Jason Aldean guarantees Ronnie Milsap won’t be forgotten
When Jason Aldean stepped onto the stage at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Frisco, Texas, on May 16, 2024, he delivered his acoustic rendition of “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” paying tribute to the late Toby Keith. But the evening offered him a more unexpected moment of musical discovery, as he received a fresh demo from two band members, bassist Tully Kennedy and guitarist Kurt Allison.
This demo was a gift from a new creation, a song that quickly resonated with Aldean’s deep musical sensibilities. He immediately recognized the signature sound created by Allison using a Fender Rhodes electric piano, realizing the potential of the piece. Aldean recalled how this recognition led to an immediate realization of the song’s worth, noting that the sound was a direct homage to Ronnie Milsap.
The resulting track, “Anytime Soon,” released by Broken Bow on August 2, found its footing by blending keyboard tones reminiscent of Milsap’s “Stranger in My House” with classic rock sounds reminiscent of Tom Petty and Journey. The lyrics tapped into a universal theme, exploring the enduring cycle of falling in love and relationships inevitably falling apart—a theme Aldean admits he has always leaned into.
The genesis of the track involved Kennedy and Allison collaborating with John Edwards on early lyrical concepts. They began with a rough-edged chord progression in a minor key, feeling the substance of the music, even before the final chorus landed. Initially, the writers struggled to find a hook, navigating the uncertainty of where the narrative should lead.
The song quickly developed a drinking theme, using the protagonist’s internal war to illustrate a man trying to erase a woman from his memory. The breakthrough came when the writers realized the true core of the narrative: the protagonist’s enemy wasn’t external, but his own escalating consumption. The hook emerged when they realized the central conflict was defined by the simple, inevitable truth: “They ain’t runnin’ out of whiskey anytime soon.”
The creative process continued as the writers debated titles, ultimately landing on “Anytime Soon.” They wisely chose this title over something overly literal, recognizing its emotional resonance. After working through the core structure, the group gathered to complete the song, realizing that the final shape was stronger than their initial scope.
The finished work was then brought to the studio, where the vision was realized through the masterful work of producer Michael Knox. The recording process highlighted the unique sonic blend: a real Wurlitzer piano was brought into the studio, adding a warmth that became the defining element. The final sound was a perfect marriage of country storytelling and rock sensibility, achieved through a meticulous arrangement of musicians.
The production team orchestrated a sound that managed to make a rock song feel like a country song, a trick achieved by blending instrumentation with a natural, authentic feel. The result was a track brimming with emotion and undeniable musical chemistry.
Aldean knew the song intimately, and this familiarity shone through in the final recording. It showcased the enduring power of storytelling in music, proving that the most resonant songs are often those that capture the most relatable human struggles. The song’s debut on the Country Airplay chart confirmed that “Anytime Soon” was set to have a ride that would last far longer than any whiskey bottle.
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