While he was in the process of recording his self-titled debut album a few years ago, Jason Aldean wanted to include the song “Johnny Cash” on the project. But the song’s publishing company pulled it and gave it to another artist. So Aldean recorded another song, “Hicktown,” which became his first Top 10 single.

“I guess it worked out pretty well for us,” Aldean says.

So when it came time to record Relentless, Aldean’s sophomore effort, “Johnny Cash” was available. Aldean included it on his new record, and released it as the first single from the CD.

“I think it’s the perfect single to bridge the two albums,” he says. Relentless is an excellent collection of songs that, like Aldean’s debut album, display his talents as a singer/musician. The process of recording his first album worked so well that when he returned to the studio he says he “decided to go with the things that worked really well the first time around.”

“The biggest difference I’ve noticed,” he adds, “is that due to being on the road during the two years since my first album, my voice has gotten stronger, and we as a band sound tighter.”

Aldean is currently touring with Rascal Flatts. “We’re on the road for three weeks straight right now, [after which] we’ll have a few days off,” he says. “Then we’ll be back out on the road through November. It’s fun to get to go out and play in front of 10,000-15,000 people every night, then get on the bus to go to the next town. But after a couple of weeks, I’m glad to spend even one day at home.”