Brad Paisley followed his instrumental album, Play, with the finest release of his career (to date), 2009’s American Saturday Night. This is the album that originally brought Paisley to my attention.
After seeing both Time magazine and Slate.com rank American Saturday Night as the best album of the year — of any genre — I figured I had to give it a try. I was hooked instantly.
As the theory goes, the album that introduces you to a favorite artist tends to be your favorite of his albums. That’s certainly the case here, and there is no better introduction to Brad Paisley than American Saturday Night.
I was wowed by the musicianship, the humor and the sensitivity of this record. In ‘Then,’ it had a song that made me want to renew my wedding vows just so I could choose it as our new song. In ‘Welcome to the Future‘ (which Paisley has called his favorite of his own songs) it had a tribute to our nation’s first Black president that starts off with a verse I find funny and poignant at the same time:
“When I was ten years old… I’d have given anything to have my own Pac-Man game at home. I used to have to get a ride down to the arcade — now I’ve got it on my phone.”
That was my favorite song of 2009 on my favorite album of 2009.
But in its own way, ‘She’s Her Own Woman,’ today’s SOTD, made as much of an impact. The bluesy guitar work on this track exemplifies just what a stellar musician Paisley is, and the self-deprecating romanticism is irresistible. When I heard the line “I couldn’t tell you even if you had a gun to my head where we keep the tarragon, or even what the hell that is,” I knew I’d be a fan of this guy for life.
To cancel our dinner date
But she just said that’s alright
And just like that she made some other plans
Saw a movie with a couple friends
Had herself a ball
Oh cause after all
She’s her own woman
Without me, she does fine
She’s her own woman
Whoa oh, but she’s mine
I couldn’t tell you even if you had a gun to my head
Where we keep the tarragon
Or even what the hell that is
Well I wouldn’t last 45 minutes in this house
Without her living in it
I’d be lost, yeah that’s for sure
But as for her
She’s her own woman
Without me, she’d be fine
She’s her own woman
Whoa oh, but shes mine
Raised up a daddy’s girl
Went out into the big wide world
Has never needed anybody’s help
With everything she does for me
Oh its still a mystery
How I fell in love with her all by myself
She’s her own woman
Got it going on, that suits me fine
You’re gonna have to find you own woman
Whoa oh, cause she’s mine
Meet Me In Montauk 
This is the only album of Paisley’s that I own, and I do love it. While I prefer the two songs you’ve already featured on the blog to today’s SOTD, the Tarragon line you mention is certainly a highlight.
Whether this is the best album of 2009, I have no idea. However, I can understand why Paisley’s unabashed romanticism appeals to fans and critics alike.
I like the bluesy sound of this song, and also like the tarragon line:)
While I have not been as wholly impressed with Paisley as you have, I would be interested in hearing this album given the critical praise and your praise of it.
This is a wonderful song in every way, music and lyrics. It’s true about the album that introduces you to a favorite artist tends to become your favorite album; I was introduced to Billy Joel with “Just the Way you Are” and “Stranger” still remains my favorite of his albums. I think “She’s always a woman to me” is kinda like this song in a way (not the music, the theme)