New Single Review, March 2008
"Johnny And June" by Heidi Newfield - The former lead singer of Trick Pony takes a crack at what seems to be a popular trend among artists lately, the “name dropping song”. Heidi performs her powerful tribute to the love connection the two legendary country superstars had for each other by explaining how she wants to feel that same way. If the song was just a comparison of how one wants to love and how Johnny and June loved it would be quite boring, but this song is much more, in fact its very interesting and attractive. it makes several references to Johnny and June’s songs and fits them into the lyrics so that it matches Heidi’s comparison quite nicely. Songs like “Ring Of Fire”, “Jackson”, “Walk The Line”, and “The Man In Black” are fit into the lyrics as if they were just regular metaphors giving them both that new and creative feeling that comes from good songwriting and that old-fashioned, traditional feel that allows the listener to reminisce of the greatness of the Cash couple. Heidi shows off her solid country vocals quite well bringing back the beauty of her Trick Pony days and great song writing makes this song a very good expression of how much Heidi is deserving of country fame. A name drop like this requires a lot to do it justice and I think Heidi and the writers have done just that.
Grade: A-
"She's A Hottie" by Toby Keith - Toby releases the controversially redneck single that will be the sole advertising single for his 35 biggest hits album coming later this year. What is so controversial about this single isn’t what its about…well actually it kinda is. It’s a typical Toby Keith, southern rock/country party song. To some this would sound like an inappropriate and pointless single for Toby considering how effective and appropriate some of his latest works are. However this song isn’t half bad. Sure it brings Toby into a slightly immature state, but who’s to criticize modern country’s original party animal for being himself once in a while. The song is pretty simple and the title kinda says it all for what the song is about, but what makes this song so cool is that even though you may want to hate it it grabs you and you find yourself singing along with the “kayadiggydiggy” that ends the chorus. This is just one of those songs that has an attractive feel to it even though it’s really nothing special. Its nice to see Toby return to his traditional and fun side for a change.
Grade: B+
"When You Come Home" by Billy Gilman - Billy has always had a way of approaching tear-jerking songs with so much simplicity its just universally relative. This song is about the connection between a boy and his mother, a subject that is relatively difficult to approach with effect and sincerity for most male singers for a variety of reasons. Gilman pulls it off quite nicely with a voice that has matured so much over the years. He brings back that powerful feel that made “One Voice” so popular in his younger range and returns to his pride.The flaw to this song is that not only are the lyrics simple and tear-jerking, so is the production. It very under done and sounds like something out of a demo tape. There is minimal instrument involvement and what there is sounds like it was recorded prior to the actual recording. The vocals and instruments sound as if they were two totally different tracks mixed together improperly. It kinda spoils Billy’s blow-you-away performance a little, but the song still holds true to its power, sincerity and emotion.
Grade: B
"Kristofferson" by Tim McGraw - Tim makes an attempt at the recently familier name dropping song tactic that seems to work quite well. However it doesn't work so well here. The singer basically compares himself to Mr. Kristofferson and trys to appologize to his girl by writing a song like one of country music's most inspirational, powerful and respected songwriters. While it pulls off a respectable meaning and contains a lot of sincerity it just doesn't work. The song seems to steriotype Kris by putting it off that he writes the typicla tear-jerkers that all the heartbroken and heartbreakers hear from every singer at least once. Of course with works like "Sunday Morning Coming Down" that has never been the case for Kris so dropping his name just seems inappropriate really. In addition the song isn't to attractive over all. its a nice filler, but the only thing interesting about this one is the use of the great songwriter's name as the center of the song's lyric.
Grade: C-
"Country Man" by Luke Bryan - Luke is one of the most underestimated artists to ever hit the country music scene. Every song on his album, this one included, gives the listener that “feel good” effect and really brings the mood up. This time Luke returns to his comedic perspective and sings a great song about country pride and sending a lyrical shout out to those who have grown up on farms and stuck to their country roots. Of course the song is centered around a girl as well with Luke speaking through a man explaining how much better it is to be a country man and how much more reliable and such they are than those city boys. In the end this is just a really great feel good song and it won’t be hard to find yourself singing along. It’s a solid song and maybe not the best single from his album, but it’s still worth the listen.
