The Story So Far

The Story So Far has become maybe my favourite band in the pop-punk realm, and at first I wasn't totally sold. I'm not big on aggressive vocal styles, and lead vocalist Parker Cannon certainly veers into that lane sometimes. But with time, I’ve come to greatly appreciate their work. Their debut project, Under Soil and Dirt, is a more organic sound, showcasing big, guitar-driven hooks, and the follow-up, What You Can’t See, does the same with a more layered production scheme. Both albums are exceptionally well-crafted. Cannon is a force behind the mic, and the raw power behind near-poetic songwriting is commendable. Their best work, though, is 2018’s Proper Dose, which blends punk conventions with almost-whimsical easy-listening stylings. It’s a remarkable effort, and the one-two-three punch to open it up (“Proper Dose”, “Keep This Up”, “Out of It”) is of a quality I don’t know I have ever heard matched. I’m seeing them in May, and highly recommend checking them out.

Recommended Tracks: "Keep This Up", "Proper Dose", "Quicksand", "Small Talk", "The Glass (Acoustic)", "High Regard", "Out of It"

State Champs

If The Story So Far draws more influence from the punk side of pop punk, then State Champs are their opposite to an extent. Relying more on melodies, hooks, and the lighter vocal style of lead singer Derek DiScanio, State Champs make music that’s somewhat more accessible, though strong nonetheless. The Finer Things – widely regarded as their breakout and strongest album – masterfully blends hard guitar riffs with memorable hooks and catchy melodies. It’s a remarkably consistent album, with almost every track holding repeat value. For anyone getting into the genre, I’d consider it a must-listen. Beyond that, their acoustic EP, The Acoustic Things, is quite strong, as is their official follow-up Around the World and Back. The latter, while not hitting the highs of The Finer Things, is nonetheless solid from top to bottom, if a little glossier. Their most recent release – 2018’s Living Proof, is their weakest by a comfortable margin, veering away from the grit of their earlier work and more blatantly into mainstream pop tendencies. There are, of course, memorable moments – namely “Lightning”, “Criminal”, and “Cut Through the Static” – and DiScanio’s strength as a vocalist will always bring in a baseline level of competence, but it largely feels safe and vanilla. Regardless, State Champs became one of my favorite bands and are a solid introduction to the genre for the unfamiliar.

Recommended Tracks: "Hard to Please", "Over the Line",  "Easy Enough", "Losing Myself", "Lightning", "Deadly Conversation (Acoustic)"

Yours Truly

An Australian pop punk band that falls perfectly between the pop and punk ends of the spectrum, Yours Truly brings a somewhat rougher edge to memorable hooks and melodies. With only one studio album under their belt (along with a couple of EPs), they don’t have the discography of the other bands, but have proven themselves immensely regardless. Lead singer Mikaila Delgado is a force of talent behind the mic, bringing flair and power to each track, and showing proficiency in both subdued and high octane tracks. “Funeral Home” – a stellar track pondering end of life, and watching loved ones pass on – expertly brings forth a melancholic tone with an infectious chorus. Their whole debut project Self Care covers a range of emotions, each one tackled with attention to detail and an appropriately diverse sonic palette. They're an exceptionally talented group worth watching out for more from.

Recommended Tracks: "Funeral Home", "Ghost", "Half of Me", "High Hopes", "Circles", "When the Sky Falls Down"

Machine Gun Kelly

Yes, I am aware that this man is a clown. Every time I hear about him, he seems like a total idiot. I know nothing of his rap career and I don’t especially care to learn more. But Tickets to My Downfall --his 2020, pop-punk-infused record -- is ridiculous, and highly enjoyable. The hooks are huge, and he leans into them hard. Songs like “title track” and “concert for aliens” are over-the-top and cheesy, but also memorable in that he doesn’t hold back. He seems to have the lack of self-awareness and unhinged charisma necessary to pull off these songs. It’s not smart, but it works. And to his credit, tracks like “bloody valentine” and “forget me too”, which try to tap into something even a little deeper, are highly successful! And beyond this album itself, his 2021 release “love race”, which is influenced a bit more by alternative rock and takes on a more serious tone, and is an outstanding effort, showing maybe the slightest bit of artistic growth. I could do without the trap beats on the likes of “drunk face” and “all i know”, and this act could get old fast, but for what it is, it’s a lot of fun.

