The final ten songs on my list of the best singles of the year feature only one male artist, one group, and a handful of outstanding female artists. These are the ten songs that, in my eyes, have been landmark singles on country radio (though not many have experienced chart success). They tackle various social issues, heartache, and love, but ultimately they are outstanding representations of what country music should be and needs to be. In my opinion, 2013 has been one of the best years for country music thanks to these ten songs. Continue reading
Category Archives: Editorials
Best of 2013: Singles Part 3 (10-1)
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Best of 2013: Singles – Part 2 (20-11)
A continuation of the Best Singles of 2013, this set offers the middle 10 songs found on my top 30 singles of the year. Any guesses on who the final 10 will be? Am I missing any songs so far? Let me know! Continue reading
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Best of 2013: Singles – Part 1 (30-21)
The year is winding down as we’ve reached the middle part of December. That means it is time to unveil the list of Best Singles of the year, as ranked by me of course. When I starting putting together this list, I realized that 1) there are several artists who appear twice this year and 2) that female artists have been the most creative, authentic, and truly country artists this year. This first of three parts includes the majority of the male artists that appear on the top 30 list. Continue reading
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Me and Country Music: Terri Clark, Terri Clark
When I think about the musical journey that has gotten me to where I am today, there are definitely stand out songs, albums, and artists. A while back I shared how George Strait impacted not only my taste in music, but my life as well. This time around I am sharing how a debut album released way back in 1995 became a landmark album in that musical journey. Continue reading
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Me and Country Music: George Strait
Since 2009 I’ve written all about how I feel about country music from new singles, albums, videos, concerts and basically anything else related to the genre I so dearly love. But other than my opinions, I don’t think y’all know about who I am as a person and how I’ve become so passionate about country. That’s where this new feature comes in. Me and Country Music will basically chronicle my life by recollecting how specific artists, songs, and even albums have influenced me. From the many happy, joyous memories to the ones that weren’t so joyful, country music pretty much led me to who I am today. So I hope you enjoy these little blurbs about my life and who I am as a person.
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Best of 2011: Singles of the Year
2011 has been a great year for singles. Like in previousyears we saw plenty of singles by the biggest artists in the genre shootstraight to the top of the charts. There were also plenty, and I mean plenty,of songs that, frankly, were far more superior then some of this year’s charttoppers. For that very reason, our listof 2011’s top 25 singles includes plenty of songs that received chart successas well as a few that you might have missed. The criteria to make the list issimple, all singles released this year are eligible as well as singles thatpeaked this year, which gives songs released in late 2010 the chance to beincluded on this year’s list.
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2011 CMA Awards: Early Contenders
With the eligibility period for the 2011 CMA Awards now over (it ended on June 30), All Things Country is going to look at who the early contenders are to land a nomination for this year’s ceremony. Here are a few artists we feel have had a big enough year since July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 to be among the nominees.
Rather than going category by category we’re going to instead list the artists who could score nominations and the categories they could be nominated in.
Jason Aldean
- Entertainer of the Year
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Album of the Year (My Kinda Party)
- Musical Event (“Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Kelly Clarkson)
Once again Jason Aldean has been one of the biggest artists in country music this year. He’s charted four Top 5 singles (“Crazy Town,” “My Kinda Party,” “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” “Dirt Road Anthem”) and his album, My Kinda Party, is the best selling album by a male artist this year. He’s continued to sell out dates on his My Kinda Party tour and has landed appearances on shows like American Idol. Jason could be one of this year’s most nominated artists as I think he’ll land nominations in the big categories like Entertainer, Album, and Male Vocalist.
Zac Brown Band
- Entertainer of the Year
- Album of the Year (You Get What You Give)
- Vocal Group of the Year
- Single of the Year (“Colder Weather” or “As She’s Walking Away”)
- Song of the Year (“Colder Weather” or “As She’s Walking Away”)
- Musical Event (“As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson)
- Video of the Year (“Colder Weather” or “As She’s Walking Away”)
Last year it was Lady Antebellum who proved to be the year’s biggest group, but this year that title goes to the Zac Brown Band. Since July of 2010 the group has charted 3 consecutive number one singles (“Free,” “As She’s Walking Away,” “Colder Weather”) from their platinum selling album, You Get What You Give. The album has been critically acclaimed and helped earned the group an Album of the Year nomination at this year’s ACMs. They have potential to be this year’s leading nominee as I think they’ll land nominations in nearly every category they are eligible for including their second Entertainer nomination.
