For over ten years, Jason Aldean has been bringing us incredible country music. His last album, “Old Boots, New Dirt” was released in 2014 and won the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Album in 2015. Although this album moved away from his signature sound and toward mainstream “pop-country,” he is still one of the most well-loved country artists to date.
Some country listeners have been struggling with the move away from a more classic country sound to the pop-country that we have become accustomed to today.
As for me, when it was announced that Aldean had a new album on the way, I clicked pre-order on iTunes as fast as I could. I have every album he has ever released and know every word to every song. His last album was a bit of a disappointment to me because it did drift from his unique rock-country sound. However, I had already heard the first single “Lights Come On” from “They Don’t Know” and was optimistic that this album would be fantastic.
The morning of Sept. 9 finally came. I got the e-mail that my album was ready to download. I ran straight to my computer and I was in no way disappointed.
Jason Aldean’s country-rock sound was as good as ever, boasting hammering guitar riffs, powerful bass guitar, and the best drumming of any band in country music. Listening to “They Don’t Know” takes me back to the first time I listened to his album “My Kinda Party” and in many ways, the two albums are parallel.
Almost half the songs on the new album, such as, “Whiskey’d Up,” “In Case You Don’t Remember,” and “Any Ol’ Barstool” are powerful breakup ballads and songs that will make you reminisce of past relationships.
There are also plenty of songs about love, romance, and just having a good time, including, “When the Lights Go Out” and “Comin’ In Hot.”
The title track “They Don’t Know” hits home to anyone who has ever lived in a small town or on a farm. Also, the chorus to “Lights Come On” will take you back in time to any concert you’ve ever been to.
Overall, the 15 songs on “They Don’t Know” exceeded my expectations and I will continue to listen to it on repeat until Jason Aldean’s next album is announced.
If you’re looking for an album that hasn’t gone completely pop-country, but still has new country flare, “They Don’t Know” might just be what you’re looking for.
“They Don’t Know” is available on iTunes, online, and in stores.