Recommended Tracks: "concert for aliens", "title track", "bloody valentine", "play this when i'm gone", "love race", "split a pill"

As December Falls

Hailing from the U.K., As December Falls is an up-and-coming pop punk band that centers their work around big, memorable hooks and the stellar vocals of Bethany Hunter. Hunter infuses their work with personality and charisma and power, enhancing already strong writing. The production always feels vibrant and original, allowing poppier sensibilities in the melodies to shine while still maintaining the presence of the driving guitars. With only two full-length albums, they still have a lot of music left in them, and their growth from their self-titled debut – which, while enjoyable, could also feel overwrought at times – to the well-rounded, coherent, and thoughtful Happier. (released in 2021) is highly impressive. An incredibly talented group to keep an eye on. ​

Recommended Tracks: "H.N.A", "Fake Company", "Happier", "Zombie", "No Money"

There’s many debates to be had in country music (boy was that a cliched opener…). Does genre even matter? What’s better – the album format or the EP format? Should artists write their own songs? How can we judge authenticity? These are a few of the debates I’ve chosen to write about during my time, and today I’m going to try and answer another question – what should artists sing about, and should it reflect their age?
This post is largely a reaction to the growing criticism around Luke Bryan’s latest single, “Light You Up” where he’s essentially obsessed with his phone and the hope that his lover might text him. Now, while what I’m about to say may sound like I’m defending Luke here, keep in mind I’m only seeking to play devil’s advocate (that is, give Luke partial credit before I go back to being against his song later on). Anyway, the absolute biggest complaint I’ve seen about this song is that it’s being sung by Luke Bryan. A song about being obsessed with a cell phone is not something a forty-one year old married male with children should be singing about. It’s immature.

Now, to branch off a bit, I’m going to talk a little more about “Light It Up” and offer some more chatter on the song before I get to my point. First of all, let’s face it – being obsessed with your cell phone these days isn’t limited to an age. Hell, I’m sure most people reading this are likely reading it from a cellular device, and most may have even clicked on the link to this piece from when I shared it on social media. It’s just the world we live in today, and that’s okay. What’s weird about this particular song is how overwrought it is. He’s obsessed with his phone because he’s hoping his lover will text him back. I mean, I get it I guess, but again, you don’t need to be in this situation to be obsessed with your phone these days. It’s not quite that dramatic.

Anyway, let’s move on. When it comes to age in country music, I think we’re looking at it all wrong. With the way modern mainstream country music is heading, it seems like different parts of your life coincide with different events that should happen. Childhood or pre-teen years? Forget about them. They don’t exist. Once you hit twenty-one it’s all good in the hood at country radio. Even though many male country artists are well above this age group, you still often hear songs sung from the perspective of a younger person looking to well…do what all twenty-one year olds obviously do – party their brains out. After twenty-one you jump right to forty-five, which in country radio terms usually means you retire and become an old fart.

Obviously real life doesn’t play out this way, nor is it the fancy lifestyle that so many artists love to clamor it up as. Still though, I’d argue that someone like Luke Bryan or Cole Swindell singing from the perspective of a younger age isn’t the problem. Really, when it comes to age in music, I view it the same way I view authenticity – we’re all just mixing it up regular old taste.

Is Luke Bryan really obsessed with his phone because of a woman? Of course not. Again, he’s married. Come on though, let’s not try and hold every artist’s feet to the fire for not living out the songs they sing. I’m going to get so much shit for this, but think about it, did Johnny Cash actually shoot a man in Reno? No, but it made for a great song. We’re coming down harder on Luke because his song simply isn’t a good song. It’s as simple as that.
Still, this age thing does make for a fascinating case study. I mean, how can someone as young as twenty-five year old Kacey Musgraves (I know she’s twenty-nine, I’m simply referring to her age at this time the following event happened) write a song as compelling and brutally honest (and dark) about small town life with “Merry Go Round”? You’d think if someone as young as her could write a song with as much depth as that then all twenty-five year olds should be able to, right? So why is it that I hear the 2011 version of Hunter Hayes (19 at the time) singing about typical topics at his age such as young love, and well….young love? Surely all young artists should be able to write a song about small town life in the same dark and depressing way as Kacey did. I do want to point out too that these artists are being used solely for the sake of example. There are many more that I could substitute in instead.

