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Top 20 Singles of 2020

12/10/2020

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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
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Single Review: Sugarland (feat. Taylor Swift) - "Babe"

4/26/2018

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While it seems a little cheap to rely on Taylor Swift to truly seize a comeback hit after "Still The Same" didn't exactly live up to the hype, at least this is a pretty decent song ... even if it has so much going against it. 

The song starts with a loud clapping beat, and considering the acoustic riff that accompanies it isn't all that exciting, it's fair to call the production fairly stale, which is why I didn't really care for "Still The Same." 

Another knock to make is in the writing, mainly because it's a pretty plain kiss-off song that we've heard from Swift before. It's fine I guess, but there's not really a story as to what the ex-lover in question actually did that was so wrong. It seems like I repeat myself with this time and time again, but fleshing out the story always helps to add more meat to a song. 

On top of that, Swift doesn't really contribute a whole lot of anything to the track other than singing "this is the last time" a bunch of times. I think even Kristian Bush got as much time as she did. Plus, the hook is fairly unmemorable, as the lover in question could be "babe," "honey," "bunky," "sugarmuffin," or in this case, likely something far worse. 

With all of these criticisms, I can't understand for the life of me why I don't think this is so bad. Honestly, it just might come down to Nettles herself. While the production is stale, it also stays out of the way to let her work her vocal magic and deliver a dynamite performance, and the chorus is fairly catchy as well even if it's lacking lyrically. 

Overall, "Babe" is an enjoyable, but ultimately lacking song that only fully utilizes one of the three artists involved with this. Still, it works in spite of its flaws, so if you're curious, it's worth a listen. 

Grade: B-
Listen: "Babe"

Author: Zackary Kephart

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Single Review: Taylor Swift - "New Year's Day"

1/12/2018

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Is Taylor Swift still Pop? Is she going back to Country? Is this song at least going to be more Country than Sam Hunt? Well, at least we can answer one of those. Kidding aside, I never thought I'd be blogging about Taylor Swift despite her history in Country music. Granted, I enjoyed a fair amount of her material from her time in the genre, so I wasn't necessarily opposed to hearing something from her hit the Country airwaves once more. By that same token though, I also get what a "Country" single from a Pop star actually sounds like these days (hint: still not Country). Still, I figured I'd retain my optimism and go into this hoping to be surprised. 

I'll admit, I was certainly surprised, but not for the right reasons. My surprise lies in the fact that this is incredibly stripped back, even for Taylor Swift's Country standards. In fact, aside from piano and some organ that pops up during the bridge, there's literally nothing else here. It's definitely setting up to be a lot more vulnerable, and whether or not it sticks that landing we'll be getting to. I will say that the constant stopping and starting of the piano play to utter the words out during the verses is a bit distracting. A fellow critic also pointed out an interesting note when he stated that the song feels a shade too low for Swift's range. I agree. It's almost as if she's whispering most of the time. While I do get why they're doing it (again, they're trying to be more vulnerable), it's not exactly a good fit for her voice. 

That brings us to the last element of the song, and honestly the writing is probably the most interesting thing about this song. Don't get me wrong, it's nothing revolutionary. It's just her reflection on a post party romance, and considering the aforementioned elements don't stick the landing all the way, they do at least serve to set a more intimate and better scene that the writing implies by itself. To be fair, Taylor Swift is a great writer, and the song is definitely loaded with clever one-liners and descriptors that go beneath the surface level. It also does a great job of highlighting her pain knowing that the one-time fling will always be just that even if she wants something more. 

So overall, "New Year's Day" is a song that's setting up for something grand and ultimately comes up short even if there are more good things to say than bad. Still, even if I don't agree with Taylor or her label double dipping as far as genre goes, there's worse things to hear on Country radio. 

Grade: B-
Listen: "New Year's Day"


Author: Zackary Kephart

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Single Review: Kelleigh Bannen- "Famous"

1/29/2014

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Kelleigh Bannen's debut single "Sorry On The Rocks" was actually pretty good, but made no impact on the charts. I should have seen it coming, but her new single "Famous" is a disappointment to say the least.

"Famous" comes across as a desperate attempt to replicate the success of pop-country offerings from genre megastars Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. 

And while the two aforementioned artists do tend to lean to the pop side of the pop-country fence, they're (usually) well produced and maintain the occasional country element. "Famous" is pure pop. Not even remotely close to country music. It's overproduced and distorted vocals that would make "Drink To That All Night" proud.

