I suggest trying out "Choices" if you want the full George Jones experience as recorded in the 90's. But this album is wonderful. Buy it, its has a few upbeat tracks that make it worth the money.
He mentions Hank Williams twice in different songs. Jones is a living Hank since we cant have Hank. Amazing he can still do it as good as ever.
My guess (confirmed by the album title) is that George's difficult times were past and that he was particularly happy about life when he recorded this album, because although he is in great voice, the whole feel of the album is upbeat. Any sadness in some of the songs is massaged so none of the songs sound particularly sad.
My favorite song here, Billy B Bad, is the story of a country singer who makes it big while still young then fades quickly. The days when country singers had long careers on major labels are long since gone for all but a few legends - anybody that lasts five years now is doing well.
There are plenty of other upbeat songs here, notably Honky tonk song, Lone ranger and Hello heart.
I'll give you something to drink about is about a woman finally leaving her man because she's had enough of his drinking problems. George might have turned it into a real tearjerker, but here he sings it more with philosophical acceptance than real anguish. I must have done something bad is another song about a broken relationship, but again, George doesn't really pour his heart out.
Stripped of any real sadness, this may never be regarded as a classic George Jones album, but it is hugely entertaining and it's nice to know that George can enjoy life.