If we were to go by the “artists should act their age” model, then hell, I wonder when we’ll be getting that new George Strait song about him popping his Viagra pills. When we think of age in country music, we’re thinking of the current situation they’re in at their lives and the limitations they face at their respective ages. What really makes for a good country song isn’t necessarily one that comes from someone who acts their age, but rather someone who reflects on their experiences. In other words, someone who uses hindsight rather than the here and now.
So to answer our question about why Kacey was and is such a compelling writer at a young age, it’s because she’s obviously got a lot of experience and observations about life to craft more than just a simple love song or party song. At the time that I’m writing this, I’m twenty years old. I don’t do what a lot of people my age do. I like country music of all shapes and sizes, I don’t like parties, I like to read, I like to write, and I like to do a lot of other esoteric stuff. What can I write about?

Well, I could write about the death of a friend of mine that I experienced in my senior year of high school. Cody Jinks has a song about losing a friend called “David”. I could write a song about helping to take care of a grandmother with dementia and watching her slip farther and farther away everyday. Kenny Chesney has a song like that called “While He Still Knows Who I Am”. Both Cody and Kenny are far older than me. What’s the difference? Nothing. Age is nothing except for a number, my friends.

One rising artist who I’m extremely excited about is a guy by the name of Christian Lopez. I like his music because he knows how to write a good melody and incorporate some meatier instrumentation, but his writing does leave some to be desired. He was nineteen when he released his debut album, Onward and will be twenty-two when he releases his upcoming album, Red Arrow. So far, a lot of what he sings about are simple themes such as young love. Am I going to knock him for that? No. I’m sure he’s got better experiences to draw on, but maybe he’s also experiencing life the normal way a person his age does. I don’t know. We’re all different people who come from different backgrounds and face certain events in life much quicker than others. An artist like Koe Wetzel draws a ton of flack for being a party guy, but for a guy in his young twenties, maybe those are the experiences he’s most comfortable with. Who knows. As always, it should all come down to “is the song good or not” rather than, “are they acting their age?”

Now, when I say artists should speak from experience, I guess I’m asking them to be real and honest about their life, eh? It’s as if I’m saying these artists should be authentic and only talk about themselves. Not exactly, although it might be a peculiar paradox I’ve set up here. Experience comes in many shapes and sizes, and some may communicate that through stories or some other deep metaphors. That’s the power of a song really. What I’m ultimately trying to say is that artists should use the tools they’ve picked up in life to help shape who they are and the music they want to make, not what’s going on right here and now.
​
So in the end, did I defend Luke’s song? Well yeah, I guess a little. I’m sure that Luke, like all of us is probably a little too engrossed in the technological culture that we reside in, however at the end of the day, I still think it’s a bad song. Again, that’s all it should come down to. Don’t worry if Luke is acting his age, worry about whether he made good music or not. I can’t decide that last one for you. You have to make up your own mind on that. However, I ultimately view age the same way I view authenticity – something that’s stupid, petty, and ultimately should be eradicated in a discussion about music.

​Author: Zackary Kephart

I’ve tried and tried, but I just don’t think a review is going to come out of this. That’s fine. After all, I don’t want to force something that isn’t meant to be. So I’ve decided to go all Michael Rauch with these non-country (or Americana…) reviews and keep it short and simple. I do want to try and cover at least *some* non-country music here and there, but I also don’t want it getting in the way of what I love doing – you know, reviewing country music. Basically what that means is that whenever I talk about something non-country here, it means that I really like it. I won’t waste my time with stuff I don’t like because that time and energy could go towards writing something I like better, especially in the country universe. So that’s that.
Anyway, the War On Drugs’ new project, A Deeper Understanding sounds like a continuation of their previous project, Lost In The Dream. Is that a bad thing? If you’re a pretentious critic, sure. Okay wait…scratch that. I actually really do like this! I throw around descriptive adjectives such as “spacious” and “atmospheric” all the time when describing music here, but I’ve never really explained what I mean when I say them. I’m usually referring to the mood that the tracks give off. Here, the “atmospheric” tracks usually put you in a deep meditative state, and that”s evidenced in the themes on this record.
My favorite songs on here are probably “Pain” and “Holding On”, especially the latter for incorporating that spacious (there I go again!) guitar solo that makes me feel like I can kick some ass (life’s ass that is – I’m not a violent person). Plus it also feels like the love child of “Red Eyes” and “Under The Pressure” off of their last album. “Pain” is one of those philosophical ramblings about finding out how you are in this crazy world, and of course I love that.
I’m not wild about a few tracks, but the one I’d say is the weakest is “All Night Long” for being sort of a ho-hum opener. For me though, I’d give this a light to decent 8. It’s atmospheric, it’s a fantastic followup, it’s friggin’ rock.
Oh yeah, and “Thinking Of A Place” has a steel guitar in it, so it’s more country than Sam Hunt…or really 80% of country radio right now. That’s it. I’m done. The end. Check out the video below while I shut up.

