Since Alan Jackson released his first album back in 1989, he has become one of the most successful artists in country music. He has sold over forty-five million records and scored thirty-one number one records. After taking a break from country music to release a gospel album titled Precious Memories earlier this year, Jackson has returned to a somewhat more familiar style with his latest release, Like Red On A Rose.
While Like Red On A Rose has a more traditional ‘country’ sound than Precious Memories, the album definitely marks a bit of a departure from the often honky tonky, old country and western sound Alan Jackson has put forth on previous records. Produced by Grammy winner Alison Krauss, best known for her work as a bluegrass musician (Union House Branch, Restless), Like Red On A Rose is an album of romantic ballads and self -affirmations. In a recent press release, Alan Jackson mentioned some songs Alison Krauss didn’t think worked for a female singer, but she remembered them for years. Others were songs she loved and wanted to remake, but “I know two songs were written especially for the album. It is an interesting collection of old, new and whatever! I kinda let Alison run with this thing; it was her baby."
This collection of “old, new and whatever” blends together well to create an album of heartfelt songs that speak to those in love, have been in love, and are searching for love. While Jackson sings of the joys of being in love, he also recognizes the difficulties of keeping a relationship going and the sadness of seeing a relationship end. The album's title track, “Like Red On A Rose,” is both a song of love and seduction. Jackson sings very emotionally about having found the perfect someone. “Good Imitation of the Blues” is a classic ballad of heartbreak, with a deep, brooding slide guitar. “Nobody Said That It Would Be Easy” has a more upbeat tempo, led by a constant drumbeat as Alan sings about the difficulties of settling down. “Don’t Change On Me” has the feel of a ballad sprinkled with gospel dust. There is beautiful organ heard throughout and with harmony vocals from Krauss, Lee Ann Womack (I hope You Dance), and a group of talented vocalists, it makes “Don’t Change On Me” a standout track.
Article comments
1 - ccf
I am a big Alan Jackson fan, but
this review is off base IMO. This is Alan worst cd. There is very little traditional country or country about it, nor is this his familiar style,it's to overproduced. I would love to hear more fiddle, and steel with less organ. I just hope he comes back to what he does best next time.
2 - Rebecca
While the album has a different sound, I think it shows his his diversity and his attempt to move beyond what he did on his fir 12 records.
3 - ccf
As long as he returns to his traditional country style on his next cd that is fine. I would hate to see him continue down the path of this cd and abandon his country fans.
4 - Rebecca
Would you object to a bluegrass record? I know he originally talked to Alison Krauss about doing that style of project.
5 - Katie McNeill
I'll have to go and buy it for my mom she loves Alan Jackson, not to mention Alison Krauss.
6 - ccf
Bluegrass would be fine as long it was all acoustic with no drums or other no stringed instruments. I'm not a big fan of Alison Krauss's stretching bluegrass.
7 - Rebecca
If your a fan of Lee Ann Womack, you'll probably want to check this out, because I thought her voice really stood out on the back up vocals.
8 - ccf
Lee Ann is okay her last cd "There More were that came from was a good cd from her. Though I didn't like all of it. Hope she continues down that path.
9 - Connie Phillips
This article has been placed at the Advance.net websites, a site affiliated with about 12 newspapers.
One such site is here.
10 - Kennyd30720
Hate to hear you don't much care for this Alan Jackson CD, ccf. I find it to be one of his finest works yet. It would be easy for Alan to keep riding the same horse that got him to the show (ala Kenny Chesney), but why? This album shows creativity, sensitivity, an acknowledgement of his maturity and age. I beleive (or hope) this album will be remembered as his life's reflection album.
11 - Jonny
Hands down the best music Alan Jackson has made and the best album of the year. A lot of folks are grumbling that its not like the old Alan Jackson, but he, like his music and (hopefully) his listeners, has matured. Alan's voice pours out of these songs with a sincerity that can at moments tap you at the core. If you want the old Alan, please enjoy one of his previous 10+ records , but if you want to hear him at the height of his artistic ability in a collaboration of musical legends, then give Like Red on a Rose an openminded listen.
12 - Pat
I wondered if Alan would get flack for this album, but I suspect he doesn't care much; he's taken a path that in maturity one earns (it'll be interesting to see if Kenny C. ever risks something different).
The title track single implied to me Alan was willing to try something & I'm completely struck by the cohesiveness of the album, adherence to the theme & style, and the total success of an Alan Jackson blues work. He pulled it off & it ranks right up there w/ standard blues, only uniquely his-his style, his voice; it's beautiful, simple, evocative, and a tribute to the singer.