tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81614114045457490012024-03-14T02:33:57.199-07:00Off The Dirt RoadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-26889771699266322242014-02-10T17:04:00.002-08:002014-02-10T17:09:51.174-08:00Album Review: Eric Church - "The Outsiders"The Chief is back with his first studio album in nearly three years. If ever there was an album to review to kick off the revival of "Off The Dirt Road", none is more fitting than the newest release from Eric Church. After enjoying critical and commercial success with "Chief" in 2011, bolstered by the radio success of the hit song, "Springsteen", Church took his time with his next effort. Preparing more than 120 songs for potential whittling for this effort. <br />
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What results is a perfectly blended hodgepodge of music, pulling from all genres and covering the spectrum of themes. From the, call it "Erratic", opening title track through the trippy ending, Eric Church makes one thing clear - He does his albums the way he wants to. He is clearly not afraid to call out those around him along the way, a point that has been a recurring theme in his albums (see previous songs "Lotta Boot Left To Fill" and "Country Music Jesus").</div>
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After the opening track, one that covers more genres than "Freebird" in a shorter time, the album levels out into what could be considered near-perfection. "A Man Who Was Gonna Die Young" is Church's "My Next 30 Years", reflecting on the first 36 years of his life and the woman who chose to love him. "Cold One" throws listeners for a twist, with an interesting guitar as Church laments less about the loss of the girl than the beer she took with her when she left. "Roller Coaster Ride" could likely be the subtitle of the album, describing his life after a breakup, but more accurately describing the ups and downs of the styles of music on the album. </div>
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"Talladega" is as close to mainstream as Church is willing to go on "The Outsiders". The song is reminiscent of the aforementioned "Springsteen", and will likely be another smash radio hit for the singer. It also marks a turn in the sound for the album.</div>
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The second half of the album is darker, grittier, heavily influenced by rock, country, and outlaw, and is as close to perfect as one can get. Many of the tracks ("Devil, Devil", "Dark Side", "The Joint") would likely be more welcome on a Waylon Jennings or Willie Nelson record than almost anything put out in today's country culture. In fact, it would not be hard to see Church touring with those "Highwaymen" had he been recording when they were recording.</div>
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A particularly high point on the album comes in the tracks following Church calling out Rock Bands as fake. Following "That's Damn Rock & Roll" comes a three-part stretch over two songs. "Dark Side" opens with a long rambling guitar with a bass drum background before launching into a reflective song about how far a man will go for his family. The lyrics recall "Lightning" (from Church's "Sinners Like Me" album), and could be considered a prequel track. Following "Dark Side" comes "Devil, Devil" but not before a three minute recitation of a poem Church wrote, describing Nashville as the "Princess Of Darkness", Satan's bride. The poem describes Nashville, particularly the recording industry, as a cesspool:</div>
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"A tramp. A slut. A bitch. A mutt./ A thousand pawn shop guitars/ A nasty bitter needle to a vein that feeds a singer's heart/ She lurks in friendly shadows, but she's a junkie with a limp/ The agents are her bookie, and the label's are her pimp."</div>
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After the colorful poem, Church launches into "Devil, Devil" rounding out the dark trilogy of the album. Fans who have been clamoring for the old days of "Good country music" will love what "Dark Side", "Princess of Darkness" and "Devil, Devil" have to offer. </div>
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Overall, it is hard to find fault with much on "The Outsiders", and even if you could, it is clear that Church would not care. This is clearly a project from his heart, with him pouring himself into a rebellious sound that oozes from every song. After the commercial success of "Chief", it is hard not to expect that this album will not follow suit. Listeners who joined the "Church Choir" after hearing songs like "Springsteen" are going to be in for a surprise though, when they discover that song to be the exception, not the rule to Church's style. </div>
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9.5/10. </div>
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"The Outsiders" hits shelves and digital media on Tuesday, February 11th.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-52118039436452943052014-02-10T14:45:00.000-08:002014-02-10T14:45:15.861-08:00RevivalSo, despite promises that I was going to revive this blog in 2013, I did not. Unfortunately, I had way too much on my plate to even consider writing. It definitely was a transition year for me, and I am finally getting settled.<br />
