The time has come for Jackson Dean to tackle that sometimes tricky second album with the follow up to Greenbroke.
For a relatively young man, Dean has racked up a number of accomplishments aready from the debut album and the singles attached to it and is gaining a lot of attention in relation to him being up and coming, being a fresh face in Country and breaking through. Now is the time for that potential that has already been acknowledged to be built on and show everyone that he is one for now and the future.
So, is this second offering likely to help push Dean into the same bracket as those that he has shared stages with before? Granted it’s an impressive list including the Eric Church, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton – but you have to aim high.
Opening with ‘Big Blue Sky’ which explores the concept of Deans childhood dog becoming human and what it would be like to encounter him again. This is an album opener that sometimes would feel more at home part way through the release, but it works.
Having given a little insight into the mind of Dean and hearing the gravelly vocal, you feel that this is more than just an album, it is Dean telling his stories and sharing them with us.
In a different vein, we then get into ‘Duct Tape Heart’ which sees the pace lift and the toes get tapping as the guitars get unleashed and the whisky starts flowing to numb the ache of a fragile heart. This really feels like where the album gets going – not taking anything away from the track order – but then we flow into another track with a similar pace to ‘Duct Tape Heart’ in ‘Talkin’ To Backroads’.
By this time you can tell that Dean is not only a very good artist but also a story teller with tracks that will resonate with everyone in one way or form. This is one of the main reasons I like Country music, it is honest and open and clearly Dean is comfortable sharing this with us.
As the album progresses you will find yourself singing along and dancing around the house (well that’s what I realised I was doing) whilst wondering if this is the album to cross that line between upcoming and now.
For me, this is an accomplished release that is up there with any other Country releases this year. I have no doubt that Jackson Dean will continue to mature in his music, but we need to enjoy the now as it is very good and that period is further down the line. Live in the now, enjoy Jackson Dean as I have a feeling he is going to be around for a long time and being the main attraction on some big stages soon.
Jackson Dean’s Adventurous New Album On The Back of My Dreams Arrives September 6th
Pre-Save HERE
Listen to “Heavens To Betsy” NOW HERE
Don’t miss the stirring album trailer with sneak preview: HERE
Review: Ed Ford
Track list
“Big Blue Sky” – Jackson Dean, Brandon Aksteter, Rich Kolm, Sean Mercer
“Duct Tape Heart” – Jackson Dean, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick
“Talkin’ To Backroads” – Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Ryan Tyndell
“Daddy Raised” – Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell
“Long Goodbye” – Jackson Dean, RL Burnside, Trent Dabbs, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
“Real Real” – Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Osborne
“Heavens To Betsy”– Jackson Dean, Benjy Davis, Driver Williams
“Train” – Jackson Dean, Brandon Aksteter, Luke Dick, Rich Kolm, Sean Mercer
“Free” – Jackson Dean, Blake Chaffin, Luke Dick
“Sweet Appalachia” – Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Ryan Tyndell
“Jane” – Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Ryan Tyndell
“Heaven” – Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz
“Another Century” – Jackson Dean, Brian Koppelman, Jon Sherwood
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