Album Review: Alan Jackson, Freight Train

When superstar Alan Jackson kicks off his latest album Freight Train with beautiful twin fiddles on the lead track “Hard Hat And A Hammer,” you know you’re in for a taste of tradition.  For Alan’s 18th album, the singer-songwriter didn’t go off the rails, he kept his train of delivering reliable country tunes right on track as he has done for the past 20 years of his career.  Alan had a hand in penning eight of the 12 tracks featured on the project. 

The debut single “It’s Just That Way” is one of the exceptions since Alan did not write it.  The chart-climbing song features the beautiful backing vocals of bluegrass queen Rhonda Vincent, as does the great “True Love Is A Golden Ring.”  “I Could Get Used to This Lovin’ Thing” has a boom-chicka-boom rhythm reminiscent of the sounds of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, while the title track is a peppy number that really moves which is fitting with the tune’s moniker.

In a tribute to tradition and to one of his musical heroes, Alan tackles “Till The End,” a 1977 Top 10 hit for Vern Gosdin, featuring Janie Fricke.  This time the tune gets a vocal boost in the form of Lee Ann Womack making it a standout.  In keeping with the melancholy mood, Alan’s take on “Taillights Blue” is a strong edition to the project.  Meanwhile, the personal “After 17” is a tip of Alan’s hat to his eldest daughter’s impending journey to college.

Alan once again delivers a well-rounded quality album that’s sure to satisfy his many fans.

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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