshing—it’s honest without trying too hard. Who knew simplicity could hit so hard?
