Introduction:
Alan Jackson released his 21st studio album, “Where Have You Gone,” on May 14, 2021, through ACR/EMI. The album features 15 songs, all written by Jackson himself, and produced by Keith Stegall. The album was preceded by the release of three singles: “The Older I Get” in 2017, the title track “Where Have You Gone” in 2021, and “You’ll Always Be My Baby” in 2021.
“Where Have You Gone” was well-received by critics, with AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine giving it 4 out of 5 stars. Erlewine praised Jackson’s songwriting and vocal performance, noting that he “doesn’t shy from his strengths” and writes songs to showcase his “smooth, supple voice and love of old-fashioned country.” The album was also praised for its traditional country sound, with Jackson leaning heavily on his roots and using traditional country instruments to tell his stories.
The title track, “Where Have You Gone,” is a reflective song about the state of country music. Jackson sings about how the genre has changed over the years, and how he misses the classic country sound of the past. The song has been praised for its honesty and its ability to capture the feelings of many country music fans.
“Where Have You Gone” is a return to form for Alan Jackson, and a reminder of why he is one of the most beloved country music artists of all time. The album is a must-listen for fans of traditional country music, and for anyone who appreciates great songwriting and storytelling.
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