Jake Owen’s country career began in Vero Beach, Florida, where a wakeboarding injury led him to pick up a guitar and discover songwriting. That twist of fate carried him to Nashville, where he signed with RCA and released his debut album ‘Startin’ with Me' in 2006. Early hits like the title track and ‘Yee Haw' introduced him as a rising voice in contemporary country. Over the next several years, he steadily climbed the charts, earning acclaim for his mix of laid-back charm and heartfelt storytelling. His 2011 smash ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night' became an era-defining anthem and remains his biggest hit, cementing Owen as a staple on country radio and a fixture on summer tours.
Now in his forties, Owen has evolved alongside his fans, embracing songs that reflect maturity, honesty and the realities of life off the stage. He has released nine studio albums, toured internationally, appeared in film and founded The Jake Owen Foundation, supporting youth programs and healthcare initiatives. His new record ‘Dreams to Dream' (out November 7th) showcases a more reflective side of his artistry, trading sun-soaked nostalgia for a deeper look at love, loss and growth. It marks the latest chapter in a career that has spanned two decades, proving Owen’s staying power as both a hitmaker and a storyteller.
Jake Owen kicked off his set in Birmingham with a bold move that set the tone for an unpredictable and fiery night. Instead of leaning on his chart-topping hits from the outset, he opened with a bluesy, hard-living Hank Williams Jr. cover, ‘O.D.’ed in Denver,' striding out resplendent in a sparkly, star-emblazoned jacket. The decision to begin with a country classic was as audacious as it was effective—Owen was announcing from the very first line that this tour marked a new chapter, one where he’d be as much a student of tradition as a modern country star. The band’s pedal steel solo shimmered through the arena as Owen tossed cans of beer into the crowd, setting the tone for a show that was part honky-tonk, part celebration.
What followed was a showcase of musicianship and sheer joy. After a raucous honky-tonk instrumental that let every member of his rough-and-ready band shine, Owen dove into ‘Down to the Honky Tonk,' which instantly lifted the energy even higher. The crowd leapt to their feet, dancing and singing with infectious abandon, while Owen prowled the stage like a conductor pushing his players and fans to keep raising the bar. His grin said it all—this wasn’t just a performance; it was a party, and everyone was invited.
For longtime fans, there were still plenty of familiar touchpoints. ‘Anywhere With You' soared as one of the night’s early anthems, its big chorus amplified by a blazing guitar solo from Owen’s bandmate and a crowd that knew every word. Owen, clearly moved by the reception, broke from his usual polished stage patter with a heartfelt “You guys are awesome!”—the kind of unscripted moment that showed just how much fun he was having embracing this looser, more freewheeling setlist.
The mood turned darker and more intense with a cover of David Allan Coe’s ‘The Ride.' Backed by a 70s-soaked pedal steel and moody time changes, Owen leaned into the song’s ghostly allegory of Hank Williams and the struggles of chasing country stardom. The eery, narrative deepened the sense of timelessness, while a searing guitar solo elevated the moment to something almost spiritual. It was the clearest signal yet that Owen’s career pivot is rooted not in nostalgia, but in a reverence for country’s storytelling traditions.
Owen balanced the weight of those moments with pure arena-ready joy. ‘Best Thing Since Backroads' thundered to life with Owen pointing to the crowd, urging them into the chorus as his hometown flashed on the screens. Later, the title track of his new album, ‘Dreams to Dream,' was stretched out with a honky-tonk jam session, pedal steel wails and Owen reflecting through the lyrics on his own career changes. By the time the massive ballad ‘Homemade' rolled in—complete with an opening drum solo and a heartfelt stroll through the audience—it was clear that Owen wasn’t just revisiting the past, but reshaping it to fit his story.
The back half of the set was a masterclass in balance. ‘American Country Love Song' exploded into life with fireworks and mass singalongs, before Owen dialled it all back with a hushed, moving rendition of Waylon Jennings’ ‘Them Old Love Songs,' which will be featured on his upcoming November 7th album release. Bathed in the glow of thousands of phone lights, Owen confessed he’d been nervous about recording a whole album of traditional-sounding country songs, but in that moment, his fears dissolved—he knew the crowd was with him. The emotion was raw and it was one of the most poignant moments of the night.
Of course, Owen couldn’t leave without giving fans a couple of his biggest hits. ‘Jack and Diane' brought the crowd to a fever pitch as he stormed the stage like a man possessed, fists pumping and sweat flying. And then came the inevitable closer, ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' still as anthemic as ever. Owen pulled out his in-ear monitors just to hear the crowd’s roar as they carried the chorus for him—a fitting, unfiltered finale to a night where authenticity was the headliner.
In Birmingham, Jake Owen proved that he’s no longer content to simply be the slick hitmaker from Nashville. Sure, some folks might have baulked at the deep cut covers or lack of songs like ‘Made For You' and ‘Alone With You' but this concert was about risk, tradition and rediscovery. No ‘Eight Second Ride?' No ‘Yee Haw?' What a bold statement from Owen! By weaving in country classics alongside his own anthems, Owen made a statement: he’s stepping into a freer, more authentic part of his career, and the gamble paid off. The show was fierce, fiery, fearless and fun—and judging by the smiles on both Owen’s face and those in the crowd, this was only the beginning of a thrilling new era.
Setlist: 1. O.D.‘ed in Denver (Hank JR cover) 2. Down to the Honky Tonk 3. Anywhere With You 4. The Ride (David Allan Coe cover) 5. Best Thing Since Backroads 6. Dreams to Dream 7. Homemade 8. American Country Love Song 9. Them Old Love Songs 10. Jack & Diane 11. Barefoot Blue Jean Night Venue: Utilita Arena, Birmingham Date: October 2nd
