Relentless is the second studio album by American country music artist Jason Aldean. It was released on May 29, 2007 via Broken Bow Records. The album debuted at number 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top Country Albums chart, selling about 98,000 copies in its first week.Katie Hasty, "R. Kelly Flirts His Way To No. 1 Album Chart Debut", Billboard.com, June 6, 2007. On October 4 of the same year, the album was certified gold by the RIAA. It was certified platinum in September 2012.
Relentless has produced three chart singles for Aldean on the Hot Country Songs charts. The lead-off single "Johnny Cash" (originally recorded by Tracy Byrd on his 2004 album Greatest Hits) and "Laughed Until We Cried" both reached No. 6 on that chart, and the title track reached No. 15 in late 2008. Thus, it is Aldean's only album to date to not produce a number one single.
Critical reception Ken Tucker of Billboard gave a positive review, saying that "every cut features full, guitar-driven production". He considered "Johnny Cash", "Back in This Cigarette" and "I Break Everything I Touch" standout tracks.
Track listing
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (2007) Peak position
Year-end charts Chart (2007) Position US Billboard 200 136 US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 26 Chart (2008) Position US Top Country Albums (Billboard) 33
Singles Year Single Peak chart positions US Country US CAN 2007 "Johnny Cash" 6 68 — "Laughed Until We Cried" 6 61 88 2008 "Relentless" 15 103 —
Certifications
Personnel
Musicians Jason Aldean – lead vocals Kurt Allison – electric guitar Tony Harrell – piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer Wes Hightower – background vocals Michael Johnson – steel guitar Tully Kennedy – bass guitar Steve King – B3 organ on "Johnny Cash" Miranda Lambert – vocals on "Grown Woman" Liana Manis – background vocals Wendell Mobley – background vocals on "No" Mike Noble – acoustic guitar Danny Rader – acoustic guitar Rich Redmond – drums, percussion Adam Shoenfeld – electric guitar Jack Sizemore – electric guitar on "Johnny Cash"
Technical Michael Knox – production Peter Coleman – mixing, engineering Richard Dodd – mastering Neena Wright – production assistance Brandon Epps – engineering assistance Sam Martin – engineering assistance
Visuals Luellyn Latocki – art direction Ron Roark – art direction Kristin Barlowe – photography Marcus Melton – cover design Latocki Team Creative – graphic design
References