"Freedom Was a Highway" is a song recorded by American country music singers Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley, released on February 1, 2021 as a single to country radio, and was from Allen's first EP Bettie James. The song was co-written by Matt Rogers, Ash Bowers and Allen, who also produced with former.[3]
| "Freedom Was a Highway" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley | ||||
| from the EP Bettie James | ||||
| Released | February 1, 2021[1] | |||
| Genre | Country rock[2] | |||
| Length | 3:32 | |||
| Label | Stoney Creek Records | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| Jimmie Allen singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Brad Paisley singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Freedom Was A Highway" on YouTube | ||||
Background
Allen and Paisley revealed on The Bobby Bones Show that the idea for the duet "was born after a hangout with Allen, Paisley, Darius Rucker and Tim McGraw".[4]
Allen also commented: "When I was writing this song with my co-writers, I imagined myself driving down my favorite roads in Delaware. This song takes me back to simpler moments such as an innocent, childhood crush on the next-door neighbor or feeling freedom in the wind as you drive with the windows down. I've loved this song from the creation." Paisley said: "I was honored when Allen asked me to join him on the song. It's a magical combination – it doesn't sound like a typical record for me at all and when I come in, I try my best not to ruin Jimmie's song, I use my guitar to make a record sort of sound like I'm on it even before you hear me sing, and I love this guitar solo. I'm really proud to be a part of 'Freedom Was A Highway' and I'm excited for people to hear it."[5]
Critical reception
Tom Roland of Billboard commented "Freedom Was a Highway" has a yearning, driving power that would fit the soundtrack of a 1980s coming-of-age movie.[6]
Music video
The music video was released on July 29, 2021, co-directed by Allen and Christopher Beyrooty.[7]
Charts
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia Country Hot 50 (TMN)[8] | 3 |
| Canada Country (Billboard)[9] | 47 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[10] | 2 |
| US Country Airplay (Billboard)[11] | 19 |
| US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[12] | 27 |
References
- ^ "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations". All Access. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Parton, Chris (January 29, 2021). "Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley Curise on 'Freedom Was a Highway'". Sounds Like Nashville. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "Jimmie Allen Releases New Single "Freedom Was a Highway" With Brad Paisley". BBR Music Group. January 29, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Barnes, Hannah (July 2, 2021). "Jimmie Allen Shares How He Recruited Brad Paisley for 'Freedom Was a Highway' Duet". Popculture. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Jo Black, Laureen (February 9, 2021). "Listen To Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley's Nostalgic New Single, 'Freedom Was A Highway'". Country Now. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Roland, Tom (February 16, 2021). "Makin' Tracks: Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley's 'Highway' Takes (Musical) Road Less Traveled". Billboard. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ Iahn, Buddy (July 30, 2021). "Jimmie Allen Unveils 'Freedom Was a Highway' Video". The Music Universe. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "Country Hot 50: Issue 1354". The Music Network. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
- ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 24, 2021.