​39 years old. 39 damn years old. In case you were wondering, that’s Luke Bryan age, but you wouldn’t guess it if you only know him through his songs. For years now (well, 2011-2014, but still…..) Luke has established an empire singing about the most immature, banal subjects one could imagine, which from 2012 to now consists of hot girls, alcohol, trucks, back roads nobody knows, parties……..you get the message. Songs such as “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”, “That’s My Kind Of Night”, and “Drunk On You” are about as cute and funny as a first grader telling all of his friends to pull his finger. And that’s what’s most puzzling. How the hell is an almost 40 year old man getting away with this?

I have my own thoughts, but this is a song review so I’ll leave them be for now. Anyway, back before the making of his fifth studio album, Kill The Lights, we were promised growth and maturity from Luke. We were promised more depth and sincerity. And by God, if Luke Bryan was Pinocchio, his nose would be stretched out about as far as the Nile River. Folks, Luke Bryan’s new single, “Home Alone Tonight” doesn’t mention backroads or bonfires, but that sure as hell as doesn’t mean it’s the least bit  mature.

Alright, if I’m being honest, the song isn’t THAT bad, in fact, it’s kind of funny. In this song, Luke hangs out with Kevin McCallister where they fight off Harry and Marv, the two antagonists, and at the end, high five each other on a job well done. Only, plot twist! Turns out Luke is the antagonist after all and takes over Kevin’s house to deliver this cringefest of a storyline instead……

In this version of the song, Luke meets a girl at a bar. The two immediately hit it off, and, what a co-inkydink! They’re both getting over ex lovers! And what’s the best way to get revenge on ex lovers? Take drunken pictures of yourself with a stranger and send them to them! HA! As I used to say in fourth grade, YOU’RE GONNA NEED SOME ICE FOR THAT BURN!!!! This is one of the most childish themes for a song that I can imagine, and the lyrics don’t make it any better. Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town also joins Luke for this “song” and I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again….. you people are adults for crying out loud! It’s not that I don’t sympathize with people hurt by other lovers, but if you seriously think this song is cute or justifiable, then not only are you immature, you’re stupid for thinking that a move like that would actually make a damn bit of difference in hurting your ex.

Then you have the fact that this is an overproduced mess. Not only do Luke and Karen Fairchild sound bored on this, Karen’s voice sounds completely drowned out. There’s also that teensy weensy little fact that this isn’t a country song. A bad rock song? Yes, absolutely. But country? Hell no.

Overall, I’d rather hear the “Home Alone” version of this song (which doesn’t actually exist by the way, but oh how I wish it did) than the normal version any day. There is absolutely nothing redeemable about this song whether it be in the lyrics, the production or even just the charisma. Hell even in Luke’s worst songs, there’s still an undeniable amount of charisma that he brings that, while still annoying, is hard to deny exists. With this song, we have nothing but a vapid, shallow party tune.

Look, that maturity that Luke promised does come in a very small dose on Kill The Lights in the form of “To The Moon and Back” and “Scarecrows”, but if they’re only going to remain album cuts buried in the back of the album, then what’s the damn point? All three of Kill The Lights’s singles so far have been the atrocious radio ready tunes loaded at the front of the album, and we haven’t even gotten to the title track yet. Avoid “Home Alone Tonight” at all costs if you like good lyrics, good production, good vocals, or even just good songs.

Grade: F
Listen: “Home Alone Tonight”

Author: Zackary Kephart

After failing to truly get off the ground with any of his previous three singles - "I'm to Blame" doing the best, barely scraping out a top-20 peak - Kip Moore has released his best effort to-date to radio, with the radio-friendly ballad "Running For You".

On an album full of arena-rock anthems, "Running For You" is a change of pace on the project, displaying a more tender, emotional side of Moore. With it's light, relatively-country production, Kip is able to take total control of the song and perfectly display his superb voice. There are few artists who are able to throw themselves into a lyric like Moore, and that is on full display on this record.

Lyrically, "Running For You" is a masterpiece, with it's heart-felt and relatable sentiment of "we may be finished, but I'll be here if you need be" that is a refreshing change of pace on mainstream country radio. It's both parts heartbreaking and uplifting, a blend that is seldom heard in country music, and is done to perfection here. All that said, what "Running For You" most has going for it, is it's melody. Perfectly structured and undeniably accessible, it is near perfection, and is what makes the record one that country radio - in theory - should have no problems spinning.