Grade: B+
"How You Live" by Point Of Grace - Its very risky when a Christian band attempts to make a move onto the country scene, but I suppose if you’re gonna make such a move this is the genre to do it in. Of course this female quartet charges forward with a very inspirational song that impressively enough avoids the cliches that could have destroyed it in a heartbeat. The basic moral is to stop worrying about everything being perfect and worrying about the seemingly bigger issues of life and focus on the smaller joys of life that are right there in front of you. In the end its not who you knew or what you did that will matter, its how you lived in its entirety that really makes the difference. The song makes a very effective point and drags you into it with simplicity and a peaceful sound that only a band like this could probably pull off. It may be a little cliche for today’s country genre, but its a very solid performance and a very solid message that should fit right in given the appropriate exposure.
Grade: B+
"Learning How To Bend" by Gary Allan - Nashville’s best kept secret brings out yet another great performance. Gary has a really talented, raspy, countrified voice that blends well with the grit and emotion of this powerful song about still learning how to give in to love and to make that one someone the center of your world. Gary makes a very sincere performance that shows off just how good the album is in its entirety. The vocals are not over powered and they blend very well with the instrumental composition. Its just plain and simple a very well done song that shows off Gary’s ability to bring out the power in a song and how versatile his raspy vocal performance can be when given the appropriate material. The song is intense, sincere, effective, attractive, its just perfect and shows how experience has really brought Gary to a whole new level in his career.
Grade: A
"Invisably Shaken" by Rodney Atkins - After four #1 singles, an ACM award, a #1 album, and two #1 songs of the year Rodney finally returns to the emotional power that lead him to minor success with “Honesty” years back. It actually very haunting and very effective to hear Rodney in such a submissive state for a change. He puts himself in the character of a broken hearted fool who has mislead others to think he has easily gotten over his recent breakup, but in reality is quietly breaking beneath his smiles and composure. Rodney proves once and for all that he is a truly deserving of country music fame and recognition by showing that he can go from a fun and joyful song to one of the most emotionally powerful songs that I’ve heard in years. This song is full of power, sincerity and is immediately effective with a great piano into that leads into the mood very easily and smoothly. This is just pure country music perfection and is probably the most deserving song for Rodney in a streak of excellent performances to hit the charts yet and one of the most deserving songs that I’ve heard in a very long time.
Grade: A+
"Midnight Sun" by Garth Brooks - After a showoffish performance with Mr. Huey Lewis on his classic, its nice to see Garth shift gears back to his traditional sound that have made him the biggest solo artist of all time. The song brings in a very nice mid tempo country beat and reminisces on Garth’s more popular works and reintroduced Garth’s party attitude, man did I miss that. This is the real Garth Brooks as good as he’s ever been. The oxymoron used to title the song is basically used to symbolize how when you’re a country lover or even just a cowboy it don’t matter if it’s night or day, you’re always busy doing something. I’m very excited to see Garth back in his traditional tone, its a little overshadowed by his former works, but its a nice reintroduction to the top selling solo artist in all genres.
Grade: B
"The Way I Want You" by Julio Inglasias Jr. - I’m not feeling it. Julio was victorious in becoming the CMT Gone Country winner and thus has a John Rich produced single on country radio. John praised Julio’s Hispanic heritage and saw it as a great reason to bring him into the country scene. A good cause gone horribly wrong. This song is not country at all!!! It sounds decent for what it is, but even for Julio’s traditional genre its not the best. The song isn’t to unique either. Its about a guy who wants a girl to love him the same way he loves her, a common subject featured in songs like “Winner At A Losing Game” by Rascal Flatts and “High Maintenance Woman” by Toby Keith, both more effective, entertaining and original. I really can’t stand even the first chorus of this song, the vocals are weak, the hook is weak, and Julio’s image is weak. In fact the only thing running for this song is that he won a reality show and I don’t think even that makes up for this song. If the song was a country tune with even just mediocre vocals and decent writing I’d say it may have a shot, but this song fits none of the above. Sure it may be much different in its own genre, but in country music its a piece of sand among rocks.
