Is Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again a good place to start with George Jones?

Yes, Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again is recommended as a starting point for new George Jones listeners. A poignant blend of traditional country storytelling and emotive delivery, capturing the essence of heartache and resilience. In 2006, George Jones released Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again, marking his return to recording after a challenging period that included battles with addiction. This album followed his critically acclaimed 1999 release, The Cold Hard Truth, showcasing his enduring legacy as a country music icon. At this point in his career, Jones was celebrated for both his timeless voice and his candid reflections on personal struggles.

Who is Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again for?

Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again works well if you're into nostalgic storytelling with heart, steady pacing for relaxed listening and for reflective afternoons.

How many songs are on Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again?

Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again has 14 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Released 20 years ago

Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again

George Jones · 2006

44 min · 14 tracks · country music

A poignant blend of traditional country storytelling and emotive delivery, capturing the essence of heartache and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Footlights Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Race Is On — This track is a lively uptempo number that showcases Jones's impeccable phrasing and timing, breathing new life into a classic theme of competition and heartbreak.
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She Thinks I Still Care — A hallmark of Jones's career, this rendition highlights his ability to convey deep sorrow through understated vocal nuances, making it a standout on the album.
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I Always Get Lucky With You — 'I Always Get Lucky With You' exemplifies the charm and wit that characterize Jones's storytelling, blending humor with heartfelt emotion seamlessly.
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Things Have Gone to Pieces — This track captures the essence of loss and despair, demonstrating Jones's mastery in evoking complex emotions through simple yet powerful lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional country elements with emotional storytelling, showcasing Jones's vocal prowess.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat and slower ballads.
Several tracks feature prominent steel guitar and fiddle, typical of traditional country music instrumentation.
The last three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic storytelling with heart
steady pacing for relaxed listening
for reflective afternoons
warm vocals for cozy moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer faster-paced experiences
seek high-energy party tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Reinforces Jones's legacy and showcases his continued vitality in country music.
Themes: Nashville heartbreak· addiction struggles
Career context: In 2006, George Jones released Kickin' Out the Footlights...Again, marking his return to recording after a challenging period that included battles with addiction. This album followed his critically acclaimed 1999 release, The Cold Hard Truth, showcasing his enduring legacy as a country music icon. At this point in his career, Jones was celebrated for both his timeless voice and his candid reflections on personal struggles.
Stylistic neighbors: Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings· Johnny Cash