Blog Archives

Single Review: Ash Bowers- "Red"

1/31/2013

Ash Bowers seems like Chris Cagle 2.0 in his newest single "Red". He could have done that 2 ways.

#1, he could have been clever like "What Kinda Gone", or passionate like the remarkably good un-released single "Dance Baby Dance".

Or #2, make another aggresive country pride anthem.

*sigh* unfortunately, he chose the latter. Bowers has shown potential with "Ain't No Stopping Her Now" (one of the most played songs on my iPod) but it seems, for now at least, he's become a slave to the rural-pride phase.

You can tell he's trying to be clever here, with all the spins on the word "Red" but ends up feeling like creativity trying to mask the fact that this just another lame country-pride song. Weirdly enough, Cagle did the same thing with "Let There Be Cowgirls".

The production is aggresive and sounds like every other rural song on the radio right now.

Not to mention, when I heard Bowers had released a new single I was so excited. And I got this. No thank you.

This will likely become a sizeable hit, but remember Ash, when it comes to quality:

"What Kinda Gone" > "Let There Be Cowgirls".

Grade: D+

2 Comments

Single Review: Train - "Bruises" (feat. Ashley Monroe)

1/28/2013

3 Comments

Both of these acts have incredibly strong voices that rank among the best and most memorable of the acts that are currently active. Often times these days artist like this end up in a rut of poor quality material that has absolutely nothing new or interesting about it, but luckily these two chose to add their voices to a track of sweet sentiment.

Lyrically the track speaks about reconnecting with an old friend and sharing the hardships of life that they have gone through in the interceding years, eventually coming to the conclusion they wouldn't trade it for anything. You get many songs talking about the values of those hardships that one goes through in life, but it is rare to get one that says so in such a subtle manner that leads to greater resonance. In all honesty, they do a better job then the rest because they put the idea in a story setting that is relatively unique rather than the stereotypical as is version with slight details (commonly three part arch).

The production is pleasant enough, not anything special though. Overall, its a very pleasant track that while not groundbreaking reminds me of the 90's where this was more of the standard of what could be released rather than what it is: a pleasant surprise without a shot at country radio.

PS Maybe I'll start listening to adult pop radio just so I can hear this

Grade: B+

3 Comments

Single Reviews: Jerrod Niemann- "Only God Could Love You More" & Eric Church- "Like Jesus Does"

1/19/2013

1 Comment

Hahaha, get it? "Like JESUS Does" and "Only GOD Could Love You More". I'm hilarious.

It was inveitable that a single with an awesome musical arrangement was going to be Niemanns next single. All of Free The Music was awsome musical arrangements. So the instrumentals don't dissapoint.

The vocals are excellent. Niemann has a voice unlike anyone else on country radio today. So between the instrumentals and the vocals, you could easily say, "Yep. That's Jerrod Niemann.

The lyrics are nothing to write home about, but the engaging production and the believable performance make this his best since "What Do You Want" and one of the most interesting love songs in recent memory.

Grade: B+

When I first listened to 'Chief', "Like Jesus Does" was a standout. Want to know why? Here's why.

It bleeds with emotion, especially on the verses. The out-of-the-way production allows Church's underrated skills as a vocalist to shine and it's as well written as a love song could possibly be.

Grade: A-

1 Comment

New Artist Nominee Predictions

1/15/2013

1 Comment

The nominees for the new artist catagories were announced
today.

Female

Should Win:

Jana Kramer
Kacey Musgraves- MM, GP
Sunny Sweeney

Will Win:

Jana Kramer- MM, GP
Kacey Musgraves
Sunny Sweeney

Markus: Musgraves seems to be the most interesting and released "Merry Go Round" one of
my 2012 faves. But Jana had a top 5 smash in "Why Ya Wanna" so she's pretty much
a lock for it. No idea why Sweeney was nominated...

Gator: I like both Kacey and Jana a lot so I am fine either way with those results. I
just think Kacey is the more interesting talent as of yet, although she doesn't
have as much of a foundation to warrant this nomination.. Don't get me started
on Sunny..

Male

Should Win:

Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes- GP
Lee Brice- MM

Will Win:

Brantley Gilbert- MM
Hunter Hayes- GP
Lee Brice

Markus: Kip Moore. But of the nominees, Brice is my fave by far of the 3. For the will win, its a
toss-up with Brantley and Hunter, but I'll go with the former, seeing as he has
some of the most loyal fans in the genre.

Gator: Honestly, I do not like any of them all that much but I think Hunter has the
most raw talent and promise, plus crazy teen fans, so I'll go with him.

Duo/Group

Should Win:

Florida-Georgia Line- MM
Love and Theft
Thompson Square- GP

Will Win:

Florida-Georgia Line- MM, GP
Love and Theft
Thompson Square

Markus: I loved "Cruise" and I like "Get Your Shine On" so I'll go with FGL. "Cruise"
was a huge hit so I'll go with them for the win too. But L&T had a #1 hit
and TS has the CMA momentum so it's anyone's game.

Gator: No one should win in terms of age out, quality or anything. Thompson is pretty
good but they have been out for too long and did not have much output so I can't
even justify that one very well. Sadly, Florida-Georgia Line will win and I will
likely be disappointed.

1 Comment

Single Review: Kip Moore- "Hey Pretty Girl"

1/15/2013

3 Comments

Kip Moore is awesome. He finds ways to make even the most un-interesting singles sound fresh (ala "Somethin' Bout A Truck").

But, I'm not saying this isn't interesting. In fact, it's one of the best things I've heard in a while.

The story is about the gradual steps in a relationship. From when they first meet, to having a child. The production is low-key and lets Moore show off his awesome light-rasp.

