Backstage Country’s Elaina Smith kicked off the week with Jordan Davis as her co-host, highlighting a historic footnote in country music: Davis is cited as the only artist to have two songs named Song of the Year from the same album. The two tracks connected to that achievement are “Buy Dirt” and the newer “Jesus Wouldn’t Do,” both produced with Davis’s brother and the Jenkins brothers—the same team behind “Buy Dirt.”
On writing another Song of the Year
Davis explained that he and his collaborators—his brother and the Jenkins brothers—keep teaming up for new material on Learn the Hard Way. They’ve faced that familiar pressure to recreate the magic of “Buy Dirt.” Davis and the group acknowledged that while the goal isn’t to craft a grandiose life story every time, it’s easy to fall into that trap. As Jacob put it, there’s value in sometimes letting go of the “grand idea” and simply moving forward with whatever idea arrives. That mindset shift helped him ease the earlier strain and focus on moving the project ahead, even if the result isn’t another instant classic at first glance.
Celebrating a number one
Smith and Davis also covered his eighth number-one hit, “I Ain’t Sayin’,” and how he marks those milestones. Davis, a Louisiana native, said he typically celebrates with tequila, though for this song his wife treated him to champagne. He recalled calling Steve Moakler to share the news and to acknowledge how meaningful a number-one is in the country music landscape. He also shared a behind-the-scenes note: the song came together during a writer’s retreat, and he chose not to insert himself into the room with a strong opinion or a hand in every idea. He joked that it would have been easy to dominate the session, but in this case, stepping back helped the song become a hit—and he’s happier not being in the middle of a hit than he ever expected.
A continued pursuit of that magic
Davis’s drive to recapture the spark behind “Buy Dirt” signals that he’s just getting started. With his talent for turning real-life moments into country anthems, listeners can expect more songs that resonate as Song of the Year contenders in the future.
Additional comments
– The dialogue underscores a broader theme in contemporary country music: collaboration can amplify the storytelling, but restraint—knowing when to step back—can be just as crucial to a hit.
– Fans might look for more introspective moments on Learn the Hard Way, balanced with the same sharp eye for memorable hooks that have defined Davis’s recent work.
– If the trend continues, Davis’s next project could further solidify his reputation for delivering songs that connect deeply while still aiming for the awards podium.
Summary for readers
Jordan Davis reflects on the pressure and joy of creating hit songs with the same team that produced “Buy Dirt,” reveals how a writer’s retreat shaped “I Ain’t Sayin’,” and hints at more Song of the Year-worthy work to come. The interview highlights a blend of collaborative craft, timing, and moments of restraint that have helped him sustain success in country music.