Out now: Jake Owen album 'Dreams to Dream,' featuring Jamey Johnson, Waylon Jennings cover

'Dreams to Dream,' the new Jake Owen album, was co-produced with Shooter Jennings in Los Angeles at Sunset Sound. It is Owen’s first independently released album. 

Says Owen, “I've just become a guy that wants to sing songs for people that have also matured with me in my life. Sometimes you need to get outside what's comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk. I'm always going to chase the passions that keep me moving forward."

Dreams to Dream reflects real-life experiences like heartbreak, struggle, and defiance. “It really feels cathartic to be honest about a lot of stuff in my life — how I feel, where I see myself going, and how I see myself going there,” Owen says.

“Wouldn’t Be Gone” is a song where Owen ponders what life might be like if he traveled a different path, a different career. He says, “It would keep me goin’, but I wouldn't be gone.” Where he would live a more “simple life back home…be with my children while they’re small.”

The album was heralded by earlier releases including “Middle Age Crazy,” “Long Time Lovin’ You,” the title track, “Dreams to Dream,” as well as a cover of the Waylon Jennings tune, “Them Old Love Songs" feat. Savannah Conley, reimagined in the studio with Shooter.

The new album also features Jamey Johnson on “The Jukebox Knows,” and Savannah Conley on “Them Old Love Songs.” 

Owen wasn’t expecting much when he commented on one of Shooter Jennings’ Instagram posts, half-jokingly suggesting that they make a honky-tonk record, but the producer called his bluff. Two days later, Owen’s manager had Jennings on the line and, soon, Owen was on his way to L.A. and Jennings’ Sunset Sound. 

“All my friends who have heard my stuff have gone, ‘Dude, Jake, this is you man. This is who you've always tried to be,’” Owen says. “Sometimes you need to get outside what's comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk.”

Owen hosts his annual Flamingo Weekend to benefit the Jake Owen Foundation, today-November 14. 

The recording artist, headlining entertainer, and actor has released nine albums, headlined tours globally, and appeared in the movie Our Friend (2019). The music business executive, philanthropist and father of two is a partner in Good Company Entertainment (a Nashville-based management and label service company) and the founder of The Jake Owen Foundation (2010).

Track listing:

Dreams to Dream
Them Old Love Songs (feat. Savannah Conley)
Long Time Lovin’ You
Wouldn’t Be Gone
The Jukebox Knows (feat. Jamey Johnson)
Fool Like Me
Chill of December
Middle Age Crazy
The One I Did it To
You’d Think
Wrinkle In The Road
So Long, LA
Voice Note to Shooter (Once And For All)