VOA常速英语:Jason Aldean Blends Musical Styles on 'Night Train'

Jason Aldean has carved a unique niche in today’s Country scene by incorporating elements of hip-hop, rock and even rap in his songs. The Georgia native continues to blend those styles on his fifth studio album, “Night Train.”

[00:00:30]Jason Aldean says the title of his latest album reflects the rapid progress he’s made in his career during the past few years. Producer Michael Knox combed through nearly 5,400 songs before choosing the 15 tracks for “Night Train.” To stay true to his live sound, Aldean worked with his road band in the studio instead of using Nashville session musicians.

According to airplay monitoring service Mediabase, Aldean is the second-most-played artist at Country radio this year. He reached that status from the continued popularity of his 2010 multi-million-selling album “My Kinda Party” and new hits from “Night Train.” They include its recent Number One single, “Take A Little Ride,” which set a Country Digital Songs chart record for biggest sales in an opening week by a male artist. Its success propelled “Night Train’s” Number One debut on both the Country and Billboard 200 albums charts.

Aldean recently announced plans for his 2013 “Night Train Tour,” which kicks off in late February. His first-ever stadium tour will stop in 23 U.S. cities.

The new single from “Night Train,” The Only Way I Know,” teams Aldean with two of his Country music friends, Luke Bryan and Eric Church.