Country Superstar Justin Moore Dishes On His New Album & Why He Loves Writing Such Heartfelt Songs

With three No. 1 albums, seven No. 1 songs, an ACM Award and his fifth studio album (“Late Nights and Longnecks”) due to release on July 26, Justin Moore isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The Arkansas native recently released the first single “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” off his forthcoming album in honor of all first responders, military, teachers, nurses and often the unforgotten, unsung heroes. In addition to a fall tour, Moore will also be headlining the ACM event at Nellis Air Force Base next month followed by anchoring the PBS Memorial Day Symphony Special on May 26 and the Armed Forces Memorial Day Parade on May 27.

We caught up recently with the Arkansas native to discuss his new album, why he loves writing such heartfelt songs and his secret love for the Boston Red Sox.

Tell us a little about your fifth studio album, “Late Nights and Longnecks” set to release over the summer.

I am really excited about it. As for the name “Late Nights and Longnecks,” it’s our most traditional sounding country album to date. My music has always been rooted in traditional country. On our latest album, “Kinda Don’t Care,” we did some things out of the box. It was fun to do as I stepped out of my comfort zone, but I really enjoy traditional country music more than anything.

What are some of your favorite songs off the new album?

Boy, that’s hard. I really like “Jesus and Jack Daniels.” It’s kind of a song about having an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. I guess we can all relate to that in varying degrees (laughs). “On the Rocks” is an old school heartbreak drinking song that’s fun, too.

You have said you wanted to incorporate 90s country style into this album. Why was that important to you?

I like country music from the 60s, but I grew up with the late 80s and early 90s, which were my most formidable years. It was great because I could choose what I really liked. I think the 90s is the best era of great country music. I learned so much from the music at that time.

Why did you feel it important to write “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home?” 

I had a grandpa in the Navy and the other in the Air Force.  I have always had an appreciation for the military and talk about that onstage. When “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” came out, I would hear from people firsthand that the song helped them through different things. At different times, the song has touched them. That just showed me how powerful country music really is. It’s pretty cool to hear the platform we have has that impact. My hope writing a song is that it’s a hit, but to have a song that impacts people’s lives in such a positive way is just amazing.

You’ll be playing with Chase Rice and Jimmie Allen at the House of Blues in May. Can you give us a preview of the show?

They are both talented guys. To have the opportunity to get out that way and be with two good dudes is going to be a lot of fun.

Do you have any favorite spots in Boston that you like to check out when you are in town?

Boston is one of my favorite cities. I am kind of a closet Red Sox fan. You have one of our Arkansas boys – Andrew Benintendi. Last time I was in Boston, I did the Freedom Trail. I am kind of a history nut and that’s one of the reasons I love Boston. I am a also a huge baseball fan and love checking out older parks like Fenway and Wrigley.