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5 Second Single Reviews

11/8/2014

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Brett Eldredge - "Mean to Me"

Sometimes it's good to keep things low key. The latest hit from CMA New Artist of the year won't knock your socks off with any one element, but it's the endearing simplicity that makes "Mean to Me" a pleasant listen,

Grade: B+


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Kenny Chesney - "Til It's Gone"

It's not nearly as good as it's predecessor "American Kids", but "Til It's Gone" is still unoffensive, well executed radio fodder. The melody's a bit clunky, but this is still a very listenable effort.

Grade: B-


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Lady Antebellum - "Freestyle"

After delivering an excellent album like Golden last year, their newest album, 747, is a huge disappointment. It's clear they felt Golden wasn't commercially successful enough, so they threw together an album full of middle of the road, radio friendly material. Their new single "Freestyle" is a good example of what kind of song makes up the album. It doesn't feel like any effort was put into the creation of the song, from a lyrical and vocal standpoint, and ends up feeling half-a**ed and sloppy.

                                                  Grade: D+

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Kristian Bush - "Trailer Hitch"

The lesser known male half of Sugarland has delivered a single that encapsulates everything that made Sugarland so enjoyable. Charisma, charm, and a whole lot of fun without sacrificing lyrical integrity. I'm unsure of how much further it's going to get on the airplay chart, but if Bush's debut project is as good as his debut single, I will most certainly be picking it up.

Grade: A-


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Scotty McCreery - "Feelin' It"

There's nothing particularly bad about "Feelin' It". It is what it is, a feel good summer song, but it still doesn't catch my interest in any way. I'll give it points for capturing the escapism feel melodically, but this is still only mildly enjoyable at best.

Grade: C

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5 Second Single Reviews

4/22/2013

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Hunter Hayes- "I Want Crazy"

Excellent production, well written and a solid (by Hayes' standards) vocal performance. Hayes inches closer and closer to reaching his full potential. This just proves he has another gear.

Grade: A

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Tate Stevens- "Power Of A Love Song"

He obviously has the talent, he just sounds like he's trying too hard. Too early in his career to try a ballad like this.

Grade: C

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Lee Brice- "Parking Lot Party"

Brice puts in a convincing, solid performance. That does alot for the song. Though I would have prefered "That's When You Know It's Over" or "Friends We Won't Forget" as a single, this is a ton of fun. Guilty pleasure of the year? Yup.

Grade: B

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Casey James- "The Good Life"

More of a vocal showcase than anything. Stronger production and lyrics would do wonders for this young talent.

Grade: C+

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James Wesley- "Thank A Farmer"

Combo of the last two. A very good vocal showcase, with a convincing performance. Passion on the chous elevates it.

Grade: B

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5 Second Single Reviews

3/23/2013

5 Comments

 
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Billy Currington - "Hey Girl"
Not offensive. Has a nice little grove to it. Sounds like another Billy Currington track. He seems to have about one true gem an album and this is not it. I really like his voice but this is basically another addition to his oft forgotten hit catalog. Here's to hoping for another "People Are Crazy," "Good Directions" or "Love Done Gone" soon!

Grade: C

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The Henningsens - American Beautiful
They have written some good stuff for The Band Perry and so I do not doubt their talent, but this song is an outright dud that plays like Lady Antebellum's "American Honey" with an even less appealing hook.

Grade: D

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Greg Bates - "Fill In the Blank"
He hasn't hit a truly great song yet but Greg seems to be the best new male vocalist around due to his neo-traditional bent that is coupled with lyrics that are just clever enough to avoid being cliche/rote, which is impressive given the appalling titles. This one in particular manages to be effortlessly sexy and suggestive without being grotesque like many songs in the same vein.

Grade: B+

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Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel
The original is great. This is better than a lot of what is out, but it loses the magic of the performance and thus loses some of its charm. Props for the attempt and the nice choice of material though.

Grade: B

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Tim McGraw (Feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban) - "Highway Don’t Care"
First single from the album that is somewhat memorable to me. Still no where near the glory days of Tim's Everywhere-era. The most intriguing thing for this track since it is rather bland is whether it will maintain Country cred for Taylor in this time where she is focusing almost entirely on pop music.

Grade: C+

5 Comments

5 Second Single Reviews

3/12/2013

1 Comment

 
As you probably know by now, I tend to prefer male voices. So this is a 5SSR of only singles by male artists. Two of the most succesful current stars in the genre, one on a comeback, two rising stars.

