Neil
03-11-2002, 11:10 AM
Alan Jackson 'Drive'
Howard Cohen
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Jan. 15, 2002 01:15:04
Country traditionalist Alan Jackson is bound to go through the roof with his forthcoming CD, "Drive".
The reason? A sublime song called "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)". Written in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and premiered on the recent Country Music Association Awards, the simple, mid-tempo "Where Were You" is all but guaranteed to rope in a slew of honors at future award shows (fearless prediction). It's that special.
The single has touched a nerve with the American public. Sitting atop Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the last month, its rapid rise to No. 1 forced the rushed release of this album. "Drive" was originally set for release in March or April.
"Where Were You" works better than any superstar tribute song because it feels as if it were written immediately as the writer dealt with the myriad random thoughts that bombard one's mind when confronted with a tragedy as immense as that of Sept. 11. There is no pretention here, no saccharine all-star choruses or forced sentiment. "I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man/I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran", Jackson sings.
While recent albums have found Jackson lapsing into routine, "Drive," while clinging to his resolute traditionalism, boasts standout songwriting. "Work in Progress" is probably the funniest song as it details a lug who can't move with the times. "I try to do that healthy thing like you want me to do/But that low fat, no fat's gettin' hard to chew/Now I love your cooking honey/But sometimes I need some real food". The title song - a father and son tale - is probably the sweetest. "I was king of the ocean when Daddy let me drive".
To Jackson's credit, "Drive's" other songs aren't overshadowed by the unforgettable "Where Were You." "Drive" is worth rushing to get.
3-11-02
Here are the words
WHERE WERE YOU
by Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning
on that september day
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
or workin' on some stage in L.A.
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black
smoke
Risin' against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighborhood
or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved
ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out with pride for the Red White And Blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters
CHORUS:
I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real polit-
ical man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
the difference between Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, Hope, ans Love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest of these is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning
on that September day
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
Or driving sown some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty because you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and by you a gun
Did you turn off the violent old move you were watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line to give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
And thank God you had somebody to love
CHORUS
Repeat CHORUS
And the GREATEST is LOVE
And the GREATEST is LOVE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Cohen
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Jan. 15, 2002 01:15:04
Country traditionalist Alan Jackson is bound to go through the roof with his forthcoming CD, "Drive".
The reason? A sublime song called "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)". Written in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and premiered on the recent Country Music Association Awards, the simple, mid-tempo "Where Were You" is all but guaranteed to rope in a slew of honors at future award shows (fearless prediction). It's that special.
The single has touched a nerve with the American public. Sitting atop Billboard's Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the last month, its rapid rise to No. 1 forced the rushed release of this album. "Drive" was originally set for release in March or April.
"Where Were You" works better than any superstar tribute song because it feels as if it were written immediately as the writer dealt with the myriad random thoughts that bombard one's mind when confronted with a tragedy as immense as that of Sept. 11. There is no pretention here, no saccharine all-star choruses or forced sentiment. "I'm just a singer of simple songs I'm not a real political man/I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you the difference in Iraq and Iran", Jackson sings.
While recent albums have found Jackson lapsing into routine, "Drive," while clinging to his resolute traditionalism, boasts standout songwriting. "Work in Progress" is probably the funniest song as it details a lug who can't move with the times. "I try to do that healthy thing like you want me to do/But that low fat, no fat's gettin' hard to chew/Now I love your cooking honey/But sometimes I need some real food". The title song - a father and son tale - is probably the sweetest. "I was king of the ocean when Daddy let me drive".
To Jackson's credit, "Drive's" other songs aren't overshadowed by the unforgettable "Where Were You." "Drive" is worth rushing to get.
3-11-02
Here are the words
WHERE WERE YOU
by Alan Jackson
Where were you when the world stopped turning
on that september day
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
or workin' on some stage in L.A.
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black
smoke
Risin' against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger in fear for your neighborhood
or did you just sit down and cry
Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved
ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below
Did you burst out with pride for the Red White And Blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters
CHORUS:
I'm just a singer of simple songs, I'm not a real polit-
ical man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
the difference between Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, Hope, ans Love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest of these is love.
Where were you when the world stopped turning
on that September day
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
Or driving sown some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty because you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that Bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
Or speak to some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and by you a gun
Did you turn off the violent old move you were watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line to give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
And thank God you had somebody to love
CHORUS
Repeat CHORUS
And the GREATEST is LOVE
And the GREATEST is LOVE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------