The video below transports us to the height of country music, when the twang of the steel guitar and the sentimental lyrics of an authentic love song reigned supreme.
It portrays a time when cowboy hats were stylish and line dancing was well-liked because it is set in the early 1990s. In contrast to this environment, Alan Jackson’s music video for “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” portrays a simpler, more innocent time period.
In American music, the early 1990s marked a turning point as grunge and hip-hop gained popularity on the pop charts. However, life continued as usual in the rural world.
One of Jackson’s biggest singles was “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” making him one of the scene’s hottest stars. The song, which tells the tale of a young man seeking glory in Nashville, connected with listeners who shared those aspirations.
The video masterfully captures the essence of the song by showing Jackson singing on stage in front of adoring crowds, playing guitar on the front porch, and driving his pickup truck down country roads.
Even though it has a simple premise, it works well because it seems sincere. Just a dedicated artist working on what he loves; no flash or glitz.
I was drawn to this video because I enjoy Americana and nostalgia. It harkens back to a time when country music was more about substance than image.
When a song like “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” became a hit because it spoke to people’s hearts rather than because it had a catchy melody or a sleek music video. And when an artist like Alan Jackson can achieve superstardom without jeopardizing his ethics.
Of course, there’s a reason why the song is a classic. Jackson and Jim McBride wrote it, and it’s an excellent illustration of the kind of narrative-driven songwriting that has helped make country music so well-liked.
However, most fans may be unaware that “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” was not originally planned to be a single. It was only one of the songs on Jackson’s debut album, “Here in the Real World. ” When it was released as a single in 1990, it was an instant hit, hitting 2 on the country charts and solidifying Jackson’s image as a rising star.
So, why should you tell your friends about this video? Because it takes us back to a simpler time in music when songs were made from the heart and musicians could become famous without surrendering their authenticity. Because it’s an opportunity to revisit a time when country music reigned supreme. And, well, it’s just a really good tune. It provides a vivid image of a young man with big goals and a lot of heart, from the opening lines (“Daddy won a radio, tuned it to a country show”) to the heartbreaking chorus (“Chasin’ that neon rainbow, livin’ that honky-tonk dream”).
