Alan Jackson’s twentieth studio album, Angels and Alcohol, was released on July 17, 2015 and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart.
Jackson penned seven of the ten songs himself, and through these songs, reminds fans of his spectacular storytelling ability. Common country music themes; such as, family, love, heartache, alcohol, and outlaws, are found throughout the album.
The album is comprised of several ballads, and with many having story lines similar to previous songs it can leave fans feeling as if they’ve heard it all before.
“Jim and Jack and Hank” is the first single released from the album and is one of the more lighthearted songs on the album, characterized by its fun and quirky lyrics.
Take your string bikinis, your apple martinis
Take what’s left there in the bank
Take your flat iron and your curlers
Your sparkling water and that damn perfume I never liked
Take your black Mercedes all that stuff for ladies
To me you’re just a total blank,
Go on and leave me baby
I don’t need you, I got
Jim and Jack and Hank
Longtime fans of Jackson will love the new album, and the traditionally pure country quality it provides, while others may find it a bit of a drag desiring more variety. Either way the quality of Jackson’s voice is something all will notice and respect. It’s because of that stand out quality in his voice, and his devotion to never stray from his roots and what he believes in that Jackson can release 20 albums, and stay at the top of the charts throughout his career. It’s something not many can say, and definitely something to be admired.
Overall Angels and Alcohol is exactly what you would expect from an Alan Jackson album and for some that can be a negative or redundant thing, but for many more that is a wonderful thing, and guarantees an album that will quickly be added to the favorites list.
Rating: Get yourself a copy.