Beyond the Rhinestones: Jimmie Allen Reimagines the Classics on Wild Dreams – The Cover Collection
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For nearly a decade, Jimmie Allen has been one of country music’s most distinctive architects, building a career on sharp songwriting and a voice that bridges the gap between Nashville twang and polished R&B. But on his latest project, “Wild Dreams – The Cover Collection” (releasing March 20), Allen is doing something he’s never done before: he’s putting his own pen down.
For the first time since 2022’s Tulip Drive, Allen has curated a 12-song set consisting entirely of the tracks that shaped his musical DNA. As he puts it, these are the songs he simply “wishes he had written.” The result is a bold, eclectic, and deeply personal journey through the history of pop, rock, and soul—filtered through the lens of a Delaware boy who made it big.
From Milford to Mercury Lane: The Artist
Before diving into the tracks, it’s worth noting the gravity of Allen’s career. Hailing from Milford, Delaware (a town of just 7,000 when he was growing up), Allen moved to Nashville with a vision. He didn’t just break in; he broke records.
In 2018, his single “Best Shot” made him the first Black artist ever to top Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with a debut single. He followed that up with the smash “Make Me Want To,” and a string of critically acclaimed albums including Mercury Lane and the star-studded Bettie James Gold Edition. Wild Dreams marks a new chapter, proving that Allen isn’t just a great writer—he’s a visionary interpreter.
The Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Free Fallin’ (Tom Petty)
The lead single is a statement of intent. If you’re expecting a standard acoustic strum-along, think again. The track opens with a 45-second Philly Soul intro that is so lush and unexpected it almost defies recognition. Allen adds a velvet-smooth “twist” to Petty’s classic, proving he isn’t interested in karaoke; he’s interested in reinvention.
2. Should Have Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith)
This is the closest the album gets to “traditional” country, but even here, Allen takes a detour. The song serves as a heartfelt homage to the late Toby Keith, who was the first artist to take Allen on tour. It’s also a nod to Jimmie’s own past—he was once a real-life cowboy until he realized the “hard work” involved was much less glamorous than the movies suggested.
3. Always Remember Us This Way (Lady Gaga)
Originally from A Star Is Born, this song represents an “obsession and connection” for Allen. He treats the lyrics with a sacred touch, delivering a vocal performance that feels like lived-in poetry. It’s a standout moment that highlights his ability to find the soul in modern pop.
4. Only Wanna Be With You (Hootie & The Blowfish)
A tribute to one of his closest friends, Darius Rucker. Allen makes a compelling argument with this cover: if Hootie & The Blowfish or Matchbox 20 debuted today, they’d be considered country. His version leans into that theory, blending 90s nostalgia with contemporary Nashville production.
5. Small Town (John Mellencamp)
Growing up in Delaware, Allen lived the lyrics of this Mellencamp staple. While he admits he moved to Nashville to chase his dreams, there’s a palpable sense of longing in his delivery here. It’s the sound of a man who hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
6. Alone (Heart)
Tackling Ann Wilson is no small feat, but Allen’s “twist” on this power ballad is one of the album’s biggest surprises. He leans into the drama while maintaining his signature soulful restraint, making the 80s anthem feel fresh and atmospheric.
7. Here Comes The Sun (George Harrison)
A staple of his live shows, this Beatles classic is reimagined with a bright, optimistic energy. It captures the “Wild Dreams” spirit perfectly—hopeful, timeless, and universally relatable.
8–12. The Uncharted Journey
While the specific titles of the remaining tracks are being held close to the vest until the full release, Allen’s curation strategy remains the same: no country covers (outside of the Toby Keith tribute). Expect a mix of rock, R&B, and pop standards that challenge the boundaries of what a “country star” is supposed to sound like.
Final Verdict
Wild Dreams – The Cover Collection is a masterclass in artistic curation. Jimmie Allen has managed to take 12 songs that belong to the world and make them feel like they belong specifically to him. It is a soulful, surprising, and sophisticated tribute to the power of a great song.
“I never try to do it like the artist. They’ve got their version already. I have to make it my own.” — Jimmie Allen