If you’re from Texas, you’ve probably heard of Jon Wolfe, the cowboy-hat-wearing-good-ole-boy country singer/songwriter who’s garnered six consecutive Top Ten singles in the state. If you’re from outside the area, you may not be familiar with his throwback Nineties country sound, but you should be! This neo-traditionalist has a refreshing sound that will make you think you’re in 1998 again.
Wolfe’s sound can be compared to George Strait, Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson and Dwight Yoakam with his own contemporary twist. The singer’s new album, Any Night In Texas, is an ode to the state that has named him a “must see” act in the Texas touring scene. The fourteen track collection is pure Nineties country with — believe it or not — hardly any loops which is quite surprising.
Wolfe co-wrote of the album’s tracks (the title track, “A Country Boy’s Life Well Lived”), but recorded songs from some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Jon Pardi (“Whenever I’m With You,” “Crush Me”), Rodney Clawson (“Girl Like You”), Hillary Lindsey (“Time On My Hands”), Darius Rucker (“Baby This And Baby That”), Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark (“Airport Kiss”), Ben Haslip, Dallas Davidson and Craig Campbell (“That’s What A Song Will Do”), among others.
Wolfe’s current single, “Boots On A Dance Floor,” hit No. 1 on the Texas Regional Radio Report and has become his fourth consecutive No. 1 single. He’s risen to 77,000 monthly Spotify listeners and the single has 470,000 total Spotify streams and counting Added to Spotify’s “Texas Red Dirt” playlist (158,000 followers).
The 2017 independent project is full of fun with a good mix of ballads and uptempo tracks. There aren’t any bad songs on the album. However, some standouts include the ballad “Boots On A Dance Floor,” the proud American rocker “A Country Boy’s Life Well Lived,” and the mid tempo “Airport Kiss” about enjoying time with the love of his life.
As a purist, I’m always a bit hesitant when being introduced to new acts, but I’m glad I gave Jon Wolfe a listen. I have hopes radio will add to Wolfe’s popularity in Texas on a national level, but unless there’s some major changes at country radio, that’s probably a long shot. I highly recommend giving Any Night In Texas a listen and seeing Wolfe when he comes to a town near you. You won’t be disappointed!
