March 29, 2013 Brantley Gilbert just got back from his first USO tour, and the experience of performing for our troops overseas inspired him so much that he has written a new song, 'One Hell of an Amen,' even posting a preview to the demo track exclusively for his fans -- and evidently without the permission of his record company.
March 27, 2013 With 'Your Side of the Bed,' Little Big Town has released as singles the three best songs from one of the best albums of 2012. The emphatic ballad strikes a pitch that resonates deep within any couple that's been married long enough to outrun the honeymoon period. It's almost uncomfortably familiar.
March 26, 2013 There is comedy in Blake Shelton singing with Pistol Annies, as he does on his new single 'Boys 'Round Here.' One imagines a country Hugh Hefner surrounded by his beauties. In real life, the Annies likely (very likely) don't attend to his every need and agree with him at all costs, but they do on this song, and it's absolutely charming.
March 22, 2013 James Wesley has a real feel for the life and struggles of the blue-collar American. His new song 'Thank a Farmer' is similar to his previous Top 30 hit 'Real' in its honest, no-nonsense approach. The worst thing a singer can do with a song like either of these is come off as contrived. Wesley is a long way away from being accused of that.
Country duo Florida Georgia Line has seen some exciting things happen with their No. 1 hit 'Cruise,' with Taylor Swift recently adding her voice alongside of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard. Now, the band has announced a remix of their debut single with an unexpected twist, as hip-hop star Nelly will be featured on the track.
Lately, it seems that Taylor Swift's lips are getting much looser when it comes to dishing on the inspiration behind her breakup songs and how she really feels about some of her ex-boyfriends. Most recently, it was One Direction's Harry Styles. We're not sure what Styles did to get under Swift's skin, but she had no problem revealing that he was on her mind when she penned 'I Knew You Were Trouble' for her record-breaking 'Red' album.
March 21, 2013 Phil Vassar's knack for finding irresistible hooks is as sharp today as it was in the early '00s when hits like 'Just Another Day in Paradise' and 'American Child' were everywhere. His new song 'Love Is Alive' finds the singer returning to a familiar formula for success.
March 20, 2013 The magic of many of the songs on Kacey Musgraves' debut album -- including her new single 'Blowin' Smoke' -- is in the little details. 'Merry Go 'Round' thrived in efficient specificity. The follow-up is equally effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables.
March 18, 2013 It takes a few listens to absorb the new sound Wynonna reveals on her new single 'Something You Can't Live Without.' The singer and 'Dancing With the Stars' competitor hasn't had a hit song in a decade, but comparing this to music from the 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' album would be like comparing Kelly Clarkson now to her 2003 self, but flip-flopped.
March 13, 2013 Casey James' third single from his self-titled debut album is a pleasing three minutes and five seconds, but the toe-tapper is easy to forget. 'The Good Life' lacks the emotional hook that the best carefree country expressions posses.
