Back when I first discovered my love for country music more than 20 years ago, a name that kept popping up on the radio was Jason Michael Carroll. He is notorious for his top 40 hits like "Alyssa Lies," "Livin' Our Love Song," "Where I'm From," "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead," and his number-one-selling album, Waitin' In The Country.
Carroll is known for his deep, authentic storytelling and powerhouse vocals. Over the past two decades, he has toured with country music royalty, including Brooks & Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, and Darius Rucker. He has played iconic venues, including the Grand Ole Opry. He has performed the national anthems at major NFL, NASCAR, and MLB events.
Like many artists I have featured, he got his start singing in church. But he also liked Michael Jackson and other pop stars. However, once his dad "found Jesus," all they were allowed to listen to was gospel. Unfortunately, finding Jesus didn't stop his dad's temper, and his parents would have massive fights, which scared young Carroll and his siblings. That's when he began songwriting as a child. Though his life has not been without its struggles, he has turned his pain into brilliant songwriting born of deep introspection. After facing a failed marriage and alcohol addiction, the Marine Corps veteran has turned the corner as a singer, songwriter, husband, father, and grandfather.
In 2022, Carroll released "Tell Me Your Name" (Diane's Song), which reflects on his mother-in-law's journey with Alzheimer's. In 2023, he released the laid-back, feel-good songs "Pass It Around" and "Sippin' On Summertime."
Part of Carroll's redemption story is heard on the gospel album he released in 2024, Rest My Soul. He shared, "My mom had been begging me for years to do a gospel record. But I was still drinking and partying. I sat on it for about two years but decided to go ahead and put it out for mama."
His newest album, Anthem, is more than just a collection of songs; it's Carroll's most personal and revealing work to date, an unfiltered reflection of his journey through addiction, redemption, marriage, fatherhood, grief, patriotism, and southern pride.
"This record is my life," Carroll stated. "Every song comes from something real, good or bad. I've lived it, I've struggled through it, and I've come out the other side with a different perspective. Anthem is the most honest I've ever been, and I think people are going to feel that."
Anthem marks a bold new chapter, blending autobiographical storytelling with genre-crossing collaborations (including longtime friends Petey Pablo and Steve Ferrone) and heartfelt songs about faith, family, and redemption. "Pretty Wild Thing" includes vocals from his daughter and a laugh loop from his granddaughter. It was written after Carroll learned that Tom Petty had passed. The heartfelt "I Want You to Know" was written in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
The first song he released from his Anthem album was "Nothin' But Country" in 2025. The song celebrates pride in heritage, lifestyle, and the music that shaped a generation. Carroll and Pablo bridge two corners of the South, blending their distinct sounds into a shared anthem.
In no song is Carroll's songwriting genius more evident than in his contemplative "What Ever Happened to Heroes." The lyrics state: I still like to think that the cowboys are holed up/ Bandaging wounds, making plans to return/ One of these nights, they'll ride in, clouds of gun smoke/ Giving those bad guys what they deserve/ It could happen, I suppose/ But tell me, whatever happened to heroes? Comparing what we have now to what used to be certainly gives one something to think about. He released this song on the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps birthday.
One of the sweetest love songs I've heard in a while is "I Love You Best," written about his current wife, Wendy (Phillips). Originally high school sweethearts, they went their separate ways only to be reunited later in life. In 2008, they were married in a small family wedding. Wendy has been credited with helping Carroll in his sobriety journey. Not only that, his original hit song, "Livin' Our Love Song," was also inspired by his current wife. Also noted is that he waited until Sunday, March 22, to release his Anthem album because it is his and Wendy's anniversary.
Carroll shows vulnerability in the songs "Sober" and "There Goes God Again," unafraid to confront his past while embracing his future.
At its core, Anthem is rooted in transformation. Once known for writing whiskey-soaked narratives, Carroll now approaches songwriting from a place of clarity and sobriety, resulting in a body of work that is both reflective and forward-looking.
"I used to write a lot of drinking songs," Carroll added. "Getting sober forced me to dig deeper. These songs mean more because they come from truth. If sharing my story helps someone else, then it's worth it."
If you are a long-time Jason Michael Carroll fan, this is the album you've been waiting for. If you are new to his music, you are sure to be impressed by his honest lyrics and powerful, authentic baritone voice.
You can follow Jason Michael Carroll on his website, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and TikTok.
Anthem Track List
- Intro / Mike Wheless Interlude (Interlude)
- Go To The Bar (Jason Michael Carroll)
- Pretty Wild Thing (Jason Michael Carroll)
- What I Know Best (Jason Michael Carroll)
- Feeling (Jason Michael Carroll, Cameron Havens, James Kelly)
- Made In The U.S.A. (Jason Michael Carroll, James Kelly)
- Argue With The Walls (Jason Michael Carroll, James Kelly)
- Damn Ruthie (Jason Michael Carroll)
- My Roads Don’t Run Your Way (Jason Michael Carroll)
- Jeans Like That (Marcus Kiser, Jonny Mont, Jason Michael Carroll)
- I Love You Best (Michele Overton, Jason Michael Carroll)
- Interlude / Pat and Tom Interview (Interlude)
- There Goes God Again (Jason Michael Carroll, Ethan “Lil’ Skinny” Kuntz)
- Sober (Jason Michael Carroll)
- What Ever Happened to Heroes (Garrett Bradford, Jason Michael Carroll)
- Interlude / Eddie and Amanda Foxx Interview (Interlude)
- Nothin’ But Country (feat. Petey Pablo) (Jason Michael Carroll, Mose “Petey Pablo” Barrett III)
