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Top 20 Singles of 2020

12/10/2020

1 Comment

 
Mainstream country music has continued to delve further into patterns of repetition, relying on inauthentic productions and lifeless songwriting. Amid the storm of mundanity that is country radio, some voices have remained compelling and dedicated to crafting art worth not just listening to, but remembering. 

This year's group is an eclectic bunch, made of newcomers, established stars, and comeback stories. It's a group that showcases risk taking in an avenue that generally pushes back on it. Most importantly, these are tracks that are likely to hold the test of time and encompass the traditions of country music, whether in storytelling or style. Enjoy our top 20 radio singles of 2020, and have a very happy holidays!
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#20
Brett Eldredge, "Gabrielle"

As mature as Brett Eldredge has ever sounded. His vocals are given room to shine against a crisp and compelling production scheme that blends an almost AC-pop sound with more traditional elements. It's a reflective track that finds Eldredge putting his talents to good use. Refreshing. - Markus Meyer
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#19
The Chicks, "Gaslighter"


It had to grow on me, but the Chicks’ big comeback single represents just about everything you’d hope for from them – a fiery, blustering presentation, a biting indictment of a certain someone explored even further on the album it stems from, and an all-around infectious hook. I wanted more from said album, but this was a very welcome return. - Zackary Kephart
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#18
The Chicks, "Sleep at Night"

Dynamic, clever, and well-structured, evoking equal parts regret, sadness, and anger with a remarkable performance from Natalie Maines. A standout from an album with strong high points. - MM
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#17
​Carly Pearce, "Netx Girl"

I’m not as enamored with this as most other critics – if anything, I prefer “I Hope You’re Happy Now” and other cuts off her self-titled album - but I do appreciate the fresh direction Carly Pearce takes here. The presentation is organic and solid, the groove is prominent, and it’s as good of a kiss-off track as we got this year, warning that next girl to not make the same mistakes she did. I’m looking forward to hearing where Pearce takes this sound in 2021. - ZK
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#16
​Jon Pardi, "Ain't Always the Cowboy"

Heresy as it is to say, Jon Pardi has been inconsistent for awhile now, at least, to me. This isn’t the case, though, and beyond the clever George Strait nod and tones I like hearing in a country song, there’s a maturity to the breakup sentiment, where Pardi almost sounds jubilant in getting to buck the titular stereotype. Good stuff; I’m happy (and genuinely shocked) it actually became a hit. - ZK
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#15
Kelsea Ballerini, "hole in the bottle"

For anyone who’s read our “worst singles” list, I should offer a clarification: there’s nothing wrong with good-time party music, and sometimes the escapism it offers is the first step to finding genuine happiness. The worst examples of those types of singles this year were just dour and dumb. This, on the other hand, flips the script a bit. Kelsea Ballerini is reveling in her misery by framing it with a self-aware wit, where she’ll only take things far enough to have some lighthearted fun and nothing more. I wish the ballerini version had become the hit, but for just a small moment in time this year, there was an actual country song that was infectious and smart. - ZK
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#14
Miranda Lambert, "Bluebird"

All of Lambert's best qualities on display. Quirky and accessible, clever writing and a memorable hook. Full of charm and charisma with a production that balances innovation with rootsiness. Well deserving of its hit status. - MM
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#13
Ashley McBryde, "Martha Divine"

Impeccable storytelling with a roaring chorus and performance. Highly impressive effort from an artist who so effectively balances sonic elements with intricate and compelling writing. Emblematic of all McBryde's greatest artistic strengths. - MM
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#12
Maren Morris, "To Hell & Back"

Between her involvement with the Highwomen project and this single, I’m starting to come around on Maren Morris, though I’m still going to temper those expectations. At any rate, “To Hell & Back” is her best single yet, so of course it’s one that hasn’t moved the needle at country radio. *Sigh* But beyond the organic groove bolstering the sentiment, there’s something to appreciate in a love story that doesn’t try to overdo it. This couple has accepted each other for who they are, for better or worse, and considering the writing plays with a bit of a Gothic tinge, it was another single that should have been so much bigger than it was. - ZK
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#11
Luke Combs feat. Eric Church, "Does to Me"


