Introduction
Alan Jackson – It Must Be Love: A Timeless Ode to Simple, Honest Affection
When discussing country music’s ability to celebrate everyday emotions with grace and authenticity, few examples shine brighter than Alan Jackson – It Must Be Love. Released in 2000 as part of his Under the Influence album, Jackson’s version of this Don Williams classic captured the hearts of a new generation while honoring the legacy of one of country’s most beloved voices. It’s a perfect example of how Jackson’s artistry bridges the gap between tradition and timelessness.
Originally written by Bob McDill and recorded by Don Williams in 1979, “It Must Be Love” had already achieved hit status, embodying Williams’ trademark warmth and understated charm. When Jackson revisited the song two decades later, he didn’t reinvent it—he refreshed it. His version kept the melody’s simplicity intact but added his signature neotraditional style, blending steel guitar, fiddle, and a slightly faster tempo. The result was a track that felt both familiar and new, like running into an old friend who hasn’t aged a day.
Jackson’s delivery is what makes his rendition stand apart. His warm, baritone voice, steady yet tender, imbues the lyrics with sincerity. When he sings about the everyday joys and small wonders that can only be explained by love, you believe him. There’s no grandstanding, no over-sentimentality—just honest expression. That humility is what has always endeared Jackson to fans, and here it turns a simple love song into something profound.
Commercially, the song was a triumph. Alan Jackson – It Must Be Love reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, proving once again that Jackson’s ability to reinterpret classics could resonate just as powerfully as his original compositions. For Don Williams, it was a nod to his enduring influence; for Jackson, it was a reaffirmation of his role as a keeper of country tradition.
What makes this song so enduring is its universality. Love is often written about in sweeping terms, but here it is presented through the lens of small, relatable details—moments that every listener has likely felt. Jackson’s performance transforms those simple observations into a collective experience, reminding us that sometimes the truest songs are the least complicated.
In the end, “It Must Be Love” stands as more than just a successful cover. It is a testament to Alan Jackson’s gift: the ability to honor country’s past while keeping it alive for future generations. By giving new voice to Don Williams’ classic, Jackson created a version that continues to resonate, proving that true love—and true country music—never goes out of style.