5 Worst Songs of 2013

     While 2013 had some monumental positives, it wasn't without some massive failures.  The evolution of the genre has produced a brigade of wanna be pop stars parading about in their big trucks, downgrading women, and making sure everyone knew just how country they are.  While we finally saw a lot of backlash to this trend, we still had a slew of bro-country songs.  If you can stomach it, lets relive the songs in 2013 that had us shaking our heads and covering our ears.

10 Best Songs Of 2013

     Country music is all about three chords and the truth.  While the genre has grown and changed over the years, the whole thing still revolves around a song.  Fame is great, awards are awesome, music videos and tours are cool.. but none of that matters without the song.  Words and chords strung together to help you relate and feel something.  we had some great ones, and here are the ones that 2013 will be remembered for.

10 Best Albums of 2013

     Writing a great song is a work of art, but creating an entire album of great songs is a much tougher task.  2013 saw its fair share of great albums from many of country's biggest stars and hottest up and comers.  As a new website, I only included 5 albums last year.  This year, the list has been extended to 10.  In all honesty, it could have been many more.  Without further ado, here are the Keep It Country Kids Top 10 Albums of the Year.

Remembering Ray Price

     Country music legend Ray Price went home to be with the Lord on Monday.  Ray Price was 87 years old, and lost his battle with pancreatic cancer with his family and loved ones near at his ranch.  Ray was a influential giant in the direction of country music, both in the past and the present.

Alan Jackson "The Bluegrass Album" Album Review

     When Alan Jackson releases an album, you know it will be a gem.  He is a living legend who needs no introduction.  As radio airplay seems to have left him by the wayside, Alan has no plans to hang up his cowboy hat and rest on his laurels.  Alan is still making fantastic country music, but now without the confines of pushing for radio success.  The result is a concept album that ranks right up with the best releases of 2013 so far.

Jason Boland and The Stragglers "Dark and Dirty Mile" Album Review

     Texas legend Jason Boland and his band, The Stragglers, released Dark And Dirty Mile earlier in 2013.  Boland is known for straight up honky-tonk music and toe tapping melodies.   Much like George Strait, when Jason Boland and the Stragglers release an album, its pretty much a given that it will be solid country gold.

Matt Woods "Deadman's Blues" Single Review

     Matt Woods is a talented singer-songwriter making his name known on the underground country circuit.  The key to making the jump from nobody to big star isn't too complicated in this world.  Its all about the song.  Matt Woods has had some good ones, but "Deadman's Blues" is an absolute masterpiece that knocks you back when you hear it.

Brandy Clark "12 Stories" Album Review

      2013 has been simply heaven for fans who love real country music by great female singer-songwriters.  Brandy Clark joins a long list of women making waves with her debut album 12 Stories.  Brandy was already known a top-shelf songwriter, but now she can be regarded for her own singing career as well. 12 Stories is top to bottom one of the best country albums of the year.

Carolina Still "The Color of Rust" Album Review

     If you haven't heard of Carolina Still, now would be a good time to get on board.  This band is simply a straight up, in your face, loud and proud mix of country, folk, and bluegrass.  Their album The Color of Rust was released earlier in 2013, and it is one of my favorite releases of the past year.  If you like Old Crow Medicine Show, you're gonna love these guys.

Luke Bryan "Drink A Beer" Single Review

     Everybody's favorite hip shaking country boy has released his new single, "Drink A Beer", to country radio.  Luke has put out some of the worst country songs imaginable over the past few years, which is a shame after starting out so strong early in his career.  Luke let the fame and promise of fortune cloud his judgement, and changed him from an aw shucks country boy singing about life to a wanna be sex symbol with party song after party song.  On this single, Luke finds a medium between the two that should please his early fans and his newer ones.

Hank3 "Brothers of the 4x4" Album Review

     Hank Williams III, or Hank3 as he officially goes by now, is one of the biggest names in independent country music.  He has recorded some huge albums like Straight To Hell and Broke, Lovesick, and Driftin' that turned a whole new generation on to traditional country sounds with a modern twist.  Hank3 has now released Brothers of the 4x4, his first album in a few years.  This album has a lot to take in, and a wide range of sounds, and isn't one to be digested in one sitting.

