ALAN JACKSON
Under The Influence (Arista)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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Alan Jackson is that rarest of all breeds: a country star of the 90s that is commercial enough to DO commercials (ya know, he's crazy bout a Ford truck) yet never turns his back on his country roots for one second. Under The Influence is an album filled with the old songs that shaped Jackson's definition of country music, and while paying tribute to your influences isn't a new thing by any means, this one is so genuine it seems brand new. It's actually very exciting to think that these great old songs will be heard by such an enormous audience. Jackson's performances of each and every song are so good that it's all together possible Gene Watson's "Farewell Party," Bob McDill's "Right In The Palm Of My Hand" and Johnny Paycheck's "Revenooer Man" could become hit records again. Which means the masses of folks that buy country today will be exposed to real country music. That'll give them something to measure by next time some Nashville hat puts out a pop album with a shiny belt buckle on the cover. Wouldn't that be somethin'? On top of all this, there's a guest appearance by Jimmy Buffett on "Margaritaville" and line notes that include lyrics and Alan's personal notes on each song. Knowing why these songs are important to him gives us a better understanding of the songs themselves, and of the man who is still our best hope for saving the genre at the commercial level. From the bottom of my country-lovin' heart, thanks Alan.

Track List:

Pop A Top * Farewell Party * Kiss An Angel Good Mornin' * Right In The Palm Of Your Hand * The Blues Man (A tribute to Hank Williams, Jr.) * Revenooer Man * My Own Kind Of Hat * She Just Started Liking Cheatin' Songs * The Way I Am * It Must Be Love * Once You've Had The Best * Margaritaville (with Jimmy Buffett)

© 1999 - DJ Johnson