Grade: F
"Better As A Memory" by Kenny Chesney - Kenny releases his fourth single from his latest album, “Just Who I Am: Poets And Pirates”, which is actually derived from a line in the song itself. Kenny slows it down a bit to bring out one of his most honorable attributes, his peaceful and powerful emotional style vocals. This song is particularly unique in that it’s in the point of view of a man who is explaining to a woman that his lifestyle and just him as a person is much better as a memory because he knows that he’s not good enough under any logic to be her man. You can hear a nice sense of sincerity and power in his performance that mixes well with the song that leaves not tears, but more a sense of understanding. Where this song faults is in its writing. It is a nice song, nice meaning, sincere purpose, very relative given the appropriate situation, but kinda thrown around. The mention of Pirates in the song, while it furthers the personality conflict in the main characters, is kinda out there. It is possible that the song was written this way just because it’s Kenny singing it, but still it’s a little thrown around. However that’s a small issue for this one. Nice choice by Kenny for his new single, very nice.
Grade: B+
"In Color" by Jamey Johnson - One of country music’s most underestimated songwriters makes his newest attempt at radio magic. Jamey has made huge success with his songwriting ability on modern classics like George Strait’s award winning “Give It Away” and Trace Adkin’s huge hits “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Ladies Love Country Boys”. Such success as interpretation that comes from his work as a writer allows him to pull this one off very well. Jamey brings a really powerful southern vocal that is odly haunting and very simple and mixes it with a great reminiscent song where a boy talks with his grandfather about the events that occurred in black and white photos and of course his grandfather states how the photos really don’t capture the real feel of the event. This song is very well done and leaves a lasting, haunting effect on its listeners. Jamey shows a very powerful side of his vocals by bringing out a very country vocal performance that is simplistic but sounds so right that I doubt anybody could have pulled it off any better. He may not be the most talented vocalist, but he is very good at capturing the lyrics of the songs he sings. This is one of those songs that radio will probably look over very easily and prevent a great artist and an excellent song from getting the attention they deserve.
Grade: A-
"This Ain't Mexico" by Buddy Jewell - I actually forgot how pure Buddy’s vocals were. Anyhow Buddy makes an attempt at releasing a single with no record deal, no doubt in an attempt to earn one back after becoming the first Nashville Star winner and flunking on his second album. Despite how much I think Buddy deserves a career here..this is not the song to do it with. He takes a classic issue, illegals, and makes an attempt at connecting with his audience in a comical fashion as well as trying to connect with the rebel crowd in the genre. He does both horribly. This song kinda sounds thrown together and while it reminds me of a many classic country tunes, the Spanish trumpets at the beginning are very cliche and the rhythm of the song is reminiscent of Blaine Larson’s “I Don’t Know What She Said” almost to a tee. Basically Buddy’s making a sore attempt at using the popularity of Spanish theme songs like Blaine’s single and George Strait and Haggard’s “Seashore’s Of Old Mexico” to jump-start is faulting career when such songs have passed their popularity point and are just plain old fashioned and unattractive.
Grade: D-
"Crazy Days" by Adam Gregory - It’s hard to make a simple reminiscent song into a great performance song. Adam has an awesome voice that really brings out the fun and enjoyment in this song. Bowing from Canada, Adam joins fellow Canadian stars Emerson Drive in Midas Records and he’s not a very bad choice for a sophomore artist off the label. This song really shows Adam’s enjoyment of the song and his decent vocal ability as well as his unique ability to roll his voice just enough to make it work, but not overshadow the fun and simplicity of the song. This could have easily become an overpowered country/pop hit, but instead it sounds like an entertaining country tune that you would crank up the radio with. The song has the main character telling his love that he wants to return to their younger days and it does this in a way that it does not show signs of any problems in the relationship, but does refer to how as life goes on its always nice just to lay back and have a crazy time once in a while like you always did before life caught up. It’s not really the most attractive new single out there and may have a hard time sticking out right away, but given the chance this could be a decent hit.