By far Luke Combs' finest effort to-date. Highly detailed while remaining universal, and rooted in sentiments that, to some extent, ring true for everyone. A big production scheme that never feels bombastic with a performance from Combs that ties things all together. Church adds a nice dose of wisdom in the bridge. Superb track. - MM
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#10
Zac Brown Band, "Leaving Love Behind"


Zac Brown Band's The Owl was an atrocious effort, with "Leaving Love Behind" serving as an easy standout. It finds them in top form, with a moving lyric, a sparse piano production, and a compelling performance from Brown. A mature, thoughtful effort that finds them at the height of their abilities. - MM
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#9
​Runaway June, "We Were Rich"

Either version is great, and though it’s another case of a country radio single that is far from a hit here, this year specifically, it should have been. The sentiment of realizing you have it so much better than others even when you don’t have much resonated so much more this year than it did upon its initial release in 2019, and while no member of the band – past or present – wrote this, they perform it like they did. Best of all, though, it’s a reminder that, while poverty is an inescapable reality for some, it need not define who they are. - ZK
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#8
Miranda Lambert, "Settling Down"

A remarkable balance of hope, contemplation, and melancholy that finds Lambert in peak form as a performer. An exellent hook and a melodic structure that begs for repeat listens. Lambert's best single in years, which says something for an artist of her consistency and excellence. - MM
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#7
Taylor Swift, "betty"


In my view the most impressive single of the year. Well-structured and with excellent character and perspective development, "betty" showcases Swift's knack for storytelling and evocation in a way that puts her well above her peers. The harmonicas and acoustic backdrop make for an irresistable record. Just so, so good and is perhaps Swift's best ever country release. - MM
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#6
Mickey Guyton, "Black Like Me"

Arguably the most important song of 2020 – a call for empathy from white listeners to understand the struggles Mickey Guyton – as well as others in the black community – struggle with daily. The specific proof for Guyton is evident in country radio’s chilly reception toward her thus far, but there’s also the struggles we don’t – and haven’t – seen that define this recording. It’s easy to say a recording resonated even more strongly in a given year, but in 2020, this absolutely did. It’s not the point where anyone should have jumped on the Guyton bandwagon, but hey, better late than never. Let’s keep it going. - ZK
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#5
Eric Church, "Stick That In Your Country Song"

Whereas Eric Church’s Desperate Man album era found him at a loss for words for how to navigate the current cultural climate, “Stick That in Your Country Song” is the result of him finding what he wanted – and needed – to say. Granted, the actual message is a bit scattered, but for anyone who saw our “worst of” list, it’s refreshing to hear an artist fed up with songs and artists that say nothing, coming from one who is ready to hold them accountable. It’s Church at his angriest, and we’re all the better for it. - ZK
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#4
Ingrid Andress, "The Stranger"

Andress once again shows her vocal and songwriting prowess on "The Stranger". It's an interesting take on a fizzling relationship that feels both polished and earnest. Memorable hook, electric performance, and a lush backdrop makes for another killer record from one of the most promising talents in mainstream country music. - MM
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#3
Chris Stapleton, "Starting Over"

Bombastic, no, but tremendous nonetheless. Stapleton dials it down here, but the simplicity works. It's a refreshing, breezy track that hits all the intended notes. Stapleton is in top form and the melody hooks you in instantly. Exellent stuff and a nice welcome back for Stapleton. - MM
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#2
Eric Church, "Hell of a View"

Scattered and inconsistent as they were, Eric Church’s run of singles this year was, at the very least, fascinating. It’s ironic, then, that his best single of the year was one of his most straightforward and simplest yet. It’s a fairly standard tale of devotion, but one bolstered by its deeper production balance that offers a surprising amount of ragged punch to the simultaneous joy and anguish of “making it” thus far. It’s a song that sounds weary yet still has the energy left to push on through, and if that wasn’t far too relatable this year, I don’t know what was. - ZK
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#1
Mickey Guyton, "What Are You Gonna Tell Her?"

