Matthew Wilkening is the founding Editor in Chief of UltimateClassicRock.com and UltimatePrince.com.
Matthew Wilkening
Sarah Darling, ‘With or Without You’ – Song Spotlight
Sarah Darling delivers a hushed, reserved version of 'With or Without You,' U2's tale of longing from their watershed 1987 album 'The Joshua Tree.' Darling initially performed the song on a YouTube clip she posted from the road, but popular demand from her fans caused her to formally record and release it as a digital single.
Country Radio’s Most Popular Christmas Songs in 2010
With the holidays fast approaching, we thought we'd share five of the top Christmas songs that are filling the airwaves this season. Old meets new in many of these clips, as stars such as Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker bring a new spin to classic Christmas songs first made popular by the likes of Bing Crosby, Chuck Berry and more.
Crossin Dixon, ‘Goodbye to Henry’ – Song Spotlight
Crossin Dixon celebrate a southern rock funeral worthy of a long-time friend with their new single 'Goodbye to Henry,' the second track released from their as yet untitled and unscheduled second album.
Ashton Shepherd, ‘Look It Up’ – Song Spotlight
Some silly man's gone and forgotten the meaning of commitment, so Ashton Shepherd tells him to 'Look It Up' on her new single. It's the first song from the Alabama native's forthcoming sophomore album, which has no announced title or release date as of yet, but is expected in the first half of 2011.
The Harters, ‘If I Run’ – Song Spotlight
The Harters are back with 'If I Run,' their second single of 2010 and the first taste of their forthcoming debut album. The trio, comprised of siblings Michael, Scott and Leslie Harter, had a hit earlier in the year with 'Jenny' from their 2009 self-titled EP.
Rascal Flatts, ‘I Won’t Let Go’ – Song Spotlight
Rascal Flatts are here to let you know that they've got your back on 'I Won't Let Go,' the second single from their 2010 album 'Nothing Like This.'
Lead singer Gary LeVox sings in a plaintive, vulnerable voice over delicate piano chimes as the song begins in a manner recalling Bette Midler's 1979 classic 'The Rose.' The song steadily climbs into familiar, uplifting mid-tempo power ballad territory
Zac Brown Band, ‘Colder Weather’ – Song Spotlight
Weather update! Zac Brown Band say we're in for 'Colder Weather' on their recent single bearing that same title. The song is the second track released from their 2010 album 'You Get What You Give.'
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’ – Song Spotlight
The Band Perry, in particular lead singer Kimberly Perry, finds a whole lot of ways to call someone who broke her heart a liar in their new song, the directly titled 'You Lie.' The song is the opening track and third single from their smash hit full-length debut album.
‘Survivor’ Finalist Chase Rice Debuts Country Song on Season Finale
Chase Rice may have ended up one vote shy of winning a million dollars on last night's 'Survivor' finale, but he kick-started his next career, as a country singer, by playing his new song 'Buzz Back' live on the show's nationally televised reunion show.
Blake Wise, ‘I’ve Got This Feeling’ – Song Spotlight
Depending on where you live, it's most likely cold outside this December, but country newcomer Blake Lively is feeling sunny and warm on his mood-elevating second single, 'I've Got This Feeling.'