The new song, featuring John Paul White, is off the award winner’s upcoming album, her first since 2014.
Platinum-selling entertainer and hit songwriter Jamie O’Neal is back with new music. And we’ve got the premiere of one of the songs right here.
“I’m so happy to finally get some new original music out there for the fans,” says O’Neal, whose upcoming album, Sometimes, comes out on October 16. The new record — her first since 2014 — includes reimagined versions of some of her hits, including “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels,” as well as brand-new songs such as her recent singles “The World Goes On,” “Wreck Me,” and “Closer to Closure.”
Featuring duets with Lauren Alaina (“There Is No Arizona 2.0”), Martina McBride (“When I Think About Angels 2.0”), Sara Evans (“Trying to Find Atlantis 2.0”), and O’Neal’s daughter Aliyah Good (“Somebody’s Hero 2.0”), the 12-song project marks the 20th anniversary of O’Neal’s first studio album, Shiver, which included the back-to-back No. 1 hits “There Is No Arizona” and “When I Think About Angels.”
O’Neal writes most of her own songs and has also written hits for Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes,CeCe Winans, Idina Menzel, and others. Her voice can be heard in the movie Bridget Jones’s Diary among others.
She has earned three Grammy nominations, an ACM Award for Top New Female Vocalist, and a Billboard Award for New Country Artist.
O’Neal’s new song “Someone’s Sometimes” features John Paul White. We talked to both artists about the collaboration.
On the inspiration behind “Someone’s Sometimes” and what inspired her to include it on Sometimes …
“’Someone’s Sometimes’ is my favorite song on the album and was a no-brainer to record,” O’Neal says. “When it comes to the meaning of the song, I wanted to send a message to girls — and guys too for that matter — that being someone’s sometimes isn’t good enough. It’s important to know what you’re worth and not settle for just being somebody’s ‘part time’ when it comes to love.”
On how the collaboration with John Paul White came about and her reaction when she heard the finished product ...
“I happened to mention to one of my co-writing buddies, Ed Hill, that singing with John Paul White was a dream of mine, and he said, ‘Hey, Billy Lawson has known JPW for years, I’ll ask him.’ And voila, next thing you know I had John’s number and was asking him if he would sing with me, and he said yes! When I heard him sing on it, I just got chills. His voice is so emotional and real. I just love the liberties he took and how he made it his own.”
On the biggest highlights of her career since her debut album, Shiver, was released in 2000 and what she's looking forward to most with the release of Sometimes ...
“The best memories for me from 2000 to now are always to do with connecting — to the fans, to radio programmers and DJs, to my past and present band members (who are some of my best friends), and all the support from industry. To me, it’s always been about sharing the love of music, and when the crowds sing my songs back during a show, there is nothing like that feeling! I really, really miss touring and playing live, and I can’t wait to get back to it. With this new album, I’m looking forward to getting something fresh out there and getting on the road next year and seeing the fans. Plus, having a new show with new songs to play and just reconnecting, feeling that human touch again, that’s something we all need. Bring on 2021!
John Paul White on working with O’Neal on “Someone’s Sometimes” …
“I was thrilled to get the call from Jamie to collaborate,” White says. “I’ve been a big fan of her work. Back in my Music Row songwriter days, I tried hard to get a song cut on one of her records. This is way better.”
For more on Jamie O’Neal, visit her website, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. To pre-order Sometimes, click here.
Photography: Images courtesy Angela Talley, Adkins Publicity
