Reno, NV (7/25/26) – “I had a one-night stand with my best friend’s baby sister. And to this day, he still won’t speak to me.”
Wow! Those are the very first two lines to “Startin’ With Me”, the title track of Jake Owen’s first album. While I don’t know if the song is autobiographical or not, it’s completely believable. This song that deals with life’s regrets, past mistakes, and the desire to take personal accountability, is what began my journey with Jake Owens 20 years ago.
I teased on social media about having somewhat of a coming full-circle moment with Jake Owen. I fully intend to get there, if you’ll allow me the time. The first time I saw Jake perform was most likely 2007, just outside the America West Arena after a George Strait concert. It was just Jake, his guitar, and a tiny stage. Once again, I heard “Startin’ With Me”, only this time it was live. I vividly recall telling the girl I was with that “one day I’ll get to work with that guy.”
In 2009 Jake released his sophomore album, “Easy Does It”, and I immediately rushed out to snag a copy. With stellar songs like “Tell Me”, “Eight Second Ride”, “Anything For You”, “Nothing Grows In Shadows”, and “Green Bananas” it hit Number 2 on the US Top Country chart. Regardless of the charting position of either of those albums, my brother and I consumed a copious amount of liquor singing along to them.
Then something happened…… Jake Owen absolutely blew up! Years before the term “Bro Country” was coined, 2011’s record“Barefoot Blue Jean Night” was released. Both the album as well as the title track shot straight up to Number One. That first chart topper began a string of ten Number 1 songs for Jake.
It seemed almost overnight Jake Owen became that barefoot beach guy. Undoubtedly, he deserved every bit of that success. As for me, I’d always leaned into the deeper cuts over the radio hits. Don’t get me wrong, I still searched out Jake’s music. There were some really solid tracks that may not have been the biggest radio hits. Just give “What We Ain’t Got”, “Sure Feels Right”, “Friends Don’t Let Friends”, and “It Don’t, He Won’t, and You Do” a listen.
After 20 years of hit songs on Country radio, 20 years of having a major record deal, and ten Number One songs on the US Top Country chart, on November 7th, 2025, Jake Owen released probably his most vulnerable album yet, “Dreams To Dream.” A record that I feel is most likely an incredibly personal project for him. In fact, Owen funded the album out of his own pocket with absolutely zero backing from a record label.
Produced by Jake Owen and Shooter Jennings, “Dreams ToDream” is steeped in tradition, truth, and blatant honesty, the 12 songs are so incredibly believable. In my opinion it’s an absolute certifiable Country record! Although Jake had to leave the comforts, or perhaps the trappings of Nashville’s Music Row to record it.
It’s a turn of events that I personally view as somewhat of a full circle moment for Jake Owen. You see, he arrived in Nashville without a record deal to record country songs. Being that “Dreams To Dream” was primarily recorded at Shooter’s Snake Farm Studion in Los angeles. Jake also had to leave Nashville (temporarily) without a record deal to record this album of country songs. The lyrics to the title track paints a vivid picture.
“Ol’ Hank moved back to Alabam‘ when he had all he could take.
Well, lately, I’ve been thinking I’m feeling the same way
So I sent a prayer to Jesus, and He got back to me
Said, “If it’s burning up your soul, son, you best just set it free.”
If that isn’t enough, the chorus serves as a reminder to me that even after all the success, Jake Owen is still undeniably human. He’s also more than likely done more than his fair share of hard living as well as losing in the past few years.
“I ain’t mad, I ain’t bitter
You just ain’t seen this side of me
I’ve been down, but I ain’t no quitter
‘Bout to get back up on my feet
Yeah, ’cause I still got dreams to dream”
“The Jukebox Knows” (written by Jamey Johnson and William Beckmann) reminds us all about how powerful the jukebox is. It also features a really cool recitation by “The Beard” himself. “Wrinkle In the Road” deals with leaving where you don’t belong, as well as the pain and the eventual closure that comes with it. Where “Wouldn’t Be Gone” laments the romance of leaving the road, “So Long, LA” celebrates the therapy I feel Owen likely found in making this album.