Grade: B+
"Mad Cowboy Disease" by John Michael Montgomery - I’m gonna hate myself for saying this but I think this could end up a hit. John attempts a comeback on his indie label, Stringtown Records, by taking a swing at the recently popular sex-type of song. Following the themes of “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)”, John sings a hard core country song with the corniest attempt at targeting male turn-ons that I have ever heard. Basically the song talks about a guy who finds a significant woman in a bar room sexy and a long line of grotesque and idiotic wordplay are used to make up what he calls Mad Cowboy Disease. Now it probably could have been a decent single, however what takes away anything decent about this song is its overuse of inappropriate lingo and the fact that the disease metaphor is way to stretched out and over-expressed through horrible references including the guys need for a leash because he thinks he’s rabid that was added for our listening pleasure in the end of the song. Now what’s funny is that John is using a strategy that seems to have worked a lot lately so I am far from considering this song as an automatic radio flop. Get past the ugliness of some of the lyrics and its a decent song to listen to once in a while when your either drunk or just having way to good a time. But considering this is not the case, strike one for almighty John.
Grade: D
"All I Ever Wanted" by Chuck Wicks - I’ve said it before, I believe Chuck is one of this years most deserving debut artists thus far. However he is very underestimated from the fact that his album was a seemingly small debut in the top 10 and his debut single was a seemingly easy top 10 taking advantage of the sentiment of father/daughter relations that have earned hits for other artists as well the past year or two. What I love about this single is that it brings out the more entertaining part of Chuck and introduces him as a true stage presence in the ears of radio listeners. It a perfect summer time song that is a breath of fresh air to country radio today. The lyrics express an upbeat, romantic feel that works very well with Chuck’s voice and gives a good time feel that makes it very attractive even if its not in a romantic situation. Only time will tell, but I think this single is a very decent and catchy tune that should get as much exposure as a Chesney or McGraw tune.
Grade: B+
"Hearts Are Breaking Across Texas" by Aaron Watson - Wow!! All I can say is wow, I haven’t heard anything like this sense Alan Jackson’s work, simple, powerful, sentimental. Aaron has a very pure voice that just grabs hold of you immediately when you hear it. The song is far from over done. Both vocals and instrumentals compliment each other very well and the message is just that, a message. The song is a powerful dedication to the love the singer feels for his girl. Unlike many songs today, this song does not overdo the concept of love and personal feeling for another but instead puts a simple sentiment to it that is powerful in itself. It’s not a tearjerker, not a wedding song per say, but just a feel good song that one could use to spread a simple emotion with lasting effects. The singer brags out loud to his woman how hearts are breaking in Texas because the other guys can’t have her, and he even adds in how he can relate to them from before she was his girl. It’s just a nice, sentimental, emotional balled that reminisces on both the style and simplicity that makes Jackson and Strait’s music some of the best traditional material in today’s genre. This guys got something going and he should keep following it the whole way.
Grade: A
"Do You Believe Me Now?" by Jimmy Wayne - Jimmy has been on the losing end of Big Machine Records for a while, attempting with some decent singles to make it back onto the scene. Sadly he’s been unsuccessful lately. However he has been shifted to Valory Records and this single has all the charisma and power that makes Jimmy so attractive as an artist. The song takes a very interesting look at a breakup from the man’s point of view in a case in which his insecurity about another man in his girl’s life was right on the money. Usually when it comes to a man’s suspicions they are over-dramatized and blown out of proportion. However, Jimmy proves this isn’t always the case as he places himself in the character of that man who was right about the way his girl’s other male friend was looking at her and waiting for one crack to let him in to take over. Jimmy’s vocals are quite powerful and the song sounds quite original and unique. It’s a little over produced for the sound that made Jimmy a huge breakout artists, but hopefully it could help Jimmy make it back into the swing of things. It may not be his best song, but it’s a damn decent attempt.
Grade: B
"Last Name" by Carrie Underwood - Carrie returns to the bad ass vocal performance that made “Before He Cheats” such a hot single for her on multiple charts. Like many other songs that have inevitably become hits, this song is very reminiscent to a former classic, Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know You’re Name”. The difference is that this song is much more bad ass and take things from the perspective of a woman who has made the mistake of meeting a man, not asking his last name and in the end discovering she got so wasted she married him unintentionally and doesn’t even know her own last name because of it. This song is very entertaining and catchy and a brings a comedic feel to Carrie that only adds to her growth as an artist, but there are many aspects that keep it from being great. First off it is in fact a carbon copy of Alan’s solid country hit from years ago. Second the song is a vocal copy of “Before He Cheats” and while it supports Carrie’s ability to perform such songs it doesn’t introduce much of anything new from her at all. Third it’s not very “Carrie” at all. With the understanding that Carrie uses songs like this to prove she’s not all just the good old blond country girl stereotype, this song just doesn’t seem to fit Carrie’s personality in any way. Of course this will probably be a sure fire hit and will make her appearance more apparent on multiple song charts, but this is probably the least deserving single Carrie has ever released and its the first time I actually question the relevance or purpose behind her recording t at all. It is catchy and rebellious and would be a great single for any woman trying to prove herself, but it just seems very superfluous and out of place for Carrie at this point.
