Brad Paisley "Moonshine In The Trunk" Album Review

     Brad Paisley has been a little bit of a mystery this past year.  Wheelhouse was a strong album in my opinion, but the sales and hit singles just weren't there.  Brad has been extremely successful throughout his career, and has always managed to keep his music traditional and commercial.  With lower sales, one had to wonder whether Moonshine In The Trunk would be a sell-out to pander to the lowest common denominator, or if Brad would hold his ground and either rise again or crash and burn on his own terms.  I'm happy to say that Brad stood his ground.  Moonshine In The Trunk is another solid Brad Paisley album and a fun ride from start to finish.

Eric Church "Cold One" Single Review

     Eric Church has had quite the eventful 2014. From releasing a polarizing new album, to firing up a headlining tour, to cranking out radio singles, Eric has been all over the news. While The Outsiders had a lot of missteps and self-indulgent songs that didn't quite click, it also had some gems. “Cold One” is one of the highlights. It’s the perfect blend of summer fun and crafty songwriting that makes “Cold One” an obvious choice to be a big single.

The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time Part 9: 20-11

     The 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time continues with Part 9: 20-11. 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 9: 20-11.

Blake Shelton "Neon Light" Single Review

     Blake Shelton is back on the radio waves with the lead single to his upcoming album Bringing Back The Sunshine titled "Neon Light".  Blake has never been one to be subtle, as he notedly called fans of traditional country "old farts and jackasses" a few years back.  In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Blake claimed that "Neon Light" mixed some elements of other musical genres' influences, but the heart and soul of it was still country.  I rolled my eyes at that comment.  Then I listened to the song and I'll be darned, he wasn't kidding.  "Neon Light" isn't traditional country, but it isn't a bad effort in the shoddy mess that is mainstream country radio.

Jake Owen "What We Ain't Got" Single Review

     Lost in the shuffle of the dance beats and screaming guitars of today's country music is the simplicity that made country music what it is.  Some of the best songs in history are understated, sparse, and honest.  No frills, no artsy metaphors, no grandiose production.  Just an artist with something to say, straightforward and to the heart.  "I Walk The Line", "Crazy", and "Stay" are just a few in the long line of great songs that are simple and heartfelt.  "What We Ain't Got" by Jake Owen is the latest, but it faces the toughest challenge.  This song comes in an era where loud and proud is the name of the game, and sad and simple just doesn't sell.  Jake Owen has guts to get this song out there, but I think he will be rewarded with a lot of hardware at the CMA and ACM awards.  "What We Ain't Got" is country music at it's very best.

Sunny Sweeney "Provoked" Album Review

 

     Country music is meant to come from the heart, full of passion and heartache that bring a tear to your eye or a smile to your face.  While fun and silly songs have their place, country music is adult music full of adult themes.  While it isn't required, it always helps if you live out the stories in these songs.  Sunny Sweeney's life has been a country song.  After going through a divorce and being dropped from her major label, Sunny Sweeney fought back the old fashioned way: with a pen and a guitar.  The result is a incredibly personal album with love, regret, heartache, and some smiles.  Provoked is easily among the strongest releases of the year and adds to Sunny's impressive resume.