Audio Mixer: John Kelton.

Recording information: Emerald Entertainment's Tracking Room (2004); Flameworthy Awards, Gaylord Entertainment Center, Nashv (2004); Hit Factory Criteria, Miami, FL (2004); Sound Station (2004); Starstruck Studios (2004); Wedgewood Sound, Nashville, TN (2004).

Photographer: Russ Harrington.

Ever since he first emerged in the late 1980s as a tradition-conscious alternative to the country-crossover "hat acts" overrunning Nashville, singer/songwriter Alan Jackson has turned out remarkably consistent records full of solid, often self-penned tunes that connect with both old-school country fans and those with more mainstream tastes. Accordingly, WHAT I DO contains no rock/pop trappings, "modern" production touches, or gimmicky songs. Rather, it's an album of direct, heartfelt sentiments expressed with equal amounts of emotional honesty and tasteful understatement.

"Strong Enough" and the aptly titled "Burnin' the Honky Tonks Down" have the classic honky-tonk flavor that makes Jackson's roots in Merle Haggard-style '60s country plain. The heartbreaking, expertly crafted "Monday Morning Church" and the quietly inspirational "There Ya Go" are prime examples of Jackson's easy, graceful balladic touch, while "The Talkin' Song Repair Blues" bears echoes of Shel Silverstein and shows the singer's well developed sense of humor. WHAT I DO is emblematic of Jackson's career--a case study in how to achieve large-scale success in contemporary country without resorting to crass commercialism.