On the Record: Jamey Johnson

This week, I would like to introduce a new blog segment entitled "On the Record." Each edition of "On the Record" will feature a review of a new or existing artist or album that has recently piqued my curiosity, and I also feel is worth sharing with everyone. Although these reviews are strictly based on my personal preference and opinion, I thought it might be a convenient way for readers to consume vast amounts of music and, as a result, expand their musical repertoire without ever having to listen to individual songs. 

This debut edition of "On the Record" features the music and vocal stylings of country music and Mercury recording artist, Jamey Johnson. Although Johnson originally signed with BNA Records in 2005 to record his first album, "The Dollar," he was later picked up by Mercury Nashville Records, where he currently resides. It wasn't long after his switch to Mercury that the Alabama-bred Johnson received his first top ten hit with the song "In Color." Scarred by failed recording contracts and marriages, Johnson unwaveringly continued to hone his gritty, rustic vocals and natural songwriting abilities. 

When Johnson's self-penned songs travelled to the tops of the charts by way of George Strait, Trace Adkins and Joe Nichols, it became clear that Jamey Johnson was "in it for the long haul." Known for his take-no-prisoners, traditional country sound, Johnson has successfully produced three studio albums since his run out with BNA records. Johnson's albums that are featured below are three of my favorites and I, personally, believe they are worth a listen. 

1. "The Dollar"- released in January of 2006

"The Dollar," Johnson's debut album, was a subtle introduction to his signature outlaw sound that, in years to come, would bring him much fame and notoriety. With obvious standouts such as "She's All Lady," "Redneck Side of Me" and "It was Me," the album, as a whole, seems to be a solid, consistent debut album that showcases Johnson's signature, modern-day outlaw sound. Until listening to the album's final track, I had already surmised that the album was decent, but maybe not "exceptional." But when the album's final cut, "Lead me Home," began to pulse through my speakers, I quickly changed my opinion of Jamey Johnson. I know, it's just one song... But really, it isn't. The vocal inflection- resounding wisdom far beyond his years- that Mr. Johnson delivers on "Lead me Home" is truly inspiring, even despite the song's equally inspirational text and subject matter. Mark my words, "Lead me Home" will be played as a tribute to lost loved ones for many, many years to come. 

2. "That Lonesome Song"- released in August of 2008

Johnson's sophomore album, "That Lonesome Song," was his first studio album as a Mercury Nashville recording artist. Considerably more true to form than his debut album, Johnson finally lets us get a glimpse of who he is as an artist. Developing a sound that is comparable to only his outlaw predecessor, Waylon Jennings, Johnson delivers a rock-solid album that gives us but a taste of his traditional sound and vision. Noteworthy tracks such as "Mowin' Down the Roses," "The Last Cowboy," "Dreaming my Dreams of You" and the title track, "That Lonesome Song," would have been enough to support a quality album, however, that wasn't enough for the ambitious Jamey Johnson.  The featured track, "In Color," is a hair-raising tribute to war veterans and their families that will leave you searching for the nearest tissue. Resulting in Johnson's first top ten single, "In Color" verbally depicted everything that the former marine singer-songwriter wanted this world to acknowledge him by.

3. "The Guitar Song"- released in September of 2010

An established artist by now, Johnson's third studio album, "The Guitar Song," resulted in a mature, unabashed reflection of the "traditional country sound" that so many famous country icons before him had so tirelessly toiled to establish. A trail-blazing dual concept album that delivers a substantial 25 studio tracks, "The Guitar Song" is a contemporary honky-tonk compilation that illustrates Johnson's evident personal security as an artist. Johnson makes no apologies for his twangy, traditional country sound and unique image throughout the album. Notable tracks such as "Cover your Eyes," "Poor Man Blues," "That’s How I Don't Love You," "Macon" and "My Way to You" depict a well-rounded side of Johnson that isn't afraid to be honest or vulnerable. The raw, stripped-down delivery demonstrated in "That’s Why I Write Songs" is truly moving and representative of Johnson's rare vocal talent. 

Johnson's raw, gritty vocals and unabashed writing abilities will leave you begging for more after listening to these three albums. If you like what you heard during this edition of "On the Record," you can check out Johnson's music on iTunes or at your local music retailer. Leave a comment and let me know what YOU think about these featured albums. Stay tuned for more music industry public relations tips and future editions of "On the Record."

-All image rights are reserved to Jamey Johnson and Mercury Nashville Records-