Alan Jackson - "It's Just That Way"
By: Matt Bjorke
Often cited as one of the last true country singers, Alan Jackson (AJ) certainly raised a few eyebrows when he made the Like Red On A Rose album with Alison Krauss and the gospel record Precious Memories before eventually following them up Good Time. Rose and Memories were both creative tour-de-forces but really didn’t help Alan’s radio exposure all that much so Good Time, while solely written by AJ, was made to get the star back on the radio. With Four successful singles from the record, consider it a job well done. What that album lacked, however, was much of the charm that has gotten AJ where he is, one of the last true country singers.
“It’s Just That Way” features Alan Jackson at his best, charmingly laid-back as he sings a straight-up steel guitar laced ballad that is more like his great “Remember When” than the playful love songs like “Livin’ On Love.” It is as simple as a piece of Ma’s apple pie and goes down like a smooth shot of single malt scotch. This is the Alan Jackson that l love. I love it when he sings a song with soft, sensitive lyrics about how the world goes on and what he was born to do, love the woman in his life.
The production is as supurb as usual with tickled ivories glistening in the background along with the glorious steel guitar guiding the melody. Loving music like this is something I was born to do, it’s just that way.
Written by Keith Stegall, Vicky McGehee & Kylie Sackley
You can listen to the song by clicking here.
Read the song lyrics by clicking here.
You Can support Alan Jackson by purchasing this single at Amazon | iTunes.
READER'S COMMENTS
Hank says:
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
I'm from Canada and everyone that I know loves Alan Jackson and his music. Alan Jackson his the true spirit of country music here in Canada. He know's how to write and sing a true country classic and his keeping it alive for all the millions of people that love country music. Keep up the good work my friend.
Matt B. says:
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
I typically try to be as accurate as possible, usually to the point of researching 'too much' or giving 'too much' history in an article. I am glad to have you around, I hope you share the site with others. We certainly do try to touch on all 'points' of the Country genre.
solongsowrong says:
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
Thanks Matt, for responding back. I appreciate that. The reason I get "so persnickety", is because I look for truth in journalism, and appreciate it when someone researches what they write about and have the facts straight. Like yourself, I never said that Alan was "the last true country singer," either. Your words were... he was ONE of the last true country singers. I said he was hardly one of the last true Country singers, and gave examples of others. I also pointed out that your statement was feasible, if you where talking strictly Mainstream Country. One of the problems with mainly focusing on one style of Country music, is often it gets forgotten that others focus on all genres, and see gaping holes when generalizations like that are made. I'm new to this site, so I'll make a deal with you. I'll try to be less persnickety, if you try to be more accurate. :)
Matt B. says:
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
Look, I appreciate you correcting my chronology of the albums and my one time of misspelling Krauss' name. I like and respect many of the traditional artists you mentioned. Dale Watson is one of my favorites. I never said Alan was "the last true country singer," so why get so persnickety about it. While this site does focus on 'mainstream,' we give generous coverage to 'alt-country' projects as well.
solongsowrong says:
Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010
Often cited as one of the last true Country singers? Maybe if you're talking about the Pop Country singers of commercial radio, but not if you include the true Country artists of the Americana genre. There you will find literally hundreds, who still sing real Country music... Western Swing, Red Dirt Country, Texas Country, Alt. Country, just to name a few, with artists such as Dale Watson, James Hand, Ryan Bingham, Gene Watson, & Wayne Hancock, still carrying on the traditions of the genre. Alan is hardly one of the last true country singers. While the two albums that you talk about here may not have given Alan much Mainstream radio play, they did garner him much critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination. Sometimes, a little more creative endeavor, means more than huge sales and radio play. If you do a little research, you'll also find that when he first approached Alison about producing an album for him, he wanted to do a Bluegrass album. How much radio play do you think that would have got him? Alison knew that really wasn't his forte, and fortunately steered him in another direction. Also, if you would have done some more research before blogging, you would have found out that "Precious Memories", was actually released seven months before "Red Like A Rose". Lastly, Alison has won 26 Grammy's. Give the lady some respect by at least learning how to spell her name before writing about her!
mar_j_inil says:
Posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010
Just about everything Alan has recorded has hit a chord with me. Sure am anxious and excited to hear all this new music and so glad he is covering a Vern Gosdin tune!!
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