Kip Moore gets better and better with each single release it seems, and this one is no exception. "Running For You" is the whole package, and arguably the best thing you'll hear on mainstream radio all year.

Grade: A+
Listen: "Running For You"

By Markus Meyer
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​It’s quite fitting that the holiday season is upon us, since receiving new Vince Gill music feels like Christmas in itself. But seriously how else can you describe it? We haven’t heard much from Vince since 2013 when he teamed up with Paul Franklin for the album, Bakersfield. Now, that was a monster album all its own, but the last time we really got any new original music from Vince goes all the way back to 2011 to the release of his album, Guitar Slinger (which by the way, featured the No. 1 smash “Threaten With Me Heaven…..ok, well it SHOULD have been a smash…..thanks country radio).

Now we’re being treated to news of a new album from Vince set for February 12th called Down To My Last Bad Habit. From what we know about the album, Vince has a hand in writing every single track, including a tribute to George Jones as well as guest appearances by Cam, Ashley Monroe, and Little Big Town. Needless to say, this looks like it’s going to be a big project. For now, we’ve been serviced to the lead single from the album called “Take Me Down”. With that in mind, how is the taste of new music from Vince after four years?

Well, I could see it being pretty polarizing honestly, but if you ask me, I think it’s a solid song from Vince and a great appetizer from Vince’s upcoming album. The reason the song might be viewed as polarizing is because of the sound. The opening chords feel very “Rihannon” esque, and with the inclusion of Little Big Town on this song, that Fleetwood Mac vibe remains present throughout the song. That’s not to say we need to go calling the lawyers however. There’s still plenty to enjoy on this song even if the sound isn’t your thing. Vince has one of the strongest voices in country music, and that voice certainly hasn’t deteriorated in power over time. His voice sounds as good as ever, especially on the chorus. The subject of the song is rather simple, this one revolving around a man who is overcome by the pleasures of his woman every time she comes around. It’s a good enough song that doesn’t sound cheesy or sleazy. It sounds sincere, and again, Vince’s vocals make this song a lot better, especially when combined with Little Big Town’s.

When it comes to looking back at the greatest country singers of our time, Vince Gill is sure to make many lists. However, don’t let this think I’m throwing bonus points his way just for being who he is or giving him sympathy points since radio won’t play him. This song is a great song on its own merit, and proves that Vince hasn’t slowed down one bit over the years. 2016 is already crowded with great releases from the Randy Rogers Band, Brandy Clark, and Brothers Osborne, and now we can add one more to that list too with Vince. And I don’t know about you, but he might have just topped my list of most anticipated albums.

Grade: B
Listen: “Take Me Down”

Author: ​Zackary Kephart

Who the hell is Frankie Ballard? It’s probably the second most popular question in mainstream country music after “Who the hell is Chris Stapleton?!?” Ever since Frankie scored his first No. 1 with “Helluva Life”, the guy has had two more No. 1 singles despite absolutely album sales. When it comes to Frankie’s music, I certainly wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, but I happen to think he’s got some good stuff. “Tell Me You Get Lonely” was one of my favorite songs of 2010, and I think he’s got some good album cuts like “Tip Jar” and “Rescue Me”. On the other hand, he’s also got some music that is pure schlock like the pandering “Helluva Life” and “Sunshine & Whiskey” (and how funny is it that THOSE songs were two of his No. 1’s?) Anyway, now he’s back with the first single from his yet to be named third studio album. So with that in mind, how is “It All Started With A Beer”?

Well, shockingly good, as this is easily the best song that Frankie has ever recorded. Between this song and Justin Moore’s new one it looks like we’re getting into that time of year when more serious and/or just better material has a fighting chance of doing well on the airplay charts. Hell, I’m all for it. What’s even better is that this could be the first song that truly gives Frankie some recognition other than just the guy with three vanilla No. 1 singles.

It’s not necessarily that the song is revolutionary or that deep or anything, it’s just that it’s easily one of the better singles in mainstream country music this year. Written by Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, (2/3’s of the southern rock trio The Cadillac Three) and Jeremy Stover, the song begins with some light guitar play and remains relatively quiet throughout, which really helps the song stand out. The song tells of a man and a woman who reminisce on how they met and how they ended up where they are now. The night they met, the man was drinking a Bud-Lite and the woman was drinking a Corona. They immediately hit it off and apparently end up as an item, as the chorus is filled with the highs and lows they’ve been through along the way, and how it all started with a beer.

