When Somebody Loves You

Country music became even bigger and brassier in the new millennium, and When Somebody Loves You shows Alan Jackson adapting to new trends with ease. Trace Adkins and Montgomery Gentry had the market cornered for good ol’ boy anthems until Jackson came along and stole the show with “Meat and Potato Man,” “Where I Come From” and “It’s Alright To Be A Redneck.” Even more audacious is “www.memory,” which attempts to update the country breakup song for the internet age. While the song’s punchline may not stand the test of time, Jackson still pulls off the goofy refrain with style and grace. Don’t let the album’s big banner singles obscure some of its more subtle material. The rootsy “The Thrill Is Back” turns the table on the usual breakup song, as it follows a man ready to hit the town after a heartbreak hiatus. “Maybe You Should Stay Here” is an exemplary ballad, dreamy and deeply bluesy. When Somebody Loves You contains some of Jackson’s most gimmicky songs, but he has the good sense to laugh at the Nashville songwriting process in the hilarious closer, “Three Minute Positive Not Too Country Up-Tempo Love Song.”