Jake Owen shares his vocal prowess with listeners on a sentimental new tune called “In It” off his forthcoming album, Greetings From…Jake, out March 29.
In the soaring ballad, premiering exclusively on Billboard today (March 28), Owen’s memorable baritone is at the forefront of the song as he nostalgically looks back on a former lover who has since moved on.
Owen’s deep vocals give a distinct lamenting on the track alongside soaring pedal steel and light percussion. While he realizes his ex has now moved on, he hopes she’s still thinking of him.
“If my ’98 Pontiac gets to driving through your dreams/ Takes you flyin’ ‘round this old town in that same ‘ol shotgun seat/ When you open your eyes and that pretty little mind has a memory in it/ I hope there’s still a little me in it,” he croons on the chorus.
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“This was a last minute thing,” Owen said of the track at a listening event in Nashville earlier this month. “We were pretty much finished with the record and this song came across my email. It’s hard to pick favorites, but this song really means a lot to me.”
He added, “This record for me is about finding my true voice. Growing up, I always had a low voice, and I found throughout a lot of years I tend to sing songs that work but I always sang them in a higher register. When I finished this I sent it [in] and I said, ‘Here’s the new hit and it’s by the artist Barry Tone.’”
“In It” was written by Jimmy Robbins, Josh Thompson and Laura Veltz. While it took some time to get recorded, Thompson remembers writing the tune like it was yesterday.
“It’s a special song with a great country hook, created with two of the best co-writers I could ask for and sprinkled with a little magic,” Thompson told Billboard. “One of my all-time favorite songs and Jake absolutely brought it to life.
Added Veltz, “‘In It’ has had a long Music Row journey and I believe it ended up in the perfect hands at the perfect time. I feel lucky to have been in the room that day with Josh and Jimmy. Jake completely nailed it and I’m honored to be a part of his record.”
“In It” is featured on Owen’s new album Greetings From…Jake, the singer’s first project with Big Loud Records. It reunites Owen with Joey Moi, who produced some of his biggest hits including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Alone with You” and “Beachin’.”