Introduction:
Alan Jackson’s rendition of “Only Trust Him” is a profound and heartfelt interpretation of a cherished gospel hymn, showcasing a deeply spiritual facet of his musical artistry. While widely celebrated for his neotraditional country hits, Jackson has consistently demonstrated a profound connection to gospel and spiritual music throughout his career, often incorporating hymns into his albums. This particular recording stands as a testament to his authentic faith and his ability to convey timeless messages with sincerity and reverence. Far from being a mere cover, Jackson’s take on “Only Trust Him” imbues the classic hymn with the warmth and unadorned honesty that have defined his enduring appeal, making it a comforting and inspiring listen for audiences seeking solace and spiritual reflection. It highlights how his musical journey extends beyond the honky-tonk and into the sacred, enriching his already diverse legacy.
- Year Released (Alan Jackson’s version): 2013
- Album: Precious Memories Volume II
- Genre: Christian Country / Gospel
Alan Jackson’s version of “Only Trust Him” was released in 2013 as part of his album Precious Memories Volume II. This album, released on March 26, 2013, via Alan’s Country Records (ACR) and EMI Nashville, served as a follow-up to his highly successful 2006 gospel album, Precious Memories. The inspiration behind these gospel projects was deeply personal for Jackson; the first Precious Memories album was initially recorded as a Christmas gift for his mother and later released to the public due to popular demand. For Precious Memories Volume II, Jackson and his wife, Denise, revisited a list of their favorite hymns, with Jackson stating, “We had so many that we didn’t get to [on the first album], I thought we’d go in and do a few more just the same way – heartfelt and simple.” This commitment to a raw, unadorned approach to these sacred songs is evident throughout the album, including in “Only Trust Him.” The album was produced by Keith Stegall, Jackson’s long-time collaborator, who ensured that the arrangements maintained a traditional, reverent feel, allowing the timeless messages of the hymns to shine through.
The hymn “Only Trust Him” itself has a rich history, dating back to 1874. Both the words and music were originally written by John H. Stockton (1813-1877), a Methodist minister from New Hope, Pennsylvania. Stockton, who often struggled with poor health, dedicated much of his later life to writing music and compiling hymn books. The hymn was first published in his collection Salvation Melodies, No. 1 in 1874. Interestingly, the original refrain began with the words “Come to Jesus,” repeated three times. However, the renowned evangelist and music director Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), who often used Stockton’s hymns in his evangelistic crusades with Dwight L. Moody, later adapted the refrain to the more familiar “Only trust Him.” Sankey discovered the hymn in his “musical scrapbook” while traveling to England in 1873 and felt the revised refrain would be more impactful for invitation hymns. The message of the hymn is a simple yet profound one: it speaks of forgiveness, mercy, and rest for those who place their faith and trust in Christ, drawing inspiration from scriptures such as Psalm 52:8. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward call to faith and its comforting assurance.
Genre of Music:
Alan Jackson’s “Only Trust Him” is categorized under Christian Country and Gospel music. This genre reflects a blend of traditional country music’s instrumentation and vocal style with the spiritual themes and messages characteristic of gospel hymns.
- Traditional Gospel Sound: Jackson’s rendition stays true to the hymn’s gospel roots. It features a simple, acoustic-driven arrangement that emphasizes the melody and the lyrical message, rather than elaborate production. This approach aligns with the traditional nature of the hymn itself, allowing its spiritual essence to remain central.
- Country Instrumentation: While gospel in its message, the musical backing incorporates elements familiar to country music. Listeners can expect to hear acoustic guitars, subtle steel guitar, and a gentle rhythm section, creating a warm and familiar soundscape that is distinctly country, yet reverent.
- Sincere Vocal Delivery: Alan Jackson’s signature smooth baritone is perfectly suited for delivering the hymn’s message with sincerity and humility. His unpretentious vocal style allows the lyrics to resonate deeply, conveying a sense of genuine faith and offering comfort to the listener. He doesn’t perform the song; he embodies its spiritual message.
- Focus on Message and Devotion: The primary focus of the song is its spiritual message of trust and salvation. The musical arrangement and vocal delivery are designed to enhance this message, creating an atmosphere of devotion and reflection. This is a hallmark of effective Christian and gospel music.
- Neotraditional Influence: Consistent with Jackson’s broader career, the song also carries the hallmarks of neotraditional country, prioritizing authentic instrumentation and straightforward, heartfelt delivery over more contemporary or pop-influenced sounds.
Achievements:
While “Only Trust Him” is a traditional hymn and not an original commercial single, its inclusion on Alan Jackson’s Precious Memories Volume II contributed to significant achievements for the album and further solidified his standing as a respected artist:
- High Chart Performance: Precious Memories Volume II was a considerable commercial success. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It also peaked at No. 5 on the all-genre Billboard 200, demonstrating its broad appeal across different music markets.
- Strong Sales: The album sold impressively, with 56,000 copies in its first week alone. As of October 2019, it had sold over 453,200 copies in the United States, indicating its widespread popularity and enduring appeal to fans.
- Award Recognition: Precious Memories Volume II won the Top Christian Album award at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards. This prestigious award recognized the album’s impact and success within the Christian music genre, highlighting Jackson’s crossover appeal and the quality of his gospel recordings.
- Reinforcing Alan Jackson’s Artistic Depth: The success of Precious Memories Volume II, featuring hymns like “Only Trust Him,” further showcased Alan Jackson’s artistic depth beyond his mainstream country hits. It solidified his reputation as an artist deeply connected to his faith and willing to share that aspect of his life through his music, resonating with a significant portion of his fanbase.
- Continuing a Beloved Series: The album’s success built upon the foundation laid by the first Precious Memories album, which was certified Platinum by the RIAA. This demonstrated a consistent demand for Jackson’s gospel interpretations, establishing the Precious Memories series as a beloved and successful part of his discography.
In conclusion, Alan Jackson’s “Only Trust Him,” released in 2013 on his album Precious Memories Volume II, is a reverent and heartfelt interpretation of the classic Christian Country / Gospel hymn. While the hymn itself dates back to 1874, Jackson’s rendition, produced by Keith Stegall, contributed to a highly successful album that debuted at No. 1 on the Christian Albums chart and No. 2 on the Country Albums chart. This track, and the album it belongs to, underscore Jackson’s deep faith, his commitment to traditional sounds, and his ability to connect with audiences through sincere and timeless spiritual music, earning him critical acclaim and commercial success in the gospel genre.