Review: Jason Aldean's 'Night Train'

Two days before revealing his historic concert announcement at Fenway Park Jason Aldean released his fifth studio album, "Night Train."

I don't know what it is about Aldean's albums, but it always takes me a while to warm up to them. On first listen I wasn't really impressed with "Night Train." I thought it had a couple good tracks, some ok ones and some I just didn't like.

I'm not sure why I was so disappointed. Maybe Jerrod Niemann's "Free The Music" spoiled me a little. Maybe subconsciously I was lashing out at the Georgia native for being an Atlanta Braves fan.

I don't know how this is gonna fly at Fenway.

Anyways, whatever it was, I was wrong. "Night Train" is actually pretty solid. Aldean's had several rocking hits throughout his career, from "Hicktown" to "Take A Little Ride," the lead single off "Night Train." Aside from "Wheels Rollin'," and "The Only Way I Know," Jason shies away from the big rockers on this album.

Don't get me wrong, Aldean's latest offering still gives off a strong rock vibe, but in more of a power ballad vein. Jason really shines on "I Don't Do Lonely Well" and does a great job with "Black Tears," co-written by Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard. The song appeared on the duo's first EP and Aldean more than does the powerful tune about a woman's life spiraling out of control justice.

The one song that this approach doesn't work with is "Talk." Basically, it's a subtler version of Toby Keith's "A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action." Listening to the lyrics, all I could think was "this is song for Brad Paisley if I've ever heard one." Look at the chorus:

"Talk" was tailor-made for Paisley.

"I don't wanna talk anymore
I know enough about you to know all I wanna do is
Find out a little bit more
I don't wanna waste that moon and the heat on the hood of this Ford
I don't wanna talk anymore"

Tell me Brad's tongue-in-cheek style and twangy style wouldn't accompany those lyrics perfectly. Instead, Aldean makes it a romantic ballad that comes off as more cheesy than cheeky.

The good news is it's a rare derailment for "Night Train." Most of the other tracks are traditional country fare. Well, traditional staples like small-town living, falling in love and heartbreaks, all sung with Jason's progressive country-rock twang. Aldean really shines on the title track, as well as "This Nothin' Town" and "Staring At The Sun." The previously-mentioned "The Only Way I Know" also stands out, and features two of country's other rising stars, Luke Bryan and Eric Church.

Aldean's right on the money on "When She Says Baby," a tune co-written by Rhett Akins. Akins may be the most under appreciated man in country music. It seems like 95 percent of the time I hear a song I really like, Rhett had a hand in writing it. The "That Ain't My Truck" singer has hits like "Honey Bee," "Take A Back Road" and "All Over Me" to his songwriting credit, as well as numerous others.

Also, look a that mullet-mustache combo.

Akins' son, Thomas Rhett, inherited his father's knack for songwriting and is really starting to make his own mark in the country music business. The singer/songwriter (who will open for Aldean at Fenway) also co-wrote a song on "Night Train." "1994" is one of those songs fans will either love or hate. It's got the "Dirt Road Anthem" rock/country/rap vibe that I really enjoy. Even better, the entire song is a tribute to Joe Diffie. Now in 1994 I was all of six years old, but I still remember "Pickup Man," "John Deere Green" and "Third Rock From The Sun," all of which "1994" mentions. I never really thought of Joe Diffe as a star, but he had a solid career, and this ode to him is definitely my favorite track on the album.

Overall, I'd say Jason does a really good job on "Night Train." A few standout tracks, a lot of very good ones and a rare misfire here and there. Give it a listen below.

Jason Aldean to play Fenway Park

The Boston Red Sox are bringing another home-run hitter to Fenway Park this summer. The team's made it perfectly clear, he's here to play: Jason Aldean, two days after releasing his fifth studio album "Night Train" (which I will hopefully review soon), made the monstrous (get it!) announcement that he will be the first country act to ever play Fenway Park on July 13. Coming with him are Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett.

Maybe Miranda will get a Red Sox jersey to go with this one she got at Wrigley.

Seeing Miranda (and Brad Paisley, of course) at Wrigley Field was one of the highlights of my summer (my year, my life, history of mankind?) and I've made my feelings about Jake Owen as a live performer known in the past (and even before that).

Long story short, he's one of the best.

Add Thomas Rhett, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite artists, and Jason, who had one of the most popular tours of the summer, and this should be one of the best shows of 2013. Hopefully I'll "Take A Little Ride" to Boston next July and check it out.

Your move Yankee Stadium.

Tickets for the show go on sale October 26.