Freedom Was a Highway

2021 single by Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley
"Freedom Was a Highway"
Single by Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley
from the album Bettie James Gold Edition
ReleasedFebruary 1, 2021 (2021-02-01)[1]
GenreCountry rock[2]
Length3:32
LabelStoney Creek
Songwriter(s)
  • Ash Bowers
  • Jimmie Allen
  • Matt Rogers
Producer(s)
  • Ash Bowers
  • Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen singles chronology
"This Is Us"
(2020) 		"Freedom Was a Highway"
(2021) 		"Down Home"
(2022)
Brad Paisley singles chronology
"No I in Beer"
(2020) 		"Freedom Was a Highway"
(2021) 		"City of Music"
(2021)
Music video
"Freedom Was A Highway" on YouTube

"Freedom Was a Highway" is a song recorded by American country music singers Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley, released on February 1, 2021, as the second single from Allen's second studio album Bettie James Gold Edition. Allen co-wrote the song with Matt Rogers and Ash Bowers, and co-produced it with the latter.[3]

Background

Allen and Paisley revealed on The Bobby Bones Show that the idea for the duet "was born after a hangout with Allen, Paisley, Darius Rucker and Tim McGraw".[4]

Allen also commented: "When I was writing this song with my co-writers, I imagined myself driving down my favorite roads in Delaware. This song takes me back to simpler moments such as an innocent, childhood crush on the next-door neighbor or feeling freedom in the wind as you drive with the windows down. I've loved this song from the creation." Paisley said: "I was honored when Allen asked me to join him on the song. It's a magical combination – it doesn't sound like a typical record for me at all and when I come in, I try my best not to ruin Jimmie's song, I use my guitar to make a record sort of sound like I'm on it even before you hear me sing, and I love this guitar solo. I'm really proud to be a part of 'Freedom Was A Highway' and I'm excited for people to hear it."[5]

Critical reception

Tom Roland of Billboard commented "Freedom Was a Highway" has a yearning, driving power that would fit the soundtrack of a 1980s coming-of-age movie.[6]

Music video

The music video was released on July 29, 2021, co-directed by Allen and Christopher Beyrooty.[7]

Chart performance

"Freedom Was a Highway" reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated February 19, 2022, becoming Allen's third number one single on that chart, and Paisley's twentieth, as well as his first since "Perfect Storm" in January 2015. This accomplishment also tied Paisley with Brooks & Dunn and Toby Keith for the tenth most number one singles on the chart.[8]

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Freedom Was a Highway"
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
Australia Country Hot 50 (TMN)[9] 3
Canada Country (Billboard)[10] 21
US Billboard Hot 100[11] 45
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[12] 1
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[13] 5

Year-end charts

2021 year-end chart performance for "Freedom Was a Highway"
Chart (2021) Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[14] 48
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[15] 70
2022 year-end chart performance for "Freedom Was a Highway"
Chart (2022) Position
US Country Airplay (Billboard)[16] 39
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)[17] 54
US Radio Songs (Billboard)[18] 69

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[19] Gold 500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^ "Future Releases for Country Radio Stations". All Access. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  2. ^ Parton, Chris (January 29, 2021). "Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley Cruise on 'Freedom Was a Highway'". Sounds Like Nashville. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  3. ^ "Jimmie Allen Releases New Single "Freedom Was a Highway" With Brad Paisley". BBR Music Group. January 29, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  4. ^ Barnes, Hannah (July 2, 2021). "Jimmie Allen Shares How He Recruited Brad Paisley for 'Freedom Was a Highway' Duet". Popculture. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  5. ^ Jo Black, Laureen (February 9, 2021). "Listen To Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley's Nostalgic New Single, 'Freedom Was A Highway'". Country Now. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  6. ^ Roland, Tom (February 16, 2021). "Makin' Tracks: Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley's 'Highway' Takes (Musical) Road Less Traveled". Billboard. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  7. ^ Iahn, Buddy (July 30, 2021). "Jimmie Allen Unveils 'Freedom Was a Highway' Video". The Music Universe. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
  8. ^ Asker, Jim (February 15, 2022). "Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley Take 'Highway' to No. 1 on Country Airplay Chart". Billboard. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  9. ^ "Country Hot 50: Issue 1354". The Music Network. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
  10. ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Canada Country)". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2021.
  11. ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  12. ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Country Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  13. ^ "Brad Paisley Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
  14. ^ "Country Airplay – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  15. ^ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
  16. ^ "Country Airplay – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  17. ^ "Hot Country Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  18. ^ "Radio Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
  19. ^ "American single certifications – JIMMIE ALLEN & BRAD PAISLEY – Freedom Was A Highway". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
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