The album is previewed with “Ole Heartache”
Jamie O’Neal rocketed into the country music mainstream 25 years ago with her No. 1 singles “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels,” leading a string of hit songs. On January 23rd, the platinum-selling, four-time Grammy-nominated artist will release her sixth studio album, Gypsum, via BFD/Audium Nashville.
“My new album Gypsum is named for the sand dunes in White Sands National Park, one of the most beautiful and serene, otherworldly places I’ve ever been to,” said Jamie. “I have an affinity for the west – the mountains, red rocks, sand dunes, and wide open spaces inspired a lot of this album. I love being in the studio and hearing some of the most incredible musicians bring the songs to life. It’s so exciting to have a new original album finished and ready for everyone to hear!”
The ten-song collection includes six songs co-written by O’Neal along with Stephanie Bentley, Rob Crosby, Roxie Dean, Lisa Drew, Ed Hill, Bailey Hefley, Tammy Hyler, Robin Lee, Shaye Smith, Ava Suppelsa, and Ilya Toshinskiy. Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Dean Dillon contributes one song, Scotty Emerick, Bob Regan, and Kevin Doherty wrote one, and Josia Eden penned the final song. One of the most special songs on the new album was written by Jamie’s late sister, Samantha Murphy.
Jamie produced the album with her husband, Rodney Good, who also recorded and mixed all songs. The first single, “Ole Heartache,” is now available, written by Jamie with Shaye Smith and Ed Hill.
“When I wrote ‘Ole’ Heartache with Shaye and Ed, I wanted to write something I could hear George Strait or Lee Ann Womack singing – a timeless country classic throwback that likens Heartache to almost being a friend, a sidekick who hangs around pointing out how love is doomed…again and again,” O’Neal shares. “It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written, and it’s got harmonica on it like ‘Arizona’, which was so great to have another song with that lonesome sound.”
Jamie recently released an updated version of her debut hit “There Is No Arizona.” Celebrating 25 years since its original release and subsequent peak at No. 1, the new recording was produced by Ben Isaacs and features The Isaacs playing upright bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and providing beautiful background vocals.
1. Over New Mexico (Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Lisa Drew)
2. Ole Heartache (Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Ed Hill)
3. Slippery Slope (Jamie O’Neal/Robin Lee/Roxie Dean)
4. John Deere Letter (Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith/Tammy Hyler/Ilya Toshinskiy)
5. Just Whiskey (Jamie O’Neal/Stephanie Bentley/Rob Crosby)
6. Flowers & Fireflies (Samantha Murphy)
7. All The Same (Scotty Emerick/Dean Dillon)
8. My Midnights (Jamie O’Neal/Ava Suppelsa/Bailey Hefley)
9. Change It Now (Kevin Doherty/Bob Regan)
10. Liberty (Josia Eden)
