Jason Aldean [ENHANCED]

Jason Aldean

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 2005)
• Original Release Date: July 26, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Broken Bow
• ASIN: B0009WPLXK
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,733 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
It's easy to see why newcomer Jason Aldean scored big right out of the box--"Hicktown," an anthem for the way-off-the-interstate nation, not only captures the pride and the humor of the blue-collar crowd ("Well, you can see the neighbor's butt crack nailing on his shingles"), but was written by John Rich and Big Kenny of Big & Rich (with Vicky McGehee). That might be a lucky break for this Georgian's debut, but Aldean managed to nail four other John Rich songs, including "You're the Love I Want to Be In," which the singer cowrote with Rich and McGehee. Strong songwriting rules throughout, whether the subject is dysfunctional relationships ("Why"), hurtin' hearts ("Even If I Wanted To"), lonely truckers ("Asphalt Cowboy"), or reassessing one's own life in the reflection of a passing hearse ("Good to Go"). Producer Michael Knox tailors Aldean's sound toward one thing--fitting in on the radio--which means he borrows from everybody: "Amarillo Sky" kicks off with a Celtic, Keith Urban-like intro, "Lonesome USA" recalls the gangly twang of "Guitar Town"-era Steve Earle, and the rocking drive of Big & Rich is everywhere. Though Aldean shows promise as a writer, he's no special shakes as a vocalist. But he brings a solid Everyman's tenor to play (think Kenny Chesney), and he sounds as if he's lived every word. Make room for another chart-topper. --Alanna Nash

Product Description
Jason Aldean co-wrote three of the eleven songs on his self-titled debut, including "Even If I Wanted To," "You're the Love I Want to Be In" and "She Loved Me." The album was produced by Michael Knox and includes Jason's first single, "Hicktown," which was written by John Rich, Big Kenny and Vicky McGehee.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Country meets rock thanks to a talented singer, July 30, 2005

By	DanD - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

There are two things that help Jason Aldean stand out from his contemporary country/rock peers: the first is that he manages to put heart and soul into his voice, without coming off like a polished singer. The second is that he doesn't write his own stuff (save four songs he co-wrote). Most of this album was written by songwriters who have gained minor fame recently due to their edgy, alternative styles and materials: John Rich, Vicky McGehee, Rodney Clawson, David Lee Murphy, Kim Tribble, and Bobby Pinson (hell, even Chad Brock has a co-writing credit; nice to see some material from him).

Aldean takes these tunes and makes them his own. True, his rendition of "Asphalt Cowboy" falls short of Blake Shelton's recording on THE DREAMER, but then, Shelton is more of a vocalist than Aldean is. Aldean's voice is down-home and likeable; his attitude is present throughout, yet never fully expressed (thanks to some wonderful production by Michael Knox). He takes tunes such as "I Believe In Ghosts" and "Amarillo Sky" and makes them fascinating gems; few country boys will have trouble relating to "She Loved Me" and "Hicktown." "I'm Just a Man" is undeniably catchy; even the corny "You're the Love I Wanna Be In" comes off fresh and invigorating, thanks to Aldean's heartfelt performance.

With this album, Jason Aldean establishes himself as a formidible new force on the Nashville scene. He won't go kicking down doors...yet. But he will turn some heads, and catch radio's attention. He has the heart, the material, and the raw talent to make it his own way. We're gonna be hearing more from him on down the road, I guarantee it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Newcomer Of The Year, July 26, 2005

By	W. Dunn "country music fan" (Philadelphia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This album is outstanding. After being in Nashville for years, Aldean's finances were getting bad and he was about to move back home in Georgia. That was gonna be the case, until a producer met him in a club and was able to convince Jason that with enough work, they could get a record deal. Jason agreed, but promised to move back home in 6 months if a deal wasn't done. Luckily Broken Bow Records signed this guy. This CD is awesome. Every track is great and he has a strong voice. From fun songs like "Hicktown", to love songs like "Why", a lot of emotions are expressed in this album. This is a must for any country fan. You won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite CD I've bought in a LOOOONNNNGGG time!, June 23, 2006

By	A. K. Bricker "Mandy" (North Central, Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

WOW! How awesome to buy a CD just because you love ONE song and find out the whole CD is full of great songs! I love that these songs don't sound fake at all. Jason's voice is flawed, edgy and such emotion comes from his voice that you feel the music way down deep in your heart. Great job!