Kellie Pickler "The Woman I Am" Album Review

    Kellie Pickler's newest album, The Woman I Am, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. 100 Proof was one of the top albums of 2012, and everyone, including myself, was excited to hear how she would follow up such a timeless collection.  When expectations are this high, it can be tough to live up to them.  However, Kellie does an outstanding job once again.

Lady Antebellum "Compass" Single Review

     Lady Antebellum released their latest album, Golden, earlier in 2013.  The album has produced two well performing singles, neither of which I particularly loved or was offended by.  When I heard they were releasing a new song that wasn't included on the album, I figured they must have found a single they wanted to get out NOW before someone else did.  It turns out, "Compass" is what they found, and they were right to jump on it.  This is a pretty solid song.

The 47th Annual CMA Awards: Who WILL Win and Who SHOULD Win

      The 47th Annual CMA Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2014.  The CMAs are the highest honor in country music, winning places you along the likes of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, and many other legends of country music. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host.  Brad and Carrie usually do a solid job of picking on artists through their entertaining monologues, and keeping up with fresh topics and touching on some country music history as well.  It is surprising that Brad is hosting despite not gaining a single nomination.  Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves lead the pack of  nominees.  There will always be shocks, surprises, and unforgettable moments.... Now, on to the predictions!

Kellie Pickler "Little Bit Gypsy" Single Review

     Kellie Pickler recently released her second single from her highly anticipated The Woman I Am album.  This album is the follow-up to her critically acclaimed, traditional leaning 100 Proof.  Kellie won the Keep It Country Kids Album of The Year for 2012 and wowed critics all over with her new sound and approach.  Kellie released "Someone Somewhere Tonight" as the lead single, fresh off her Dancing with The Stars win, and now she is back at it again with "Little Bit Gypsy".

Dierks Bentley "I Hold On" Single Review

      After the stellar "Bourbon in Kentucky" stalled on  country charts, Dierks Bentley has decided to release a second single off his upcoming album Riser.  "I Hold On" is the next song from an album that Dierks claims is emotional and meaningful to him.  The first single was a heck of a sad song, while this one has a much brighter message.  The results are similar, though.  Dierks knows how to blend country with heart and soul with the modern sounds of today to create some great, memorable tunes.

Eric Church "The Outsiders" Single Review

     Eric Church has been doing a good job of staying creative and fresh in a mind-numbingly unoriginal mainstream country format.  He has seamlessly blended hard rock and classic country to create a unique sound that was fully realized with his stellar album Chief.  Eric has taken some time off to try to follow up that great album, and "The Outsiders" is our first taste of the new material.

Kacey Musgraves "Same Trailer, Different Park" Album Review

     Kacey Musgraves set the mainstream country world on fire in early 2013.  In a landscape overrun with cliches and objectification, Kacey Musgraves has put storytelling and simple arrangements back into the radio forefront.  It isn't without it's missteps, but Same Trailer, Different Park is one of the best albums to hit mainstream this year.

Throwback Thursday: Remembering Johnny Cash

     10 years ago today, we lost Johnny Cash.  Johnny Cash was a pillar of not only country music, but American music.  His love for the storytelling and emotion of a song was surpassed only by his love for June, who also passed away 10 years ago this year.  Johnny Cash was arguably the greatest country singer of all time, and is listed as an influence on countless artists.  He could do it all.  He worked with everyone from Elvis Presley to Waylon Jennings to Rick Rubin to Bob Dylan.  He recorded songs penned by anyone from Shel Silverstein to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails.  He sang songs about murder and drugs followed by a gospel song.  He could tell a story and break your heart like no other.  Johnny Cash IS country music.  Keep It Country Kids thanks the Man in Black for being a giant of music, and a giant of a human being.  Thank you for keeping it country, Johnny.  We miss you and June every day, and your music still lives on.

      The best way to celebrate Johnny is through his music, so here are some of my favorites.