I guess I understand the cold reception this received from country radio in April, given the subject matter and how they’ve generally received Mickey Guyton thus far. I mean, I guess I should say I don’t get it, so much as I’m just not surprised. But now, in the aftermath of the year she had? There’s no excuse. Yet “What Are You Gonna Tell Her” rolls on anyway, a brutally honest blow to any woman who’d dare dream for higher aspirations … because society has failed them time and time again, and you can’t blame someone who gives in to fatigue after maintaining hope for so long. But it’s also a bit more universal in its message of sex and race, not to mention that hard work isn’t necessarily the key driver for success anymore for many, if it ever really was. In an industry where it’s been proven – with data, I might add – that the deck is stacked against female artists and artists of color, especially at country radio, it hits a little too hard, especially when it’s, you know, Mickey Guyton behind the microphone. It’s the best single of the year that wasn’t a radio hit - it never even charted, actually - and that’s proof enough of why we need to try and do better in 2021. - ZK
1 Comment

Top 20 Singles Of 2017

1/6/2018

2 Comments

 
After our Worst-Of lists yesterday, let's take a look at what dominated our year musically with our Best-Of list! Here's to another year of great music in 2018!
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#20
Brothers Osborne, "It Ain't My Fault"


It’s not the most intelligent single of the year, but what it lacks in that area it more than makes up for in boot stomping energy and attitude. John Osborne’s fiery guitar solo is pretty killer, and to hear TJ Osborne sing in his usual lower register helps to give this song a lot of gritty passion. Heck, they're already dethroned Florida Georgia Line as the vocal duo of the year, and between that and their new single, "Shoot Me Straight", I for one am VERY excited to see what 2018 has in store for Brothers Osborne. - Zackary Kephart

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#19
​Midland, "Drinkin' Problem"

There was no bigger debut artist on Country radio in 2017 than Texas trio, Midland. Their debut single reached #1 on Mediabase, which isn’t shocking for a Big Machine Records promoted artist, but considering “Drinkin’ Problem” is a total throwback country song, it stood out on 2017 country radio.

It’s a typical country song about drinking from the title and first few lines, but once the chorus starts, the listener realizes that this song’s lyrical cleverness was hard to match from other 2017 singles.

“They keep on talkin', drawing conclusions, they call it a problem, I call it a solution”

It’s not a good song because it was a traditional song on 2017 radio. It’s a good song because it’s execution in instrumentation, production and lyrics were excellent and Midland slides into our 2017 best of list. - Chris Baggs



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#18
​Luke Combs, "When It Rains It Pours"

One listen to the second single from Sony Music Nashville artist Luke Combs and you’re immediately transported back to early 2000’s country radio; its sound and subject reminds me of country radio from 15 years ago, especially Blake Shelton’s “Playboys Of The Southwestern World,” which hit the top 30 in 2003…only Luke’s was a huge #1 single in 2017.

“When It Rains It Pours” is a descriptive story about a narrator that hits a massive streak of good luck after his girl leaves him. The song’s series of events reads more the stuff of fantasy but songs that can transport the listener to another world, are a winner in my book. Country music has its share of making the most out of a breakup. Combs’ hit single proves a funny song can also crack our best -f lists. - CB
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#17
​Charlie Worsham, "Cut Your Groove"


Yeah, it’s kind of a sappy, crappy motivational “do your thing” song. However, much like Eric Church did with “Record Year”, Charlie Worsham frames a familiar concept around musical language, and that makes for more interesting examples, one-liners and overall flow as well. Charlie also went a little more soulful for his latest album, and that often resulted in songs with very luscious, sometimes elegant production. With those crisp horns and solid acoustic melody bolstering the song, it's a shame that this couldn't have been a hit, because it's one of Charlie's best. - ZK

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#16
​John Mayer, "In The Blood"


​John Mayer gave us one of the biggest surprises of the year, delivering a top-flight country single to radio. While not a success commercially, "In the Blood" is an exceptional display of depth, emotion, and authenticity, depicting familial bonds in relation to personal profile. Backed by a largely acoustic production and a stellar vocal, Mayer absolutely knocked this one out of the park. - Markus Meyer

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#15
Brett Young, "In Case You Didn't Know"

We all know the saying, “where words fail, music speaks,” but there aren’t many songs as good at letting a person let their significant other know how they really feel, than Brett Young’s mega-hit “In Case You Didn’t Know.”
“Baby I know that you've been wondering, mmm, so here goes nothing, in case you didn't know, baby I'm crazy bout you, and I would be lying if I said, that I could live this life without you, even though I don't tell you all the time, you had my heart a long, long time ago, in case you didn't know”.