If there’s one complaint I have with the song, it’s that it could have been developed a little more. The idea is great, and the emotion is there, but I would have liked to have seen some filled gaps in between when the man and the woman first meet to where they are now (for example, what exactly were those highs and lows you were talking about Frankie?). But hey, this might just read as me being extra nitpicky. This might be a problem however who find quieter songs like “Burning House” and “The Driver” overrated, but that isn’t me.

The good thing about this song is that it sounds like a country song, and actually features a decent storyline with a heartfelt vocal delivery, and in mainstream country music these days that’s already a huge plus. Considering this is the lead single from a new album, I will definitely be interested to see where Frankie takes his music with this era. If it’s anything like “It All Started With A Beer” then I think we’ll have to stop making fun of him for being a nobody.

Grade: B+
​Listen: “It All Started With A Beer”

Author: Zackary Kephart

After seeing the excellent "Withdrawals" under-perform early at radio, Columbia Records decided to pull the intense tune, after peaking at #52 on the Airplay chart and #47 on the Hot Country Songs chart, and replace with "Better in Boots", a song that recently impacted radio.

"Better in Boots" is a song about a hot woman looking better when she wears boots, and that nothing else has ever looked better in boots. That is literally it. There is nothing left to say. It's an unoriginal song that is well below Farr's proven talent level lyrically, while the production is grating, the melody's bland, and Farr appears to be on auto-pilot for the entire duration of the track.

Suffer in Peace was a very strong album that not only showcased Farr's talent as a performer, but also his willingness to grow as an artist. There were several other, accessible, unoffensive songs that could have come in and done extremely well in the current radio-climate, but also boasted a decent amount of substance. "Poor Boy" soars with its guitar hooks and vivid lyrics, "Criminal" isn't groundbreaking lyrically but showcases some interesting technical choices, and "I Don't Even Want This Beer" is a well-written breakup song with a big, catchy chorus. All would have been more substantial choices, and wouldn't cost Farr any momentum.

Tyler Farr has a lot of upside as an artist, and I commend the label's choice to pull "Withdrawals", as I'm personally sick of marathon chart runs and wish more labels would pull obviously struggling songs early. But if they're going to pull songs in favor of pandering, uninteresting records? No thanks.

Grade: D-
Listen: "Better in Boots"

By Markus Meyer

Country music was built with a mission to speak the truth and elicit an emotion from even the most cold-hearted person. While it’s always cool to tell a cool fictional story in country music, the best ones are the ones that roundhouse kick you in your gut and show no mercy while they’re at it. The songs that often do this are the most personal ones you can find. Today, I’m here to talk about such a song, and why it may very well be one of the best songs released this year.

“Remembering” isn’t exactly new, but it is to the radio. The song was recently sent to radio through Dot Records, home to quality artists such as Maddie and Tae, and of course the lady behind this song, Ashley Campbell. Watching a parent slowly slip away has to be one of the hardest things to have to go through in life, and that’s exactly what Ashley Campbell has seen in past couple of years.

It’s no secret by now that Glen Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease back in 2011. At the time this song was recorded, Glen already wasn’t in great shape, and now that we’ve arrived in late 2015 where this song is being shipped to radio…….well, you get the picture. As an aside before I dig into the song itself, I’d like to add that I’ve always enjoyed Glen’s music, and always believed he was a bit underrated as well.

Anyway, “Remembering” is about what the title says it is – remembering, going back to past events to when Ashley was a child, such as when she was scared by a thunderstorm or when she was just trying to learn the guitar. In both cases Glen was there for her, and wanted to help her overcome her fears and grow. Well, unfortunately Glen can’t help her overcome this fear, as it’s now HER that needs to help Glen. She wants to continue talking with him to help him hold on to memories. Since she had a great teacher along the way, she tells her father to not worry, as she’ll do the remembering in the conversation. Really, my little description here doesn’t do the song anywhere close to justice. It’s a painful song that will make you feel as if you’re Ashley’s sibling and Glen’s child.

