Paying tribute to a musical legend by covering the songs is always a gamble. Artists run the risk of being compared to the legend they pay tribute to and in reality this can’t be done. Ultimately it comes down to adding personal style while implementing the inspiration that particular legend left behind. This is the case for Shooter Jennings and his tribute to the great George Jones. Apart from just listening to his music, Jennings had a personal connection with Jones thanks to his father Waylon Jennings. For Shooter, George was a family friend and his personal touch to the three cover songs is evident.
Don’t Wait Up is a short, 5 song EP Jennings recently released. It features two of his own songs and three renditions of popular George Jones songs. It’s obvious that the EP received mixed critique, but in the end beauty is in the hearing of the listener and nobody can dispute that Jennings poured a lot of emotion and thought into the 
arrangements. The first original song is entitled “Living in a Minor Key” and it was specifically written by Jennings for Jones to record. Unfortunately this never happened and Jennings decided it would be a nice fit for the short list. It is a basic tune that captures the good and the bad experiences in life perfectly, meaning Jones would’ve sung it flawlessly.
The second original song is called “Don’t Wait Up” and it sees Jennings honoring Jones with his familiar style. It is based on the thoughts of infidelity in terms of pop-culture and real life. Even though the girl in the song has no problem breaking hearts, the “hero” of the story doesn’t take it lying down. As for the cover songs, Jennings kept the focus on sounding original instead of trying to duplicate the voice of George.
Along with Katy Cole, Jennings takes on the deep and dark “If Drinking don’t Kill me”. It embodies the feeling of never ending torture through memories. No bars are open and the alcohol simply isn’t good enough to take away the pain. The duo provides a strong performance and leaves the listener with the haunting torture. 
The second cover “She Thinks I still Care” features a more electronic sound, but not without the darker touches. It tells the story of denial. Jennings admirably pushes through the song like a brave shoulder, but the words don’t hold any truth. In fact, Jennings does a great job by showing his hidden feelings while singing the supposedly detached lyrics.
The last cover song is called “The Door”. It is hard, brooding and slow, capturing the spirit of Jones in a different light. It is this mixture of sound that Jones would’ve appreciated and supported. Jennings doesn’t even remotely sound like Jones, but anyone who is familiar with his music will be able to hear the influence.
Overall it’s a solid EP and “Don’t Wait Up” can be considered as a great sentimental tribute to a hero and mentor. Instead of trying to mimic Jones, Shooter Jennings made the songs his own and that is a lot more interesting than another karaoke session.
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