The song’s production and instrumentation don’t overdo it, which is appropriate for this track. I know it says exactly how I feel about my girlfriend and I’m sure millions of others felt the same. His debut album isn’t perfection, but this song’s message is. - CB
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#14
Trace Adkins, "Watered Down"


If you were to look in a dictionary and look up "hit and miss", I'm pretty sure you'd see a picture of Trace Adkins. While he has released a lot of questionable singles in his time, songs like "Watered Down" also show that Trace has recorded some of the best the genre has to offer. The production is crisp and warm, inviting you in with the tasteful instrumentation. Moreover, it’s refreshing to hear someone looking forward to the days ahead rather than try and capture their youth. That's not even the only time we'll see that on this list! Regardless, Trace was on point with this track, and it deserves to be praised. - ZK

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#13
​Midland, "Make A Little"

Midland make’s our list again with the sophomore single from their debut album, On The Rocks.
This catchy tune reminds those who remember, the days of 80’s and 90’s Country radio; perhaps something Dwight Yoakam would record back in his prime.
“Make a Little” doesn’t come close to reinventing the wheel from a lyrical standpoint but it’s subtle charm in those lyrics and throwback sound, which doesn’t rely on drum loops or a throbbing backbeat, makes the listener realize there is a place on mainstream country radio for actual country music. Get up and two-step! - CB
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#12
Carly Pearce, "Every Little Thing"

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​Carly Pearce broke onto the scene this year with what is an exceptional single in "Every Little Thing". Atmospheric and raw, the record thrives in exuding emotion. Pearce demonstrates strong vocal and evocative talent, making for a thoroughly enjoyable record from an act to keep an eye on. - MM

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#11
​Runaway June, "Wild West"


We’ve heard the western clichés before and to be honest, “Wild West” by Wheelhouse Records trio Runaway June hits on most of them.
However, the rest of the track is pretty close to perfection as a 2017 country radio single can get. The song thrives on a sound that is reminiscent of early-to-mid 2000’s country radio, led by plenty of steel guitar and fiddle, which take a listener back to old western America.
But the song thrives the most with its superb melody and beautiful vocals by lead vocalist Naomi Cooke. Her delivery is spot-on with every note and make it an easy entry into our best list. - CB


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#10
​Brad Paisley, "Last Time For Everything"


What sucks about this year's list is that a lot of these songs signal the beginning of the end for some artists, and unfortunately when it comes to his chart success, Brad Paisley is in that club. Simply put, this deserved far better than its paltry top twenty peak. The song is also one of his best singles in quite some time. It tackles the feeling of life never slowing down from a unique perspective with a great hook, and considering Brad’s own career, a lot of the references made here (such as the Prince one) feel earned. Radio might not appreciate you anymore, Brad. However, if you keep putting out quality stuff such as this, I'm sure the fans will reward you. - ZK

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#9
Montgomery Gentry, "Better Me"

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​Enhanced by the tragedy surrounding Troy Gentry earlier in 2017, "Better Me" is absolutely one of the duo's strongest efforts in some time. A lesson is self-reflection and improvement, "Better Me" is a record that exudes hope. Backed by a restrained country-rock production, it's well worth your time to give this one a listen. - MM

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#8
Lee Brice, "Boy"


Lee Brice could have easily played his comeback as safe. After all, his last two singles didn't connect nearly as much as past hits. However, Lee Brice returned in a big way this summer when he released "Boy". Sure, the theme is simple and has been done numerous times in Country music. However, it’s not so much reassuring his boy through false promises that everything’s going to be magically alright everyday. It’s about reassuring him that there are natural phases of life that he’ll experience as well as be able to watch when he has his own boy. The song even gives enough of a clue to insinuate that the learning process doesn’t end at parenting. Welcome back, Lee. It's good to have you. - ZK