Grade: C
Grade: A-
"She's A Hottie" by Toby Keith - Toby releases the controversially redneck single that will be the sole advertising single for his 35 biggest hits album coming later this year. What is so controversial about this single isn’t what its about…well actually it kinda is. It’s a typical Toby Keith, southern rock/country party song. To some this would sound like an inappropriate and pointless single for Toby considering how effective and appropriate some of his latest works are. However this song isn’t half bad. Sure it brings Toby into a slightly immature state, but who’s to criticize modern country’s original party animal for being himself once in a while. The song is pretty simple and the title kinda says it all for what the song is about, but what makes this song so cool is that even though you may want to hate it it grabs you and you find yourself singing along with the “kayadiggydiggy” that ends the chorus. This is just one of those songs that has an attractive feel to it even though it’s really nothing special. Its nice to see Toby return to his traditional and fun side for a change.
Grade: B+
"When You Come Home" by Billy Gilman - Billy has always had a way of approaching tear-jerking songs with so much simplicity its just universally relative. This song is about the connection between a boy and his mother, a subject that is relatively difficult to approach with effect and sincerity for most male singers for a variety of reasons. Gilman pulls it off quite nicely with a voice that has matured so much over the years. He brings back that powerful feel that made “One Voice” so popular in his younger range and returns to his pride.The flaw to this song is that not only are the lyrics simple and tear-jerking, so is the production. It very under done and sounds like something out of a demo tape. There is minimal instrument involvement and what there is sounds like it was recorded prior to the actual recording. The vocals and instruments sound as if they were two totally different tracks mixed together improperly. It kinda spoils Billy’s blow-you-away performance a little, but the song still holds true to its power, sincerity and emotion.
Grade: B
"Kristofferson" by Tim McGraw - Tim makes an attempt at the recently familier name dropping song tactic that seems to work quite well. However it doesn't work so well here. The singer basically compares himself to Mr. Kristofferson and trys to appologize to his girl by writing a song like one of country music's most inspirational, powerful and respected songwriters. While it pulls off a respectable meaning and contains a lot of sincerity it just doesn't work. The song seems to steriotype Kris by putting it off that he writes the typicla tear-jerkers that all the heartbroken and heartbreakers hear from every singer at least once. Of course with works like "Sunday Morning Coming Down" that has never been the case for Kris so dropping his name just seems inappropriate really. In addition the song isn't to attractive over all. its a nice filler, but the only thing interesting about this one is the use of the great songwriter's name as the center of the song's lyric.
Grade: C-
"Country Man" by Luke Bryan - Luke is one of the most underestimated artists to ever hit the country music scene. Every song on his album, this one included, gives the listener that “feel good” effect and really brings the mood up. This time Luke returns to his comedic perspective and sings a great song about country pride and sending a lyrical shout out to those who have grown up on farms and stuck to their country roots. Of course the song is centered around a girl as well with Luke speaking through a man explaining how much better it is to be a country man and how much more reliable and such they are than those city boys. In the end this is just a really great feel good song and it won’t be hard to find yourself singing along. It’s a solid song and maybe not the best single from his album, but it’s still worth the listen.
Grade: B+
"How You Live" by Point Of Grace - Its very risky when a Christian band attempts to make a move onto the country scene, but I suppose if you’re gonna make such a move this is the genre to do it in. Of course this female quartet charges forward with a very inspirational song that impressively enough avoids the cliches that could have destroyed it in a heartbeat. The basic moral is to stop worrying about everything being perfect and worrying about the seemingly bigger issues of life and focus on the smaller joys of life that are right there in front of you. In the end its not who you knew or what you did that will matter, its how you lived in its entirety that really makes the difference. The song makes a very effective point and drags you into it with simplicity and a peaceful sound that only a band like this could probably pull off. It may be a little cliche for today’s country genre, but its a very solid performance and a very solid message that should fit right in given the appropriate exposure.
