 Kip Moore has truly impressed me thus far in his career. "Beer Money" made my year end list last year, and "Hey Pretty Girl" is also on my best of list this year, while also having my favorite album of last year, Up All Night. And with the lead single off his upcoming sophomore album, he hasn't taken skipped a beat. "Young Love" features a rootsy-down to earth arrangement which allows Moore's light rasp to shine, like it has so many times. This gives the single a huge advantage, because Moore is able to truly connect to the storyline, which is about, simply young love, as the title suggests. What has most impressed me about Kip, is he's able to take a somewhat redundant subject matter, and along with producer Brett James, is able to give it a signature sound. Kip Moore knows who he is as an artist, and I strongly recommend not stopping anytime soon Grade: AListen: "Young Love"
 This is a new duo of Warner Music Nashville. And I do mean new. These guys have only known each other since last December. But if you listen to "19 You + Me" you'd never know it. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney have found a contemporary country sound that had never been heard before on country radio. Their debut single is a story of a young summer love that is just a distant memory. It's lyrics are very effective at painting the emotion of the song. Shay Mooney's voice is a strong one, and has to be on this song, cause its not an easy song to sing. The chorus is this songs bread and butter. "Watching that blond hair swing. With every song I'd sing. You were California beautiful. I was playing anything but cool. And I can still hear that sound. Of every wave crashing down. Like the tears we cried that day we had to leave. It was everything we wanted it to be. The summer of 19 you + me". Credit Dan + Shay for writing a song that perfectly fits Shays voice. He is able to convince the listener of his vivid memory of that summer. With spot on voice inflections and emotion. The song however is very "pop" country. Some have pointed out a little too pop for country. I mysef am a advocate for more traditional sounds in country and have criticized modern day country radio. But it's been for the recent singles by Bryan, Aldean, Chase Rice, and Dallas Smith. This is however a better musical effort in every category....Vocals, songwriting, imagery, production. These guys are already in the top 30 in country airplay, and not slowing down. Overall, even though it leans pop country is by far one of the best efforts of 2013 and Warner Music just might have struck gold in Dan + Shay. Grade: AListen: "19 You + Me"
 *Please note this is new writer sabre14's debut review* Now just because I find the recent trend of country music to be
infuriating, doesn't mean I think newcomer Cole Swindell's new song should fit
into that category. "Chillin' It's" story line is a tired theme to be honest.
Driving in your car on a summer day with your girl....where have we heard that
before? But that's where my negatives on "Chillin It" ends. It's easy going,
feel good melody is infectious, and darn near impossible not to sing along to
while your all by your lonesome.
This single proves that these kind of songs can
be tolerable and tasteful. The lyrics (especially the verses are its most under
appreciated quality). "Nowhere To Go, Nowhere To Be", and "Hard Looking Left,
When My World Is On My Right" are the best lines in the song, and gives the song
it's easy charm. It's chords are actually similar to "Cruise", but with the
toned down nature of "Chillin' It" compared to "Cruise", the average country
music fan could care less.
Cole has already shown signs of a legitimate
song writer, by helping co-write Craig Campbell's "Outta My Head", and Luke
Bryan's "Roller Coaster" from his Crash My Party album. Still early to see what
the future holds for Cole, but if he can duplicate songs like "Chillin It" he
might be around for a little while.
Grade: B+
Listen: "Chillin' It"
For this set of predictions, myself and new writer sabre14 will be making our predictions and picks (Gator is busy so he is unable to join us this time).
Entertainer
Should win:
Taylor Swift
Jason Aldean
George Strait - MM, S14
Blake Shelton
Luke Bryan
Will win:
Taylor Swift
Jason Aldean
George Strait - MM
Blake Shelton
Luke Bryan - S14
Markus: George will get sympathy votes from voters. Not to mention he's put out the best music of these 5.
sabre14: I just don't have faith George will get enough votes here to overtake Luke. His album is better, and he had a great first leg of his farewell tour. But the massive sales of Luke will be too much in the end.
Male Vocalist
Should win:
Blake Shelton
Jason Aldean - MM
Luke Bryan - S14
Keith Urban
Eric Church
Will win:
Blake Shelton - S14
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan - MM
Keith Urban
Eric Church
Markus: If "Fuse" had been released within the eligibility period, Urban would have been my should win by a landslide and Church is my favorite of the bunch but he hasn't done much this year. So I guess I'll go with Aldean. This is Bryan's to lose though.
sabre14: I think the voters will lean Blake purely for the fact of his success of his television appeal coupled with his album being out longer than Luke's. I have to go with my gut on this one.
Female Vocalist
Should win:
Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert - S14
Carrie Underwood
Kacey Musgraves - MM
Kelly Clarkson
Will win:
Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood - MM, S14
Kacey Musgraves
Kelly Clarkson
Markus: This one is probably the most competitive group, for both picks. Underwood and Lambert have both released material among their career best this year, but Musgraves' album is too good to overlook. I could see any of them, Clarkson aside, winning this. Swift is the biggest name, Lambert is always a safe bet, Underwood has had a monster year and Musgraves has the critical acclaim. I guess I'll go with CU but wouldn't be suprised to see it go to the one of the aforementioned three.
sabre14: I feel Miranda has the perfect combo of great artistic music along with the success to go with it. But Carrie has the better chart numbers therefore she will win.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Should win:
Big & Rich
Thompson Square - S14
Florida Georgia Line
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars - MM
Will win:
Big & Rich
Thompson Square
Florida Georgia Line - MM, S14
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
Markus: A weak year for this category? What a shocker. In all seriousness, if FGL hadn't been arguably the most dominant artist in the format this past year, TCW would have a fighting chance by virtue that they released an album, which is more than B&R or Sugarland have done.
sabre14: Pretty cut and dry category. Thompson Squares album is better and makes better music. FGL have had 3 chart toppers and the digital and album sales to justify them winning.
New Artist of the year
Should win:
Florida Georgia Line
Lee Brice
Kip Moore - MM, S14
Kacey Musgraves
Brett Eldredge
Will win:
Florida Georgia Line - MM, S14
Lee Brice
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Brett Eldredge
Markus: Probably the best quality wise. I don't really consider Brice a new artist anymore though. I liked FGL's and Brett's debuts, but not quite to the extent I liked the other 2's. I'll give the should to Moore by the slightest of margins. FloGaLine takes this though.
sabre14: This will be my personal favorite of the evening. Kip had a great Album coupled with a string of chart toppers. But I would not be shocked to see the voters give more love than we think to Kacey or Lee. In the end I'll go with FGL with the transcending impact they have made in country music wether I like it or not
Vocal Group of the year
Should win:
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry - MM
Zac Brown Band - S14
Will win:
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town - MM
The Band Perry - S14
Zac Brown Band
Markus: "Pioneer" is one of my favorite albums of the year. So they get my should win. I'm still gonna say LBT takes this though, but TBP are gonna start taking these home.
sabre14: I think the time has come for The Band Perry in this category, even though Zac Brown Band made a stellar album and two number one hits.
Vocal Event
Should win:
Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly, “Cruise”
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” - MM, S14
Blake Shelton feat. Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
Kelly Clarkson feat. Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
Jason Aldean feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know”
Will win:
Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly, “Cruise”
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” - MM, S14
Blake Shelton feat. Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
Kelly Clarkson feat. Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
Jason Aldean feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know”
Markus: Pretty competitive this year for a change. 3 of these were #1 hits, the other is huge pop hit and one features two big names. I'll give "HDC" both of them though.
sabre14: To me this song was the best song out of these choices and it was the biggest country hit this year. Pretty simple if you ask me.
Album of the year
Should win:
Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
Taylor Swift, Red
Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer, Different Park - MM, S14
Little Big Town, Tornado
Will win:
Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
Taylor Swift, Red
Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer, Different Park - MM, S14
Little Big Town, Tornado
Markus: I can't be the only one suprised "Uncaged" and "Night Train" have been completely snubbed at both the ACM/CMA'S so far. This one is close between Kacey and LBT for me but I'll give it to Kacey, who will also win.
sabre14: This one they will get right. Kaceys album was the most unique and well done record this year and I have a feeling the CMA's will see the same thing.
Single of the year
Should win:
Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” - MM, S14
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
Will win:
Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” - MM, S14
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
Markus: Say what you will about FGL or "Cruise", but it would be unfair to not give them single of the year.
sabre14: This was the biggest hit on all the charts this year, and sold like crazy. This one has to go to "Cruise"
Song of the year
Should win:
Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round” - MM, S14
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
Will win:
Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck” - MM
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round” - S14
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
Markus: Pretty good "Pontoon" aside. It's close for me between Lee's, Kacey's and Miranda's but I'll give "MGR" the slight edge. "IDYT" takes it though. It touched so many people.
sabre14: If this doesn't win It will be a travesty. Kaceys song was the best song in terms of writing a different impactful yet, putting it in a subtle way to get her message across, and I would think the voters will agree.
