Introduction
Ronnie Dunn’s “I Wanna Love Like That Again” is one of the standout tracks from his third solo studio album, Tattooed Heart, released on November 11, 2016 under Nash Icon, a Big Machine Label Group imprint . Following a distinguished career as half of Brooks & Dunn—one of country music’s most successful duos of the ’90s and early ’00s—Dunn ventured deeper into his solo artistry during the 2010s .
Tattooed Heart, produced largely by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, marked a creative resurgence. The album interweaves mature storytelling with polished production, blending classic country themes with modern sonic textures . Among its tracks, “I Wanna Love Like That Again” stands out as a rich, emotive power ballad. It reflects Dunn’s seasoned perspective—a longing for rekindling deep, enduring love with a tender yearning reminiscent of nostalgia .
Though originally a song from Ariana Grande’s debut Yours Truly (2013), Dunn’s version reimagines the track through the lens of his own life experiences. At age 63, he invokes “nostalgic melancholy,” echoing the innocence of ’50s romance when he sings, “I wanna say we’re goin’ steady / Like it’s 1954” . This interpretation brings a deeper resonance, transforming youthful longing into mature devotion.
Recorded in Nashville, “I Wanna Love Like That Again” finds Dunn channeling expressive vocal clarity, enriched by warm harmonies and strings, all elevated by DeMarcus’s contemporary country-pop production . The song contributes to the album’s thematic tapestry, which explores love’s complexity—whether it’s the ache of heartache (“Damn Drunk”), celebratory embraces (“Ain’t No Trucks In Texas”), or soulful yearning.
In blending classic lyricism with modern sonic depth, Dunn’s rendition affirms his evolution—from ’90s country icon to a reflective solo storyteller embracing seasoned emotions. “I Wanna Love Like That Again” captures this journey, offering a heartfelt ode to rekindled affection, guiding listeners through the warmth of memories and the hope of love reborn.