Clinic: Walking With Thee : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Over the next twelve months, artists in every musical genre will release songs written in response to the September 11th terror attacks. But with the first single from, Drive, Alan Jackson has already set the bar extremely high. "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)," which Jackson debuted live on the CMA Awards last fall, might just be the purest distillation of post-9/11 emotions that may ever be set to music. With its simple litany of people's varying responses to the attacks, it says more about us as a nation than a hundred jingoistic anthems. But then, Drive is rife with such finely observed musings on the human condition. The title track, a tribute to Jackson's late dad, is a touching reminder of the bond not only between man and machine, but parent and child. And talk about man and machine -- only a gearhead like Jackson could turn a man's feelings for his car into a romantic number like "First Love." The George Strait duet, "Designated Drinker," might be the only male bonding song that urges listeners to get plastered responsibly. Yes, Drive could've used a few less generic love songs (and more offerings like the sly, war-between-the-sexes ditty "Work In Progress"), but if it's well-crafted traditional country you're after, Alan Jackson will never steer you wrong.

ANDREA DRESDALE
(January 14, 2002)