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"When Somebody Loves You"
In the decade since his debut, Jackson
has matured as both singer and songwriter while his resolute
traditionalism remains unchanged. As usual, his original numbers
account for the best moments, including the hit "www.memory"
and heartland anthem "Where I Come From," both outclassing
the cartoonish non-original "It's Alright to Be a Redneck,"
yet another variation on Jeff Foxworthy's tired comedic hook.
Alan Jackson's masterful title track reiterates his genius with
a ballad, as does his passionate interpretation of Robert Lee
Castleman's loungy "Maybe I Should Stay Here." Don't
dare assume he'd tone down the acerbic commentaries he began
on "Gone Country" and continued on "Murder on
Music Row." As roaring guitars battle traditional steel
guitar, "Three Minute Positive Not Too Country Uptempo Love
Song" allows him to plunge his lyrical daggers into country
radio consultants, whose soulless, analytical number-crunching
determines who does--and doesn't--get airplay. His determination
to confront Nashville's marketing, fashion, and gimmickry obsessions
reaffirm his own blue-collar grit. --Rich Kienzle |
