Zac Brown Band "All Alright" Single Review

     Zac Brown and his boys are one of the brightest of stars in mainstream country music.  They frequently put out music that is very commercial, yet deeply rooted in soul and tradition.  They know how to write a song that pushes the genre forward while staying true to its roots.  All this from a band who considers themselves more of a southern rock band than an actual country band.  When the boys got together with rock & roll legend and Foo Fighters front-man Dave Grohl, the results were very intriguing.  One of the songs from the Dave Grohl produced EP is their current single, "All Alright".    It's another shining example of the artistic prowess that the Zac Brown Band exudes.

Jon Pardi "What I Can't Put Down" Single Review

     Jon Pardi is a singer-songwriter from California.  While he has released a few singles, nothing has really peaked my interest quite yet.  Nothing offended me, but I wasn't really paying attention.  That has all changed with his newest single, "What I Can't Put Down".   I find myself instantly drawn in when I hear this song on the radio, and for good reason.  It strikes a chord in country music that is vastly under-represented: fun, rocking songs that still sound country and aren't mind-numbing cliches.  "What I Can't Put Down" is interesting, clever, and even fun.  It can be done.  How about that?

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 6: 50-41

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 6: 50-41.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 6: 50-41.

Jake London "Runaway Heart" Album Review

     Jake London's recent single "Somewhere Down The Road" is one of my favorite songs of the year.  Its blend of many different styles struck a chord with me and created the perfect genre-blending hit.  I claimed in my review that if the song was a preview of the full album, the album would be one of the best of the year.  Well, it was and Runaway Heart is a knockout from start to finish.

Willie Nelson "Band of Brothers" Album Review

     Sometimes, an entertainer grows bigger than a genre, bigger than a musical styling, and simply becomes a vital piece of American culture that is institutionalized into our hearts.  Willie Nelson is one of those entertainers.  Willie has been around for what seems like forever, writing hits for Patsy Cline, Faron Young, and Ray Price, changing country music history forever in the '70's with Waylon Jennings, and serving as an ambassador for traditional country music to a new generation over the last few decades.  Rather than rest on his historical laurels, Willie has been hitting the pen and paper, the studio, and the road.  The result is a new headlining tour and a new full length album full of new, original Willie Nelson songs that proves the man not only still has it, he is still light-years ahead of his contemporaries in the country music world.

The Top 10: Johnny Cash

     Johnny Cash is more than a country music singer, he is an American legend.  Johnny was a master of bringing the everyday American's story to song form.  His discography is not just a playlist, but a national treasure.  In late March, an album Johnny recorded in the 1980's titled Out Among The Stars was released for the first time and hit number one on the country charts.  To celebrate, Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The Top 10: Johnny Cash.  Cutting down Johnny's massive song collection to 10 was near impossible, but I feel this is a great, but tiny, collection from The Man In Black.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 5: 60-51

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 5: 60-51.  As we push ahead toward the greatest song of all time, we get to experience some of the best that country music has to offer.  I hope as you make this journey, you see one of your favorite songs, rehear an old classic you may have forgotten about, and, most importantly, you learn some of the greatest songs for the first time.  Keep It Country Kids proudly presents The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 5: 60-51.

Miranda Lambert "Platinum" Album Review

     Miranda Lambert is back with the release of her fifth studio album, Platinum. Miranda has been one of the few bright spots in mainstream country over the years. Miranda has had the odds stacked against her in two different ways. As men dominate the charts with songs with all flash and no substance, Miranda is a female with deep, introspective songs and she still has success. Platinum is a big project, with 16 tracks to take in. It has its hit and miss moments, but overall Platinum is another great album from one of country’s most talented artists.

Brantley Gilbert "Just As I Am" Album Review

     Brantley Gilbert looks the part for the poster child of the bro-country movement.  His affliction shirt, earrings, tattoos, and gaudy jewelry reek of a guy pushing a hardcore image to unsuspecting fans.  While Brantley lives up his reputation in many of his songs, he has often showed a sensitive side that reveals some emotional songwriting.  If you bought Just As I Am looking for a hard-rocking jam-fest, you may be disappointed.  While this may not be the greatest album I've ever heard, or even among the best of a strong 2014 for album releases, Just As I Am is certainly surprising with it's honesty and emotion.