Jake Owen has solidified his place in country music over eleven years with a catalog that balances heartfelt ballads and high-energy anthems. From reflective tunes to beach-ready tracks, his music resonates with a wide audience. Here are ten Jake Owen song moments that highlight his successful journey in the country music scene.
10. Anywhere With You
“Anywhere With You,” a chart-topper in 2013, exemplifies Jake Owen’s knack for crafting feel-good anthems. Co-written with David Lee Murphy, this song celebrates the joy of being with a loved one, regardless of location. Its upbeat melody and relatable lyrics about cherishing company over surroundings made it the fourth consecutive number-one single from his Barefoot Blue Jean Night album. The song’s success underscored Owen’s consistent appeal and ability to deliver radio-friendly hits that resonate with listeners seeking positive and relatable country tunes.
9. Don’t Think I Can’t Love You
“Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” delves into themes of love and commitment amidst financial constraints. This heartfelt track, co-written by Owen with Kendal Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey, emphasizes that material possessions don’t define the capacity for love. The lyrics poignantly express that while the narrator may lack financial wealth, he can offer unwavering affection and attention. This song showcases Owen’s ability to connect with audiences through sincere and emotionally resonant storytelling, proving his artistry extends beyond party anthems to touch on deeper, more relatable human experiences within relationships.
8. Beachin’
“Beachin’” is the quintessential summer anthem, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of beach life. This breezy track became Jake Owen’s second entry into the Hot 100’s Top 40 and his biggest hit from the Days of Gold album in 2014. The song’s infectious melody and lyrics evoke images of sun, sand, and relaxation, solidifying its place as a go-to summer soundtrack. Filmed in Daytona Beach, Florida, the music video further amplified the song’s beachy vibe, reinforcing Jake Owen’s brand of sunny, optimistic country music.
7. Somethin’ Bout A Woman
“Somethin’ Bout A Woman” is a straightforward and sincere love song that resonated deeply with country music fans. Written by Owen, Ritchey, and Bob Regan, the track’s simplicity is its strength. It focuses on the magnetic pull of attraction and the undeniable allure of a special woman. Released in the summer of 2007, this song marked an early success for Jake Owen, highlighting his ability to deliver classic country themes with a fresh, contemporary appeal. It established his knack for crafting songs that are both catchy and emotionally genuine.
6. Eight Second Ride
“Eight Second Ride” injects swagger and playful innuendo into Jake Owen’s discography. This song, notable for its double entendre, appeared on both his debut album Startin’ With Me (2006) and was re-recorded for Easy Does It (2009), showcasing its enduring appeal. The track’s sly and seductive nature demonstrated a different facet of Owen’s artistry, revealing his comfort with more suggestive lyrical content while maintaining a fun and engaging musical style. Its inclusion on two albums underscores its significance in his early career development.
5. Yee Haw
“Yee Haw” served as Jake Owen’s introduction to radio audiences under the RCA Records label in 2006, and it was pure, unadulterated fun. This up-tempo, rock-infused track prioritized energy and entertainment over deep lyrical complexity. Designed to be a crowd-pleaser, “Yee Haw” succeeded in becoming a fan favorite at live shows and helped establish Owen’s energetic stage presence and his ability to deliver music that’s simply about having a good time. It set the stage for his career as a performer capable of bringing high-spirited country rock to the forefront.
4. What We Ain’t Got
“What We Ain’t Got” stands out as a potent and emotionally raw ballad in Jake Owen’s catalog. Recognizing the risk in releasing such a starkly emotional song, Owen’s intuition proved somewhat correct as it didn’t replicate the chart success of “Beachin’,” peaking at No. 14. However, despite its chart performance, “What We Ain’t Got” became critically acclaimed and deeply respected by fans. It showcases Owen’s vocal vulnerability and his capacity to deliver powerful, introspective songs that resonate on a deeper emotional level, solidifying his artistic range beyond upbeat hits.
3. Startin With Me
“Startin With Me,” the title track of Jake Owen’s 2006 debut album, is a confessional and introspective single. The lyrics reveal personal regrets and past misdeeds, such as youthful indiscretions and mistakes made in earlier years. Despite being a newcomer at the time, Owen delivered these sentiments with a sincerity and maturity that belied his experience. This song established his storytelling ability and his willingness to be vulnerable in his music, connecting with listeners through shared experiences of regret and personal growth.
2. Barefoot Blue Jean Night
“Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” released in 2011, marked Jake Owen’s first number-one hit, becoming an undeniable country anthem. Written by Eric Paslay, Dylan Altman, and Terry Sawchuk, the song’s success formula included an irresistible melody, sing-along lyrics, and an overwhelmingly fun and positive vibe. This track perfectly encapsulated the feeling of a carefree, perfect night, resonating widely with audiences. It also became Owen’s biggest hit on the Hot 100, reaching No. 21, demonstrating its crossover appeal and cementing his status as a leading country artist.
1. Alone With You
“Alone With You,” released in the fall of 2011, became Jake Owen’s second consecutive number-one hit, further solidifying his chart-topping status. Produced by Joey Moi and Rodney Clawson, the song blended a contemporary crispness with an 80s throwback vibe, reminiscent of Conway Twitty’s later hits. The lyrics capture the feeling of being captivated and slightly overwhelmed by a woman’s allure. “Alone With You” showcased Owen’s ability to tap into classic country emotions while delivering a sound that was thoroughly modern and radio-ready, making it a defining song in his career.
Jake Owen’s journey through country music is marked by his ability to navigate between lighthearted, feel-good tracks and more emotionally resonant ballads. These ten songs represent key moments in his career, showcasing his evolution and consistent connection with fans. From party anthems to heartfelt narratives, Jake Owen’s music continues to be a vibrant part of the contemporary country landscape.
