10 Essential Alan Jackson Songs

The newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame boasts an impressive résumé of 35 No. 1 songs and 50 top 10 hits. 

Written by Annie Reuter
10 Essential Alan Jackson Songs
Alan Jackson; Photo Credit: Kristy Belcher

The newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson boasts an impressive résumé of 35 No. 1 songs and 50 top 10 hits. The soft spoken singer from Newnan, Georgia has built his career on singing traditional country music fans can relate to, often taken right out of the pages of his everyday life. “I’m just a singer of simple songs,” he sang so poetically on 2001’s poignant “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” following the attacks on Sept. 11. This month, we look back on Jackson’s 10 most memorable songs.

(Arranged chronologically)

“Here In the Real World” — from Here In the Real World

His second radio single, “Here In the Real World” was Jackson’s first taste of success. Co-written with Mark Irwin, “Here In the Real World” went to No. 3 on the country charts. A hint of what was to come from the traditional singer, Jackson was backed by light fiddle and acoustic guitar accompaniment which helped to showcase his memorable baritone. The heartfelt song has Jackson singing of how the real world is often very different from the movies and that, unfortunately, sometimes in the real world a heart will break.

“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” — from Here In the Real World

A No. 2 hit for Jackson, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” is a song written from Jackson’s real life. Penned by Jackson and Jim McBride, Jackson sings of a childhood surrounded by music thanks to a radio his father won. His love of music would soon lead him to “Chasin’ that neon rainbow / Livin’ that honky tonk dream / ‘Cause all I’ve ever wanted / Is to pick this guitar and sing,” he notes. The first song Jackson and McBride wrote together, it would be the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the songwriters and one that saw incredible success at country radio.

“I’d Love You All Over Again” — from Don’t Rock the Jukebox

Jackson’s wife, Denise, is a frequent character in his songs. And she should be! The couple wed in 1979 and Denise has played a major role in his career as she famously passed along a tape of his to George Jones when running into the country legend at the airport. On “I’d Love You All Over Again,” Jackson reflects on their 10-year wedding anniversary. “If tomorrow I found one more chance to begin / I’d love you all over again,” he croons on what would become his very first No. 1.

“Don’t Rock the Jukebox” — from Don’t Rock the Jukebox

On the honky-tonk jam “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” a heartbroken Jackson finds himself at a bar alone and is begging for a sad tear-in-my-beer country song. “Don’t rock the jukebox / I want to hear some Jones / My heart ain’t ready for the Rolling Stones / I don’t feel like rockin’ since my baby’s gone / Don’t rock the jukebox / Play me a country song,” he laments. Anyone who has been through heartbreak can relate to Jackson’s need for a sad country song to fit the mood.

“Chattahoochee” — from A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ‘Bout Love)

Perhaps one of Jackson’s most covered songs, “Chattahoochee” was co-written with longtime collaborator McBride, who was recently inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The feel-good tune has Jackson looking back nostalgically on his youthful summer days along the Chattahoochee River where he, “learned how to swim and I learned who I was / A lot about livin’ and a little ’bout love.”

“Gone Country” — from Who I Am

A song that details the impact country music has had on musicians throughout the U.S., “Gone Country” tells the story of three singers struggling to see success in their current city. There’s a woman playing on the strip in Las Vegas who’s from Long Island, a folk rocker in Greenwich Village in New York City and a serious composer in L.A. — all who decide to abandon their local music scenes for Nashville. Embracing country, cowboy boots and their roots, each singer has now “gone country” in hopes to see more success in a new genre. A catchy song and a powerful statement for the popularity of today’s country music, it’s hard not to sing along with Jackson.

“Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” — from Drive

While Jackson is well-known in the country genre for his heart-wrenching ballads, he came to national attention following his poignant “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Written shortly after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011, Jackson debuted the song at that year’s CMA Awards and it soon went No. 1. Penned by himself, Jackson wrote what the nation was feeling during that horrific time and also provided hope. “I know Jesus and I talk to God and I remember this from when I was young / Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us and the greatest is love,” he sang. A song that struck a chord with listeners, even Loretta Lynn explained the song’s impact at Jackson’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. “At that bad time, 9/11, Alan sang ‘Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).’ I cried all day long and I still cry when you sing it,” she said.

“Drive (For Daddy Gene)” — from Drive

Another song penned by himself, “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” paints the vivid picture of a young Alan learning how to drive from his father Joseph Eugene “Daddy Gene” Jackson, who worked at a Ford Motor Company assembly plant. A father to three daughters, now Jackson looks back nostalgically on those early years in hopes that his own children will fondly recall memories of driving with their country singing father in the passenger seat.

“It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” with Jimmy Buffett — from Greatest Hits Volume II

Despite popular belief, Jackson isn’t serious all the time. Songs like the infectious “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” showcase the singer’s fun side as he muses about taking a liquid lunch during a rough day at work. Added vocals from Jimmy Buffett make the already catchy song an instant smash, and as a result it’s no surprise that the song went all the way to the top of the charts.

“Remember When” — from Greatest Hits Volume II

A poignant ballad that has Jackson singing of his lifetime together with his wife, his soft baritone captivates alongside soaring string accompaniment. Throughout the track, Jackson discusses the ups and downs of their marriage and reflects on growing old together. “Remember when we said when we turn gray / When the children grow up and move away / We won’t be sad, we’ll be glad for all the life we had / And we’ll remember when,” he croons.