Tracy Byrd, “Better Places Than This” Byrd’s drinking funny-man songs have become his signature over the years, with his most popular songs these days being “Ten Rounds With Jose Cuervo” and “Drinkin’ Bone.” His 2006
Jack Ingram, “Measure of a Man” A well-written story about a man who leaves home young because of a volatile relationship with his father, but reaches out to fix things with him when he becomes
Carrie Underwood sold nearly 54,000 copies of her late 2005 release Some Hearts this week, a remarkable sum for an album that’s hardly new. That sales total was good enough to land her at #18
Chris Young, “You’re Gonna Love Me” What’s this? Could it really be? Is this…country music? From a new artist who isn’t a wanna-be southern rocker, or an aging pop star, or an American Idol castaway?
The Wreckers, “Tennessee” I view The Wreckers as an Adult Top 40 act that have slapped a few minimal country touches on the surface to score hits at a more lucrative radio format. That
Van Zant, “That Scares Me” A theme that’s been explored before. The protagonist compares how fearless he was in his youth, but that his children following that example terrifies him. It reminded me of the
Alison Krauss A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection In 1995, Alison Krauss had her mainstream breakthrough success with “When You Say Nothing At All”, which was her band’s contribution to a Keith Whitley tribute
Martina McBride Waking Up Laughing As the genre’s leading female vocalist for the past few years, it’s hard not to have high expectations for a Martina McBride record. Her consistent success at radio and retail
Tim McGraw Let It Go Since he broke through in 1994 with the one-two punch of a novelty hit (“Indian Outlaw”) and a heart-wrenching ballad (“Don’t Take the Girl”), Tim McGraw has been refining that
Todd Snider Peace, Love and Anarchy Anybody who has seen Todd Snider live knows that he performs with just an acoustic guitar. No backup singers, no supporting musicians, and only a harmonica around his neck