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.