Review: Old Boots, New Dirt

By Maddie Willis

Jason Aldean’s new album “Old Boots, New Dirt” is decidedly different from his previous albums. Aldean still has his country roots, but his rock side is more dominant. That shift doesn’t automatically mean that fans won’t like this album, but it does mean that they will have to actually listen to it before they criticize it.

Rock songs include “Just Gettin’ Started,” “Show You Off,” “Tonight Looks Good On You” and “Two Night Town.” These lyrics are bold. Aldean doesn’t hold back about how he feels about women, life and love.

Don’t worry. There are still country songs on the album including “Sweet Little Somethin’” and “If My Truck Could Talk.” “Sweet Little Somethin’” has a banjo strumming in the background, and the lyrics are like some of Aldean’s older songs. Even though it has a new sound, it still has enough country for many fans.

“If My Truck Could Talk” is slower, and the lyrics are easier to understand. These country tunes are not as rough as other songs on the album. Instead, they are clean-cut songs that offer an interesting counterpoint to the rest of the album.

The song “Old Boots, New Dirt” sums up the album with both country and rock influences. It says that Aldean wants to start with something new and different from his past. With his “new dirt” he is going to be making new memories because he is tired of the same thing. Choosing this song for the title of the album reinforces that it’s still him but with a new sound.

This album is good enough to listen to over and over. It is different, and that is why Aldean is successful. Even though the tunes are more rock than country, they have a good mix of both.

Permanent link to this article: https://blogs.henrico.k12.va.us/bluedevilsadvocate/2014/12/17/review-old-boots-new-dirt/

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