Jake Owen's 2011 CD, Barefoot Blue Jean Night. Photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.
Though Jake Owen found success with his previous blend of country/rock stomp on hits like “Eight Second Ride” and “Tell Me” off of 2009’s Easy Does It, he was left seeking a more personal sound when working on his new project, Barefoot Blue Jean Night. Teaming up with Producers Tony Brown (George Strait, Reba McEntire), Joey Moi (Nickelback) and Rodney Clawson (writer of such hits as Big & Rich’s “Lost In This Moment”), Barefoot Blue Jean Night takes a more reflective approach than its two predecessors, offering a more intimate look at the singer.
Crisply produced, Barefoot Blue Jean Night is tied together with radio-ready choruses, hook-laden electric guitar melodies and songs about women, life’s lessons and a few good times. On the lead single and pop-leaning title track, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” the Florida native’s slight southern drawl sounds at home on the summer beach song amidst acoustic guitars, subtle drum programming and a couple well-placed Whoa-oh-ohs in the chorus. We were shining like lighters in the dark in the middle of a rock show, Jake sings with attention-grabbing imagery and a touch of nostalgia. The laid-back, standout song “Heaven” opens with sentimental piano as his smooth delivery intertwines thoughtfully with the notes. Well, there’s a place that they call heaven/ Just south of town way up on a hill, he sings with easygoing measure on the ######y love song. This same seasoned experience also extends to other songs like the traditional-based, “The Journey Of Your Life,” where Jake recalls his Grandfather’s words,
converse americana, singing possibly the album’s best line, Continue Reading
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