**Jason Aldean’s ‘Songs About Us’ Explores Deep Family Connections and Personal Struggles**
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Country music star Jason Aldean has unveiled a new album titled *Songs About Us*, showcasing a deeply personal side of the artist through its various tracks. Among them is “Help You Remember,” a poignant tribute inspired by the challenges faced by his family dealing with Lewy body dementia. The track not only reflects Aldean’s personal experiences but also aims to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s support initiatives.
The song’s creation stemmed from sorrowful family events. Aldean shared that his uncle, who is his mother’s brother, passed away due to Lewy body dementia, the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The artist revealed that witnessing his cousin cope with their loss was painful, compelling him to offer support during that difficult period. Shortly after, the situation became even more distressing when Aldean learned that his father-in-law, Donald Kerr, had also been diagnosed with the debilitating condition.
“It’s heartbreaking to observe your loved ones going through such grief,” Aldean admitted, his voice somber. Faced with the emotional weight of these experiences, he reached out to his longtime friend, bassist Tully Kennedy, to brainstorm how to convey these feelings in song. The pair, along with collaborators Kurt Allison, John Morgan, and Lydia Vaughan, set to work on “Help You Remember.”
Aldean aimed to craft a piece that resonated not just as a sorrowful account but as an uplifting tribute akin to Tim McGraw’s renowned track “Live Like You Were Dying.” The creative process, he noted, allowed them to infuse hope into the narrative as the song developed. After playing the finished product for various audiences, Aldean observed the connection many listeners felt, especially those who had their own experiences with dementia.
When the time came to share the song with Brittany, his wife, Aldean found himself unexpectedly moved. “She started crying as we played it for her,” he recollected. The emotional response extended to his mother, reinforcing the personal significance of the song. Aldean confided that writing the song was equally cathartic for him, enabling him to confront and articulate his family’s collective journey through grief and awareness.
To further amplify the message surrounding “Help You Remember,” Aldean is directing attention towards the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, highlighting the critical resources available for caregivers and families affected by the disease. “Often, personal experiences shine a light on issues we might not fully understand,” he remarked, emphasising a newfound commitment to raise awareness around dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Family continues to be central to Aldean’s life, as Brittany consistently maintains a connection with her father, FaceTiming him multiple times each day. “We try to make them comfortable and spend as much time as possible with them,” he shared, acknowledging the emotional weight of supporting a loved one with a degenerative illness. Aldean is realistic about the heart-wrenching nature of their situation, focusing on cherishing every moment.
Adding to the album’s depth, Brittany Aldean is featured on the track “Easier Gone,” which serves as her debut in the studio. Aldean expressed that finding the right song for her was crucial; he wanted to ensure it showcased her vocal abilities authentically. Despite his initial reservations about couples performing duets—often deemed cheesy—he felt confident this collaboration defied that stereotype.
Coupling their professional lives with parenting has undoubtedly kept Aldean busy as well. With a 25-year career under his belt, he has observed life ebbing and flowing unpredictably, especially as he juggles being a father to four children at different life stages. “It keeps you on your toes,” he concluded, highlighting the importance of appreciating life’s fleeting moments.
As Jason Aldean continues to navigate both personal and professional landscapes, *Songs About Us* stands as a testament to the therapeutic power of music, reflecting on the joys and trials of family life. With “Help You Remember,” Aldean hopes to connect with audiences while amplifying awareness surrounding critical health issues affecting many families today.