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Top 20 Singles Of 2012

12/31/2012

1 Comment

 
By now, most music review sites have already made their best of 2012 lists. And I'm very happy to throw my own into the mix. Most people will disagree with me on my list, but here it goes:

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#20
Carrie Underwood
"Blown Away"


The intense lyrics and production makes this Underwoods best since "Temporary Home" and a highlight of her career.


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#19
Justin Moore
"Til My Last Day"

One of Moore's best vocal performances to date elevates this from bland to charming, and the electric guitar brings the single to life.



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#18
Kip Moore
"Beer Money"

Easily one of the most fun summer songs in recent memory. The well placed hand claps and solid vocal performance elevate this from good to great.


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#17
Florida Georgia Line
"Cruise"

Best summer song in recent memory. Also the best sing along song in recent memory.



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#16
Lady Antebellum
"Dancin' Away With My Heart"


A soft production and gorgeous melody elevate a potentially boring lyric to elite heights.



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#15
Gloriana
"(Kissed You) Good Night"


Sure, the lyrics don't scream depth, but the production, melody and vocals make this one a fantastic pop-country tune.



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#14
David Nail
"The Sound Of A Million Dreams"


Beautiful arrangement, powerful lyrics along with Nail's great vocal performance makes this a winner.



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#13
Phil Vassar
"Don't Miss Your Life"


By far the best Phil Vassar single to date, as well as one of the best written songs of the year.



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#12
Blake Shelton
"Over"

Not overly original from a lyrical standpoint, but Shelton's passionate performance and big title hook make "Over" a fantastic record.



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#11
Dean Brody
"Canadian Girls"


Brody sings the hell out of this clever Canadian anthem, making for his best single to date.



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#10
Thomas Rhett
"Beer With Jesus"


One of the best singles by a new artist this year. Production does a great job of staying out of the way.



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#9
Kacey Musgraves

"Merry Go 'Round"

The most frighteningly real song of the year, Musgraves gives us the most interesting debut in a while.



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#8
The Band Perry

"Postcard From Paris

Well sung, well produced and well written. Nice.



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#7
Toby Keith
"Beers Ago"


What lifts this single over the top is the non-stop energy Keith injects it with.



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#6
Chris Young
"Neon"


I would take this single with nothing but the vocal performance. Everything else is an added bonus.



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#5
George Strait
"Drinkin' Man"


Quite simply the best written song of the year.



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#4
Tim McGraw
"Better Than I Used To Be"


The arrangement here, as well as the vocals, is spectacular.



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#3
Big & Rich
"That's Why I Pray"


Best lyrics and harmony that I have ever heard from B&R.



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#2
Eric Church
"Springsteen"


Flawless. Would have been #1 by far if it weren't for......



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#1
Jason Aldean
"Fly Over States"


Yes, "Fly Over States" is the This Is Country Music best single of 2012. It has all the makings of a great song.

Great lyrics? Check.
Passionate vocals? Check.
Great production? Check.

So it is my honour, to name "Fly Over States" my top single of 2012.



Here's to another great year of music in 2013.
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Single Review: Lee Brice- "I Drive Your Truck"

12/17/2012

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 You know what I love?

When an artist sings a song like he means it. Thats what Lee Brice does here on his newest single "I Drive Your Truck". Now. I'm not sure if this has actually happened to Brice, but he sings like it has.

"I Drive Your Truck" is about the narrarator losing his brother, and drives his brothers truck to ease the pain. Aside from the moving topic of the single, "I Drive Your Truck" also supplies great imagery such as "...../ Half empty bottle of gatorade rolling on the floor boards..." .

The production does a good job of not getting on the way, and that piano playing is beautiful.

This is sure to snag a song of the year win, and will likely have people reaching for their tissue box by the end.

Grade: A 

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Single Review: Big & Rich- "Party Like Cowboyz"

12/12/2012

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Let me make one thing clear. This song is NOT for everyone. Nor will it make anyone a Big & Rich fan. Their current fans however, will like this. Now, on to the review.

There are 2 groups when it comes to B&R singles. There's the "Coming To Your City" and "Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)" group, and there's the "That's Why I Pray" and "Lost In This Moment" group. This single is defintely in the first group.

The production is LOUD. Very, very LOUD, so it's a song that you would play at a bonfire or a party, not at a fancy dinner party.

But, the most important thing to remember about this single is to not take it seriously
WHAT-SO-EVER. If you do, you will end up with a dismal result. But, if you take it for the loud, country-rock, party single that is, this is not bad at all (even though I would have prefered to have seen "Can't Be Satisfied" released instead....).

Grade: B

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Single Review: Chad Brownlee- "Listen"

12/11/2012

0 Comments

 
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Judging by his past 2 singles ("Day After You" and "Smoke In The Rain") it's safe to say that Brownlee has a knack for singing breakup songs. 

His newest single keeps the trend going to an extent, but this one is a bit different. His last couple were about how the narrator wishes she had not left. This one is more like, begging her not to leave. It's not a very interesting topic, but Brownlee sounds like he means it, especially on lines like .../baby just listen/listen to the hearts you're breaking/... and as usual, Brownlee puts in another solid vocal performance. 

As for the production, it's not as tepid as "Day After You" and it's not as aggresive as "Smoke In The Rain". It's right down the middle, which is perfect.

Canadian radio better enjoy Brownlee while they can because sooner or later, american radio will find out about him, and claim him as their own.

Grade: B+

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