​Listen: "Pain"
Listen: "Holding On"

Author: Zackary Kephart

Hi there! Do you love country music and want your opinions known? Do you want to grow your writing skills! Well, This Is Country Music is looking for country music fans with a passion for writing to join our staff! 

All interested should email Markus (myself) at markusmeyer@hotmail.ca to discuss further. We look forward to hearing from you!

- Markus Meyer, Founder of This Is Country Music

Hello everyone and welcome to the very first "TICM Chart". The TICM Chart is a very simple to understand. Each month, Markus and I will rank the top 60 songs inside the Billboard Country Airplay Chart from best to worst. This will give you an insight into what songs we like at the moment (and which ones we don't...). For a song to be on the chart, it has to currently be charting within the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. If you have any questions as to why we ranked a certain song or another, or perhaps just want to make a chart of your own, just reply in the comment section! Without further ado, here is our individual charts for the month of January.​

(Personal Ranking - Artist Name - Song Title - Billboard Airplay Chart Position)

Louis Knoebel's Chart

1. Tim McGraw- "Humble and Kind" (#57)
2. Love & Theft- "Whiskey On My Breath" (#50)
3. Chris Stapleton- "Nobody To Blame" (#20)
4. Maddie and Tae- "Shut Up and Fish" (#28)
5. Eric Church- "Mr. Misunderstood" (#15)
6. Toby Keith- "Beautiful Stranger" (#52)
7. Chris Stapleton- "Tennessee Whiskey" (#58)
8. Kip Moore- "Running For You" (#36)
9. William Michael Morgan- "I Met A Girl" (#37)
10. Brothers Osborne- "Stay A Little Longer" (#2)
11. Craig Morgan- "When I'm Gone" (#48)
12. Jennifer Nettles- "Unlove You" (#51)
13. Justin Moore- "You Look Like I Need A Drink" (#35)
14. Jon Pardi- "Head Over Boots" (#32)
15. Frankie Ballard- "It All Started With A Beer" (#33)
16. Charles Kelley (w/Dierks Bentley & Eric Paslay)- "The Driver" (#47)
17. Carrie Underwood- "Heartbeat" (#11)
18. Big & Rich (feat. Tim McGraw)- "Lovin' Lately" (#42)
19. Maren Morris- "My Church" (#25)
20. Hank Williams Jr. (w/ Eric Church)- "Are You Ready For The Country" (#59)
21. Trace Adkins- "Jesus and Jones" (#54)
22. Keith Urban- "Break On Me" (#7)
23. Justin Timberlake- "Drink You Away" (#60) (As a pop song, but as a country song where the hell does one even put this?!?)
24. Florida Georgia Line- "Confession" (#14)
25. Chris Young (w/ Cassadee Pope)- "Think Of You" (#38)
26. Brantley Gilbert- "Stone Cold Sober" (#26)
27. Drake White- "Livin' The Dream" (#43)
28. Josh Abbott Band- "Amnesia" (#56)
29. Thomas Rhett- "Die A Happy Man" (#1)
30. Cole Swindell- "You Should Be Here" (#19)
31. Dylan Scott- "Crazy Over Me" (#40)
32. Joe Nichols- "Freaks Like Me" (#45)
33. Brad Paisley- "Country Nation" (#13)
34. Canaan Smith- "Hole In A Bottle" (#34)
35. Chris Janson- "Power Of Positive Drinkin'" (#41)
36. David Nail- "Night's On Fire" (#31)
37. Lee Brice- "That Don't Sound Like You" (#22)
38. Chase Bryant- "Little Bit Of You" (#16)
39. Granger Smith- "Backroad Song" (#6)
40. Lindsay Ell- "By The Way" (#44)
41. Ryan Kinder- "Tonight" (#53)
42. Dustin Lynch- "Mind Reader" (#24)
43. Randy Houser- "We Went" (#10)
44. Tyler Farr- "Better In Boots" (#27)
45. LoCash- "I Love This Life" (#5)
46. Rascal Flatts- "I Like The Sound Of That" (#17)
47. Michael Ray- "Real Men Love Jesus" (#23)
48. Jason Aldean- "Gonna Know We Were Here" (#8)
49. Lauren Alaina- "Next Boyfriend" (#46)
50. Eric Paslay- "High Class" (#39)
51. Brett Eldredge- "Drunk On Your Love" (#18)
52. Dierks Bentley- "Somewhere On A Beach" (#29)
53. Kelsea Ballerini- "Dibs" (#9)
54. Luke Bryan (feat. Karen Fairchild)- "Home Alone Tonight" (#3)
55. Old Dominion- "Snapback" (#21)
56. Sam Hunt- "Raised On It" (#49)
57. Zac Brown Band- "Beautiful Drug" (#12)
58. Sam Hunt- "Break Up In A Small Town" (#4)
59. Chris Lane- "Fix" (#30)
60. Steven Tyler- "Red, White and You" (#55)

