About the song
“Where Have You Gone” is the compelling twenty-first studio album by renowned American country artist Alan Jackson, marking its release on May 14, 2021, under ACR/EMI.
**Content**
This album represents a significant return for Jackson, marking his first new studio effort since “Angels and Alcohol” in 2015. Notably, Jackson took a deeply personal approach by writing 15 out of the album’s tracks himself. Produced by Keith Stegall, a longtime collaborator who has overseen nearly all of Jackson’s studio albums, “Where Have You Gone” features a lineup of seasoned studio musicians, including guitarist J. T. Corenflos, fiddler Stuart Duncan, drummer Eddie Bayers, and steel guitarist Paul Franklin.
Several tracks were released in anticipation of the album’s full launch. “The Older I Get,” initially a single in 2017, set the stage for Jackson’s introspective and reflective style. The title track itself offers Jackson’s commentary on the current landscape of country music, reflecting on its evolution and the nostalgia for its traditional roots. Another standout is “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” a heartfelt composition intended for wedding playlists, showcasing Jackson’s ability to resonate deeply with his audience across various life stages. Additionally, the vinyl edition of the album includes a cover of “That’s the Way Love Goes,” a classic originally popularized by Lefty Frizzell and later by Johnny Rodriguez and Merle Haggard.
**Critical Reception**
Receiving a commendable 4 out of 5 stars from Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic, “Where Have You Gone” is celebrated for its authenticity and Jackson’s unwavering commitment to his craft. Erlewine praises Jackson’s self-awareness as both a singer and songwriter, noting that he effortlessly plays to his strengths with a smooth, supple voice and a profound appreciation for traditional country music. While acknowledging the album’s ambitious scope, Erlewine finds its straightforward approach and dedication to classic country themes to be its defining charm.
In essence, “Where Have You Gone” stands as a testament to Alan Jackson’s enduring influence and ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt storytelling and timeless musical style. With this album, Jackson reaffirms his status as a cornerstone of country music, delivering an album rich in authenticity and rooted in the genre’s cherished traditions.
Video
Lyrics
The older I get
The more I think
You only get a minute, better live while you’re in it
‘Cause it’s gone in a blink
And the older I get
The truer it is
It’s the people you love, not the money and stuff
That makes you rich
And if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet
The older I get
The fewer friends I have
But you don’t need a lot when the ones that you got
Have always got your back
And the older I get
The better I am
At knowing when to give
And when to just not give a damn
And if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet
The older I get
And I don’t mind all the lines
From all the times I’ve laughed and cried
Souvenirs and little signs of the life I’ve lived
The older I get
The longer I pray
I don’t know why, I guess that I’ve
Got more to say
And the older I get
The more thankful I feel
For the life I’ve had and all the life I’m living still