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Single Review: Ashley Monroe - "Hands On You"

2/27/2018

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It's fitting that 2018 has been an excellent year for Country music thus far. It's a year that (thus far) has seen many artists return to the spotlight after three or four years off to deliver some of their best work yet. While I wasn't a huge fan of the polish that loomed over Ashley Monroe's last album, 2015's The Blade, she was still an artist who I was excited to hear again.

Unfortunately the polish hasn't really gone away. In fact, it's even worse on her lead off single to new album, Sparrow with “Hands On You”. Honestly, the entire problem with this song is that its completely faceless. Ashley Monroe is talented, but to return with a song that's this derivative, boring, and utterly forgettable is disappointing for sure.

I don't even know what to say. I swear if I hear another slow, soulful song that's got as much energy as a college student in an 8 a.m. class, I'm going to scream. Granted, that's just my personal bias taking shape at this point. As always, we need to judge the song on its own merit.

On that note, there still isn't much to say. Lyrically it's a very basic song that speaks to having a burning desire for “companionship.” The only way you're going to make a song like this really all that memorable or fun is if it's got a little more sizzle to it, and as already established, this song gets stale quickly. It's repetitive and boring musically, and even Monroe herself sounds bored and uninterested in this song.

Overall, I'm confused at having this particular song be the leadoff single to Monroe's upcoming project, because even when you push quality aside, this is too faceless to really make much of an impact. I don't mind a more soulful direction, but if it's going to be like this, then no, thank you.

Grade: C-
Listen: “Hands On You”
 
Author: Zackary Kephart

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Top 20 Best Singles of The Year

12/17/2013

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Well, after that last list left me wanting me to vomit, I think it's time for a little positivity around here. May I present you, TICM's 20 best singles of the year.

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#20
Autumn Hill, "Can't Keep Waiting"


 This is my absolute favorite Canadian country artist. One of the best written songs in either nation this year. Autumn Hill is such a talented vocal duo. This song leans contemporary for sure, but it might have been the best song on their album. Which is saying a ton. -S14


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#19
Kellie Pickler, "Little Bit Gypsy"


A toe-tapping beat propels this fun, melodic number, which boasts an infectious
chorus: both lyrically and musically. Kellie Pickler's personality shines
through thanks to her perky vocals that fit the song like a glove. -IC


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#18
Joe Nichols, "Sunny and 75"


Perhaps his most modern, but also arguably his best. Nichols puts in a Grade-A vocal performance, backed up by a cool as heck arrangement. -MM


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#17
Blake Shelton, "Mine Would Be You"


That last line... wow. I mean, nothing against the killer vocals or production but seriously. -MM

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#16
George Strait, "I Got A Car"


When "I Got A Car" starts, you automatically think to yourself if your a true country fan, "Yeah, I'm gonna love this". The melody is classic George. If this was released in 1992 you would never know the difference. And of course the clever hook. "I guess I hadn't thought it through that far... But I got a car". -S14


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#15
Little Big Town, "Your Side Of The Bed"

The chemistry between real-life couple Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook
during the vocal duet is unmatched. But its the soaring four-part harmonies,
which are put front-and-center on this quietly-produced ballad, that seal the
deal for this powerful song.  -IC

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#14
Sara Evans, "Slow Me Down"

Starting with a hook that packs a punch, Sara Evans elevates the song even
further with her effective vocal performance on the big chorus. The use of
plucked strings puts a unique stamp on its sleek, modern feel. -IC

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#13
Easton Corbin, "All Over The Road"


Breezy, fun and 100% country. Reminiscent of King Georges best work. -MM

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#12
David Nail, "Whatever She's Got"

 One of the most infectious melodies of the year makes great use of
the bouncing banjo. Coupled with equally catchy lyrics and sung by one of
today's most gifted male country vocalists, it is a bright spot among other
lightweight tunes. -IC

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#11
Dan + Shay, "19 You+Me"


Two words, "The Chorus". Shay Mooney's vocals are picture perfect, and the imagery is amazing as well. -S14

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#10
Little Big Town, "Sober"


Kimberly finally gets a lead vocal, and damn did they pick a good one to give her. Beautiful song and Jay Joyce's less-is-more approach paired with Kimberly's killer vocal makes this by far LBT's best single to date. -MM

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#9
Ashley Monroe, "Like A Rose"

Ashley Monroe's autobiographical tune hits hard on all fronts. Sharp,
detailed lyrics combined with twangy vocals over a simple, neo-traditional
production treatment makes for an enjoyable listen. -IC

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#8
Tebey, "Til It's Gone"

I believe that Tebey wrote one of the best chorus' I've ever heard. The sad truth of life is until something is finally taken away from you.. Then you would appreciate it, and you would just want another chance at it. Unfortunately life doesn't work that way. 
-S14

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#7
Maggie Rose, "Better"