Throw in a grating melody and a whiny performance that recalls some of Swift's worst work and you have a dud of a single.


Grade: D

Listen: "Famous"

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2013 CMA Award Predictions

11/2/2013

1 Comment

 
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For this set of predictions, myself and new writer sabre14 will be making our predictions and picks (Gator is busy so he is unable to join us this time).



Entertainer

Should win:


Taylor Swift
Jason Aldean
George Strait - MM, S14
Blake Shelton
Luke Bryan


Will win:



Taylor Swift
Jason Aldean
George Strait - MM
Blake Shelton
Luke Bryan - S14



Markus:  George will get sympathy votes from voters. Not to mention he's put out the best music of these 5.


sabre14: I just don't have faith George will get enough votes here to overtake Luke. His album is better, and he had a great first leg of his farewell tour. But the massive sales of Luke will be too much in the end.






Male Vocalist


Should win:

Blake Shelton
Jason Aldean - MM
Luke Bryan - S14
Keith Urban
Eric Church


Will win:

Blake Shelton - S14
Jason Aldean 
Luke Bryan - MM
Keith Urban
Eric Church


Markus: If "Fuse" had been released within the eligibility period, Urban would have been my should win by a landslide and Church is my favorite of the bunch but he hasn't done much this year. So I guess I'll go with Aldean. This is Bryan's to lose though.

sabre14: I think the voters will lean Blake purely for the fact of his success of his television appeal coupled with his album being out longer than Luke's. I have to go with my gut on this one.





Female Vocalist

Should win:

Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert - S14
Carrie Underwood
Kacey Musgraves - MM
Kelly Clarkson


Will win:

Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood - MM, S14
Kacey Musgraves
Kelly Clarkson


Markus: This one is probably the most competitive group, for both picks. Underwood and Lambert have both released material among their career best this year, but Musgraves' album is too good to overlook. I could see any of them, Clarkson aside, winning this. Swift is the biggest name, Lambert is always a safe bet, Underwood has had a monster year and Musgraves has the critical acclaim. I guess I'll go with CU but wouldn't be suprised to see it go to the one of the aforementioned three.

sabre14: I feel Miranda has the perfect combo of great artistic music along with the success to go with it. But Carrie has the better chart numbers therefore she will win.





Vocal Duo of the Year

Should win:


Big & Rich
Thompson Square - S14
Florida Georgia Line
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars - MM

Will win:

Big & Rich
Thompson Square
Florida Georgia Line - MM, S14
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars 


Markus: A weak year for this category? What a shocker. In all seriousness, if FGL hadn't been arguably the most dominant artist in the format this past year, TCW would have a fighting chance by virtue that they released an album, which is more than B&R or Sugarland have done.


sabre14: Pretty cut and dry category. Thompson Squares album is better and makes better music. FGL have had 3 chart toppers and the digital and album sales to justify them winning.







New Artist of the year

Should win:


Florida Georgia Line
Lee Brice
Kip Moore - MM, S14
Kacey Musgraves
Brett Eldredge

Will win:

Florida Georgia Line - MM, S14
Lee Brice
Kip Moore
Kacey Musgraves
Brett Eldredge


Markus: Probably the best quality wise. I don't really consider Brice a new artist anymore though. I liked FGL's and Brett's debuts, but not quite to the extent I liked the other 2's. I'll give the should to Moore by the slightest of margins. FloGaLine takes this though.


sabre14: This will be my personal favorite of the evening. Kip had a great Album coupled with a string of chart toppers. But I would not be shocked to see the voters give more love than we think to Kacey or Lee. In the end I'll go with FGL with the transcending impact they have made in country music wether I like it or not










Vocal Group of the year

Should win:


Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry - MM
Zac Brown Band - S14


Will win: 

Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town - MM
The Band Perry - S14
Zac Brown Band


Markus: "Pioneer" is one of my favorite albums of the year. So they get my should win. I'm still gonna say LBT takes this though, but TBP are gonna start taking these home.


sabre14: I think the time has come for The Band Perry in this category, even though Zac Brown Band made a stellar album and two number one hits.






