Gary Allan’s Used Heart for Sale and His Song “Her Man”

Used Heart for Sale is the debut studio album of American country music singer Gary Allan. Released on September 24, 1996, it was on the record label Decca Records Nashville. Gary Allan’s album was a notable exception to the time when the lines between country and pop became hazier. The album, Used Heart for Sale, produced by Mark Wright and Byron Hill is a throwback to the Bakersfield sound. The album reflected Gary’s traditionalist leanings. Furthermore, it mirrored the experience he gained while paying his dues in southern California’s honky tonks.

Things got off to a strong start with the lead single “Her Man”. The song that Kent Robbins wrote was an original recording by American country music artist Waylon Jennings. Jennings put “Her Man” on his album The Eagle in 1990. Six years after (1996), Gary Allan made a cover on his debut album Used Heart for Sale. Decca released the track in August 1996 as the album’s first single. Upon its debut, “Her Man” occupied spot number 67 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of August 24, 1996. This song peaked at numbers 7 and 9 on the US country singles charts and in Canada, respectively. In addition, under the direction of Gerry Wenner, the music video premiered in August 1996.

In the song, the narrator decides to change his ways of life for the one that he loves.

But startin’ today, all I’m gonna be is her man

Allan gave the lead character a heartfelt delivery of lyrics. He showed a man admitting his weaknesses, yet was simply content just to be with the one he loved.

Deborah Evans Price of Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably. According to her, Allan’s solid country voice turns in a thoughtful, believable performance on this song. The character who has let his woman down has this strong determination to change.