Jake Owen Pours Positive Energy Into ‘American Love’
Amanda Nolan
Jake Owen is bruised, but he sure isn’t broken. His fifth studio album, “American Love,” is a feel-good, optimistic work that reflects the singer’s laid back, positive style.
Last year was a rocky one for Owen. Not only was he going through a divorce, but his dad was also battling cancer and his last single was considered a flop. While some country singers would hole up with the nearest bottle of whiskey, Owen took a different approach. He bought his Love Bus (a seafoam green VW that’s proudly showcased on the album’s cover) and took a road trip from Tennessee to Florida, gigging and meeting fans along the way.
In a sense, he has returned to his roots with “American Love.” That misfired single from last year, “Real Life,” was an oddball track that had Owen light-rapping and sonically resembled Sugar Ray circa 1998. It was wisely left off of “American Love,” along with most of the original incarnation of the album. Owen spent some time to retool, and it seems like he came up with a fresher batch of songs.
Owen chose “American Country Love Song” to reintroduce himself. It’s hard not to notice how similar “American Country Love Song” is to last year’s “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, but it is uplifting, nostalgic, and the very essence of 4th of July barbeques. The best part is Owen’s infectious delivery of the chorus; however, the rest is a predictable listing of American things like Fords, football, and fireworks. Also, on this and other recent singles (“Beachin’” and “Real Life”) Owen uses a sing/talk style. This, Shawn Mullins’ delivery, is starting to get old, especially since Owen has a gorgeous baritone voice.
Owen does offer some strong ballads, and “After Midnight” is a highlight. Owen sings, “Nothing good ever happens after midnight/maybe midnight’s just misunderstood.” The added synth is an edgy choice for a country song, but it contributes to the song’s ethereal coolness. Songwriter Hillary Lindsey co-wrote and contributed backing vocals to “Where I Am” and “When You Love Someone.” “Where I Am” has a striking chorus, and Owen sings it with conviction. “When You Love Someone” is the album’s brightest star even though it has the sparsest arrangement. Fans of the single “What We Ain’t Got” (which received little airplay but was one of Owen’s more mature works) will appreciate this gem. The solo piano is a brilliant choice as it creates an intimate experience, spotlighting Owen’s vulnerable and emotive vocals.
Owen also collaborated with Chris Stapleton for “If He Ain’t Going to Love You.” It’s a welcome addition; and puts some bluesy rock onto the album, with Owen playing a take-charge role in the song’s story. A perfect example of Owen’s unabashed positivity is “LAX” (as in a Los Angeles ex-girlfriend). Even though it’s a breakup piece, it’s one of the most romantic. The clever song has Owen asking Los Angeles to take care of her as they go their separate ways. With the pedal steel, “LAX” is the most traditional sounding cut. Owen sings with a loving wistfulness, and while it might not make it as a single, it is a must to check out.
Owen largely creates an escape with “American Love,” but it still feels authentic to who he is. The beach party songs are like sipping a Bud Light Lime, thin but also refreshing and satisfying on those hot summer days. The inclusion of the more intimate tracks adds some lovely moments and fleshes out the album. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Owen picks himself up, seeks out the small things in life to appreciate, and sees a world that is still hopeful with love and opportunity. And what’s more American than that?
Jake Owen’s “American Love” is available at Apple Music July 29.