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#7
Chris Stapleton, "Broken Halos"


Chris Stapleton takes a lyric of depth and emotion, and makes it truly exceptional with his powerhouse vocal. Wrapping a song about remembering those that have passed with a passionate vocal and an acoustic production, "Broken Halos" is an absolutely outstanding record. - MM​

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#6
​Luke Bryan, "Fast"

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​What Luke Bryan gave us with "Fast" is one of his finest moments. It's a reflective record that tells us to live life to the fullest, because it can fly by. Bryan puts in a top-notch vocal performance, and is enhanced by a melancholic, restrained production. This is the stuff Bryan should be producing with his platform as an A-list mainstream act. - MM

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#5
Miranda Lambert, "Tin Man"

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"Tin Man" finds Miranda Lambert at her absolute best. Vulnerable, intelligent, and impassioned, it's a record that encompasses country music's best traits. As good as her rocking up-tempos can be, Lambert is an artist that's at her best when subdued, and nowhere is that better showcased than here on one of the year's finest moments. - MM

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#4
Alan Jackson, "The Older I Get"


As artists grow older, we don't expect as much out of them. After all, they already gave us their best during their prime. More often than not though, artists will sometimes release quality singles that match up with their best long after the spotlight is gone. Alan Jackson hasn't had a number one hit in nearly a decade (wow does that hurt to say), but as he sings about in "The Older I Get", he's not bitter about his days ahead. He's looking forward to them in a way that puts a different spin on the whole "growing older" theme in country music. Alan Jackson is the artist we don't deserve, and yet our lives are instantly made better by his music. - ZK

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#3
​Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill, "Dear Hate"


While this may be the only song that was never an “official” single, we'd be remiss not to at least mention it. 2017 was marred with a diverse number of tragedies which unfortunately included mass shootings. Granted, nobody can stop a natural disaster, but man-made ones such as those shouldn’t be allowed to happen. Maybe it is “cheesy” to say that love’s going to conquer all at the end of the day, but at the end of the day when we’re reminded of the life we’re given and the people who we’ve been blessed to know, you certainly can’t say hate is going to dominate our lives or choose how we live. That’s the message of this song. - ZK

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#2
​Thomas Rhett, "Marry Me"

​Despite a reputation as a run-of-the-mill bro, Rhett demonstrated true growth with his 2017 album Life Changes, and with "Marry Me", we have the finest track off said album. A devastating song with a clever twist, revealing that the narrator failed to act on his love for the woman in question. With a crisp pop-country production backing it up, and evocative performance from Rhett, we get what was my favorite single of the year, and the best of his career to-date. - MM

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#1
Jon Pardi, "She Ain't In It"


Not many artists were hotter on Country radio in 2017 than Jon Pardi of UMG Nashville.
Pardi followed up a couple huge upbeat #1 singles (“Dirt On My Boots” and “Heartache On The Dance Floor”) with the fourth single from California Sunrise, a powerful throwback sounding tune, with painful lyrics that addresses a man trying to eliminate the memory of his lost relationship.
The song relies on laidback production and a haunting fiddle, accompanied by a steel guitar solo that George Strait would be proud of. Pardi’s vocals aren’t the best but they’re unique, and his delivery of this song drives it home as one of the year’s best singles. - CB



2 Comments

Song Review: Jon Pardi - "She Ain't In It"

10/12/2017

1 Comment

 
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I've been critical of the singles released thus far from Jon Pardi's California Sunrise. Sure, I was glad to see him gain some much deserved success, but not with terrible songs like “Dirt On My Boots” or “Heartache On The Dance Floor”. I mean, no offense to Jon, but you can't just release catchy ditties all throughout your career. Eventually you need to show that you're more than that.

Well halle-freakin'-lujah folks, it looks like my prayers have been answered. I explained why I thought “She Ain't In It” would make for a great single, and it seems like we've finally got what is easily the best song released to radio in a long time.

