Alan Jackson at Ease Over Next CD

Alan Jackson photo courtesy of SonyBMG Nashville.

Nov. 6, 2008 — Alan Jackson is enjoying his third Top 15 hit from the album Good Time, and for most artists in most circumstances, it would be about time to get back in the recording studio and start working on a follow-up.

Alan is in no hurry.

"I usually record in the winter time, but this winter might be a little early to start putting stuff down," he told Billboard. "I don't like to [work ahead] because things change, and sometimes your whole perspective changes before you get to the finish line. So I like to wait."

There’s plenty of reason to wait, too. With 17 tracks on Good Time, it’s not inconceivable that he could launch another single or two off the project, which means it could be a year or so before he’s finished with that album. Plus, he has a head start on the next one with Good Time leftovers.

"I had so much material," he said. "I cut 25 things for this album that I'd written, and we only used 17, so I've got eight things in the can that I thought I'd save for the next album. But then I've written a couple of new things, and we'll start looking for outside material before long, just to get it going."

In the meantime, Alan’s reaping the rewards from Good Time. The project is up for Album of the Year in "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards," and the title track is also in the running for Single and Music Video. In addition, Alan’s one of five finalist for Male Vocalist of the Year.

The CMAs will be presented Nov. 12 on ABC from the Sommet Center in Nashville with co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood.