Jake Owen found the perfect summertime spot to debut new music from his upcoming album. An industry crowd of publishers, songwriters, media, label execs, and friends gathered at the Anchor High Marina on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tenn., earlier this week, and the celebration turned into a surprise party when the 29-year-old singer was presented with two gold digital single plaques certifying both his latest single, 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' and 'Eight Second Ride,' from his second album, 'Easy Does It.'

Reflecting the lyrics of his new smash single, the crowd gathered on the edge of the water where the beer was ice cold and ducks paddled around nearby. Catfish and barbeque were served and Jake shared stories of the making of his third album and talked about some of his adventures on the road as part of the Keith Urban tour.

Working this time around with award-winning producer Tony Brown, Jake explained that he lived with these songs out on his boat on the lake, listening over and over before recording the collection of tunes penned by some of Nashville's best writers. Songwriters Derek George, Chuck Jones, JT Harding, Shane McAnally, and others grinned as Jake called them out from the stage one by one and offered up his appreciation for being able to cut the songs that make up the new CD.

Before performing the moving new ballad 'The Journey of Your Life,' Jake recalled that the song reminded him of his own grandpa, and remembered how proud he was when Tony suggested he play the guitar parts on the song in the studio, marking the first time he had played on one of his own records.

Following a rousing set capped off by his perfect summertime singalong smash 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' Jake was surprised with two plaques commemorating the gold certification of his new single, which has already sold 620,000 copies and is on track to go platinum. He also earned a gold record for his 2009 single, 'Eight Second Ride.'

"That's one of the first songs I ever wrote," Jake recalled fondly. "I wrote that song at 18 for the kids at Florida State University. When you write something, if they like it, they're gonna get it. And that brought me here, so thank you."

Fans who pre-order Jake's new CD on iTunes will receive the track, 'Alone With You,' as an instant download, and a live version of Jake's hit 'Don't Think I Can't Love You' will be downloaded to everyone who pre-orders the CD on August 29. Following the party Jake headed back out on the road to Atlanta for a two-night stand as part of Keith Urban's Get Closer tour, which comes to Nashville this Saturday night.

Pictured above, left to right, are Sony Music Nashville's Skip Bishop, Paul Barnabee, Jake, Caryl Healey and Keith Gale.

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