Keith Urban "Fuse" Album Review

     When Keith Urban joined the cast of American Idol, I was worried.  The Voice took Blake Shelton from a guy standing up for true country to a fame obsessed sell-out.  Keith already leaned towards the fringe of country, but he still appealed to me because of his amazing guitar skills and dedication to honoring country music history by reaching out to work with traditionalists outside of the mainstream and donating time and money to the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Keith has always walked the line of country, pop, and rock very closely, sometimes falling one way or the other.  Fuse is still on that line, but with maybe a few more steps away from country.

Gary Allan "It Ain't The Whiskey" Single Review

     Gary Allan has announced the third single from his latest album Set You Free will be "It Ain't The Whiskey".  Gary has been on a strong run of great radio singles lately, with "Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)" and "Pieces" being two of my favorites of the past year.  Gary has set a high bar for himself, but he manages to surpass the lofty expectations with possibly his best single to date.

Eli Young Band "Drunk Last Night" Single Review

     The Eli Young Band recently released their new single "Drunk Last Night" to country radio.  EYB really broke through with their last album Life At Best, spawning three hit singles, and the biggest song on the radio in 2012, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart".   They have some big expectations now.  After the level of success they have already had, now is the time to see if they will continue to be a major force, or if their star will flicker out.

5 Artists You Need To Be Listening To Part 2

     Earlier this year, I posted 5 artists you need to be listening to, even if they are outside of the mainstream and public eye.  There are tons of artists that you may not have heard of that are producing great music and keeping country strong.  For this list, I'm touching on some artists with a little bit bigger of a following.  You very well may have heard of these artists already, but this is an opportunity to dig deeper and see what they have to offer. If you are burned out by the same old same old on the radio, check some of these artists out!

Florida-Georgia Line New Album Tracklist Revealed!

     Florida Georgia Line are currently working on their second album.  The first album featured modern country classics about beer, girls, and trucks.  This new album looks to feature much of the same.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  The guys promise if you liked that first pile of crap, the second helping will be just as steamy!!  The following is a projected track list for the untitled album:

Taylor Swift "Red" Single Review

     We have watched Taylor Swift grow from sweet girl next door, to country crossover star, to full on pop princess right before our eyes.  The little girl in the "Tim McGraw" video is no more, and with a grown up girl comes a more grown up sound.  "Red" may be the most mature song Taylor has ever recorded, but does that mean its any good?

Old Crow Medicine Show Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry

      Old Crow Medicine Show played a concert in Cleveland, Ohio at the State Theater on Friday, August 16, 2013.  Yours truly was in attendance in the front row dead center.  The boy put on a rip-roaring bluegrass, country, and folk spectacle that was well worth the price of admission.  Near the end of the show, however, we learned that this night would be a very special one for the Old Crow boys and everyone in the audience.

Will Hoge "Strong" Single Review

     If you've watched TV in the past month, I'm sure you've seen the new "Strong" ad campaign by Chevrolet, promoting the new Silverado.  If you watched the CMA Fest on ABC, you probably noted it was the most country part of the show.  So, what's up with this song?  It's the new single from singer-songwriter Will Hoge, and its a great tune.

Miranda Lambert "All Kinds Of Kinds" Single Review

     Miranda Lambert has released the presumably final single from her stellar album Four The Record.  "All Kinds of Kinds" has been climbing the charts for a few weeks now with no signs of stopping. The album has produced some big songs and some serious award show hardware for Miranda.  So, with the final release, does she send it out with a bang or whimper into her next album?

Luke Bryan "Crash My Party" Album Review

     Luke Bryan's  new album Crash My Party hit shelves this week.  His last release, Tailgates & Tanlines, produced some of the worst stuff on the radio in the past two years, but had some decent album cuts to redeem itself as just a mediocre album.  The title track was the first single and seemed like a move in the right direction for Luke.  While not the greatest song, it was a serious improvement and had me a little intrigued to hear this album.  Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed when I put it on.

Luke Bryan "That's My Kind Of Night" Single Review

     Luke Bryan's new album Crash My Party is set to hit stores this week.  The album has already produced one hit single with the title track, and Luke recently released "That's My Kind Of Night" as the second single.  "Crash My Party" was a decent tune, using a little bit more emotion than we are used to hearing from recent Luke Bryan singles.  But all the good Luke did with that song has gone right out the window with this release.

