“Right On the Money”
Alan Jackson
Written by Charlie Black and Phil Vassar
Billboard
#1 (1 week)
January 16, 1999
Alan Jackson’s final No. 1 single of the decade.
The Road to No. 1
Jackson’s seventh studio album, High Mileage, performed consistently at radio, but only produced one No. 1 hit. The lead single, “I’ll Go On Loving You,” went top five. The second single was the album’s sole trip to the top.
The No. 1
“Right On the Money” is yet another No. 1 single penned by Phil Vassar, who would soon enjoy a successful solo career as a country recording artist.
It’s a credit to Vassar as a writer – and Jackson as a vocalist – that “Right On the Money” could easily be mistaken for one of Jackson’s self-penned hits. Part of that is because of the laid-back production, which makes the song sound like an opening number in an old time saloon.
Jackson is so loose on this record that he doesn’t even sing an outro. He just whistles for a decently long stretch.
It’s a light, frothy, and fun single that goes down like a tall glass of lemonade on a balmy day.
The Road From No. 1
High Mileage produced two more top five hits: “Gone Crazy” and “Little Man.” Jackson closed out the decade with a covers album, Under the Influence, which launched with the top ten hit “Pop a Top.” When we cover the 2000s, we’ll see Jackson many times, starting with the second single from that covers album.
“Right On the Money” gets a B+.
Every No. 1 Single of the Nineties
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I had no idea Phil Vassar wrote this song. It suits Jackson’s phrasing so well, I always assumed it was his own composition. It is a charming, relaxed, and fun performance.
I’m not an industry guy and had NO idea that Phil Vassar wrote this. This is right up Alan Jackson’s alley. “She’s the best cook that ever melted cheese.” REALLY?? This is SO Alan Jackson without being written by Alan Jackson. One of my favorites by this hall of famer!!