Back to where it all began.
On February 27, 1990, Alan Jackson released his monumental debut record, Here In The Real World, which remains a staple of his massive discography 35 years later.
In 1989, Alan Jackson released his debut single, “Blue Blooded Woman,” which didn’t even break into the top 40, but was quickly followed by the title track of his debut record, “Here In The Real World,” which was the first single that gave Jackson major success. Breaking into the top five on the country music charts, “Here In The Real World,” would be a tell for the rest of Jackson’s career as the release of the debut record holding the same name would skyrocket Jackson into stardom.
Here In The Real World featured hits like “Chasin’ that Neon Rainbow,” “Wanted,” and “I’d Love You All Over Again.” This debut record was also a shining moment for Jackson’s songwriting as he helped pen 10 tracks featured on the record.
Jackson recalled being very nervous after “Blue Blooded Woman” flopped. He hoped that “Here In The Real World” would save him, and little did he know the success the whole record would later bring him.
“I was just writing songs, and I mean, ‘Real World’ was really kind of…not necessarily something out of my life or anything; it was just a story song about, you know, a love song, really. Wrote that with Mark Irwin, and turned out to be the first hit and the second single. The first one died, so that was my big hit that came after and saved me.
Denise was pregnant with our daughter, was kind of scary. You know, you never know, get one or two singles and then the label drops you, you know? So I didn’t know what was going to happen, but “Here In The Real World” kind of got it all going.
Then ‘Neon Rainbow’ that was just Jim McBride and I wrote that. We were just talking about where I’d come from and, you know, coming ot Nashville and trying to get something going in the music business. Chasing that dream that so many people do…”
Alan Jackson didn’t have to chase that dream for long, as this record put him on the map and solidified him as a force to be reckoned with.
After the release of Here In The Real World, now an RIAA 2x Platinum record, Jackson helped the hits come on his sophomore record, Don’t Rock The Jukebox.
As Jackson is on his final tour, Last Call: One More For The Road, many of these songs are being played at each arena Jackson graces. Talk about standing the test of time for creating timeless tunes.
Alan Jackson has a career most artists dream of, and he serves as the poster child for what it means to be successful in country music. In honor of the 35th anniversary of the record, fire up a few of the hits found on this album’s tracklist.
“Here In The Real World”
“Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow”
“Wanted”
