In a beautiful blend of country and modern R&B, Jimmie Allen, alongside Jennifer Lopez, put their minds and voices together to create a power-ballad, ‘on my way’, that’ll sway you off your feet.

One thing that is especially eye-catching in ‘on my way’ is the perfect balance between modern production and those classic country elements. Predominantly, this is an R&B track, or at least in its first half. The downbeat trap kit driving the rhythm forward coupled with the minimalistic, spaced and reverbed backing track composed of slow piano chords and swooshing guitar riffs. The slide guitar periodically peeking through the production is the biggest tell of its country influences, which is then accentuated much more obviously as the song progresses. After the soothing verse delivery by Jennifer Lopez comes a catchy chorus, soloed by the veteran singer. She passes on the microphone to Jimmie for the second verse, where the production grows all the more acoustic, and thus more country. He possesses that twangy delivery to his singing that’s so synonymous with country that serves as a segue into the country roots of ‘on my way’. It’s particularly exciting to listen to as the dynamics keep raising all the way up to the final chorus, where you can hear Jennifer growl her way to the climax of ‘on my way’ before the tune comes to a close, with a subdued backing track, and wails from Jimmie Allen to close the door.

‘on my way’ will grab more than country, Jimmie Allen, or J-Lo fans. It’s accessible in its identity, and thanks to great songwriting and wonderful production, which makes it all the more enticing. Jimmie Allen and Jennifer Lopez have created something special with ‘on my way’, sure to find itself on many summer playlists and beyond.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.