How Alan Jackson has managed to retain his ‘90s-era popularity level is surprising to most, considering country’s transition from traditional bluegrass to pop. Jackson is now a member of the old guard, upholding country’s deep roots in blues music and a backwoods lifestyle.

And yet his success has continued, perhaps because traditional country is now a refreshing change from the mainstream. Listening to Jackson’s latest single, “Good Time,” is like a throwback to the days when Garth Brooks ruled the country roost and Jackson began releasing classics like “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”

With more than 20 No. 1 singles over the years, Jackson has become a music legend, though you wouldn’t know it with his down-home charm and aversion to the spotlight. Jackson has also proved himself to be skilled at social commentary—when Toby Keith was releasing jingoistic, post-9/11 anthems like “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue / The Angry American,” Jackson was composing insightful ballads like “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” The song was a deep reflection on the emotions dredged up by the World Trade Center terrorist attacks, and it was far more thought-provoking than anything Keith has ever written.

Touring in support of his latest album, Good Time, Jackson promises to deliver a country concert that celebrates tradition and honesty over flash and dazzle.

Alan Jackson appears at Mandalay Bay Event Center August 16 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65.10 and $96.60.

By Casino Connection Staff

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