[The] contents of Jennings' albums have often left much to be desired, especially by those of us who tire easily of anyone who apparently feels he must constantly remind us, through the use of literary devices learned from Gunsmoke reruns, of what a tough-ass he is. After a while, you got the eerie impression that this guy actually believed he was an outlaw….

I've Always Been Crazy is a relief. There are still traces of the tough guy act, especially in a title track which finds the singer warning some purpling suffragette of "the chances you're takin' lovin' a free-livin' man" (exactly the sort of line that gets laughs in movie theaters), but I think Jennings has finally realized that at this point, only the Village People comprehend the true meaning of macho.

Of course, the thematic centerpiece is "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out...