Alan Jackson – “I Still Like Bologna”
Songwriter: Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson is a self-professed singer of simple songs, and “I Still Like Bologna” proves his point.
His latest, a thematic mash-up of “www.memory” and “Work in Progress,” is a gee-whiz ode to cell phones and laptops and eBay, oh my. In the way that only he can, Jackson contrasts these modern wonders with whippoorwills, good lovin’ and, of course, lunchmeat. (Silly Alan, iTunes are for kids!)
Even with its commentary on the value of tradition despite the pervasiveness of change and technology and the charm of Jackson’s simple, matter-of-fact delivery, the song’s premise quickly wears a thin. Clocking in at nearly four minutes and 20 seconds, the song crosses over from being quaintly cute to quickly boring at about two minutes in.
Despite that, however, no artist in country music could turn this song into very agreeable, likable album filler better than Jackson. Out of most other singers’ mouths, the song’s empty verses and generic chorus would ring fake and forgettable. And while “I Still Like Bologna” certainly has symptoms of both of those shortcomings, a few simple lines in the tune save it from being relegated completely to a lyrical wasteland:
I finally gave in and got a cell phone
That I hardly ever seem to turn on
I guess I never had that much to say
A famously private and soft-spoken man, Jackson is known for eschewing deep, tell-all interviews in favor of touching, telling songs and performances. So these lines are ironically humorous and show that even though Jackson has constructed yet another list song on the heels of “Good Time” and “Country Boy,” it is still one that is smart and self-aware.
Out of the 17 songs that make up Jackson’s current album Good Time, “I Still Like Bologna” is a surprising single choice considering the record’s range of quality material. Jackson could sing the ABC’s and still be lauded for being a torch-bearing neotraditionalist with the best blue jeans wardrobe this side of Dwight Yoakam, but even his quiet confidence can’t elevate this song to anything more than it really is: simple, forgettable album filler that doesn’t do justice to the songwriting skills of a man who really does have that much to say.
At the end of the song, Alan wraps it up: “Well, I guess what I’ve been trying to say/This digital world is okay/But it can’t make the smell of spring, or sunshine or lots of little things/We take for granted every day.” Well, I guess what I’m trying to say is “I Still Like Bologna” is okay, but it can’t make me get excited about country music the way songs from Jackson always have in the past.
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Current Discussion
- Tony: I don't understand some of you folks. Trust me I understand the disdain that many have for the country ...
- Jon: I would suspect that while the tune would change the perception of the song... Dude, that's the whole freaking point! ...
- merlefan49: No offense taken
- sam (sam): Although it would be the copyright holder who would have to give permission, even if Dylan did give permission, it ...
- Steve M.: I would suspect that while the tune would change the perception of the song, the words of "Hard Rain" speak ...
- Jon: @Steve M. So, to begin with, if you're right, then it's Sony, not Dylan, who would have given permission ...
- Steve M.: A little hard digging Jon shows according to published reports that Sony/ATV Music Publishing own the rights to Dylan's older ...
- Jon: Telling me I’m not intelligent for just simply revealing my taste! Whoa, I don't think that's what I said, and ...
- Michelle: Jon, you don't worry about my comments. If ya don't find it informative then DON'T READ IT! And I'll simply ...
- Jon: @Michelle Sorry, you asked a question, I was trying to answer it. Post whatever you like, but you ...
16 Comments
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July 31, 2009 at 9:45 am Permalink
“His latest, a thematic mash-up of “www.memory” and “Work in Progress,” is a gee-whiz ode to cell phones and laptops and eBay, oh my. In the way that only he can, Jackson contrasts these modern wonders with whippoorwills, good lovin’ and, of course, lunchmeat. (Silly Alan, iTunes are for kids!)”
Love it!
Not the song so much.
July 31, 2009 at 10:29 am Permalink
I’m already turned off by the weird title of the song lol
I think I’ll pass on hearing it too, since its apparently not so great
July 31, 2009 at 11:50 am Permalink
This is such a ridiculous song title. I have no desire to even listen to the song. This is just contributing to the boringness of the country genre. A year ago, I was a country music addict. Now, I can’t tell you the last time I downloaded a country song off iTunes. If I want to hear rock and pop, I usually go for the real thing.