Throughout the album there’s a gamut of emotions that can be heard, and quite possibly felt. As for me, I felt the hurt, the loss, the determination, and the longing.
Speaking of longing, this article is getting much longer than I initially intended. My editor has also called to remind me that it’s long past due. So, let’s get into the show for the “Dreams ToDream” tour stop in Reno, Nevada.
The Show
I feel that I would be remiss if I did not include the following statement that I witnessed Todd (Jake Owen’s Production Manager) making to one of the venue’s security staff members. “I’ve worked for Jake Owen since 2018 and every single show is different. I honestly don’t know what he’s gonna do.”
Below the giant words “Dream To Dream” lit up in glowing red neon, Jake Owen took the stage wearing a blazer jacket that was reminiscent of the Nudie Suits of the days of yesteryear. The look complimented the stage props which also carried a retro vibe, as it was adorned several vintage television sets that displayed various video clips.
Owen appropriately kicked off the set with one of his many smash hits, “American Country Love Song”. His smile glowing even brighter than the lights of the stage, Jake Owen projected a true gratefulness to be with us this night.
His voice was sonically sound, the band was on fire, and Jake was sure to make it a point to somehow connect with every soul in attendance that night. At times that meant telling stories or cracking jokes. Such as letting us know that his seven-year-old daughter was sure to call him out as not being good at everything. Jake being an avid golfer, she was once quick to point out that he was NOT good at putting.
At other times this connection came in the form of reaching into a cooler and tossing ice cold Miller Lites out to the thirsty crowd. At those times when a frosty beverage was not appropriate Jake would toss guitar picks to starstruck fans. Of course, there were also those special moments of simply taking a moment to listen to the crowd sing along to the songs.
At one point I recall looking back up at the stage and not seeing Jake anywhere beneath the spotlight. Simultaneously, I flashed back to Todd’s (Production Manager) words of caution to security as Jake Owen passed rushed past me on his way to greet the crowd in the rear of the venue, shaking hands as he went.
Owen played many of his hits as well as sprinkling in some amazing covers of songs by George Strait, Alan Jackson, and even Jimmy Buffett. Before playing “Come Monday” (Jimmy Buffett), Jake was sure to touch on the unique friendship he had with, the amazing character, and generosity of the late great Jimmy Buffet.
The title track “Dreams to Dream” was also thankfully included in the set. As an introduction, Jake shared the story of being asked if “this” is what he was planning to do for the rest of his life. To which he replied with an emphatic, “yes”. He then reminded the crowd that no matter your age, we all have dreams to dream.
Jake Owen put on a truly remarkable, high energy show complete with the most crowd interaction I have yet to witness. Though it was an energizing set, what I feel is even more important, it allowed us all to forget about the trials of life for the evening.
As for my own somewhat full-circle moment with Jake? I had mentioned that years ago I made the statement that “I would one day work with Jake Owen.” What I had originally meant when I spoke those words was that I would one day write a song with Jake. On a hot July night nearly 20 years later, I had the awesome opportunity to photograph a Jake Owen show and write this article. That’s pretty damn close to full circle.
In closing, if you made it this far, I’m glad you’re here. I’m reminded of a line in “Long Time Lovin’ You” off the “Dreams To Dream” album that says “Everything in this life is temporary. There ain’t nothing ours to lose”. That statement sure rings true. That girl I told I would one day work with Jake? She’s no longer mine. The brother I drank so many beers with while listening to those first two Jake Owen albums? He left this world expeditiously back in November. Hell, even memories fade. The photographs, the songs, and more importantly, the Dreams to Dream last forever.
All opinions, statements, and speculations stated above are purely my own. All misspelled words, grammatical errors, and inaccuracies are purely intentional, and are also mine alone.
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Do not alter photos
Copyrightt: Chris Couture Photography