Jake Owen "Days of Gold" Single Review

     Jake Owen's first single from his upcoming album has impacted radio in the recent days and weeks.  "Days of Gold" is a new sound from Jake, who has put out some of my favorite mainstream country in his short career. Stepping out of your comfort zone as an artist can be hit or miss, and Jake found a little bit of both with this release.

Maggie Rose "Better" Single Review

     Lately, country radio has been a bit of a boys only club, with the exception of Taylor, Carrie, and Miranda.  Furthermore, it has become one big party.  Most songs are an ode to drinking and partying, even the "deep" songs.  Maggie Rose apparently didn't get the memo, as her second single "Better" is climbing the charts featuring sadness and emotion we rarely get to hear on country radio.

Brad Paisley "I Can't Change The World" Single Review

     Brad Paisley has released the third single from his high profile Wheelhouse album.  This album has been loved and hated by many since it's release, containing controversial songs and touchy subject matters. The first single was solid, the second was a little dry.  How does the third single, "I Can't Change The World" hold up?

Charlie Worsham "Could It Be" Single Review

      Newcomer Charlie Worsham has released his debut single "Could It Be" off his upcoming album Rubberband.  Charlie can hardly be called a newcomer, he has been an accomplished songwriter and musician for years.  Now, Charlie is making his own impact on the radio waves with this infectious and fun single.

Dierks Bentley "Bourbon In Kentucky" Single Review

     Dierks Bentley has released the first single off his highly anticipated new album Riser.  Dierks is one of the best in country music at mixing traditional country with modern country in a sound that stays true to the genre, but still has commercial success.  "Bourbon In Kentucky" is the first single from an album described as moody and deep.  If this single is a beacon for where the new album is headed, we are in for a treat.

Sturgill Simpson "High Top Mountain" Album Review

     Once in a while, a country album comes out that makes you stop in your tracks and just listen.  Sturgill Simpson has come through with his new release, High Top Mountain.  The old school driving honky tonk sound is alive and well with this collection of tunes.  If you really love country music, and I mean real, hardcore, punch you in the belly and rip out your heart country music, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t own this album.

5 Artists You Need To Be Listening To

     Does the radio have you down? Are you tired of country music that all sounds the same?  Do you think country music is dying?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, than these 5 artists are for you.  These 5 artists are making country music the right way, with heart, soul, and that good ole traditional sound.  Country music can sound modern and relevant, and still retain its core values.  These bands handle that thankless task, and are a guiding light for the genre.  Some are newer, some have a larger catalog, but all are solid country gold.

George Strait "Love Is Everything" Album Review

     The great George Strait is back with a new album, Love Is Everything.  There are few things that are certain in life.  Death, taxes, and every few years George Strait will release a straight up country album full of great songs.  George has once again proven this to be true.  Love Is Everything is everything you would expect from Strait, but still feels fresh and current, as he always does.

The Pistol Annies "Annie Up" Album Review

     The Pistol Annies are back for round 2.  The all girl trio of Angaleena Presley, Ashley Monroe, and Miranda Lambert made a lot of noise and got a lot of folks talking with their debut Hell On Heels.   The ladies are back for more sass, more soul, and more straight up country goodness with their follow-up Annie Up.

Craig Campbell "Never Regret" Album Review

     Craig Campbell has just released his second album Never Regret.  Craig gained a lot of attention and respect with his huge debut single "Family Man" from his self titled debut album.  That album was a Renaissance of sorts to the laid-back feel of early 90's country.  Craig doesn't stray too far from this formula on his new release, and works it to perfection.

Tyler Farr "Redneck Crazy" Single Review

     Newcomer Tyler Farr has been making a splash on radio lately with his new single "Redneck Crazy".  Just looking at the title, you'd expect another party-in-the-barn type song about being country with recycled lyrics.  This song digs a little deeper than that however.  But, is it a heartfelt love song, or just another rehash of the same themes?

