The single “Lights Come On”, released some time ago, has reached the number 1 position of the Billboard this week, becoming the 17th single by Jason Aldean to reach this position, crowning this singer from Macon (Georgia) as one of the most important stars of the modern American country music scene. “They Don’t Know” (released Sept. 9th) is Aldean’s seventh studio album, an artistic journey accompanied by his career long producer, Michael Knox, and with the same musicians that have been playing alongside him for the last ten years. It is a strong and enthralling album. The arrangements have been softened, (always remaining in typical “Aldean” style), the “sound” of Georgia comes out forcefully through the notes of the songs, and for many overseas music critics, this is a kind of return to the roots. Honestly I find that rock and traditional country go well together, merging perfectly into a unique sound, and this is what will make “They Don’t Know” into a global success. Aldean has a great voice (this is not a novelty), and the people who write the songs, (Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, for example) perfectly know his strengths, and his songs, just like suits made by a tailor of haute couture, are made to measure. Apart from the song “Lights Come On”, which I have already mentioned, I can also think of “One We Won’t Forget”, “All Out of Beer”, “Any Ol’ Barstool” and “First Time Again”, intensified thanks to the voice of Kelsea Ballerini. Currently touring the United States with his Six String Circus Tour (along with Thomas Rhett and A Thousand Horses), Aldean has achieved great success, and all his concerts, always sold out, confirm this statement. I admit that I have never been a big Aldean fan, but I must say that the last few albums have radically helped me change my mind, and now I have finally learned to appreciate his great artistic qualities. “They Don’t Know” is a great Cd. (Gianluca Sitta)
