Introduction:
“What A Day Yesterday Was” is a reflective and poignant track from country music icon Alan Jackson, a song that encapsulates his signature blend of traditional country sensibilities with a touch of personal introspection. While not released as a mainstream single, its inclusion on a highly successful album and its consistent presence in his live shows and fan discussions underscore its significance within his vast catalog. The song embodies the very essence of Alan Jackson’s artistry: a commitment to authentic storytelling, a reverence for the simple yet profound moments of life, and a musical style that remains steadfastly true to the roots of country music. It serves as a quiet yet powerful reminder of the passage of time and the beauty found in reflecting on cherished memories.
- Year Released: 1998
- Album: High Mileage
- Genre: Neotraditional Country
“What A Day Yesterday Was” was released in 1998 as an album track on Alan Jackson’s seventh studio album, High Mileage. The album itself was released on September 1, 1998, by Arista Nashville. Produced by Alan Jackson’s long-time collaborator, Keith Stegall, High Mileage continued the successful partnership that had defined much of Jackson’s career. This album followed the multi-platinum success of Everything I Love (1996) and further solidified Jackson’s position as a leading voice in neotraditional country music. While High Mileage produced four hit singles for Jackson—”I’ll Go on Loving You” (#3), “Right on the Money” (#1), “Gone Crazy” (#4), and “Little Man” (#3)—”What A Day Yesterday Was” remained an album cut, a testament to the depth of quality within the album beyond its radio hits.
The song “What A Day Yesterday Was” was written by Mel Besher and Charlie Craig. These songwriters contributed to a track that perfectly aligned with Alan Jackson’s established lyrical themes and musical style. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the past, reflecting on a day filled with simple joys and meaningful connections. It’s a narrative that avoids grand declarations, instead focusing on the quiet beauty of everyday life and the bittersweet feeling of looking back on moments that have passed. This reflective quality, combined with a subtle melancholy, is a hallmark of well-crafted country ballads. Jackson’s ability to imbue such lyrics with genuine emotion, without resorting to over-the-top theatrics, is one of his most celebrated traits, making him the ideal interpreter for a song like “What A Day Yesterday Was.” The song’s instrumentation and arrangement are designed to complement this reflective mood, allowing the listener to sink into the memory being painted.
Genre of Music:
“What A Day Yesterday Was” is a prime example of neotraditional country, a subgenre that Alan Jackson has consistently championed throughout his career. This style emerged in the 1980s and 1990s as a response to the more pop-influenced sounds that were gaining traction in country music, aiming to bring the genre back to its roots while still maintaining a contemporary appeal. Key characteristics evident in this song include:
- Traditional Instrumentation: The song features classic country instrumentation, including prominent acoustic guitars, steel guitar, fiddle, and a steady, understated rhythm section. These elements create an authentic, organic sound that eschews synthesizers and drum machines in favor of traditional country textures. The arrangement is clean and uncluttered, allowing the melody and lyrics to take center stage.
- Storytelling Lyrical Content: Like many of Jackson’s most beloved songs, “What A Day Yesterday Was” is driven by its narrative. It tells a relatable story of reflection and appreciation for simple, past moments. The lyrics are straightforward, heartfelt, and paint a clear picture, inviting the listener to connect with the emotion and memory being described. This emphasis on storytelling is a cornerstone of traditional country music.
- Authentic Vocal Delivery: Alan Jackson’s vocal performance on “What A Day Yesterday Was” is characterized by his smooth, unadorned baritone. He delivers the lyrics with a sincere, conversational tone that feels genuine and unpretentious. His vocal style is often praised for its authenticity and its ability to convey deep emotion without excessive vocal runs or embellishments, making him a perfect fit for the neotraditional sound.
- Themes of Nostalgia and Simplicity: The song’s core themes revolve around nostalgia for simpler times, appreciation for everyday blessings, and the bittersweet nature of memories. These themes are deeply resonant within country music, which often celebrates rural life, family values, and the passage of time. “What A Day Yesterday Was” offers a comforting and relatable reflection on these universal experiences.
- Melodic Accessibility: While rooted in traditional sounds, the song possesses an accessible and memorable melody. It’s a tune that is easy to listen to and appreciate, contributing to its appeal even as an album track rather than a radio single.
Achievements:
While “What A Day Yesterday Was” was not released as a single and therefore did not achieve chart positions in its own right, its significance lies within the context of the High Mileage album and Alan Jackson’s broader career:
- Contribution to a Chart-Topping Album: The album High Mileage itself was a massive commercial success. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and reached No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. It also topped the Canadian Country Albums chart. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA, indicating sales of over one million units in the United States. “What A Day Yesterday Was” contributed to the overall strength and appeal of this highly successful album.
- Showcasing Album Depth: For many artists, only singles receive attention. However, “What A Day Yesterday Was” is an example of an album track that fans often highlight as a favorite, demonstrating the depth and quality of songwriting present on Jackson’s albums beyond just the radio hits. It is a testament to his consistent ability to craft compelling narratives and melodies for his entire body of work.
- Reinforcing Alan Jackson’s Brand: The song perfectly reinforced Alan Jackson’s image as an authentic, down-to-earth country artist who stayed true to his roots. In an era where country music was constantly debating its identity, tracks like “What A Day Yesterday Was” reassured his loyal fanbase that Jackson remained committed to the traditional sound and values they cherished. This consistency has been a key factor in his enduring popularity and critical respect.
- Fan Favorite: Despite not being a single, “What A Day Yesterday Was” has become a beloved track among Alan Jackson’s dedicated fanbase. Its reflective lyrics and comforting melody resonate deeply with listeners who appreciate songs that evoke nostalgia and celebrate the simple moments of life. Its presence in fan-curated playlists and discussions highlights its quiet but significant impact.
- Part of a Decorated Career: Alan Jackson’s career is filled with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards. While “What A Day Yesterday Was” didn’t earn individual awards, it is part of the larger body of work that has garnered Jackson recognition as one of country music’s most influential and respected figures. His songwriting prowess (he co-wrote many of his hits) and his ability to interpret songs like this one have earned him a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In conclusion, “What A Day Yesterday Was,” released in 1998 on Alan Jackson’s High Mileage album, is a quintessential neotraditional country song. Written by Mel Besher and Charlie Craig, it serves as a poignant, reflective ballad that perfectly showcases Jackson’s authentic vocal delivery and his commitment to traditional country instrumentation and storytelling. While not a commercial single, its contribution to a platinum-selling, chart-topping album, and its status as a beloved fan favorite, underscore its importance in Alan Jackson’s decorated career, reinforcing his legacy as a true standard-bearer for classic country music.