Kenny Chesney
- Entertainer of the Year
- Album of the Year (Hemingway’s Whiskey)
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Song of the Year (“You and Tequila”)
- Musical Event (“You and Tequila” featuring Grace Potter)
After having a somewhat quiet year in 2010, Kenny Chesney returned with a bang in 2011. Chesney charted 3 straight number one singles (“The Boys of Fall,” “Somewhere with You,” “Live a Little”) and released a gold selling album in Hemingway’s Whiskey. After a year away from the road he is back to selling out arenas, pavilions, and stadiums on his Going Coastal tour. This year could see his return back into the Entertainer race as well as te Male Vocalist and Album categories.
Taylor Swift
- Entertainer of the Year
- Album of the Year (Speak Now)
- Female Vocalist of the Year
- Song of the Year (“Back to December”)
- Video of the Year (“Back to December”)
After claiming four trophies during the 2009 CMAs, she went home empty handed last year as she lost to Miranda Lambert for Female Vocalist. This year she could reclaim that crown thanks to her 3-time platinum album Speak Now, which sold over one million copies in its first week of release. The album has spawned three top 5 singles (“Mine,” “Back to December,” “Mean”) and has become country’s best selling album (within the eligibility period). Taylor could be the night’s leading female nominee as I think she’ll score at least three nominations.
Brad Paisley
- Entertainer of the Year
- Album of the Year (This is Country Music)
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Musical Event (“Old Alabama” featuring Alabama or “Remind Me” featuring Carrie Underwood)
After claming his first Entertainer of the Year award during last year’s ceremony, Brad Paisley could find himself in the running once again this year. His tours have continued to draw millions of fans and he continues to deliver top notch performances. This year he released This is Country Music which is nearing the 500,000 mark after only a little over a month. He’s charted three number one singles with “Water,” “Anything Like Me,” and “Old Alabama” as well as a number two hit with “This Is Country Music.” This has been another consistent year for Paisley which, I think, the CMA will recognize with multiple nominations.
Sara Evans
- Female Vocalist of the Year
- Single of the Year (“A Little Bit Stronger”)
- Song of the Year (“A Little Bit Stronger”)
- Video of the Year (“A Little Bit Stronger”)
After a few years away from the business to reorganize her personal life, Sara Evans came back “stronger” than ever. Her comeback hit, “A Little Bit Stronger,” became the first song by a female artist to reach number one in 2011 and it spent two weeks atop the chart. Her album, Stronger, has sold over 200,000 copies since its release in March. This year she could make her return to the CMA nominations list since 2006.
The Band Perry
- Vocal Group of the Year
- New Artist of the Year
- Single of the Year (“If I Die Young”)
- Song of the Year (“If I Die Young”)
- Video of the Year (“If I Die Young”)
When you think about the top new artist in country music you’d probably automatically think about The Band Perry. The trio has had a huge year thanks to their smash hit, “If I Die Young.” The song became the trio’s first number one single and has been certified double platinum for over two million digital downloads. They are this year’s frontrunner for the New Artist award and could be ZBB’s biggest competition for Vocal Group.
Chris Young
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- New Artist of the Year
- Single of the Year (“Tomorrow” or “Voices”)
- Song of the Year (“Tomorrow” or “Voices”)
- Music Video of the Year (“Tomorrow”)
Chris Young is on track to become one of country’s biggest superstars. This year he scored his fourth number one single with “Voices” as well as a top five smash with his fastest rising single, “Tomorrow.” Last year he broke through into the New Artist category and this year he could garner his second nomination as well as a nomination in the exclusive Male Vocalist category.
Obviously there are other artists who could secure nominations (Reba, Miranda, Carrie for Female Vocalist; Thompson Square, Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin for New Artist) but there are the ones who we think could land multiple nominations and who have had some of the biggest years in country music.
Filed under Awards Shows, Editorials
Scotty vs. Lauren: American Idol’s Country Showdown
Tuesday night, American Idol will begin its 10th season finale with a performance show that will pit two of its youngest contestants against one another as 17 year old country crooner Scotty McCreery will go head-to-head with 16 year old Southern belle, Lauren Alaina. It’ll be a country showdown for the Idol title and to get ready for the big night, ATC will analyze the showdown and offer our prediction of what the outcome will be.
Throughout this season, both Scotty and Lauren have delivered strong performances and have become fan favorites. Considering both have been two of the strongest contestants this season, it’s easy to believe that this could be the closest finale race in Idol’s 10 year history. Each contestant has many advantages and some disadvantages going for them. We’re going to pick a part each contestant to see who has the ultimate edge in the end.
Scotty McCreery
A year ago, Scotty was a 16 year old high school baseball player in Garner, NC who worked in a local grocery store. Now he’s a 17 year old American Idol finalist who, no matter Wednesday’s outcome, will go on to become one of country’s brightest new stars.
Scotty has consistently been a judges favorite each and every week by delivering solid performances. His shining moment came last week when he turned on the charm and personality while performing Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?”. However, like most contestants, he had a few stumbles thrown in including his version of “For Once in My Life.” Scotty’s key to success on Tuesday will be to continue to stick to his country roots and deliver each performance with as much heart, emotion, and southern drawl as he can to impress the judges.