Now, I'm no purist. Sure, I used to go around hammering folks like Sam Hunt and Florida Georgia Line for not being “real country”, but truth be told I like Country music of all shapes and sizes. Still, there's just something about hearing some lush steel guitar and fiddle (that sounds like it belongs in a George Strait song) that gets me all excited. The back and forth motion of the steel guitar that creeps up after the hook is a nice touch. Sure, I could go on about how great it sounds, but like other country songs as of late such as “Make A Little” or “When It Rains It Pours”, this feels like someone rode in a time machine back to the 90's and brought it here to 2017. I'd never praise a song strictly for being country, but this just has such a relaxed, melancholy, rich feel to it. .

We'll never hail Jon Pardi for being a great singer (probably ever). However, on this song he honestly feels pretty comfortable in his range. He's not shouting like he has been on his past singles. Instead, he's actually doing an excellent job of playing the heartbroken, sad guy. Sure, the sound is nice, but even in terms of sheer vocals, this is Pardi's best single to date.

Lyrically it explores the ever famous theme in country music of heartbreak, but I think there's a little more to it than that. I mean, the narrator thinks he can finally go out and enjoy life again just as long as he doesn't think of his past lover. However, the fact that he's saying how much he needs to not think about her means he is thinking about her, and it's a nice subtle detail about how much this heartbreak is torturing him.

In short, Jon Pardi really did need to release this single now considering the momentum he has right now. Sure, a fun ditty such as “Cowboy Hat” wouldn't have been egregious by any means, but “She Ain't In It” is the type of song that will do more good than bad for Jon despite its eventual chart peak. Like I said, it's the best thing at radio right now, and it's good to be rooting for this guy again.

Grade: A
Listen: "She Ain't In It"


Author: Zackary Kephart

1 Comment

Single Review: Jon Pardi - "Dirt On My Boots"

11/1/2016

0 Comments

 
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So as I said in my review of Midland’s newest EP, it seems as though Nashville is experiencing somewhat of a revival in authentic country music in the mainstream. From the looks of emerging young acts to even a few industry veterans taking charge of a more mature sound, mainstream country music seems to be on the right path.

One of the biggest leaders of this movement has arguably been Jon Pardi. Back when every male country start was recording bro-country songs back in 2014 set to loud rock guitars, Jon kept his music in a slightly more traditional vein. Actually, it was more like an authentic fusion of neo-traditional country with rock and roll.

Jon finally caught some success earlier this year when his song, “Head Over Boots” became his first number one hit, a sign of hard work and a determination to stick to one’s roots.

As for my opinion on the guy, I’m not quite sure what to think. I really liked his debut album a lot, but his latest album, California Sunrise was more of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand you had genuinely great songs like the title track and “Outta Style” to the downright incredible “She Ain’t In It”. On the other however, you also had way too many songs playing it safe along with a few noticeable duds. One of the few duds on that album was his current single, “Dirt On My Boots”.

Many have been quick to point to this song’s sound as its biggest offense, and that’s fair. It’s got a hip-hop beat all while being accompanied by a fiddle. That’s not a pleasant combination in country music unless your name is Yelawolf. However, there’s also a pretty great, bombastic guitar solo that may be one of the few redeeming factors of this song. Hey, at least it’s got SOME bite to it.

My pick for the biggest offense of this song however is the lyrics. For God’s sake, quit telling us about how country you are and how you can’t get too fancy for a night on the town because you’re so country. No, just no. I suppose it’s inoffensive as a theme, but the delivery just comes across sloppily. There’s absolutely no meat to this song outside of that guitar solo I mentioned.

I’m glad this is shaping up to become a huge hit for Pardi. I just wish he could have this same impact with another song off of his album. This is beneath his talent. 

Grade: D
Listen: "Dirt On My Boots"


Author: ​Zackary Kephart


0 Comments

Single Review: Jon Pardi- "What I Can't Put Down"

8/7/2014

0 Comments

 
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A country-rocker that's firmly planted on the country side of the fence. Jon Pardi is bringing the honky-tonk style back and I'm loving it.

