antiMusic.com: Jason Aldean - Relentless Review

Jason Aldean - Relentless Review
by Gary Schwind

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This album begins with the classic country music theme of leaving it all behind. I'm sure a lot of us have wondered "What if?" Aldean sings about quitting his job, telling his boss "Screw you, man," then running off to Vegas with his girl and getting married. Not a bad way to go.

Relentless infuses healthy amounts of rock with the Nashville sound. The guitar on songs like "Johnny Cash" and "Do You wish it Was Me" is not your typical Nashville twang.

Aldean explores some other classic themes of reminiscing ("Laughed Until We Cried") and wondering about the ex ("Who's Kissing You Tonight"). I recently read Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman. In it, he is critical of people who say they only like classic country music and lauds Nashville for putting out music with universal themes. Mr. Klosterman, here are a couple more songs to support your argument.

Aldean sings with a strong, even voice and his band backs him solidly. Is this a groundbreaking CD? I wouldn't say so. Is it a solid CD featuring a lot of songs people can easily identify with? Absolutely. The truth is, you can expect to get used to the name Jason Aldean (if you're not already), especially since he has won a Country Music Award for Top New Male Vocalist. If you, like Chuck Klosterman admire the music coming out of Nashville, this is one for your collection.

CD Info and Links

Jason Aldean - Relentless
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