Heartache songs are, without exaggeration, a dime a dozen in the country music field. But, done right, a good "heartache" song can still come up with some new way to express such a universal theme. Jamey Johnson seems to know that, if his track record is any indication: "In Color" was about nostalgia. "High Cost of Living" was a "boy, I've made a lot of stupid mistakes" song. "My Way to You" was a "happy I've found my love" song. "Playin' the Part" was a song about being misplaced. All common themes, but written, sung and produced so diversely and interestingly that each song had its own feel despite fitting well as a whole. So when I went into "Heartache" expecting a fresh take on that well-worn theme, I was expecting another fine cut — and sure enough, Jamey delivered. 

"Heartache" drives home just how universal the theme of heartache really is through a very inspired personification: "I was born by fire in a cold dark cave / In the age of the dinosaur / When a cavemen caught his cave woman lovin' / On the missing link livin' next door," he sings. Those lyrics may look a tad silly written out, but when sung in Johnson's sturdy, strong baritone, they're as true as the rest of the song. Indeed, the tone is a little more serious from there, with more straightforward lines like "I'm a heartache, hungry and huntin' / Someone I can eat alive." Between the no-nonsense vocal and the outlaw country-meets-Southern rock production, "Heartache" does everything right. 

Honestly, I don't think there's a way in Hell that radio is going to play this. It's just too interesting, too inspired, too good for the same format that wouldn't touch most of his other material with a ten-foot pole. On the other hand, The Guitar Song has managed to go gold in only 2 months despite its first two singles both tanking — quite the feat when even the A-listers have to wait much longer for gold. It's clear that someone wants Jamey's unique musical styles despite his lack of radio success. But maybe I'm wrong; maybe he's on the brink of something big. Maybe the healthy fanbase will cause this song to take off despite being so far-removed from the mainstream. Ah, I can dream.

Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song

Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song