Jason Aldean edgy yet traditional on 'Train'

Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

'Night Train,' out Tuesday, garners *** out of four
Progressive sound apparent throughout album
'Drink One for Me' among the downloads

The nostalgic arena-rocker Feel That Again finds the Macon, Ga., native pining for "wild and free'' sounds and songs you "wish would never end.'' On his fifth album, Night Train (*** out of four; out Tuesday), he provides plenty of the former but none of the latter.

Jason Aldean Oct. 16 Night Train The country rocker's novelties -- rapping with Luke Bryan and Eric Church, borrowing from House of Pain to praise Joe Diffie -- jump out at first listen. But the songs that tap into the small-town psyche have serious staying power. -- Mansfield

Aldean is considered progressive by contemporary country standards for embracing rap elements (1994 and The Only Way I Know, with Eric Church and Luke Bryan), amping up the wailing rock guitars and exploring the occasional edgy theme (Black Tears, a sad, dark tale referencing a stripper and drugs).

But just as often he works within a succinct, hook-laden, radio-approved style and wrestles with the timeless themes of small-town life, the desire to escape and the greater desire to return (Drink One for Me).

First single Take a Little Ride is the lustiest yet most generic of the tunes, something about a truck, a gal, her pink toes on the dash and whatnot.

Download:Feel That Again, 1994, The Only Way I Know, Black Tears, Drink One for Me, This Nothin' Town, Staring at the Sun

Featured Weekly Ad