Grade: B+
"Learning How To Bend" by Gary Allan - Nashville’s best kept secret brings out yet another great performance. Gary has a really talented, raspy, countrified voice that blends well with the grit and emotion of this powerful song about still learning how to give in to love and to make that one someone the center of your world. Gary makes a very sincere performance that shows off just how good the album is in its entirety. The vocals are not over powered and they blend very well with the instrumental composition. Its just plain and simple a very well done song that shows off Gary’s ability to bring out the power in a song and how versatile his raspy vocal performance can be when given the appropriate material. The song is intense, sincere, effective, attractive, its just perfect and shows how experience has really brought Gary to a whole new level in his career.
Grade: A
"Invisably Shaken" by Rodney Atkins - After four #1 singles, an ACM award, a #1 album, and two #1 songs of the year Rodney finally returns to the emotional power that lead him to minor success with “Honesty” years back. It actually very haunting and very effective to hear Rodney in such a submissive state for a change. He puts himself in the character of a broken hearted fool who has mislead others to think he has easily gotten over his recent breakup, but in reality is quietly breaking beneath his smiles and composure. Rodney proves once and for all that he is a truly deserving of country music fame and recognition by showing that he can go from a fun and joyful song to one of the most emotionally powerful songs that I’ve heard in years. This song is full of power, sincerity and is immediately effective with a great piano into that leads into the mood very easily and smoothly. This is just pure country music perfection and is probably the most deserving song for Rodney in a streak of excellent performances to hit the charts yet and one of the most deserving songs that I’ve heard in a very long time.
Grade: A+
"Midnight Sun" by Garth Brooks - After a showoffish performance with Mr. Huey Lewis on his classic, its nice to see Garth shift gears back to his traditional sound that have made him the biggest solo artist of all time. The song brings in a very nice mid tempo country beat and reminisces on Garth’s more popular works and reintroduced Garth’s party attitude, man did I miss that. This is the real Garth Brooks as good as he’s ever been. The oxymoron used to title the song is basically used to symbolize how when you’re a country lover or even just a cowboy it don’t matter if it’s night or day, you’re always busy doing something. I’m very excited to see Garth back in his traditional tone, its a little overshadowed by his former works, but its a nice reintroduction to the top selling solo artist in all genres.
Grade: B
"The Way I Want You" by Julio Inglasias Jr. - I’m not feeling it. Julio was victorious in becoming the CMT Gone Country winner and thus has a John Rich produced single on country radio. John praised Julio’s Hispanic heritage and saw it as a great reason to bring him into the country scene. A good cause gone horribly wrong. This song is not country at all!!! It sounds decent for what it is, but even for Julio’s traditional genre its not the best. The song isn’t to unique either. Its about a guy who wants a girl to love him the same way he loves her, a common subject featured in songs like “Winner At A Losing Game” by Rascal Flatts and “High Maintenance Woman” by Toby Keith, both more effective, entertaining and original. I really can’t stand even the first chorus of this song, the vocals are weak, the hook is weak, and Julio’s image is weak. In fact the only thing running for this song is that he won a reality show and I don’t think even that makes up for this song. If the song was a country tune with even just mediocre vocals and decent writing I’d say it may have a shot, but this song fits none of the above. Sure it may be much different in its own genre, but in country music its a piece of sand among rocks.
Grade: F
"Better As A Memory" by Kenny Chesney - Kenny releases his fourth single from his latest album, “Just Who I Am: Poets And Pirates”, which is actually derived from a line in the song itself. Kenny slows it down a bit to bring out one of his most honorable attributes, his peaceful and powerful emotional style vocals. This song is particularly unique in that it’s in the point of view of a man who is explaining to a woman that his lifestyle and just him as a person is much better as a memory because he knows that he’s not good enough under any logic to be her man. You can hear a nice sense of sincerity and power in his performance that mixes well with the song that leaves not tears, but more a sense of understanding. Where this song faults is in its writing. It is a nice song, nice meaning, sincere purpose, very relative given the appropriate situation, but kinda thrown around. The mention of Pirates in the song, while it furthers the personality conflict in the main characters, is kinda out there. It is possible that the song was written this way just because it’s Kenny singing it, but still it’s a little thrown around. However that’s a small issue for this one. Nice choice by Kenny for his new single, very nice.
