Introduction
While country music fans readily associate the smooth baritone and heartfelt storytelling with Alan Jackson, “The Steal of the Night” offers a lesser-known glimpse into his early career. Released in 1987, the song finds Jackson on his debut album, “New Traditional,” a project recorded for an independent label before his major label breakthrough.
The song itself isn’t credited to Jackson, with authorship belonging to songwriting trio Wills David William, Mevis Alan R., and William D. Shore. This points towards Jackson, the young artist, honing his craft by interpreting the works of established songwriters. Interestingly, there’s a misconception that “The Steal of the Night” belongs to another country music giant, George Strait. While Strait did record his own song with a similar title in 1982, Jackson’s version offers a distinct sound.
“The Steal of the Night” lacks the polished production of Jackson’s later hits, but it brims with the raw talent that would propel him to stardom. Listeners can anticipate the traditional country sound that became his signature – a sound steeped in the influence of legends like Merle Haggard and George Jones. The lyrics, though details are scarce, likely center around a classic country theme – love, heartbreak, and maybe a touch of defiance.
So, as “The Steal of the Night” unfolds, consider it a time capsule, transporting you back to a pivotal point in Alan Jackson’s journey. It’s a chance to witness the unrefined talent of a future country icon, already possessing the distinctive voice and storytelling ability that would soon steal the hearts of millions.