Vocal Event

Should win:


Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly, “Cruise”
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” - MM, S14
Blake Shelton feat. Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
Kelly Clarkson feat. Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
Jason Aldean feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know”

Will win:

Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly, “Cruise”
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” - MM, S14
Blake Shelton feat. Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
Kelly Clarkson feat. Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
Jason Aldean feat. Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know”


Markus: Pretty competitive this year for a change. 3 of these were #1 hits, the other is huge pop hit and one features two big names. I'll give "HDC" both of them though.

sabre14: To me this song was the best song out of these choices and it was the biggest country hit this year. Pretty simple if you ask me.










Album of the year

Should win:


Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
Taylor Swift, Red
Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer, Different Park - MM, S14
Little Big Town, Tornado


Will win:

Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
Carrie Underwood, Blown Away
Taylor Swift, Red
Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer, Different Park - MM, S14
Little Big Town, Tornado


Markus: I can't be the only one suprised "Uncaged" and "Night Train" have been completely snubbed at both the ACM/CMA'S so far. This one is close between Kacey and LBT for me but I'll give it to Kacey, who will also win.


sabre14: This one they will get right. Kaceys album was the most unique and well done record this year and I have a feeling the CMA's will see the same thing.







Single of the year

Should win: 


Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” - MM, S14
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”


Will win:

Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” - MM, S14
Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”



Markus: Say what you will about FGL or "Cruise", but it would be unfair to not give them single of the year.


sabre14: This was the biggest hit on all the charts this year, and sold like crazy. This one has to go to "Cruise"






Song of the year

Should win:


Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round” - MM, S14
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”

Will win:

Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck” - MM
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round” - S14
Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”


Markus: Pretty good "Pontoon" aside. It's close for me between Lee's, Kacey's and Miranda's but I'll give "MGR" the slight edge. "IDYT" takes it though. It touched so many people.

sabre14: If this doesn't win It will be a travesty. Kaceys song was the best song in terms of writing a different impactful yet, putting it in a subtle way to get her message across, and I would think the voters will agree.
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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

ACM Award Nominees+Predictions

2/20/2013

0 Comments

 
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Entertainer

Should win:

Jason Aldean- MM
Blake Shelton
Miranda Lambert- GP
Luke Bryan
Taylor Swift


Will win:

Jason Aldean
Blake Shelton- GP
Miranda Lambert
Luke Bryan
Taylor Swift- MM

Markus:
Meh, went with Aldean because he released "Fly Over States". Swift will win due to fan-voting. 

Gator: Just because, despite her bad year, Miranda is still my favorite. Blake will because he just won't stop it seems.

Male Vocalist

Should win:

Luke Bryan
Jason Aldean
Eric Church- MM, GP
Toby Keith
Blake Shelton


Will win:

Luke Bryan
Jason Aldean
Eric Church- GP
Toby Keith
Blake Shelton- MM

Markus:
Church has released the best music, but I wouldn't bet against Shelton. I like the Toby Keith nom.

Gator: I agree Church has the best music but I think he will win because the ACM's can be pretty adventurous


Female Vocalist

Should win:

Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood- MM, GP
Kacey Musgraves


Will win:

Taylor Swift
Miranda Lambert- MM
Martina McBride
Carrie Underwood- GP
Kacey Musgraves


Markus: Why is McBride even nominated? Anyways, I'm not an Underwood fan, but she has released some of the best music of her career, along with a great album. Too bad I can't see Lambert losing.

Gator: Carrie by far has the best vocals in the category and with her great commercial and critical year I think its hers to lose.


Duo

Should win:

Florida Georgia Line
Big & Rich
Thompson Square- MM
Sugarland
Love and Theft


Will win:

Florida Georgia Line- MM, GP
Big & Rich
Thompson Square
Sugarland
Love and Theft


Markus: TS has released "Glass" and "If I Didn't Have You". Two excellent singles. But FGL has dat "Cruise" momentum.

Gator: I don't think any should win and that they should combine this category with group but i suppose it will go to Florida-Georgia Line


Group

Should win:

Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
The Band Perry
Little Big Town- GP
Zac Brown Band- MM


Will win:

Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
The Band Perry
Little Big Town- MM, GP
Zac Brown Band


Markus: It's the LBT era now. So they'll win. But I'm rooting for ZBB all the way!

Gator: This time next year I'll be voting for The Band Perry most likely, but since it's not, I'll go with Little BIg Town because they've been good quality and great commercially.

