There’s just something about ’90s country music that hits different…
Especially when its coming from country music legend Alan Jackson. More often that not, the “Chattahoochee” singer always brought it with new music, and this 1994 masterpiece was just another example of his success.
Who I Am was the fifth studio album for Jackson and was released on this date 29 years ago. The project was jam-packed with Alan Jackson hits, and its almost hard to believe that all of these songs came from just one album.
The album brought to life four separate number one hits, including “Summertime Blues,” “Livin’ on Love,” “Gone Country,” and “I Don’t Even Know Your Name.” Another recognizable tune, “Song for the Life,” didn’t reach the top spot, but did peak at number six on the charts.
And speaking of topping the charts, Who I Am reached the number one spot on Top Country Albums, and even performed well on the U.S. Billboard 200, climbing all the way to the number five spot.
The album sold an impressive 102,000 copies, and in 1999 was recognized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and was certified four-times platinum.
Jackson also released an international version of Who I Am, which included a bonus track that was an extended remix version of the 1993 hit song “Chattahoochee.”
The project is one of those albums that you can just throw on and listen to front-to-back (to younger kids even know what listening to an album front-to-back means?). There are really no skippable songs, especially if you are talking about the album’s big three tracks.
“Summertime Blues” has an absolutely iconic music video and tells the story of having to unfortunately work during the beautiful summer months:
“Gone Country” kicks off with the same overall-wearing Alan Jackson before getting into the actual footage for the music video, which at one point features Alan Jackson playing on top of a skyscraper in New York City.
They just don’t make music videos like they used to:
And finally, you’ve also got “Livin’ On Love,” which tells the story of young couples starting out their life with not much financially, but more than enough in love.
The song’s chorus goes:
“Livin’ on love, buyin’ on time
Without somebody nothing ain’t worth a dime
Just like an old fashion story book rhyme
Livin’ on love
It sounds simple, that’s what you’re thinkin’
But love can walk through fire without blinkin’
It doesn’t take much when you get enough
Livin’ on love”
Legendary stuff from Alan Jackson, take a listen:
