CW 4-Stars Freight Train Album Review

[BIGHUSKERSRED]

Country Weekly magazine's latest issue (Reba McEntire on the cover) has a 4-stars review of Alan's Freight Train album in their album review section. He also got a little mention, with a picture, in their article about the recent Country Radio Seminar (CRS) event in Nashville.

The Album Review:

After 14 albums and more than 20 No.1 songs, Alan continues to build upon his legacy as a "singer of simple songs," and elegant ones at that. Songs like "True Love Is A Golden Ring" (co-written with Roger Murrah),"Tail Lights Blue" and "Till the End" (a gorgeous duet with Lee Ann Womack) all sound like instant country classics. As always, he pays homage to the workingman - here with "Hard Hat and a Hammer" - and to country living with "That's Where I Belong." "After 17," the coming-of-age story of a young woman, is the only odd choice here, sounding more like a fit for Taylor Swift than for Alan. "I Could Get Used To This Lovin' Thing" is one of the strongest cut on the album. The intro recalls the rockabilly flavor of Alan's early hit, "Mercury Blues," while the steady bass line harkens back to vintage Johnny Cash. He gives his banjo, fiddle, mandolin and guitar players room to do some fine chugging of their own in "Freight Train." The moon comes out at night, the sun brightens the day, and Alan Jackson makes quality country music. It's just that way.

The only thing I didn't agree with this review is the comment about "After 17." Nothing to do with Taylor Swift, but I think Alan wrote that song from a parent's prospective, not a 17 year old kid's. Overall, though, they did a great review of Alan's new album.


BHR 

[bb2832]

I agree, the review is a good one. I guess the author doesn't know it's Alan's oldest daughter, and the first time he has had to deal with children leaving home. There is nothing Taylor Swift about it.

[January]

14 albums? I believe this is # 18 - and Alan has said he wrote After 17 with Mattie in mind - geez country weekly - get your facts straight.

[katluvsaj]

I agree - great review. 
But, for being a mag about Country stars, you would think they would know the details of an artist's songs (especially someone like AJ - who writes most of his own songs).  Everything I've read about After 17 mentions that it's a song about his oldest daughter leaving home.   AND this is album #18, CW!

[nelle]

BHR thank you for the review.  Thank you January , Kathy and BHR for telling CW the right facts.  Take Care  nelle

[AJfan]

I  can hardly wait until next Tuesday when the new album comes out.

[Jeri_MS]

I thought this review was good about Alan's career , and described his work so eloquent.
(the mistake about his daughter , everyone doesn't know about Alan's personal life..and this is good for her.)
Alan has always kept his family out of the spotlight, if they wanted privacy and I admire him for this.
Good Review!
Jerrie-MS-FL
I rate this one a 5