At 20 tracks, Jason Aldean’s Songs About Us, out Friday (April 24), seems almost miniature compared to the supersized releases we’ve seen from some of his country counterparts, but there is plenty to bite into here.
Produced by his longtime collaborator Michael Knox, most of the songs effortlessly blend country and rock in that recognizable alchemy that has been Aldean’s sweet spot for years and perfectly suits his raspy Southern drawl. Notably, some of Aldean’s band members had a hand in crafting many of the songs on his new album.
Similarly, many of the songs deal with such familiar Aldean territory as broken hearts, broken promises and broken bottle seals. (There’s a fun drinking game to be had where you do a shot every time Aldean mentions whiskey — but you’ll definitely need a designated driver, since you’ll be snockered before the album is more than halfway through.)
The album is already off to a rousing success, as first single “How Far Does a Goodbye Go” became Aldean’s 26th No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart in February. He is tied with Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and George Strait for the fourth-most No. 1s since the chart began in 1990, behind only Kenny Chesney (33), Blake Shelton (30) and Tim McGraw (29).
There’s nothing on here as controversial as 2023’s “Try That In a Small Town,” the song (and subsequent video) that roiled many folks — and rallied others — as he defended supposed small-town values and gun rights against differently minded interlopers who he hinted would be severely dealt with by the locals.
Instead, Aldean stays largely in his comfort zone, with an enjoyable set that will appeal to his longtime fans, and may win him over some new ones — no small feat more than 20 years into a career.
See our ranking of all 20 tracks on the new set below.