Markus Meyer's Chart

01. Kip Moore - "Running For You" (#36)
02. Florida Georgia Line - "Confession" (#14)
03. Love and Theft - "Whiskey On My Breath" (#50)
04. Tim McGraw - "Humble and Kind" (#57)
05. Brantley Gilbert - "Stone Cold Sober" (#26)
06. Eric Church - "Mr. Misunderstood" (#15)
07. Maddie & Tae - "Shut Up and Fish" (#28)
08.Big & Rich feat. Tim McGraw- "Lovin' Lately" (#42)
09. Keith Urban - "Break On Me" (#7)
10. Craig Morgan - "When I'm Gone" (#48)
11. Chris Stapleton - "Nobody to Blame" (#20)
12. Ryan Kinder - "Tonight" (#53)
13. Charles Kelley feat. Eric Paslay and Dierks Bentley - "The Driver" (#47)
14. Thomas Rhett - "Die a Happy Man" (#1)
15. Toby Keith - "Beautiful Stranger" (#52)
16. William Michael Morgan - "I Met a Girl" (#37)
17. Chris Young feat. Cassadee Pope - "Think Of You" (#38)
18. Brothers Osborne - "Stay a Little Longer" (#2)
19. Jon Pardi - "Head Over Boots" (#32)
20. Lee Brice - "That Don't Sound Like You" (#22)
21. Frankie Ballard - "It All Started With a Beer" (#33)
22. Chris Stapleton - "Tennessee Whiskey" (#58)
23. LoCash - "I Love This Life" (#5)
24. Maren Morris - "My Church" (#25)
25. Brad Paisley - "Country Nation" (#13)
26. Justin Moore - "You Look Like I Need a Drink" (#32)
27. Chase Bryant - "Little Bit of You" (#16)
28. Dylan Scott - "Crazy Over Me" (#40)
29. Carrie Underwood - "Heartbeat" (#11)
30. Canaan Smith - "Hole In a Bottle" (#34)
31. Granger Smith - "Backroad Song" (#6)
32. Drake White - "Livin' The Dream" (#43)
33. Jason Aldean - "Gonna Know We Were Here" (#8)
34. Rascal Flatts - "I Like The Sound of That" (#17)
35. Cole Swindell - "You Should Be Here" (#19)
36. Dustin Lynch - "Mind Reader" (#24)
37. Joe Nichols - "Freaks Like Me" (#45)
38. Josh Abbott Band - "Amensia" (#56)
39. Jennifer Nettles - "Unlove You" (#51)
40. Chris Janson - "Power Of Positive Drinkin'" (#41)
41. Lindsay Ell - "By The Way" (#44)
42. Trace Adkins - "Jesus and Jones" (#54)
43. Sam Hunt - "Raised On It" (#49)
44. Hank Williams Jr. feat. Eric Church - "Are You Ready for The Country?" (#59)
45. David Nail - "Night's On Fire" (#31)
46. Justin Timberlake - "Drink You Away" (#60)
47. Brett Eldredge - "Drunk On Your Love" (#18)
48. Zac Brown Band - "Beautiful Drug" (#12)
49. Randy Houser - "We Went" (#10)
50. Dierks Bentley - "Somewhere On a Beach" (#29)
51. Luke Bryan feat. Karen Fairchild - "Home Alone Tonight" (#3)
52. Kelsea Ballerini - "Dibs" (#9)
53. Lauren Alaina - "Next Boyfriend" (#46)
54. Old Dominion - "SnapBack" (#21)
55.  Steven Tyler - "Red, White & You" (#55)
56. Eric Paslay - "High Class" (#39)
57. Tyler Farr - "Better In Boots" (#27)
58. Chris Lane - "Fix" (#30)
59. Michael Ray - "Real Men Love Jesus" (#23)
60. Sam Hunt - "Break Up In a Small Town" (#4)

