2008 Woodie Awards
"Good Time" a little sappy
Julie Engler
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Music
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Release date: March 4
Record Label: Arista Records
http://www.alanjackson.com
With a career spanning nearly 20 years and 15 released studio albums, Alan Jackson is becoming the Johnny Cash of today's generation of country music.
His '90s hits, such as "Chattahoochee" and "Don't Rock the Jukebox," have become those timeless classics of modern country that simply can't be replaced. While he will never be as widely loved as Cash, Jackson isn't concerned: He's still a good ol' country boy.
On "Good Time," Jackson stays true to the old days of "bologna sandwiches on white bread" and country music as traditional as it can be in today's mess of country music. Incorporating fiddle, banjo, steel guitar and acoustic guitar, Jackson's approach to music is as laid-back as his southern country roots. "Good Time" is loose, carefree and enjoyable.
Jackson wrote all 17 songs himself, including the ballad about Jesus being a hillbilly in "If Jesus Walked the World Today," a nice change of pace from the seriousness of his love songs.
Most of the songs on the album are swooners, with Jackson more than willing to express his love for women. On "I Wish I Could Back Up," Jackson expresses his wishes about wanting to go back in time to the beginning to make everything right with his lifelong love.
But Jackson still has some honky-tonk left in him. The opening title track is a strong start, perhaps even enough to be a little deceptive of how the rest of the album will unfold. Jackson's use of instrumental hooks after nearly every line in the song are credulously country, and the electric lead is a welcomed, energetic statement that isn't found a lot in this album. And just in case you missed the point, Jackson breaks it down for you - a lesson on how to spell "good time" correctly.
Jackson has always highlighted the more "attractive" aspects of the country - as opposed to Brad Paisley's "Ticks" - and "Good Time" isn't an exception. Whether it's riding on country roads in "Country Boy," feeling the grass between his toes in "I Still Like Bologna," or "Laid Back 'N Low Key" on the beach, Jackson makes us wish we were there watching the sunset far from the city skyscrapers.
Jackson has become a little more "Laid Back" himself, but he still knows how to have a good time, whether with his friends or his wife; "Good Time" reflects sentimentality and good humor, as Jackson's releases always have.
Julie Engler can be reached at
536-3311 ext. 275 or julie86@siu.edu.
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