The song remains quiet throughout, accompanied merely by acoustic guitars, dobro, steel guitar and light drums. This is definitely the type of song that NEEDS a quieter sound to it, not for effect, it’s just the only way to do a song like this right. It had to be painful getting through this song, and I give Ashley Campbell a ton of credit for getting through it and sounding amazing on it as well.

If I may go back to the songwriting for a bit, there’s a part that interests me a lot, particularly the entire first verse. I love analyzing song lyrics, and the first verse sort of has a hidden meaning to it, at least to me. Here are the lyrics:

Four years old running up the stairs to your bed. Thunder rolls and I put the covers over my head. You say it’s just a storm enjoy the show. You take me to the window and show me that it’s beautiful

I sort of read the storm as Glen’s disease itself. They’re both scary things, and it’s understandable to not know how to cope with at first (hiding under the blanket). But by showing her it’s beautiful, I don’t think it means the disease is a blessing in disguise. It’s anything but that. I just read it as a way of saying that there’s tons of (beautiful) memories to look back on, and how Glen needs Ashley to see that so she can help him remember as the disease wears on.
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“Remembering” is more than just a fantastic song, it’s a song that can’t be duplicated. No one can come along and sing this exact same song and still have it have the same meaning. Ashley poured her heart out into writing this and it shows. Once again I give kudos to Ashley for being able to record this. It’s tough, but it shows honor to a man who was not only obviously a great father, but also a damn fine musician, and one of country music’s greatest assets. THIS is what country music was built on, and what will be “remembered” later on down the road.

Grade: A
Listen: “Remembering”

Author: Zackary Kephart

​After failing to reach the top thirty with his last two singles, Justin Moore is back with a new single from his upcoming 4th studio album. When it comes to Justin, he has often been criticized for his redundant themes of being a country boy and an outlaw. At the same time he’s usually kept a sound that resembles something pretty close to country music as well (save for his Motley Crue cover…..). I don’t have much of an opinion on Justin personally. I think he’s capable of some great songs like “Grandpa”, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away”, and “Old Habits”. On the other hand, I also believe he’s capable of putting out some horrible stuff like “Bait A Hook”, “I’d Want It To Be Yours”, and “Backwoods”. As far as his new single, “You Look Like I Need A Drink” goes, I’d honestly file it under the former section. The song is relatively solid, and is easily Justin’s best thing in awhile.

“You Look Like I Need A Drink” may seem cheesy based on the title, but it’s actually fairly solid. It’s not some pickup line a guy uses at a bar, nor is it some corny attempt at humor. Instead, it’s bittersweet, much like Tyler Farr’s “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” was with its double entendre of a title. The song revolves around a man who is waiting around for his woman to come home. He receives a phone call from her earlier that doesn’t sound good, and that is definitely confirmed when she comes home. She’s trying to sugarcoat the fact that it’s over between the two. Before she even begins talking Justin says “you look like I need a drink”, meaning that he knows the news is coming and is probably going to need to cope. I honestly like the way they spun the title on this one. It incorporates a funny title into a (somewhat) sad song. He didn’t reinvent the wheel, but I find it more creative than the majority of what’s on the radio right now.

The song features a country-rock production that might throw you off at first with the Queen-esque rock thumps, but after that it settles nicely into that country-rock territory. The song gets a little overproduced in some spots, but it really isn’t half bad. The song manages to have a slightly sad subject  matter all while sounding catchy enough for radio while not being stupid at the same time.

One additional note I’d like to make is about the songwriters. I know I don’t usually address them in reviews, but it’s something I’d like to start doing. The song was written by Rodney Clawson, Matt Dragstrem, and Natalie Hemby. One of these three is not like the other. Rodney Clawson and Matt have been responsible for some pretty bad stuff in country music lately, but Natalie Hemby has had several good cuts recorded by the likes of Miranda Lambert and Sunny Sweeney among others. It’s a weird trio of writers but I suppose it works.

As someone who really has never been the biggest Justin fan, I can honestly say that this song is solid. It won’t win any awards or make you stop in your tracks, but it’s a fun sad song (does that make sense?), and is also easily Justin’s best single in quite some time. It remains to be seen if he can score a hit  after having two singles tank, but this is honestly a track I will be rooting for on country radio.

​Grade: B
Listen: “You Look Like I Need A Drink”

Author: ​Zackary Kephart