Comments on: 2008 Rewind: “In Color,” Jamey Johnson

By: Chris N.

Chris N. — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:01:18 +0000

Also, I would posit that the reason “In Color” resonates so deeply is that it’s not actually about nostalgia — it’s about how no one human can ever completely understand the experiences of another, no matter how effectively they may be communicated. If the guy in the song could somehow show the narrator surround-sound 3-D HD video of the Great Depression or WWII he still wouldn’t really know how it felt to be there. We’re all strangers at some level, which is one of life’s most profound frustrations.

By: Chris N.

Chris N. — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:56:58 +0000

The body of the song on the album ends at 4:32 (before the steel guitar noodling), so there must still be some nips and tucks on the single version.

By: Dan Milliken

Dan Milliken — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 06:10:09 +0000

I do agree with Ben's implication that the song isn't as stone-cold traditional in composition as its trimmings (Alabama voice, spare production) might suggest, and the subject matter (and arguably thematic matter) of the song is a lot more 'contemporary' than classic; I'm no expert, so I could well be mistaken, but it seems to me that the use of this sort of 'distant past-gazing' (I hesitate to call it 'nostalgia' because it's not necessarily positive here) as a narrative device was mostly absent from classic country, and I'd speculate that contemporary country probably learned it more from southern rock and folk/pop singer-songwriters. But I also like the song a great deal, although I think I interpret its major themes and implications differently than Blake does here. I'd go into all that, but I think I basically laid out my thoughts on it in my singles list, so I'll leave it at that. In any case, it's clear that you worked very hard on this piece, Blake, so kudos.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:42:43 +0000

I suppose we’ll all have to agree to disagree with you on this one, Ben. At least there aren’t any church bells.:)

By: Hollerin' Ben

Hollerin' Ben — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:18:51 +0000

I disagree with nearly everything you’ve said in this piece Blake (though it’s apparent you worked hard writing it and I appreciate that)

this song is still way more Bon Jovi than it is Waylon Jennings

and

“What “In Color” represents is a loving remembrance of life’s twists and turns (along with the human connection that serves as our catalyst) and how our greatest troubles often serve as our greatest lessons.”

this is not reminiscent of classic country themes, it’s a boring and eye-rolling kind of story to tell, and to compare a song with this sentiment to Hank’s near nihilistic, absurdist, “You’ll never get out of this world alive” is crazy.

but, I did enjoy your writing in this one.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:48:18 +0000

Chris D.- The album version is just an extra minute of the guitar work gradually fading out. It does add to the song but it’s not essential to the song.

Also with how the album is set up is bleeds right into the next song.

By: lanibug

lanibug — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 02:11:40 +0000

this happens to be probably one of my favorite songs in a long time and one of my favorite albums in a long time, there is something about the way that he tells the story of the pictures and even without the video you can see the pictures, that is what a great song is about being able to see what the singer is talking about

I have gotten friends who are not country fans to listen to Jamey Johnson and they all are becoming fans — a friend I gave the album to has come to love him as much as I do and we will be seeing him in concert at the end of January in Columbus (i cannot wait!)

By: Chris D.

Chris D. — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:41:24 +0000

Chris, the single version is 3:49, that’s the version I have from itunes. So that asks the question, on the album version, what happens in the extra minute?

Great song, I guess I need to buy his album since I really like this song. I guess I’m just more hesitant to buy albums from male artists for some reason…

By: Chris N.

Chris N. — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 00:09:46 +0000

Damn straight — nothing else came close all year. I feel compelled to point out, though, that it’s actually 4:51.

By: Pierce

Pierce — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:11:56 +0000

Couldn’t agree more here, Blake.

This would be atop my list as well if ole Jim weren’t so stingy about the fact that this song actually was a 2007 release… ;) (Although, since it appeared on The 9513′s list last year, I understand not wanting to be repetitive.)

Anywho, with “gem” songs like these, I sometimes hate when radio/TV ruins them by jamming them down our throats (see: “Believe” by Brooks & Dunn), but this one, I don’t ever get tired of seeing the video/hearing the song.

I was grabbing a burger at a local fast food place in downtown Cary, NC yesterday and I watched as two guys – some kind of construction workers/painters – pulled up in a rusty old work truck and were crankin’ “In Color” on the radio. They waited out the rest of the song, mouthing the words, before getting out. That’s just the kinda song it is…