Jamey Johnson's third single for Mercury finds him continuing in the same deep, emotional tone set by That Lonesome Song, a modern-day outlaw album, if there ever was one. Should and will this single find an audience at country radio?

Fiercely independent, Jamey Johnson recorded much of "That Lonesome Song" on his own prior to licensing it to Mercury Nashville in early 2008. It's a complete song cycle that chronicles a dark period in Johnson's life. Like all great songwriters, he's channeled that darkness into a stark collection of timeless songs.

For the last 40 days we've counted down the top 40 songs so that we'd end right here, on January 1, 2009, with our Top Country single of 2008.  If you've followed along you probably figured out this one'd be our favorite.  Now you can read what makes this song the best.

Jamey Johnson is much like the songs he writes: real and honest. What you see is what you get. Roughstock recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jamey Johnson. Among the things he discussed were his opinions of why his first record deal failed, his thoughts on country music, what he does to make a record and the true meaning behind his acceptance speech for his song of the year award for “Give It Away.”

Here's the music video for one of the best tracks from Jamey Johnson's Mercury Records debut "That Lonesome Song."  If you like traditional country music, you need to hear this man sing.