It's written in the same style as "Somethin' Bout A Truck". No chorus. I love that, so it's a shame that more artists haven't tried it out. It also doesn't hurt that Moores storytelling ability is in top form, as it was on "Mary Was The Marrying Kind". Actually, now that i think about it, this song reminds me a lot of "Mary Was The Marrying Kind".

With 2 top-5 hits to his credit, "Hey Pretty Girl" is sure to become the hit that "MWTMK" never was, and is a highlight from of the best albums of 2012.

Grade: A

3 Comments

Single Review: Jake Owen- "Anywhere With You"

1/14/2013

1 Comment

Jake Owen, how you frustrate me. You have such a good voice yet you insist on using it for the lamest material ever.

"Alone With You" was alright but "The One That Got Away" was a lame summer song that got old after one listen.

Owens latest is just as lame as it's precedor. The opening instrumental is blasting electric guitars, which doesn't fit the obvious intended mood of the song.

The hook of "I'll go anywhere with you" is lame, but the singles weak point is the opening verse.

"If your dream house is a double-wide trailer sitting back in the holler on a country road". It's not even a rural-pride anthem, yet it STILL manages to use that cliché as if it was one!

The production could use some toning down, as it makes this seem cluttered and doesn't let Owens skills as a vocalist to shine (though the chorus is a bit catchy...)

Though this will seemingly be another #1 hit for Owen, it adds up to nothing more than than a glossed up radio hit.

Grade: C

1 Comment

Single Review: The Farm- "Be Grateful"

1/12/2013

3 Comments

I didn't like "Home Sweet Home". But I like this quite a bit. How couldn't you? It's just an all-round good song.

They sing the "don't take what you have for granted message" like they really do want to get the message across.

The singles strongest point though, is when the narrator get's put on overtime and goes over to sit on the bench. The other dude on the bench hasn't been able to find work which puts the the narrarator in his place. It's almost like the narrator from
Ronnie Dunn's "Cost Of Livin" is the other guy on the bench. Ha.

They nail the Little Big Town-esque harmonies on the chorus perfectly and the production doesn't get in the way of the meaningful lyrics and solid vocals.

Oh, and my new motto is "When you think you've got it bad, you can always find someone who's got it worse.

I know I won't be complaining for a while.

Grade: A-

3 Comments

5 Second Single Reviews

1/11/2013

1 Comment

Women at radio are somewhat a hard find. Country radio is definitely not exactly friendly to the more feminine aspects of the world but they are frequently among the most interesting. This crop of singles by women have two highlights, two with potential and one lackluster filler by a former great.

Jana Kramer - "Whiskey"

She may have questionable taste in men, both in the song and real life, but dang does she know how to sing about it. She sings the bitter lyrics with a vulnerability that suggest she isn't quite over it, producing one of the finest singles by a female artist who actually has a shot at radio. You go girl!

Grade: A-

RaeLynn - "Boyfriend"

Minimal production, realistically human lyrics that are a sweet piece of Taylor Swift style writing that works. Even the name dropped Shania Twain likes it. Although it could definitely benefit from some wisdom, it is good radio fodder.

Grade: B-

Kelly Clarkson - "Don't Rush" (featuring Vince Gill)

One great voice. One sweet piece of 80's country-soul. One strong harmony by a great. One strong song. She's got great taste, dabble more please!

Grade: B

Maggie Rose - "I Ain't Your Mama"

A sassy, exciting track like "Any Man of Mine" 2013 (or 2012). A bright spot of novelty and authenticity that lights up radio like a spark from a star who, until now, has been very average.

Grade: A

Faith Hill - "American Heart"

Poorly written, trite lyrics matched with too much production and a lackluster vocal performance from a once great voice. This is a superstar dwindling in the twilight of her career.

Grade: C-

1 Comment

Single Review: Craig Campbell- "Outta My Head"

1/11/2013

1 Comment

I like Craig Campbell. I really like Craig Campbell.

The way he combines traditional country with country-pop is a remarkable feat. His voice is one where I'm not able to find a comparision.

His latest is no different. The tradition crossing with pop production accompanied by an excellent vocal performance.

The storyline is about a man who broke up with this woman, and does everything in his power to get rid of any trace of her being with him, but still can't forget her. But unlike what Gloriana did with "Can't Shake You" (a single with similar content), Campbell executes it in a breezy fashion.

Despite the hook of "Can't get you outta my head" being so-so, Craig makes it sound so much better than it probably should.

I really hope this guy stick around.

Grade: A

1 Comment

Single Review: Love and Theft- "Runnin' Out Of Air"

1/9/2013

0 Comments

First off, this is not a country single (aside from the vocals which sound fairly country).

This sounds like a pop song. But it sounds like a very cool pop song.

The production on this is so good in so many ways. The way it changes paces when you least expect it, the "bong" sound it makes during the chorus, the overall slickness of it. But it's not without it's flaws.

The hook "feels like I'm runnin' out of air" is just so-so. Basically a pop version of "take my breath away".The mini guitar solos are mildly annoying as well.

But it's overall a very interesting sounding record, that is not just good radio fluff (*cough* "Angel Eyes" *cough*).

Not bad.....

Grade: B

0 Comments

<<Previous

Single Review: Ash Bowers- "Red"

Single Review: Train - "Bruises" (feat. Ashley Monroe)

Single Reviews: Jerrod Niemann- "Only God Could Love You More" & Eric Church- "Like Jesus Does"

New Artist Nominee Predictions

Single Review: Kip Moore- "Hey Pretty Girl"

Single Review: Jake Owen- "Anywhere With You"

Single Review: The Farm- "Be Grateful"

5 Second Single Reviews

Single Review: Craig Campbell- "Outta My Head"

Single Review: Love and Theft- "Runnin' Out Of Air"

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