And Jackson continues this legacy on his latest effort "Freight Train," in stores this week.
From Stuart Duncan and Andy Leftwich's harmonized fiddle intro to "Hard Hat and a Hammer," to Paul Franklin's pedal steel denouement to close out "The Best Keeps Getting Better," the album is very much traditional country.
There's only a handful of up-tempo songs. Opening song "Hard Hat and a Hammer" is a true working man's anthem. And not the kind that seems forced or generic, but a true, inspired, heartfelt ode to the everyday 9-to-5 American.
The title track kicks up the pace even more. It's a twangy train tune with an outstanding solo from guitarist Brent Mason.
The only party-style track is "That's Where I Belong." Much in the vein of "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere," his 2003 blockbuster collaboration with Jimmy Buffett, "That's Where I Belong" is a song of escaping the everyday grind and relaxing on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
But for all the toe-tapping, up-tempo tunes on "Freight Train," Jackson's soulful ballads highlight the collection.
First single "It's Just That Way" is a soft and slow love song comparing his love being as natural as the sunrise and sunset, the world turning and the oceans being wet and the deserts being dry.
"Tail Lights Blue" is a clever song written by Adam Wright and Jay Knowles. As his love drives away, a brokenhearted Jackson sings "They should have made tail lights blue/So when I see them go/They'll look the way I do/Just a pale blue glow."
Alan teams up with Lee Ann Womack for a stirring rendition of Vern Gosdin's 1977 hit "Till The End." Jackson and Womack's sweet voices blending together give a touching farewell to Gosdin, who passed away in April 2009.
Perhaps the most fitting song on the album is it's closing song, "The Best Keeps Getting Better." The song is likely written to his wife of over 30 years, but also reflects his career. While Jackson may not necessarily be getting better, after 20 years in the business he's certainly not slowing down or sitting on his laurels.
The ABC12 Listening Room staff: James Chesna, editor-in-chief; Josh Daunt, managing editor, photographer; LeeAlan Weddel, contributing editor, staff writer, photographer; Beth McEnroe, staff writer, photographer; Gwen Mikolajczak, staff writer; Chris Harris, photographer, staff writer; Trina Manty, staff writer; Eric Fletcher, chief photographer; Randy Cox, photographer; Chris Carr, photographer; Norm Fairhurst, photographer; Jessica Reid, contributing photographer.
