Introduction
Released on May 24, 1990, “Wanted” is the third single from Alan Jackson’s debut album, Here in the Real World. Co-written by Jackson and Charlie Craig, the song reached number three on both the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.
The inspiration for “Wanted” came from a scene in an old John Wayne movie, where Jackson noticed a “wanted” poster. This sparked the idea of crafting a love song structured as a classified ad. In the lyrics, the protagonist seeks “one good-hearted woman to forgive imperfection in the man that she loves,” blending romantic longing with the straightforwardness of a personal advertisement.
Critics praised Jackson’s sincere delivery. Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe remarked that Jackson’s heartfelt vocal made the song’s unique concept believable, noting that a lesser singer might not have conveyed the same authenticity.
The music video, directed by Bing Sokolsky, visually narrates the song’s theme, complementing its storyline. Reflecting Jackson’s early style, “Wanted” showcases his ability to intertwine traditional country elements with innovative storytelling, solidifying his presence in the country music scene.