Have a Good Time

With each passing album, country superstar Alan Jackson seems to be campaigning for poster boy of the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” ethos, as he has consistently released quality albums throughout the last two decades. With the release of his 16th album Good Times, Jackson keeps going with a solid set of boot-stomping material.
 
The album’s title track roars its way out the gate with a round of line dance-inducing honky tonk. “It’s time for a good time,” sings the no-nonsense Jackson over twangy electric guitar.

The up-tempo “Long Long Way” features some serious kitchen-fiddlin,” breaking down with Jackson directing band members to solo, ultimately coming together for a rousing final chorus.

There are of course several slower numbers, such as the acoustic lament “I Wish I Could Back Up” and a beer-soaked classic sound right out of George Jones, “Right Where I Want You.”

And Jackson keeps the album interesting with the intriguing “I Still Like Bologna.” While the title alone should draw any curious listener, this mid-tempo number about reluctantly caving in to the digital age is anything but a throwaway song.

As titles such as “I Still Like Bologna” suggest, Jackson can be a simple lyricist, occasionally painfully so with lines that include “Excuse me ma’am, I saw you walk in / I turned around but I’m not a stalker” from “Country Boy.” While at times his simplicity may seem detrimental, more often than not, Jackson is building his words to his advantage. Lines like “Love’s never easy, changes just like the weather” are effective in getting his clear-cut message across.

Although there really aren’t any bad songs on Good Time, there are some filler tracks. And with 17 tracks clocking in over 71 minutes, this album could’ve been trimmed down.

Jackson’s not breaking any ground here, but virtually every song on this album could make rotation on country radio. Country music fans should dig everything this album has to offer. Those who don’t care for the genre probably won’t be up for Good Time, which is too bad. This album, like Jackson himself, is what it is: one of the best in the biz spreading his infectious good time.