Maggie Rose turns in a beautiful and passionate vocal on a song that
thrives on her emotional delivery. The lyrical subject matter is refreshing and
the production is well done, making for a very tight piece of contemporary
country. I can't get enough of "Better" and it is easily my favorite country
single of 2013. -IC

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#6
Chris Cagle, "Dance Baby Dance"

Can you believe this is Chris Cagle singing this tear jerking father-daughter ballad? The same guy that sang hillbilly rock anthems like "Got My Country On"? I'm not sure I believe it, but Cagle has given us my favorite single of 2013. -MM

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#5
LoCash Cowboys, "Best Seat In The House"

 If you didn't know who the artist was, I can guarantee you would say "Wow.. That's a great song". Forget what LoCash has done before in the past. This touching father son ballad was my favorite single of 2013, and a song that every person that has lost their dad should hear. -S14

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#4
The Band Perry, "Don't Let Me Be Lonely"

Crafty songwriting and a charismatic performance make this a standout
among the group's strong catalog. The fluctuating energy level of the song plays out well with the lyrics, with the slow roll of the verses becoming an event at the chorus, only to draw back for an effective bridge. -IC

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#3
Miranda Lambert, "All Kinds Of Kinds"

Lambert's joyful performance backed up by a unique arrangement and a killer lyric about being yourself makes this Lambert's finest single since "The House That Built Me". -MM

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#2
Gary Allan, "It Ain't The Whiskey"


Country music was built on this kind of music. Gary's vocal delivery along with the haunting feel to it, makes this one of the best songs he has ever recorded. -S14

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#1
Kacey Musgraves, "Follow Your Arrow"

TICM's best single of 2013 is Musgraves' lighthearted anthem to being yourself, despite what others think. Wether that be same sex marriage, smoking pot or just not giving a damn. It's a remarkable song, executed perfectly by one of the top young talents in music. Bravo Kacey, bravo. -MM

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Female Singer Singles Round-Up

6/13/2013

2 Comments

 
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Ashley Monroe - You Got Me

A song that is a stand out from an excellent album. It is haunting, sensual and hypnotizing. Beautiful testament to her, and Little Big Town's talent,  but sadly has no shot at radio.

Grade: B+

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Carrie Underwood - See You Again

A somewhat bland track that is improved by the authenticity in her vocal performance. A few years back this would have been dreary, now it is almost inspiring and certainly heartwarming (especially when put with the video).

Grade: B-

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Jana Kramer - I Hope It Rains

A song of sass and energy. It is a welcome change from the sincere yet depressing tones of her previous singles. The song has it issues that anyone can notice, but the track has enough fun to it that one can only root for it to rain on the high heeled and white short beauty.

Grade: B-

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Kacey Musgraves - Blowin' Smoke

After "Merry Go Round" proved surprisingly successful, Kacey continues to challenge radio with a song that is in an unusual format for Country Radio. The metaphor and vignette structure both work eloquently to depict Musgraves' potential as being what she has been hyped up to be. In the end, it is not perfect or earth shattering, but it cannot be faulted and is easily enjoyable.

Grade: B

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Kellie Pickler - Someone Somewhere Tonight

"Kellie Country" is back and she sounds great. Easily one of Pickler's best vocals and so one can only hope radio will take notice to her on the strength of her Dancing With The Stars win. The strong lyrical content sees both the good and bad in life; therefore, it is a track that brings back the realism of life to Country that has been missing extensively in the last decade.

Grade: B+

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Lauren Alaina - Barefoot and Buckwild

The energy and personality in the performance are good, but that is about all there is. The hook is even lacking exponentially.

Grade: C

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Little Big Town - Your Side of the Bed

The topic is nothing new or special, but they execute the track with their beautiful vocals to save it from boredom. The track will most likely maintain they're success at radio and hopefully "Sober" can be sent next.

Grade: B-

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Miranda Lambert - All Kinds of Kinds

The first three singles were lackluster, to say the least, but with these last two tracks from Four the Record Lambert is returning to her prominent role of clever lyrics that challenge convention while ear worming their way into your memory. If this is successful, maybe Musgraves will release "Follow Your Arrow" next. Either way, this song is a welcome challenge to radio that insinuates the complexity of life and the importance of non-judgmental actions.

Grade: B+

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Sheryl Crow - Easy

It is hard to hold something against an industry veteran like Sheryl Crow, especially when she is having success at radio as not only a crossover but as a woman over 50. With that said, the song is kind of lazy. It isn't as distinctive as past tracks like "All I Wanna Do" or "Soak Up the Sun" and so it leaves one wanting more. Hopefully, her success will continue though.

Grade: C+

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

1/28/2013

3 Comments

 
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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

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    Markus Meyer
    A country music fan from B.C., Canada. You can find his work at theshotgunseat.com. You can follow Markus on twitter at @Markus_Meyer27.

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    Chris Baggs
    A country music and Buffalo Sabres fan from Buffalo.

    Zackary Kephart
    A country music fan from Buffalo, New York. 
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