"What I Can't Put Down" is fun, rocking country music, but not at the expense of lyrical quality. "What I Can't Put Down" tackles the lyrical theme of always getting into things that you can't give up, some of them possessing consequences (cigarettes) whereas other have changed the narrators life for the better (getting into performing music).  
Pardi sounds fully in control here, attacking the content with the right amount of bounciness and authenticity to keep it both fun and real at the same time.
The production is equal parts modern and traditional, keeping a good balance between the electric guitars and the steel guitars while making him stand out among his peers.

If his debut album, Write You a Song, is a sign of things to come for Pardi, we may have a keeper on our hands. Jon Pardi is here to stay man.

Grade: B+
Listen: "What I Can't Put Down"


0 Comments

Summer Single Round-Up

6/22/2013

2 Comments

 
With summer just around the corner, I decided we should like at some fun, summery tunes that have been released recently. (Sorry for no full length reviews lately. Been busy and we cover more ground this way).

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Zac Brown Band- "Jump Right In"

Fun, catchy and infectious. ZBB remains among the top acts for summer singles. And bongos. You really can't go wrong with bongos.

Grade: B+

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Jason Blaine- "Rock It Country Girl"

Pretty much "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)" minus the ultra catchy chorus which made the song memorable. Dissapointing coming from an artist who is usually so consistent.

Grade: C


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Randy Houser- "Runnin' Outta Moonlight"

There are some vocalists who can make the most boring of material sound better than it actually is. Randy Houser is among them. Another backwoods love scene, but that voice.....

Grade: B

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Jon Pardi- "Up All Night"

If there's one thing Pardi has proved thus far, it's that he can inject personality into 'meh' material, even if he's not the strongest of vocalists.
If he could add personality to quality material, he has the potential to be very good artist for years to come.

Grade: B-

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Florida Georgia Line (feat. Nelly)- "Cruise" [Remix]

Still catchy, and Nelly doesn't ruin it, but it's far too polished which takes away some of the magic of the original.

Grade: C+

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Kenny Chesney- "When I See This Bar"

Nice groove. One of his more stripped down singles. But this beach act was old a LONG time ago.

Grade: C

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Dallas Smith- "Nothing But Summer"

His rock roots are showing but vivid imagery and solid performance makes it shine through.

Grade: B

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Blake Shelton (feat. Pistol Annies and Friends)- "Boys 'Round Here"

Good instrumentation, stupid lyrics, goofy performance, cliched, I don't know.

Grade: ?

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Thompson Square- "Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking About"

Cute, fun and flirty. I hope they put more depth into their songs soon, but for now I'll keep enoying their pleasant fluff.

Grade: B

2 Comments

3 Up, 3 Down

5/24/2013

2 Comments

 
(Credit to 'Farce the Music' for this idea).

3 Up
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Love and Theft- "If You Ever Get Lonely"

Easily their most mature single to date. Outstanding vocal harmonies. They have easily 2 of the most underrated voices in the genre. Killer country-pop.

Grade: A-

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Keith Urban- "Little Bit Of Everything"

Ear candy? Yes. But man it's tasty. Keith Urban doing what he does best.

Grade: B

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Dean Brody- "Dirt"

Cleverly written, well produced and fantastically sung. Love the idea of building a song around dirt. Genius. Brody remains Canadas best kept secret.

Grade: A



3 Down
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Chris Young- "Aw Naw"

Youngs voice does not work for party songs. Ballads, mid-tempos, love songs, sure. But please leave the partying to Dierks, Blake, Luke and FGL next time. Thankyou. (At least it's well sung).

Grade: C-

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Joel Crouse- "If You Want Some"

Sub-par lyrics and an average melody don't help, but the vocals+performance kill it. It doesn't even sound like he cares, so why should I care? Not to mention the nassaly vocals, which has worked numerous times, but Crouse doesn't have the belivability of Jon Pardi or Tyler Hubbard, nor the distinction of Eric Church or Jennifer Nettles.

Grade: D+

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 Craig Morgan- "More Trucks Than Cars"

Backside of the city limit, water tower, power line, swimming holes, county fairs, ford truck, kickin' up dust, biscuits, gravy, waitress calls you baby (there's a new one!), hell ya, amen, yee'haw, city limit sign. Lol. He's desperate.

Grade: F


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