| Greatest Hits Vol. II - Alan Jackson | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
Arista Nashville recording artist Alan Jackson has released another winner. Greatest Hits Volume II is loaded with great music. Alan has taken several of his biggest hits from the past few years and compiled them into one album. Other than possibly adding one or two new songs, many artists would consider it a finished job. Not Alan. He added a second CD with eight new songs that he wrote and added them to the pot. The finished result is a gold mine for his fans.
Alan has included some fun songs: "Little Bitty," "Gone Crazy" and "Right On The Money" come to mind. There are some drinking songs: "Who's Cheatin' Who," "Pop A Top" and his latest smash hit, the duet with Jimmy Buffett, "It's Five O'clock Somewhere." And an Alan Jackson album wouldn't be complete without a love song or two (or more): "I'll Go On Loving You," "When Somebody Loves You" and "It Must Be Love" are just a few songs you choose from. Alan is not one to disappoint his many fans, so you will also find one of the biggest hits ever on this album too, "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)." These great songs are on the main CD, and the second CD is just a continuation of the great music.
"Little Bitty" has been a favorite song of mine since the very first time I heard it several years ago. I liked the simplistic way he sings about a young couple starting out. He shows us that even as they mature and go on with the life, they have the same basic formula they started with. It is a great song to listen to when you think life is getting too complicated.
"Who's Cheating Who" is one of the cover songs that Alan made into his very own hit. I originally heard this song by Charlie McClain and loved it. It is rare that I hear a cover song done as well as the original, but I love Alan's version as much as I did Charlie's. Someone is cheating, but who is the one "truly" doing the cheating. Can both people be equally at fault? This song makes you realize there are two sides to every story.
"Little Man" is a tribute to the life which technology forced into a slow and painful death. The small family businesses have become an endangered species. Many places are now machine driven and finding an actual human to talk with is next to impossible. It makes you wonder if human contact will soon be a thing of the past. What will happen when we forget how to talk with each other? This song takes you on a trip to the past and shows you how it once was in a community of caring people.
Alan covered Jim Ed Brown's "Pop A Top," and did a phenomenal job. It is a classic drinking song. She walked out, and he hangs out at the local bar drowning his sorrow.
One of the sadder songs I've heard Alan sing is "Blues Man." It is a ballad written by Hank Williams, Jr. and seems to Hank's life. It is about a man who has all but given up on life and seems to do everything in his power to be self-destructive. However, there is someone who won't give up on him, or let him give up on himself and eventually he is able to see the light and love.
You are always hearing phrases that seem to indicate many differences exist between the Northern area of the United States and the Southern area. In some cases, it almost seems like you are leaving one country and going to another. Unless you have spent enough time in both areas to really understand the cultures, you probably won't see the humor in "Where I Come From." I moved to the South a few years ago and it really was a culture shock for me. I listen to this song and have to laugh as Alan nails the little things.
After the terrifying events of September 11, Alan was compelled to put his thoughts on paper. With Alan's songwriting talents, it was also natural to put the thoughts to music. What he gave birth to has to be one of the most sincere and heart wrenching songs of all time. "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)" is just a song that packs a powerful punch. He breaks it all down to the humanity of what was involved. This song never fails to bring tears when I hear it because of his ability to catch so many of the emotions that everyone was really feeling.
With "Drive," Alan took his personal experiences and made them ours. Who doesn't remember getting behind the wheel for the first time? This song will definitely give you a case of nostalgia and Alan paid wonderful homage to his dad with it.
Jimmy Buffett joins Alan for a song that is sitting at the top of the charts for a third week in a row as I write this review. It is a great summer song with a little island flavor to it. He is stuck at work and the clock seems to be moving backwards. He gets through the day by thinking "It's Five O'clock Somewhere." He wants something tall and strong, and gosh, what would Jimmy Buffett do?? That is Jimmy's cue to come in and offer some fun ideas. The two guys have fun with this one.
On the 2nd CD, one of my favorite songs is "Job Description." The life of a celebrity sounds like a dream come true, and while there are many fun perks, there are just as many drawbacks. He sleeps at 80 mph and gets out of bed in a new town every day. He is away from his family more than he wants to be. But this is the career he wants and it is all part of the job description.
"Let's Get Back To Me And You" has an upbeat tempo. At this point in their relationship they are forced to spend time apart while he is on the road. He wants to go back to what they did when they first fell in love. Spend the time they have together doing the little things; holding hands, making plans, taking long walks. It is a great song for people to listen to after being in a long-term relationship. It reminds us that we still need to work at it.
"Buicks To The Moon" is a catchy name for a love song. It all has to do with his deep love, and she'll know he feels differently when they are taking Buicks on a trip to the moon.
Overall this is a very solid album and a great addition to any collection. Even if you have most of Alan's albums, his two new singles and the bonus CD make this Greatest Hits album a good buy. His 29 number one singles have proven that Alan has the musical talent, and his humble and unassuming manner have made him a huge favorite with the fans. Alan will be around for a long time.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of Arista Nashville.
Other Songs:
Audio clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
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