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Tyler Farr- "Redneck Crazy"

This guy is pretty much a male Miranda Lambert. Crazy Ex-Boyfriend who throws beer cans at your shaddows, and shines his headlights through your window when you try to sleep. And what a vocal performance!

Grade: A

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Gary Allan- "Pieces"

Not breaking new ground here, but an excellent vocal performance and solid production (aside from the "bang, bang, bang on the chorus) make this a solid single none-the-less.

Grade: B-

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Justin Moore- "Point At You"

Moore brings the energy of "How I Got To Be This Way" to the sweetness of "Til My Last Day" with solid results. The outlaw image he continues to portray is kind of annoying, but whatever.

Grade: B

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Brad Paisley- "Beat This Summer"

I must admit, Paisley's recent arrangements (this and "Southern Comfort Zone") are really cool. I guess you could call this a more fun version of "Til Summer Comes Around".

Grade: B+

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Luke Bryan- "Buzzkill"

Not sure if it's been officially released, but we all know it's just a matter of time before it does.

Great hook, with Bryan's vocals at their finest. Definitely the albums highlight.

Grade: A

1 Comment

5 Second Single Reviews

2/18/2013

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Lonestar- "Maybe Someday"

Lonestar makes Rascal Flatts look like amateurs at the power ballad with this new single. It bleeds with emotion but it's not everyones cup of tea. Btw, does anyone else feel like the verses sound like those of "Just A Kiss"?

Grade: A-

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Florida Georgia Line- "Get Your Shine On'

Feels a little compressed, but still sounds decent. Has a great hook, along with a feel-good vibe and it's easy to sing along to. Again, not everyones cup of tea.

Grade: B+


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Kenny Chesney- "Pirate Flag"

Same old, lame Chesney beach lyrics. Let's put it this way: I was more bored listening to this, than I was watching Andrew Ebbett play hockey. Oh and one more thing, WE DON'T CARE ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THE BEACH KENNY. WE UNDERSTOOD AFTER THE FIRST 15 SONGS.

Grade: C-

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Autumn Hill- "Anything At All"

Awesome country production, excellent vocals and solid lyrics.
Very promising from one of Canada's up and coming duo's.

Good stuff.

Grade: A

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Sarah Darling- "Home To Me"

Bland production and some lyrics that make no sense ("feels like indiana". What?) are ultimately what prevents the song from hitting that next level.

Still a pretty enough vocal performance though.

Grade: C+

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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.
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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-

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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-

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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

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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

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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

5 Second Single Reviews

1/7/2013

4 Comments

 
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Dallas Smith- "Jumped Right In"

Passionate vocal performance and decent lyrics. Production is a bit clunky at times, but still a pretty good song.
Random thought: Dallas Smith sounds like Gary Allan.

Grade: B+

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Edens Edge- "Swinging Door"

This neo-traditional gem will fit right in with catalogues of Chris Young and Easton Corbin.
I've also decided that "I ain't your swinging door" is a great hook.

Grade: A

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Easton Corbin- "All Over The Road"

"I've decided that Easton Corbin and Chris Young 2.0 are cyborgs in a record label experiment to see if neotraditional can be sexy again.
It's working" -Dan Milliken

Grade: A-

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Parmalee- "Carolina"

Brantley Gilbert and Sarah Darling are already doing this exact same song, but Parmalee's is the most passionate yet. And it looks even better compared to their 3 minutes of loudness "Musta Had A Good Time".

Grade: B+

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Colt Ford (feat. Jake Owen)- "Back"

Quite a beautiful song. I know people won't like it because of the rapping, but Ford does a great job. Owens vocals aren't to shabby either.


Grade: B+



4 Comments

5 Second Single Reviews

11/16/2012

0 Comments

 
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Randy Houser- "How Country Feels"

Lyracilly, It reminds me of Jason Aldeans un-released single
"Country Boy's World". Not that that's a bad thing.
It's nice to hear Houser's voice back on radio.

Grade: A-

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Parmalee- "Musta Had A Good Time"

*sigh*


Grade: F


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Brantley Gilbert- "More Than Miles"

This is very refreshing after his previous single "Kick It In The Sticks".


Grade: B+

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Thompson Square- "If I Didn't Have You"

Finest single to date for the CMA duo of the year. Beautiful vocals during the verses and dynamic vocals on the chorus.


Grade: A

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Eli Young Band- "Say Goodnight"

Not as good as "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" but has potential to grow on me. I find the vocals fall flat at times, but solid single none-the-less.

Grade: B

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