Growing Up Is Getting Old
The accomplishments are impressive enough for any new artist – a chart-topping debut album nearing a half-million in sales, three hit singles from that album (all of which he wrote or co-wrote), a Gold ringtone certification, and opening spots on some of country’s hottest tours. The key to Jason Michael Carroll’s success is evident in every note he sings – live or in the studio – and it lies in his authenticity. Whether it’s the empathy brought to bear on the tragedy of “Alyssa Lies,” the pure passion of “Livin’ Our Love Song” or the youthful exuberance of “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead,” Carroll knows how to connect with fans, and together with hard work, undeniable talent, and good looks, that connection has launched one of country’s most impressive young careers.
It’s a career whose music aptly depicts Carroll as country’s Gen-Y family man, reflecting his generation’s transition from party to parenthood, and able to fully express the joys inherent in both worlds and the tensions that can come in moving from unencumbered freedom to the responsibilities of home and hearth. As a husband and father of four, Carroll sings eloquently about both sides of the equation in songs that recognize the firm foundation that country roots and a sense of community provide in a fast-moving world.
Now, with the April 2009 release of his sophomore album, Growing Up Is Getting Old (Arista Nashville), he fulfills the promise of his first record and takes his career a big step forward. The first single, “Where I’m From,” could have come from the pages of his life, and yet paradoxically enough, given his strengths as a songwriter, it’s one he didn’t write.
“People ask me, ‘Do you only record songs you wrote?’ My answer is always, ‘No, if I believe in a song I didn’t write more than a song I did, I’d record it first,’” Carroll says, “and here I kind of had the chance to put my money where my mouth is.” The tale of two men from seemingly opposite worlds who meet by chance explores the similarities that lie beneath most of our differences.
“No matter where life carries you, and it carries us in all different directions, if you boil it down to the nuts and bolts of it, most of us are really the same,” he says. The song is filled with points that hit home, from the seat he occupied in his father’s church and the fact that his son bears part of his grandfather’s name to the affect cancer has had on those close to him. Its authenticity is ideal to an album that finds Carroll digging deeper creatively and solidifying his place in country music.
“You have a responsibility to your fans,” he says, “not only to record songs that are hits but also to record songs that mean something to you and convey to your fans who you are.”
Those songs are all over Growing Up Is Getting Old. A Carolina-born preacher’s son raised in a strict household, Carroll threw himself whole-heartedly into life and music when he got the chance. The resulting tension between experience and responsibility, and the hard-won wisdom that grows out of the maturing process have always infused the music he makes. Jason Michael sees himself in songs like the title cut, of which he says, “I don’t think there’s a truer statement out there right now, especially to a father of four who tries to get home as much as I do and who travels as much as I do.” His children – three from a previous marriage – are at the core of Carroll’s identity, and his relationship with them helped bring vocal passion to songs like the cathartic “Hurry Home” and the poignant “Tears.” “Sorry Don’t Matter” explores the cold reality of a betrayed relationship, while “Barn Burner” gives him the chance to revel in the joy of days when responsibility could be set aside one party at a time. Love’s complexities figure in “Happened on a Saturday Night (Suzie Q),” a story with a rocking pace and a hairpin plotline, “Let Me Go,” featuring a seemingly star-crossed pair of lovers, and “We Threw It All Away,” in which two people rolling the dice surprise everyone with a win. The laid-back anthem, “That’s All I Know,” sums up the easygoing, comfortably fitting philosophy that permeates the record.
Hi Jason! I Should have been at the Lancaster, PA show last night but unfortunately was unable to attend. I can't believe I missed you!! I am sure it was a great show as usual. Hoping to see you soon! Have a great week! Love ya! ♥Dawn♥
I saw you fourth of July at fort Bragg you were awsome so was Julianne Houghbest performance theve had at Bragg for a while when are you comeing back around for bragg of fayetville
Jason you were great last night at American Music Theatre! I have been wanting to see you in concert for a while, so my husband made sure we were there. I would have loved to have saw you and Bucky in concert! I saw and met him, and finally got to see you.Great show! Take care.
You know there are some country artist that you meet that don't seem to care weather your there not, but everytime I have met you, you always make me feel welcomed for coming to the show. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us at the bus, you had an awesome show at Lancaster. We love your music and your whole personality, truely someone that some artist should learn from. Thanks again, be safe and take care. See ya in PA again.
Great show tonight. You should have been the headliner. You made alot of new fans tonight. Sorry the photo album was a year late. I don't know how to get it to you at the big shows. I'll have another one for you at York,PA. I have about 5 shows worth since tonights album. Alot with you and J.W. WE LOVE YA!!!!! Donna
is OMG you we so amazing at the amerian Music theater tonight Julianne should have opened up for you you we some much better then her thanks for signing my pic when i came up to the stage i was so happy thanks for an amazing night!!!! CassidyJo in PA
Thank you so much for coming to Fort Bragg on the 4th! This is the first time we have seen you in concert since the beginning of your career, and you are still amazing! Keep your faith strong and your heart set on God. Prayers going up from Spring Lake for you and your beautiful family. <3 Take care, brother!
dude you made a fan yesterday afternoon. nice to see people out there that still takes time out for common folk. i was definately pleasantly surprised with you. Gonna try to see you again.
Hello, Please come by and listen to my newest song just loaded last night… “When I Stop and Think About It” . “Angel Kisses” out on CD soon and on radio in US and Canada. Will also be available for purchase on Amazom.com soon!!! I would love to know what you think of my music. Thanks for your support!! Teresa Hull “Songwriter”
HEY WE WERE AT THE CONCERT LAST NIGHT AT FORT BRAGG AND YOU AND JULIANNE WERE SO AWESOME...IT WAS ALSO SO SWEET TO SEE YOUR SON AND YOU BLOWING KISSES TO THE LITTLE GIRL ON HER DADDY'S SHOULDERS IN THE CROWD. THANKS SO MUCH IT MEANT THE WORLD TO US...
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