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Amazon.com essential recording: Of all the country music artists to break big in the '90s, Alan Jackson best straddles the genre's sense of tradition and its newfound modern sheen. More than any other superstar, the Georgia native clings to the age-old sound of fiddles, steel guitars, and rhythms that shuffle and swing. Still, on his third and his most successful album, Jackson proves how well he can turn traditional sounds into commercially accessible hits. "Chattahoochee" and "She's Got the Rhythm (And I've Got the Blues)" display his flair for bringing bright detail and a casual sense of fun to uptempo tunes. Meanwhile, ballads such as "Tonight I Climbed the Wall" show that he can create heartbreakers equal to those of his heroes, Merle Haggard and George Jones. --Michael McCall
Customer Reviews:
- Really good.: I found this album on discount, and I remembered hearing that it was pretty good, plus "Chattahoochee" was a big part of my musical childhood, so I decided to buy it and give it a spin.
Best $6 I ever spent. This album swings, boogies, and even provides a few quiet ballads. Nearly every song is a gem.
I recommend it to anyone who's interested in Alan. - UGH!: One more awful country cliche and I would have lost it! Even the song titles are about as predictable and stomach-turning as country can be! I'd give the album another listen just to find it's good points, but why put myself through that?
- THE LAMEST/CORNIEST MUSIC I'VE EVER HEARD!: GOD..."WAY DOWN YOUNDER ON THE CHATTACHOOCHIE"??? THAT'S THE FUNNIEST THING I HAVE EVER HEARD OF. THIS IS THE WORST COUNTRY MUSIC AROUND! IF YOU LIKE COUNTRY MUSIC LISTEN TO THE ALLMAN BROTHERS! YOU SUCK ALAN JACKSON!
- One Of His Best: Unlike Garth Brooks and Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson has never had trouble staying within the boundaries of traditional country music. His baritone twang is so authentic that when he sings about settling for a "burger and a grape snowcone," you believe him. This album, Jackson's third, is a seamless collection of tunes which sometimes are lacking a little in substance, but are always entertaining.
A lot of the songs Jackson writes deal with classic country themes. The opening footstomper "Chattahoochie" is a fond look at growing up in the south, while the heart-rending ballad "Tonight I Climb The Walls" evokes memories of vintage George Jones. The lilting island flavor of "Tropical Depression" adds a nice change of pace. Jackson co-wrote fewer songs than usual (only seven this time around). The other three are among the lighter tunes on the album and provide some balance. "I Don't Need The Booze (To Get A Buzz On)" is an anti-drinking song while "She Likes It Too" was written by two former Jackson collaborators who effectively capture some of his loves (motorcycles, long hair, country music) and make it instantly identifiable with the man. The closer, "Mercury Blues," added some life to the tired car genre has gone on to become a Jackson fan favorite. - Honky Tonk: I was really impressed when Alan Jackson came out with "A Lot About Livin'...". Being a fan of the more Honky Tonk sounding bands, this one was right up my alley. Jackson has a great voice, and a good backing band. Sweet and short solos, well-written lyrics, and just plain good ole Country makes up this album.
The album opens with the upbeat song about growing up on the river. "Chattahoochee" is one of the more upbeat songs on the album, and has a little catchy riff and staccato style lyrics. "Mercury Blues" bookends the album with another upbeat song. Like the stereotype of Country, a lot of the songs on this album are about being left by a woman. Songs like "She's Got the Rhythm (and I Got the Blues)" and "(Who Says) You Can't Have It All" are true ballads of the broken heart. "Up To My Ears In Tears" is more of a comical and upbeat version of being dumped, filled with some good guitar work. The song that stands out the best of the album is "Tropical Depression". Again, it's a being dumped song, but everyone was on for this song. Jackson is good, new Country. He's changed his style some since this album first came out, but it is good nonetheless.
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