Introduction:
George Jones’ “This Wanting You” is a timeless country ballad that showcases the singer’s unparalleled vocal prowess and emotional depth. Released in 1980 as part of the album He Stopped Loving Her Today, the song quickly resonated with audiences and cemented Jones’ status as the “Possum.”
A poignant exploration of heartbreak and longing, “This Wanting You” is a quintessential example of traditional country music. The song’s stripped-down instrumentation, featuring steel guitar and gentle percussion, creates a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements Jones’ raw and soulful delivery. The genre-defining production, masterminded by Bob Montgomery, captures the essence of classic country, allowing the singer’s vocals to take center stage.
While the song didn’t chart as a single, its inclusion on the massively successful He Stopped Loving Her Today album contributed to its widespread popularity. The album itself has achieved legendary status, often cited as one of the greatest country albums of all time. Its impact, coupled with the song’s emotional resonance, has solidified “This Wanting You” as a beloved track in the country music canon.
Jones’ heartfelt interpretation of the lyrics, penned by Bruce Burch, Bruce Bouton, and T. Graham Brown, conveys a sense of profound despair and vulnerability. His voice, filled with both pain and resignation, captures the anguish of a man consumed by his love for a lost partner. Through this performance, Jones once again demonstrated his unmatched ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.