2015 was a massive year for This Is Country Music - Page views were the highest they've ever been, reader interaction reached new highs, and we added a new writer in Louis Knoebel. Because of this, TICM looks poised to grow even further in 2016, and we hope that you all stick around for it! Below you'll find a bit of a preview for 2016 from both myself, Markus, and Louis, as well as an album calendar for the first third of the year. Thank you all for reading, and here's to a great 2016!

Louis Knoebel: I joined This Is Country Music halfway through 2015, so I'm definitely more than ready to tackle everything music related from the get-go in 2016. In the seven months that I've been a writer I feel like I've become better at developing my thoughts as well as developing my own unique writing style. There are definitely reviews floating around here that I wish I had never typed, but it's all part of the learning process I guess. One thing I'm looking forward to in 2016 is reviewing more Americana artists than we did this year. As you'll see below, there's a ton of great stuff coming out and I want to cover it all (or at least try to). Two of my favorite discoveries of this year have been Gretchen Peters and Michael Monroe Goodman, artists that have gotten little coverage from other websites. That's why I'm looking forward covering acts that hardly anyone else is talking about (along with the big dogs like Sturgill and Isbell). The album I'm looking most forward to in 2016 is the Dave Cobb produced concept album, Southern Family. There's a lot of talented artists present on that album and it's all going to be handled by one of the best producers out there. What's not to love? Overall, I'm looking forward to another year of growth for TICM as well as implementing some new features here. Thank you to everyone who has read TICM thus far! We greatly appreciate our readers and we hope we don't disappoint in 2016!

Markus Meyer: We've come a long way since I started this little blog back in November of 2012. I feel that personally, I have developed quite a bit as a writer, to the point where my early work - back even as far as early 2014 - feels embarrassing. I also feel grateful to have had Louis come on, and truly push the site to new heights. With 2016 now here, I feel the need to acknowledge what I'm looking forward to over the next twelve months. As you've probably realized, This Is Country Music has branched into the depths of the Americana world of late, and I'm hoping to make some contributions of my own towards that cause. Whether it be covering some of the big names ala Brandy Clark (who's new album is arguably my most anticipated of the year) or Sturgill Simpson, or throwing some accolades towards some of my cool new discoveries, such as the brilliant William Clark Green, I hope to help you guys discover cool new music. Within the next couple weeks, we're also hoping to implement some great new features that I hope you guys will enjoy! It should be a big year for TICM, so I hope you guys will stick around and keep reading!

