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

Hello folks,

 My name is Gator Pizer and I will be a new writer here whenever time is available for me. I have been an avid reader of sites like the 9513, Engine 145, Slant Magazine, and Country Universe for some five years now. I have been a fan of country music for most of my life and have a tendency to lean towards the country-pop side of country since I grew up predominantly on Shania Twain, who remains my favorite artist today. With that said, I have a deep passion for most walks of country music, some of my favorite albums include Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Coat of Many Colors, Sunday Morning to Saturday Night and There's More Where That Came From and my favorite writer has been the magnificent Matraca Berg for a number of years now. If you haven't figured it out already, I tend to prefer female voices to male, but I do like Dierks Bentley and Tim McGraw (up until the last few years that is) a fair amount too. I look forward to sharing my passion for country music with you guys in this coming year and hopefully expose you all to some new music.

Thanks,
Gator Pizer