With an imposing figure, a fu manchu beard that extends down to his chest, an outlaw attitude and a deep baritone voice, Johnson appears first to be the guy who you'd want your back in a bar brawl, not the type whose cd you'd have playing in your mini-van. And the characterization fits as his cd opens up with the sounds of his alter-ego being released from jail, heels clicking on concrete into the opening song. It would only be with trepidation that any music critic would diss this sophmore effort in fear that he may come kick your ass.The first time I listened to Jamey Johnson's That Lonesome Song, it reminded me of a Waylon Jennings album- which is only appropriate when you listen to the last track called "Between Jennings and Jones." The co-writer of George Strait's "Give It Away" and Trace Adkins’ " Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" writes:
"Hanging out in the bars with the drunks and the stars
I found a few good ole boys just like me
Started burning our candles both ends and the middle
A bunch of roaring outlaws at high speed
And they said that the end of that road I was on
Somewhere between Jennings and Jones."
Johnson's first single, In Color, is a powerfully written testament to the life of his grandfather through the black and white photos that adorn his wall- another tribute to respecting that which came before us while all the while keeping it relevant for today's country music radio- a more difficult line to walk down more than ever today.
Througout the album, Johnson sings about relationship dissolution with brutally frank introspection and occasional vindictiveness. It includes two covers originally recorded by Jennings- "The Door Is Always Open" and "Dreaming My Dreams With You." Johnson’s songs hit hard and they’re tied together by the most mournful and soothing pedal-steel interludes you’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. Yes, the steel pedal guitar lives!
So, here’s my official endorsement: Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Song sounds like traditional country music but has true relevance in today's pop-infused country landscape. It's definitely worth a listen- "In Color" should be on every country music lover's iPod.
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