Album Release Calendar

January
8th
The Grascals- "And Then There's This"
15th
Brothers Osborne- "Pawn Shop"
Randy Rogers Band- "Nothing Shines Like Neon"
Hank Williams Jr.- "It's About Time"
JD and the Straight Shot- "Ballyhoo!"
19th
Rachel Brooke- "The World's Greatest Anchor"
21st
Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands- "The Hazel and Alice Sessions"
22nd
The Cactus Blossoms- "You're Dreaming"
Green River Ordinance- "15"
Aoife O' Donovan- "In The Magic Hour"
Marie Osmond- "Music Is Medicine"
29th
Gretchen Peters- "The Essential Gretchen Peters"
Dianna Corcoran- "In America"
​Sierra Hull- "Weighted Mind"
Aubrie Sellers- "New City Blues"
Buddy Miller & Friends- "Cayamo Sessions at Sea"
February
5th
Charles Kelley- "The Driver"
Lucinda Williams- "Ghosts Of Highway 20"
The Infamous Stringdusters- "Ladies and Gentlemen"
Dori Freeman- self-titled
12th
Vince Gill- "Down To My Last Bad Habit"
Lorrie Morgan- "Letting Go Slow"
Wynonna- "Wynonna & the Big Noise"
14th
Joey + Rory- "Hymns That Are Important To Us"
19th
Austin Lucas- "Between the Moon and the Midwest"
Lake Street Dive- "Side Pony"
Sam Riggs- "Breathless"
26th
Chuck Wicks- "Turning Point"
Waco Brothers- "Going Down In History"
Caleb Caudile- "Carolina Ghost"
Bill Carter- "Innocent Victims and Evil Companions"
March
4th
Loretta Lynn- "Full Circle"
18th
Various Artists- "Southern Family"
25th
Margo Price- "Midwest Farmer's Daughter"
TBD for March- Karen Jonas- "Country Songs"
April
1st
Brandy Clark- "Big Day In A Small Town"
8th
Hayes Carll- TBD (tentative date)
Other confirmed for April but have yet to determine a specific date-
Aaron Einhouse- "It Ain't Pretty"
Jo Dee Messina- "Masquerade"
Sarah Jaroz- TBD
Other projects that have been announced or are in the works:
Keith Urban- "Ripcord"
Reckless Kelly- TBD
Matt Woods- TBD (scheduled to be released sometime in the Spring)
Holly Williams- TBD
Jack Ingram- "Midnight Motel"
Natalie Stovall and the Drive- "Heartbreak"

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS MEYER: Eric Church
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Garth Brooks

Markus: I think Church has made the most compelling music of the bunch, but I certainly wouldn't argue a Garth win here. 

Louis: Garth wrote the book on touring, why shouldn't he win? He's the oldest one here and he still arguably puts on the best and most energetic show. If I had another vote, I'd go with Church since he also gives you your money's worth at a show.


WILL WIN

MARKUS MEYER: Luke Bryan
LOUIS KNOEBEL: Luke Bryan

Markus: Maybe Brooks pushes here, but I'll play it safe and go with Luke.

Louis: He's still the biggest thing in mainstream country music and hasn't slowed down. It could be tight between him and Garth, but I'm going with the safe choice.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Chris Stapleton

Markus: I would love, love, love a Stapleton, or even a Dierks win here. Both made interesting and excellent music within the eligibility period.

LOUIS: In terms of who actually has the best voice here, Stapleton wins hands down. There's no debating it. I really want Dierks to win something though, so I'm also quietly rooting for him as well.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Blake Shelton
LOUIS: Blake Shelton

Markus: I know better than to bet against Blake here.

LOUIS: With everything that has transpired with his life in the past months tied up with the fact that he's loved at these things anyway, this one almost seems guaranteed.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Carrie Underwood

Markus: Kacey made quality music and was commercially relevant. Fairly easy pick here.

Louis: In terms of sheer vocal power Carrie has this down (although I love Lee Ann's voice as well). I'd like to vote for Kacey, but I honestly don't think she's given us her best yet.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Miranda Lambert
LOUIS: Miranda Lambert

Markus: Love the competition this year. Going with Lambert (again) but don't be surprised with a Carrie or Kacey victory here.

LOUIS: It's the same reason I gave for Blake. Any award that these two are up for is essentially guaranteed to be theirs.

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Zac Brown Band
LOUIS: Little Big Town

Markus: What an incredibly lame group of nominees. Zac Brown Band for absolutely no other reason than I want to see them win one. Even if they did sell out this year.

Louis: Wow, what an empty category... Lady A is on hiatus, Rascal Flatts are on the verge of irrelevancy, and The Band Perry and Zac Brown seem to think making Pop music is more fun. Little Big Town hasn't exactly been great lately either, but they were able to push a waltz up to the top five, so that's OK in my book.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Little Big Town
LOUIS: Little Big Town

Markus: Little Big Town with ease

Louis: As for who will win? Two words - Girl Crush.


VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Maddie & Tae
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae

Markus: I would adore a Maddie & Tae win here. Country music would be well represented if they were victorious.

Louis: These gals have stood up for themselves, fought for THEIR country music, openly criticized the industry, and have provided leadership for females at a time when they need it the most. Why the hell shouldn't they win?

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Florida Georgia Line
LOUIS: Florida Georgia Line

Markus: Maybe next year Maddie & Tae.

Louis: Although the race is tighter than ever before, these guys are still too large to take down. Next year might be different, but for now I believe we'll have to settle for the same ol' same.

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Maddie & Tae

Markus: Killer pipes, top-notch production, substantial lyrics. Can't ask for any more than that.

Louis: Yes! Believe or not, this is one category where I'm pulling for someone other than Chris Stapleton. As I noted before, these ladies have had a tremendous impact on the genre, and have done a lot to fight for their rights as artists. That's an artist if you ask me.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Sam Hunt
LOUIS: Sam Hunt

Markus: Evolution!

Louis: Because evolution and stuff.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton
LOUIS: Traveller, Chris Stapleton

Markus: Traveller is far and away the best of the five. Damn near perfection on all fronts.

Louis: If there's any award I really want Stapleton to win, it's this win. His album is by far and away the best here, and the more recognition it receives, the faster we could get a single from it to freakin' chart.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves
LOUIS: Pageant Material, Kacey Musgraves

Markus: I have a hard time seeing a scenario in which Musgraves' very solid sophomore effort doesn't win. Critical beast and commercial power house.

Louis: I feel like they'll go with the critical darling for this one. Not a bad choice if so.


SONG OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: "Like A Wrecking Ball" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town

Markus: Sure, it may be just a sex anthem, but "Like A Wrecking Ball" is bold, and it has character. Good enough for me.

Louis: Wow, what a horrible field this year... The song I don't dislike besides "Girl Crush" is "American Kids", but it's definitely not a song of the year type of song. Hey, even if you hate "Girl Crush" just think, it's the one award that Sam Hunt won't win. What's not to love about that?
​
WILL WIN

MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town

Markus: "Girl Crush" will win. It will not be close.

Louis: *See above*

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: "Talladega" by Eric Church
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town

Markus: "Talladega" was a huge hit, as well as simply a great song. One of Church's best efforts to-date.

Louis: It's the best song here IMO, and the biggest one at that. 'Nuff said.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town
LOUIS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town

Markus: "Girl Crush" is better on paper than it is in recording, but this is as close to a lock as you'll find.

Louis: *See above*


MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: "Girl In a Country Song" by Maddie & Tae

LOUIS: This video went above and beyond the call of duty and most certainly succeeded at delivering a message even though it's a silly song. They deserve this.

WILL WIN

MARKUS: "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town

LOUIS:  I've already said it....this will win everything.

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

SHOULD WIN

MARKUS: "Raise 'Em Up" by Keith Urban and Eric Church
LOUIS: Django and Jimmie by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson

Markus: I have to admit something... I actually haven't listened to Django and Jimmie yet. Because of that, I shall give my vote to the brilliant Keith Urban and Eric Church duet.

Louis: It's Merle and Willie, they're legends, and it's the best option here........Oh screw it they have no chance and it's sad...

WILL WIN

MARKUS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe
LOUIS: "Lonely Tonight" by Blake Shelton feat. Ashley Monroe

Markus: I think they'll reward Blake here, seeing as he was shutout everywhere else but Male Vocalist.

Louis: Again, they love Blake at these things. I've never been personally crazy about this song, but I guess there's worse options...

There is no shortage of albums being released in the near future, so I have compiled a list of upcoming albums and their release dates.

November 26th

Florida Georgia Line / Here's To The Good Times...This Is How We Roll
Danielle Bradbery / Danielle Bradbery


December 3rd

Jake Owen / Days Of Gold

December 10th

Parmalee / Feels Like Carolina

January 14th

Jennifer Nettles / That Girl
Jon Pardi / Write You A Song

February 4th

Eric Paslay / Eric Paslay

February 11th

Eric Church / The Outsiders

March 18th

Jo Dee Messina / Me

I would just like to send out my prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy this afternoon in Boston.

All the best.

-MM