Remembering George Jones

     On Friday, country music was dealt a terrible blow when we lost the legendary George Jones. "The Possum" was a country music giant, with a voice unlike any other. George was in the middle of his farewell run, The Grand Tour, but sadly, could not make it to the end. I would like to share a few words and spend some time remembering George Jones.

Eric Church "Caught In The Act" Album Review

     Eric Church has completely blown up the past two years.  Eric went from low-level opener to headlining superstar virtually overnight.  To celebrate that huge jump, Eric has released Caught In The Act, a full length live album, recorded in Chattanooga, Tennessee during his Blood, Sweat, and Beers tour.  Eric’s live shows pack serious punch, but could that raw energy transfer to an album?

Waylon Wednesday "This Time"

     It's been awhile since my first "Waylon Wednesday", work will do that to ya... But finally it's back!  This week is a live performance of "This Time", featuring some sweet guitar picking and the rough and powerful vocals we come to expect from ol' hoss.  I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

Brad Paisley "Wheelhouse" Album Review

     Brad Paisley has just released his new album Wheelhouse.  Brad certainly goes outside his wheelhouse on this one, sitting in the producers chair for the first time and hitting some touchy subjects like racism, spousal abuse, and religion.  At the same time, Brad's wheelhouse is combining traditional country sounds with hot guitar licks, witty lyrics, and southern charm. On the surface, Wheelhouse is typical Brad.  Dig deeper, and it's so much more.

2013 ACM Awards: Who SHOULD Win and Who WILL Win

     This Sunday, the Academy of Country Music will hand out their awards for 2013.  Eric Church leads the way with 7 nominees, followed by Hunter Hayes with 6, and Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift with 5 a piece.  Blake Shelton returns to host, with Luke Bryan taking over the female co-host role for Reba.  How fitting.  All kidding aside, it does say something about the current state of country music that two males are co-hosting.  Despite recent pushes from the ladies like Miranda, Carrie, and Taylor, and huge albums this year from Holly Williams, Kacey Musgraves, and Ashley Monroe, it's still a male dominated world.  Anyway, I always have considered the ACMs important, but not as legit as the CMAs.  An award is an award, but this show is always second fiddle in my book.  On with the nominees!!!

Blake Shelton "Based On A True Story..." Album Review

     Reining CMA Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton has released his new album, Based On A True Story... this week.  Blake has faced heavy scrutiny of late with his comments on classic country fans, and has seen unprecedented levels of success with his role as a judge on The Voice.  Blake has had an up and down year, and this album has been much anticipated by people on both sides of the country fence, for very different reasons.

Ashley Monroe "Like A Rose" Album Review

     

     Ashley Monroe might be better known for her work in the all girl super-group the Pistol Annies, but she sets out to prove she can hold her own on her latest album Like A Rose.  Stepping out and making a solo record is risky but rewarding move.  How did it work out for Ashley?

Holly Williams "The Highway" Album Review

     Holly Williams is a singer/songwriter who comes from some very solid stock.  As the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr., the half-sister of Hank Williams III, and the granddaughter of the late great Hank Williams, she has some pretty big shoes to fill.  But lineage means nothing if you can't back it up on your own.  Holly Williams has put out a record that does the Williams family proud and stands on its own two feet as a solid piece of country artwork.

Throwback Thursdays: Lefty Frizzell

     This week's Throwback Thursday features Lefty Frizzell doing a few of his biggest hits, "If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)" and "Saginaw, Michigan".  Enjoy the sounds of one of the greatest voices in country music history!!

Shooter Jennings "The Other Life" Album Review

     After releasing Family Man in 2012, Shooter is right back at in 2013 with The Other Life.  Shooter dabbled in progressive rock and roll, and made big return to country with two albums in back to back years.  Family Man was strong, placing in my Top 5 Albums of the Year for 2012.  Is The Other Life just as strong?

Random Radio 5-Spot

     A new feature here on Keep It Country Kids is the Random Radio 5-Spot.  In this feature, I will select a local country station and listen to the first 5 songs that come on.  Regardless of relevance or impact, I will do a quick review of those 5 songs.  It could be the 5 newest hits, could be during the classic hour, could be anything in between! Enjoy!