When it comes to fan votes, I believe Scotty has the advantage because he has two primary support groups behind him: the “tween” girls and the conservative demographic. Throughout the season, Scotty has been a fan favorite for the young girls who seem to pull off upsets for their favorites (Lee DeWyze over Crystal Bowersox; Kris Allen over Adam Lambert) so he’ll continue to reap the rewards from that huge demographic. He’ll also have the backing of the conservative voters who love how he’s consistently presented himself as a down home, all American boy who is simply living his dream.
There has been one disadvantage that has plagued Scotty throughout the season and that’s the fact that he’s often seen as a “one trick pony.” Early on in the season, Scotty only performed hits by country crooner Josh Turner during his audition rounds (we can all remember how many times he belted out the line “baby lock them doors and turn the lights down low”) and when it came to the live shows, he continued to pick similar artists like George Strait and Garth Brooks. Though he showed his artistic preference, it was easy to predict that he’d have trouble with other genres and even with the new mainstream country sound that he’ll encounter after the show’s end. However, he’s done a good job at showing his versatility by performing songs like Montgomery Gentry’s “Gone” and Thompson Square’s “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?.” He’ll need to continue to take risks come Tuesday night. My suggestion would be tackling a song that shows off his strong vocal range yet sticks to his traditional roots much like Chris Young’s latest smash, “Tomorrow.”
Scotty’s bread and butter is in his ability to cater straight to his audience so if he does it three more times on Tuesday night, he’ll have done enough to claim the Idol title and become the show’s youngest winner.
Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina is a beneficiary of the new age range which allowed 15 year olds to audition this season. So when Idol held auditions in Nashville, a then 15 year old Lauren auditioned by singing Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” with judge Steven Tyler. After her audition, Tyler famously predicted that they had found “the one.” Now she has the chance to make that prediction come true.
Lauren’s key to success this season has been her ability to belt it out with the best contestants on the show. From showing her country roots on songs like “Any Man of Mine” or Reba’s “Turn on the Radio,” to singing non-country classics like “Unchained Melody” and Elvis’ “Trouble.” Unlike Scotty, Lauren has always made an effort to show off her versatility. She’s delivered power ballads like Martina McBride’s “Anyway” as well as the rock classic from Melissa Etheridge, “Am I the Only One” and also rocking country songs like Carrie Underwood’s “Flat on the Floor.” She’s taken the advice of the judges and has always tried to push herself. Her shining moment came during this past week’s performance when she effortlessly delivered Lee Ann Womack’s smash, “I Hope You Dance.” It’s those moments that Lauren will need to recreate in order to take down the boy wonder that is Scotty McCreery.
Another advantage Lauren has going for her is the fact that her style of country caters to a larger audience than Scotty’s. Lauren has proven herself to be a perfect fit for the current mainstream/pop style of country. She’s performed songs by some of today’s biggest superstars in Carrie Underwood and Reba as well as some of country’s newest “it” artists like The Band Perry. She’ll need to stick to that style of country if she wants to have a chance against the traditional leaning Scotty. My suggestion would be to continue performing newer songs by artists like Underwood or even Miranda Lambert (she nailed “Gunpowder and Lead” during the top four results show).
Lauren’s biggest disadvantage could come in how she handles the big stage and big audience. In the past she’s seemed to buckle under the pressure of the moment and has often second guessed herself during her performances. During her “Unchained Melody” performance, mentor Jimmy Iovine tore her a part for not going for the song’s money note during the live performance. Even this past week, she got caught up in the moment during her performance of “If I Die Young” that she simply missed her modulation, but she recovered nicely. If Lauren can overcome her nerves and trust that she has the vocal ability to out sing her opponent, then she will have the ability to pull off the upset.
In the end, I have to say that country music will prove to be the true winner of American Idol. No matter who wins, both Scotty and Lauren have the potential to become future superstars of the genre. However, if I had to pick a winner, my money is on Scotty McCreery to take home the title. He’s been one of the best contestants this season and has one of the largest fan bases I’ve seen from a finalist. But, look for both of them to hit country radio soon, and who knows, maybe they’ll be competing once again in 2012, except it’ll be for a Best New Artist award from either the CMAs or ACMs.
Filed under Country News, Editorials
ATC’s Best of 2010: Artists of the Year
Our final “Best of 2010” list focuses on the five artists who, in our opinion, have done an amazing job representing country music this year. These five artists have all hit number one on at least one of Billboard’s country charts and have shined a positive light on country music. Let’s reveal who ATC thought were 2010’s Artists of the Year.
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ATC’s Best of 2010: Freshman Class
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