Grade: B+
"In Color" by Jamey Johnson - One of country music’s most underestimated songwriters makes his newest attempt at radio magic. Jamey has made huge success with his songwriting ability on modern classics like George Strait’s award winning “Give It Away” and Trace Adkin’s huge hits “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Ladies Love Country Boys”. Such success as interpretation that comes from his work as a writer allows him to pull this one off very well. Jamey brings a really powerful southern vocal that is odly haunting and very simple and mixes it with a great reminiscent song where a boy talks with his grandfather about the events that occurred in black and white photos and of course his grandfather states how the photos really don’t capture the real feel of the event. This song is very well done and leaves a lasting, haunting effect on its listeners. Jamey shows a very powerful side of his vocals by bringing out a very country vocal performance that is simplistic but sounds so right that I doubt anybody could have pulled it off any better. He may not be the most talented vocalist, but he is very good at capturing the lyrics of the songs he sings. This is one of those songs that radio will probably look over very easily and prevent a great artist and an excellent song from getting the attention they deserve.
Grade: A-
"This Ain't Mexico" by Buddy Jewell - I actually forgot how pure Buddy’s vocals were. Anyhow Buddy makes an attempt at releasing a single with no record deal, no doubt in an attempt to earn one back after becoming the first Nashville Star winner and flunking on his second album. Despite how much I think Buddy deserves a career here..this is not the song to do it with. He takes a classic issue, illegals, and makes an attempt at connecting with his audience in a comical fashion as well as trying to connect with the rebel crowd in the genre. He does both horribly. This song kinda sounds thrown together and while it reminds me of a many classic country tunes, the Spanish trumpets at the beginning are very cliche and the rhythm of the song is reminiscent of Blaine Larson’s “I Don’t Know What She Said” almost to a tee. Basically Buddy’s making a sore attempt at using the popularity of Spanish theme songs like Blaine’s single and George Strait and Haggard’s “Seashore’s Of Old Mexico” to jump-start is faulting career when such songs have passed their popularity point and are just plain old fashioned and unattractive.
Grade: D-
"Crazy Days" by Adam Gregory - It’s hard to make a simple reminiscent song into a great performance song. Adam has an awesome voice that really brings out the fun and enjoyment in this song. Bowing from Canada, Adam joins fellow Canadian stars Emerson Drive in Midas Records and he’s not a very bad choice for a sophomore artist off the label. This song really shows Adam’s enjoyment of the song and his decent vocal ability as well as his unique ability to roll his voice just enough to make it work, but not overshadow the fun and simplicity of the song. This could have easily become an overpowered country/pop hit, but instead it sounds like an entertaining country tune that you would crank up the radio with. The song has the main character telling his love that he wants to return to their younger days and it does this in a way that it does not show signs of any problems in the relationship, but does refer to how as life goes on its always nice just to lay back and have a crazy time once in a while like you always did before life caught up. It’s not really the most attractive new single out there and may have a hard time sticking out right away, but given the chance this could be a decent hit.
Grade: B+
"Mad Cowboy Disease" by John Michael Montgomery - I’m gonna hate myself for saying this but I think this could end up a hit. John attempts a comeback on his indie label, Stringtown Records, by taking a swing at the recently popular sex-type of song. Following the themes of “Honkey Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)”, John sings a hard core country song with the corniest attempt at targeting male turn-ons that I have ever heard. Basically the song talks about a guy who finds a significant woman in a bar room sexy and a long line of grotesque and idiotic wordplay are used to make up what he calls Mad Cowboy Disease. Now it probably could have been a decent single, however what takes away anything decent about this song is its overuse of inappropriate lingo and the fact that the disease metaphor is way to stretched out and over-expressed through horrible references including the guys need for a leash because he thinks he’s rabid that was added for our listening pleasure in the end of the song. Now what’s funny is that John is using a strategy that seems to have worked a lot lately so I am far from considering this song as an automatic radio flop. Get past the ugliness of some of the lyrics and its a decent song to listen to once in a while when your either drunk or just having way to good a time. But considering this is not the case, strike one for almighty John.
