Nashville!

Fans of Alan Jackson are fans because they appreciate the no-nonsense, stripped down, traditional country music that the lanky artist has been delivering since he first lumbered onto the scene in the late 1980s. And with Good Time - Jackson’s 15th album - there’s much, much more of that. (In fact, Good Time is a monster of a CD with 17 full tracks - about half a dozen more than the average CD).

There’s plenty of traditional country music on Good Time, and Jackson is at his finest when he tells his stories and shares his heart alongside the wail of a steel guitar. Though not known as a true balladeer, Jackson offers some fantastic ballads on this album. “Right Where I Want You” has top 10 hit written all over it, and “When the Love Factor’s High” stands as the quintessential message of love in a country song.

Of course, Jackson is known for his songs of simple life and good living, and there are also plenty of those on the album. “Small Town Southern Man” was the first single released from the album, and has enjoyed a warm reception on country radio. “Country Boy” is likely to strike a chord with all of the country boys in the room who, too, are their “daddy’s spittin’ image and their mama’s pride and joy.”

A couple of other gems on Good Time include “Long Long Time,” which has enough banjo & mandolin pickin’ to be fully classified as a bluegrass delight. But one of the crispest tracks is “This Time,” which, again, is so wonderfully country that it could be a hit for any artist from George Straight to Dierks Bentley. But it’s Jackson who brings it to life on the album, and, if released as a single, would likely enjoy significant success.

There are a couple of downers on Good Time. “If Jesus Walked the World Today” is a bit too campy, exploring the possibility that Jesus is a Chevy-driving, plant-working hillbilly. And “Never Loved Before” with Martina McBride had the potential to be a big winner as a match-up between two reigning country music superstars, but too much harmonica and too little harmonizing brings the potentially wonderful, upbeat melody down a notch or two.

For folks looking for a fresh look at traditional country music, Alan Jackson is always a sure bet, and his Good Time is just that.