Jason Aldean - 'Wide Open'

Wide Open Bottom Line:

Jason Aldean already has two albums under his belt. Wide Open marks his third and it seems like he keeps picking up where things last left off on previous releases. He's growing as an artist while remaining true to the sound his fans have come to expect from him. You couldn't ask more from an artist.

About Jason Aldean:

Don't let Jason Aldean's young age fool you. Sure he might have been born in 1977 but he already has many years of performing experience behind him, starting his career (in one way or another) at the tender age of fourteen. From singing in VFW halls to entering many talent contests and eventually landing a gig with a house band in Macon, Georgia you can tell that Jason paid attention to every little part about the business. He kept his eyes and ears open which has only helped shape the kind of artist he is today.

What I like is you can tell despite being in the Nashville scene, there's still a proud Georgia boy that comes out on stage and in every song he sings. Being an artist is staying true to yourself while at the same time finding a great blend and unique way to reach an audience and I think Jason Aldean really has found his own way of doing things. Sometimes it takes a singer ten years or longer and some are lucky enough to find that "something special" earlier on in their career. Jason makes me want to see where his musical path will lead, then again I don't particularly care to rush him.

Wide Open The Songs:

"Wide Open" is about a college educated working woman who holds a job at the local cafe. Though she's not getting the amount of tips, she doesn't get discouraged. She's being patient waiting around to figure out what exactly she wants to do with her life. One day she decides to quit the job and hit the road to see where her path takes her. The song's message is exhilarating & inspiring to say the least.

Another song about following dreams, or having to choose between two difficult options, is found in "Keep The Girl."

"This I Gotta See" - I couldn't tell at first but once you get into the chorus you might realize "This I Gotta See" is the same song previously recorded by Andy Griggs. It was also that album's title. Between the two versions, Andy's has more of a bluesy feel to it with piano, while Jason's is more country-rock with guitar in the beginning. As Jason sings about wanting to get home to the woman he loves, who is sittin' on the front porch with iced tea you get the same feeling from the backing music. It drives you along just as he is driving home to her.

In "Crazy Town," songwriters Brett Jones and Rodney Clawson have started off the song a bit unexpectedly. Usually with songs about going to whatever city to follow your dreams, listeners are let in on the journey. In this one you're left right at the musician's journey in Nashville after he steps off the bus. The heavy rock influence gives weight to lyrics about how everyone in Music City wants to be the next big star and says that it's just like Hollywood only with "a touch of twang." Not only is is hard to stand out in that kind of crowd but it's also a fickle business. One minute you're living day to day and the next you could be making millions. It's all dependent on so many different factors so it's no wonder why a lot of artists have a love/hate relationship with the town.

The man in "Don't Give Up On Me" praises his better half for always being there for him no matter what he's going through. He doesn't want that to end so he shows his appreciation with phrases such as "You tie the knot when I'm at the end of my rope" and "For all the things I've failed to do - I've never failed at loving you." Even though he may go through periods of time where he isn't too sure of himself, he wants to know he can always count on her. And I think he knows he can do just that.

Generally I'm not fond of songs with any kind of talking in it, but it seems to work alright in the case of "She's Country." Since the talking is in the beginning you just know a heavier sound is on the way - as is part of Jason's way of doing things. This single is getting a lot of attention from not only the country girls who identify with the lyrics, but the country boys who appreciate them (the ladies, that is) as well.

In any of life's situations, when you tell a lie or have others tell them for you "The Truth" is bound to sneak up sooner or later and find its way out into the open. In the case of this song, a man is trying to hide how heartbroken he is after a relationship ended by getting his friends to say he's doing all these other things when in fact he just wants to say how much he still loves her.

Wide Open is a very fitting title for the album, as the whole theme to the eleven track collection is that of making choices and finding your way on the road of life. Even if you start feeling weighed down with options, decisions to make, and even heartache - pick yourself up and and make the best of what you have. Making the best of things can include sharing the joys of a relationship also. Jason Aldean really does cover all spectrums and aspects of life in these songs. There's an assortment of musical and lyrical styles which means just about anyone would be able to pick a favorite.

Release date: April 7, 2009 - Broken Bow

Wide Open Track List:

1. "Wide Open"
2. "This I Gotta See"
3. "Fast"
4. "Crazy Town"
5. "Don't Give Up On Me"
6. "She's Country"
7. "On My Highway"
8. "Keep The Girl"
9. "Big Green Tractor"
10. "The Truth"
11. "Love Was Easy"