Walmart Soundcheck
Alan Jackson
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Watch country's leading man perform exclusive songs from his new 12-track album.
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Clear the tracks... Alan Jackson's new album 'Freight Train' is a slow-rollin' American masterpiece. He sits down with Soundcheck to discuss his first album in two years, industry pressures, and the deeply personal new song about his daughter leaving home. Check out our exclusive interview and performance with Alan - and go pick up a copy of ‘Freight Train’ online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
-The Crew at Walmart Soundcheck
On The New Record's Title:
“It’s been about 18 albums, so we’re still rollin’ on like a freight train!”
On Songwriting:
“I’ve done it so much it’s always been pretty automatic. The hardest part of any album is finding the material, writing it, and coming up with the songs. That’s still a challenge.”
On Bluegrass Lovin’:
“I’ve always liked Bluegrass a lot. It’s so similar to country in a way. I like R&B… especially older R&B. The songs are soulful and come from more rural kinda people. It’s a close connection to country music.”
On Losing The Pressure:
“I don’t feel pressure. I think there’s probably less pressure than when I was a new artist trying to get started. You’re so desperate to get something going and to establish yourself and get a gold or platinum album. It’s fun to make the music. You always hope it does well and people like it and that it sells… but no pressure.”
On Auto Career:
“If I were not a musician, I would probably be in some car-related business. That was my first love. My daddy was a mechanic. I grew up working in the garage; I sold cars for a living. Probably something to do in that business… or working at Walmart!"
-The Crew at Walmart Soundcheck
On The New Record's Title:
“It’s been about 18 albums, so we’re still rollin’ on like a freight train!”
On Songwriting:
“I’ve done it so much it’s always been pretty automatic. The hardest part of any album is finding the material, writing it, and coming up with the songs. That’s still a challenge.”
On Bluegrass Lovin’:
“I’ve always liked Bluegrass a lot. It’s so similar to country in a way. I like R&B… especially older R&B. The songs are soulful and come from more rural kinda people. It’s a close connection to country music.”
On Losing The Pressure:
“I don’t feel pressure. I think there’s probably less pressure than when I was a new artist trying to get started. You’re so desperate to get something going and to establish yourself and get a gold or platinum album. It’s fun to make the music. You always hope it does well and people like it and that it sells… but no pressure.”
On Auto Career:
“If I were not a musician, I would probably be in some car-related business. That was my first love. My daddy was a mechanic. I grew up working in the garage; I sold cars for a living. Probably something to do in that business… or working at Walmart!"
Did You Know?
• He’s one of the most successful artists in country music. Alan has sold over 50 million albums and has celebrated 34 Number Ones.
• He’s won plenty of awards! Alan has received numerous accolades from the music industry, including a 2002 Grammy for ‘Best Country Song’ and a 2003 Academy of Country Music ‘Album Of The Year’ award.
• Other country artists sing his songs! Clay Walker, Chely Wright, and Faith Hill are just a few of the stars who have performed original songs written or co-written by Alan.
• His new album ‘Freight Train’ is his 18th album and was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall. The record features 12 songs, including the hit single ‘It’s Just That Way.’
• Pick up a copy of the record online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
• He’s one of the most successful artists in country music. Alan has sold over 50 million albums and has celebrated 34 Number Ones.
• He’s won plenty of awards! Alan has received numerous accolades from the music industry, including a 2002 Grammy for ‘Best Country Song’ and a 2003 Academy of Country Music ‘Album Of The Year’ award.
• Other country artists sing his songs! Clay Walker, Chely Wright, and Faith Hill are just a few of the stars who have performed original songs written or co-written by Alan.
• His new album ‘Freight Train’ is his 18th album and was produced by longtime collaborator Keith Stegall. The record features 12 songs, including the hit single ‘It’s Just That Way.’
• Pick up a copy of the record online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
Chattahoochee
Alan kicks off his Soundcheck set with the 1993 hit ‘Chattahoochee,’ a song that picked up ‘Single of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’ at the CMA awards. Sings Alan: “Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee / I learned how to swim and I learned how I was... / A lot about livin' and a little 'bout love."
Every Now And Then
From 'Chattahoochee' to ‘Every Now And Then,’ it’s easy to hear how maturity has shaped Alan Jackson as both a songwriter and man. This new track from ‘Freight Train’ showcases his sophistication as an artist and father. Sings Alan: “Just when you have turned the page / It seems to find a way / There it is again / Every now and then.”
Hard Hat And A Hammer
The album opener from ‘Freight Train’ is classic Alan Jackson – an American working man’s anthem to the simple life. Sings Alan: “There’s nothin’ wrong with a hard hat and a hammer / Kind of glue that sticks this world together / Hands of steel and cradle of the promised land.”
It’s Just That Way
The first single from ‘Freight Train’ is already a hit across America, and it's today's set highlight. ‘It’s Just That Way’ doesn’t just feature the best Jackson vocals in a long time, it’s also a love song inspired by Alan’s longtime wife, Denise Jackson. Sings Alan: “Sure as this world keeps turning / My love for you will never change / It’s just that way.”
Tail Lights Blue
This new track from ‘Freight Train’ is a revealing lyrical departure from ‘It’s Just That Way.' Here, Alan gives us a heartbreaking ballad about losing the love of your life. Sings Alan: “They should have made ‘I can’t stay’ sound like ‘I love you’ / You know they should have made tail lights blue…”
After 17
Alan closes his Soundcheck set with a deeply personal cut from ‘Freight Train.’ Explains the singer: “I’ve got a lot of favorites on the new album... but I’d have to say that one of them was inspired by one of my daughters leaving home when she was 17. It just kinda came out not long after she left. It’s called ‘After 17.’”
Alan kicks off his Soundcheck set with the 1993 hit ‘Chattahoochee,’ a song that picked up ‘Single of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’ at the CMA awards. Sings Alan: “Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee / I learned how to swim and I learned how I was... / A lot about livin' and a little 'bout love."
Every Now And Then
From 'Chattahoochee' to ‘Every Now And Then,’ it’s easy to hear how maturity has shaped Alan Jackson as both a songwriter and man. This new track from ‘Freight Train’ showcases his sophistication as an artist and father. Sings Alan: “Just when you have turned the page / It seems to find a way / There it is again / Every now and then.”
Hard Hat And A Hammer
The album opener from ‘Freight Train’ is classic Alan Jackson – an American working man’s anthem to the simple life. Sings Alan: “There’s nothin’ wrong with a hard hat and a hammer / Kind of glue that sticks this world together / Hands of steel and cradle of the promised land.”
It’s Just That Way
The first single from ‘Freight Train’ is already a hit across America, and it's today's set highlight. ‘It’s Just That Way’ doesn’t just feature the best Jackson vocals in a long time, it’s also a love song inspired by Alan’s longtime wife, Denise Jackson. Sings Alan: “Sure as this world keeps turning / My love for you will never change / It’s just that way.”
Tail Lights Blue
This new track from ‘Freight Train’ is a revealing lyrical departure from ‘It’s Just That Way.' Here, Alan gives us a heartbreaking ballad about losing the love of your life. Sings Alan: “They should have made ‘I can’t stay’ sound like ‘I love you’ / You know they should have made tail lights blue…”
After 17
Alan closes his Soundcheck set with a deeply personal cut from ‘Freight Train.’ Explains the singer: “I’ve got a lot of favorites on the new album... but I’d have to say that one of them was inspired by one of my daughters leaving home when she was 17. It just kinda came out not long after she left. It’s called ‘After 17.’”

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