Owen looks back with new song

The single, "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," reunites Owen with producer Joey Mo. The song is based on Mellencamp's 1982 hit "Jack & Diane,"

"It's been revitalizing. Making music with Joey is all about recording songs that reflect who I am," Owen said. "I've seen the negative side of life and the positive side, and I really like the positive side. I want my songs to put a smile on your face."

"I never release a song without the intention of stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park," said Owen. "When I first heard 'I Was Jack (You Were Diane),' I thought, 'How can I do this and re-create what is already a classic song?' But the more I listened to it, the more I saw my own life growing up. The original 'Jack & Diane' was about 'two American kids growing up in the heartland' and that image is exactly what so many country songs are based on. Plus, the most important thing to me and my team is that we sent the song to Mellencamp, and he digs the track. Getting his stamp of approval sealed the deal for me that this song should be our debut single."

Owen also recorded a breezy tune, "Something to Ride To," which was released to all digital music partners today.

Owen just announced his 2018 "Life's Whatcha Make It Tour" with special guest Chris Janson and Jordan Davis.