Grade: D
"All I Ever Wanted" by Chuck Wicks - I’ve said it before, I believe Chuck is one of this years most deserving debut artists thus far. However he is very underestimated from the fact that his album was a seemingly small debut in the top 10 and his debut single was a seemingly easy top 10 taking advantage of the sentiment of father/daughter relations that have earned hits for other artists as well the past year or two. What I love about this single is that it brings out the more entertaining part of Chuck and introduces him as a true stage presence in the ears of radio listeners. It a perfect summer time song that is a breath of fresh air to country radio today. The lyrics express an upbeat, romantic feel that works very well with Chuck’s voice and gives a good time feel that makes it very attractive even if its not in a romantic situation. Only time will tell, but I think this single is a very decent and catchy tune that should get as much exposure as a Chesney or McGraw tune.
Grade: B+
"Hearts Are Breaking Across Texas" by Aaron Watson - Wow!! All I can say is wow, I haven’t heard anything like this sense Alan Jackson’s work, simple, powerful, sentimental. Aaron has a very pure voice that just grabs hold of you immediately when you hear it. The song is far from over done. Both vocals and instrumentals compliment each other very well and the message is just that, a message. The song is a powerful dedication to the love the singer feels for his girl. Unlike many songs today, this song does not overdo the concept of love and personal feeling for another but instead puts a simple sentiment to it that is powerful in itself. It’s not a tearjerker, not a wedding song per say, but just a feel good song that one could use to spread a simple emotion with lasting effects. The singer brags out loud to his woman how hearts are breaking in Texas because the other guys can’t have her, and he even adds in how he can relate to them from before she was his girl. It’s just a nice, sentimental, emotional balled that reminisces on both the style and simplicity that makes Jackson and Strait’s music some of the best traditional material in today’s genre. This guys got something going and he should keep following it the whole way.
Grade: A
"Do You Believe Me Now?" by Jimmy Wayne - Jimmy has been on the losing end of Big Machine Records for a while, attempting with some decent singles to make it back onto the scene. Sadly he’s been unsuccessful lately. However he has been shifted to Valory Records and this single has all the charisma and power that makes Jimmy so attractive as an artist. The song takes a very interesting look at a breakup from the man’s point of view in a case in which his insecurity about another man in his girl’s life was right on the money. Usually when it comes to a man’s suspicions they are over-dramatized and blown out of proportion. However, Jimmy proves this isn’t always the case as he places himself in the character of that man who was right about the way his girl’s other male friend was looking at her and waiting for one crack to let him in to take over. Jimmy’s vocals are quite powerful and the song sounds quite original and unique. It’s a little over produced for the sound that made Jimmy a huge breakout artists, but hopefully it could help Jimmy make it back into the swing of things. It may not be his best song, but it’s a damn decent attempt.
Grade: B
"Last Name" by Carrie Underwood - Carrie returns to the bad ass vocal performance that made “Before He Cheats” such a hot single for her on multiple charts. Like many other songs that have inevitably become hits, this song is very reminiscent to a former classic, Alan Jackson’s “I Don’t Even Know You’re Name”. The difference is that this song is much more bad ass and take things from the perspective of a woman who has made the mistake of meeting a man, not asking his last name and in the end discovering she got so wasted she married him unintentionally and doesn’t even know her own last name because of it. This song is very entertaining and catchy and a brings a comedic feel to Carrie that only adds to her growth as an artist, but there are many aspects that keep it from being great. First off it is in fact a carbon copy of Alan’s solid country hit from years ago. Second the song is a vocal copy of “Before He Cheats” and while it supports Carrie’s ability to perform such songs it doesn’t introduce much of anything new from her at all. Third it’s not very “Carrie” at all. With the understanding that Carrie uses songs like this to prove she’s not all just the good old blond country girl stereotype, this song just doesn’t seem to fit Carrie’s personality in any way. Of course this will probably be a sure fire hit and will make her appearance more apparent on multiple song charts, but this is probably the least deserving single Carrie has ever released and its the first time I actually question the relevance or purpose behind her recording t at all. It is catchy and rebellious and would be a great single for any woman trying to prove herself, but it just seems very superfluous and out of place for Carrie at this point.
Grade: C