July 31, 2009 at 1:02 pm Permalink
While the song sounds good with the honky tonk feel, it’s just another of the semi-novelty songs that I’ve grown tired of hearing from him. This is another disappointing release, yet not quite as bad as “Country Boy.” Never was a fan of “www.Memory” or “Work In Progress” either. For me, the majority of his singles from this decade just don’t stand up to the great songs he released throughout the 90’s.
Great review, by the way.
July 31, 2009 at 4:00 pm Permalink
I’m an Alan Jackson fan but he’s really stretching on this one. He could’ve replaced the title and chorus with anything else and the song would probably be decent. “I Still Like Bologna” just makes the song seem silly.
July 31, 2009 at 6:07 pm Permalink
I haven’t gotten very excited about anything Alan’s released since the “When Somebody Loves You” album. Alan’s been coasting for years music wise but Top 40 country radio still eats this stuff up. Why put a fine song out radio when a piece of sonic piffle slots in better on the playlist? Oh well…
August 1, 2009 at 9:22 pm Permalink
I just don’t believe he could release this song.
August 1, 2009 at 9:26 pm Permalink
I would rather hear Paul Brandt’s song, “Virtual Life” it get’s the same message across but is a lot more upbeat.
August 2, 2009 at 10:03 pm Permalink
While i do agree this was not the best choice for a single i do not believe this song is worth being totally shut out. First things first alan and only alan could sing a song like this and get away with it. That says alot. Wat happened to just simple lyrics that had a good tune and got right to the point. Also alan has never changed musically wise nor his humility so if u think he has just stay away from country music all together. His new stuff and his old stuff is good ole country music. And common man. Cuz other people dont like it, ur not going to listen to it. Wats goin on with that? Just listen to the damn thing, see wat u think, and write another post on here. Thanks
August 3, 2009 at 10:53 am Permalink
ok jonathsn. i’ll play your silly little game and go listen to this auditory turd.
August 3, 2009 at 11:01 am Permalink
well Jonathsn i guess i’ll just quit listening to cuntry music since i don’t like alan jackson’s choice of lunch meat. the only redeeming quality i found was the bob wills shout at the the end of the 2nd verse. he is capable of much better and has shown that in the past. reward mediocrity and that is what you will get.
August 3, 2009 at 6:38 pm Permalink
Yea i agree, most artists have their best music in the beginning of their career and that goes the same for alan. But their are plenty of good songs on there. Trust me, alan is going to blow u away with this next cd. I will say it again, just listen to the song and if u dont like it thats fine, everybody likes different things, but at least listen to it is all i ask. I will also say again that that is the worst choice for a single from the whole cd. I would of picked Never Loved at All, or 1976 or hell, any of the others so i do agree with that. Really i would of rather heard a new single. I think aj is going to suprise u on this next cd. That was just a fun little cd he put it, hence the title good time. I cant wait to c wat he comes out with next. I have a hard time calling any of his music midiacracy. It may not b his best but its not horrible tho. Also u are very funny….. Yea i dont like boligna that much either. LOL! What is all of ur favorite aj cds out of curiosity? I love his older stuff but srry i think drive has to b my favorite still.???????? Just wondering.
August 15, 2009 at 8:18 pm Permalink
not a huge fan of the song. Surprised it was released as a single, but Alan is alot like Gary Allan in the way anything he sings can sound good.
August 25, 2009 at 11:55 am Permalink
love it!! With a voice like aj’s ….how can he go wrong
October 17, 2009 at 3:03 pm Permalink
It’s surprising, but I agree this was not one of the better choices for Alan to release. It is a playful novelty song, but the length diminishes its impact and the title is a little corny.
That said, I like the message about the world becoming so modernized that we can easily lose track of and under appreciate what wonders remain constant in our lives. I think the song is alright for a CD when it is surrounded by quality work, but as a single it doesn’t cut it.
Ben, why did you even bother to listen to the song if you predetermined that you would hate it. I think John meant that you should form your own opinion of the song after you have taken the time to listen to it and evaluate it, not that you should form your opinion of it and then listen to it for the sake of hearing it.
December 23, 2009 at 11:56 am Permalink
I really like this song! i don’t know why you all don’t like it! This song is all about focusing on the little things of life and enjoying them instead of letting them go by unoticed. give thanks for what we have and live life with a smile!
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