A 2009 release in limited Essential 3.0 series came with a bonus disc of eight fan-favourites and rarities.

The album was re-released with an updated track listing on October 16, 2015.

David Quantick of Q wrote, "[T]he songs here sound fresh and almost youthful.

The arrangements are sparky, too... All the sheer scope of Nelson's writing is displayed.

"[2] In a retrospective review, AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that "The Essential Willie Nelson gets about as close as a set could to providing the basics".