With the release of Alan Jackson’s 34 Number Ones, we are faced with the old old question: who is the King of country?
George Strait? He has the chops but not the character.
Steve Earle? Abdicated years ago.
George Jones, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard? Too old
Brad Paisley? Too shallow.
Jamey Johnson? Arty
Keith Urban? Poppy
Randy Travis? Had his chance and blew it.
Kenny Chesney? Sexually ambiguous.
The blokes in Lady Antebellum and Sugarland? You’re joking me, right?
Zac Brown? Untested.
There is really only Alan Jackson who mixes the voice, the gravitas, the character, the nature and the songs. If only he crossed over I would give him the crown right now. 34 Hits? A terrific album and a great primer.