Introduction
“Wanted” is a country song co-written and performed by American artist Alan Jackson. Released on May 28, 1990, as the third single from his debut album, Here in the Real World, the track showcases Jackson’s early talent and set the stage for his successful career in country music.
The inspiration for “Wanted” struck Jackson during a performance stint in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. After a long journey and an exhausting night playing at a local bar, he found himself in a motel room with little to do. Amidst the pouring rain, Jackson began strumming his guitar while an old John Wayne western played on the television. A scene featuring a “wanted” poster sparked the idea for the song’s chorus, leading to the creation of this heartfelt ballad.
The song’s lyrics feature a man placing a classified ad seeking a compassionate partner: “Wanted, one good-hearted woman / To forgive imperfection in the man that she loves.” This creative narrative resonated with audiences, propelling “Wanted” to peak at number 3 on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
Critics praised Jackson’s sincere delivery, with Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe noting that a less skilled singer might have exposed the implausibility of the lyrics, but Jackson’s performance made listeners believe in the song’s premise.
The accompanying music video, directed by Bing Sokolsky, further amplified the song’s popularity upon its mid-1990 release. “Wanted” not only solidified Alan Jackson’s presence in the country music scene but also demonstrated his knack for storytelling and emotional expression, elements that would become hallmarks of his enduring career.