 Two singles in, and I'm already sick of Blackjack Billy. I mean, this isn't all bad. It's not the "The Booze Cruise". And that's it in terms of positives. I went in with low expectations, and they were met. It's obnoxious from the opening over-the-top guitar licks, and it's downhill from there listing of cliches all the way to the godawful chorus where they sing "hey honey, shakin' that money maker". This equation sums my thoughts perfectly actually: Annoying production + cringe worthy lyrics + sub-par vocals = "Get Some"/Blackjack Billy in general. Sorry if I sound like a hater/ranter but seriously. Stop. Grade: D-Listen: "Get Some"
 This is the Rodney Atkins' we know and love. After 3 straight mediocre singles, Atkins brings us arguably his best single to date.
This sounds like the Rodney Atkins that brought us "If You're Going Through Hell", "Watching You", "Cleaning This Gun", etc.
Lyrically, this is bursting with positive energy. Not in a "party, beer, chicks, trucks" happy, fun way but in a "life is awesome" way.
Vocally, he sounds solid. He's never gonna be a powerhouse vocalist, but he can convey emotion into a song.
It's solid production wise. It allows the listener to enjoy the lyric and the melody which is pretty accessible.
It has potential to be a smash, I sure hope it is. Grade: AListen
 Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert. Two of my favorite artists. Collaborating on a song. You can imagine my excitement when I heard about this. And for the most part, it lives up to expectations. Their voices mesh well together, and they both feel fairly engaged in the lyrics making for an enjoyable performance.
The lyrics are about two people reminiscing on their teenage love. Combined with an excellent melody, it makes for an engaging listen. Basically an upbeat "Springsteen".
My one gripe is the production on the chorus goes a bit over the top. If that chorus was produced like the rest of the song this could have been one of the best of the year.
But even with the over-produced chorus, it is still an enjoyable single.
Grade: B+
Listen
 It seems odd that a songwriter of Paslay's popularity, with smash hits such as "Barefoot Bluejean Night" (Jake Owen) and "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" (Eli Young Band) (NOTE: This song was also recorded as part of Lady Antebellum's 2011 Own The Night album) has never had success as a solo artist. With "Friday Night" Paslay has likely found his first solo hit. And he does a hell of a job with it. I found the Lady A's version to be cluttered and loud. Paslay's version is filled with prominent banjo, keeping it firmly in pop-country territory without going over the top with pop-ness. Because of the uncluttered arrangement, Paslay's soulful voice is able to be heard. The chorus is an earworm if I ever heard one and the melody is great. It's not a groundbreaking lyric but Paslay and his record label do a great job with what will likely be Paslay's first top 10 hit. Grade: B+Listen: "Friday Night"
 This new Tim McGraw single does have some things going for it. The first one is a stripped down production, the second is a relaxed, natural performance. Unfortunately, that's all there is. The lyrics are about, surprise, a southern girl. Like seriously, why do all girls in country songs have to be from the south. Why not from Japan or Mexico or something. At least that would be entertaining. It features every cliché you can name, from her mama teaching her how to act to cutoff jeans. Then you have the talk back voice from chorus to verse saying "southern girl rock my world" (worst "rhyme" in music in my opinion). It's not a station changer but it's not exactly great either. Southern girls are good. What I just said in 4 words Tim McGraw felt the need to say in 3 minutes. Grade: CListen: "Southern Girl"
 So this new BS single, it's pretty good. At first glance it may not seem like anything special. Excellent production, solid vocals, but only "meh" lyrics. Until the last verse of course. It goes "la la la, love song love song" (far more interestingly than that of course) then, POW, he's regretting losing his girl all along. Whoa. That was more than enough to raise it from good to outstanding. Again, the production and vocals were great from the start, add that to the final line and you have a pure country heart breaker. Now all he has to do is release "Granddaddy's Gun" and he'll have one of the best 1-2 punches I've ever heard. Blake's had a lot of great singles ("Austin", "Ol Red", "She Wouldn't Be Gone") and this one is right up there with them, if not way ahead. Grade: A+Listen: "Mine Would Be You"
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