Jason Aldean - "Tattoos On This Town"

By: Bobby Peacock

Last Updated: September 8, 2011 10:09 AM

I don't know why, but I'm always a sucker for a sentimental song. Particularly if it's one of those ones remembering all the cool times you had growing up in a small town. Things like flying down a country road, falling in love for the first time, drinking beer in the Walmart parking lot, et cetera. Maybe it's because I didn't do much socializing (one of countless things I regret about growing up). Or it could just be because the topic inherently lends itself to a detailed yet accessible song.

Case in point: "Tattoos on This Town" (Listen) by Jason Aldean. I've always liked the rawness of Jason's voice, and as always, it's matched up to lots of loud guitars and organ without being cacophonous. The verses are full of little details: a rope swing over a river, a name painted on an overpass, leftover marks on a road from drag racing and other little things. I also like how he acknowledges both sides: both the emotional impact growing up left on him and the physical impact he's had. In a way, it feels a bit like a continuation of "Dirt Road Anthem." At only 3:23, the song could use just a little more (a longer bridge perhaps?), but what it offers is still more than satisfactory. In particular, I think that the slightly off-kilter title should capture many a listener's attention.

My Kinda Party sure came out at the right time. It's been a blockbuster album and a major sign of artistic growth. Each single from it has offered something a little different while still staying true to Aldean's strengths — sure, he's a lot louder and more rock-influenced than most, but at his heart, he still sings about familiar and easily-identifiable country topics. With his artistic goals in clear focus, Jason has clearly ascended into the A-list, and "Tattoos" is just another reminder that he's here to stay. Like, well, tattoos on this town.