Single

Should win:

Little Big Town- 'Pontoon'
Miranda Lambert- 'Over You'
Eli Young Band- 'Even If It Breaks Your Heart'
Eric Church- 'Springsteen'- MM, GP
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'


Will win:

Little Big Town- 'Pontoon'- MM, GP
Miranda Lambert- 'Over You'
Eli Young Band- 'Even If It Breaks Your Heart'
Eric Church- 'Springsteen'
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'


Markus: 'Springsteen' is by far my favorite. But I can't seem them passing on 'Pontoon' after the CMA's and Grammy's didn't. It's not like the ACM's have ever been creative.  

Gator: I like Church's the best but I don't think "Pontoon" is as bad as people try to make it out. I can handle it winning,


Song

Should win:

Miranda Lambert- 'Over You'
Eli Young Band- 'Even If It Breaks Your Heart'
Eric Church- 'Springsteen'- MM, GP
Lee Brice- 'A Woman Like You'
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'


Will win:

Miranda Lambert- 'Over You'- MM, GP
Eli Young Band- 'Even If It Breaks Your Heart'
Eric Church- 'Springsteen'
Lee Brice- 'A Woman Like You'
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'


Markus: 'Springsteen' is legendary, but will lose to 'Over You'. *sigh*.

Gator: One final nomination for "Over You" and one final victory. I've got to say it has grown on me with all this belated attention.


Vocal event

Should win:

Kelly Clarkson & Vince Gill- 'Don't Rush'- GP
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw- 'Feel Like A Rockstar'
Rascal Flatts & Natasha Bedingfield- 'Easy'- MM
Jason Aldean, Eric Church & Luke Bryan- 'The Only Way I Know'
David Nail & Sarah Buxton- 'Let It Rain'


Will win:

Kelly Clarkson & Vince Gill- 'Don't Rush'
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw- 'Feel Like A Rockstar'
Rascal Flatts & Natasha Bedingfield- 'Easy'
Jason Aldean, Eric Church & Luke Bryan- 'The Only Way I Know'- MM, GP
David Nail & Sarah Buxton- 'Let It Rain'


Markus: None of them blow me away, but 'Easy' is my fave. Though, I guarantee 'The Only Way I Know' will win.

Gator: I think Vince and Kelly are the best (and if this was the Grammy's it would have a chance) but the star power is too much to bypass here.


Album
 
Should win:

Taylor Swift- 'Red'
Eric Church- 'Chief'- MM
Carrie Underwood- 'Blown Away'- GP
Luke Bryan- 'Tailgates and Tanlines'
Little Big Town- 'Tornado'


Will win:

Taylor Swift- 'Red'
Eric Church- 'Chief'- MM, GP
Carrie Underwood- 'Blown Away'
Luke Bryan- 'Tailgates and Tanlines'
Little Big Town- 'Tornado'
 

Markus: 'Chief' is my fave and I also have a feeling it will win.

Gator: Underwood did some great stuff and was the biggest step forward, but I don't see her picking it up over Church.



New Artist

Should win:
 
Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert- MM
Jana Kramer - GP

Will win: 

Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert- MM, GP
Jana Kramer

Markus: Don't love any of them, but I love "More Than Miles", so I guess I'll go with Gilbert. Oh, he will win as well.

Gator: Jana is by far the most acceptable nominee and the most interesting one. While I'd love to see her deservingly win this, I see her fiancee stepping in for the victory.


Video

Should win:
 
Eric Church- 'Creepin'
Kacey Musgraves- 'Merry Go 'Round'- GP
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'
Little Big Town- 'Tornado'
Taylor Swift- 'We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together'
Zac Brown Band- 'The Wind' - MM

Will win:

Eric Church- 'Creepin'- MM
Kacey Musgraves- 'Merry Go 'Round'- GP
Hunter Hayes- 'Wanted'
Little Big Town- 'Tornado'
Taylor Swift- 'We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together'
Zac Brown Band- 'The Wind'
 
Markus: Lol. How can you not love the video for 'The Wind'? I also like the video for 'Merry Go Round' though. I think this will go to 'Creepin' but I could see 'Wanted' taking it as well.

Gator: I personally think that Musgraves' video was an eloquent depiction of her excellent single and the fact that she is even nominated is awesome. Her somewhat surprising nomination makes me think she could win it, but I would not be surprised if Hayes sneaks in with his boyish charm.
0 Comments

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.
Picture
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-

Picture
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-

Picture
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

Picture
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

Picture
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

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