Jake Worthington reveals his most vulnerable side in “When I Write The Song”, a country classic that champions the power of honest writing.
An Anthem to the Country Song
With his sophomore album, meaningfully titled “When I Write The Song”, Jake Worthington cements his status as a champion of neotraditional country. The title track, written entirely by Worthington, is not just a song; it’s a true mission statement. In a music landscape often dominated by trends, Worthington chooses the path of purity, a “beer-joint purism” as some have called it, that revives the honest, twangy sound of ’90s country, with echoes of legends like George Jones and Waylon Jennings.
Vice and the Truth
The true heart of the track, which is a soulful honky-tonk ballad, lies in its brutal frankness. Worthington doesn’t sing about his happiest moments; he digs deep into his pain. The lyric is a brave admission of vulnerability, where the artist confesses: “The worst part of me / Comes out when I write the song”. It’s a recurring theme in traditional country: alcohol, heartbreak, and personal mistakes are the fuel for the narrative. Jake doesn’t hide, but uses his notepad as a confessional, where music becomes the only way to release the imperfect self that “can’t be free from failure too long”.
The Power of Solo Songwriting
The fact that “When I Write The Song” is a solo write by Jake Worthington is crucial. In an album featuring high-profile collaborations (like Miranda Lambert and Marty Stuart), this solitary piece stands out as the artist’s most intimate and personal expression. It represents his devotion to the art of songwriting, making it clear that, for him, the value of a country song lies in its ability to tell the truth, no matter how harsh. His vocal performance, described as “beautifully phrased”, injects the track with a melancholic intensity that pays tribute to the great songwriters of the past.
A Return to the Roots
The album’s release on September 12, 2025, fits perfectly into what many are calling the “traditional revival” of country music. Worthington doesn’t just rely on nostalgia; he proves that respect for the roots can coexist with contemporary, high-quality writing. “When I Write The Song” is a potent reminder that real country is made up of moving, true, and universal stories. The track is an invitation to embrace authenticity and find honest comfort even in the toughest times, confirming Jake Worthington as one of the most promising standard-bearers of this new traditional wave.