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However, with the new year comes a new attempt. I have a new writer on board, whom I will reveal in the next couple of weeks. I have a new lineup of albums to review this year, and a new drive to succeed.<br />
<br />So with that in mind, bear with me as we get this back off the ground. Look for the review of the new album from Eric Church, titled "The Outsiders", in the next 24 hours.<br />
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In the meantime, here is the latest music video from Brantley Gilbert:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-87614437496874775272012-12-31T17:29:00.000-08:002012-12-31T17:29:22.985-08:00Year In Review: The Top 12 Country Albums of 20122012 was a great year for country music. Many artists released new albums this year, though many of the bigger names in the genre were still riding the highs of 2011 albums. Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Justin Moore and Luke Bryan are just some of the artists who did NOT release new albums this year.<br />
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The good side of this is that it left country music wide open for new, up and coming artists to take the spotlight. We reviewed some of these artists album this year, though not nearly as many as we would have liked. Some of them are featured in this countdown, while others just did not make the cut.<br />
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So without further adieu, the Top 12 Country Albums of 2012:<br />
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12. Rachel Farley - The Truth EP - Released in the early part of the year, this young singer did not nearly get the chance to shine as her EP deserved. She did, however, set herself up for success in 2013, opening for Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean. At only 17, this artist is well on her way to a big national debut.<br />
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11. Chris Lane Band - Let's Ride - Chris Lane is a small time artist from North Carolina, but the artist already fits in well alongside artists such as Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. "Let's Ride" features a great combination of rocking country and smooth love ballads.<br />
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10. Colt Ford - Declaration of Independence - I have not been shy about my love of the unique sound of Colt Ford in the past. His August release, Declaration of Independence, returned Ford to a sound that made his debut album popular, letting country stars sing while Colt sticks to the rapping. Guest singers include Jason Aldean, Kix Brooks (Of Brook & Dunn) and Corey Smith. The lead single, "Back", featuring Jake Owen, helped Ford score his first #1 Country Album.<br />
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9. Toby Keith - Hope On The Rocks - Continuing with the pattern set by 2011's "Clancy's Tavern", Toby Keith kept strong his return to more traditional sounding country music. Gone are the partying days of old, Keith's album features songs that are more reflective in nature. The title track "Hope On The Rocks" is one of the strongest songs TK has released in recent memory.<br />
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8. Love & Theft - Self Titled Album - The lead single "Angel Eyes" took country music by storm earlier this year, securing the duo's place in country music. While not a new artist, L&T is likely new to most country listeners. Look for their star to rise even more in 2013.<br />
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7. Brian Davis Band - Under the Influence - Another locally known artist deserving of a much bigger stage. BDB's "Under the Influence" rocking country sound will be familiarly comfortable among those who listen to the more modern outlaw side of the genre. Fittingly, Brian Davis Band opened for Brantley Gilbert on his first headlining tour in the second half of the year.<br />
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6. Lee Brice - Hard 2 Love - It was a big year for Brice. His sophomore album was met with critical acclaim. The first two singles "A Woman Like You" and "Hard To Love" enjoyed long play on the radio. His third single, "I Drive Your Truck", changes from the love based pace that he is known for, but is still quickly rising up the charts.<br />
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5. Thomas Rhett - Self Titled EP - One of my favorite albums of the year, this EP is only so low on the chart because of the shortened length. The son of Rhett Akins, Thomas is enjoying success behind "Something To Do With My Hands", "Beer With Jesus" and opening for Toby Keith this previous Summer. <br />
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4. Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times - FGL's debut album benefited from having an EP released earlier this year, one of our highest rated releases of the year. The lead single, the summer tune, "Cruise", spent multiple weeks on top of the chart, and is still enjoying radio success in the cold months. Look for this duo on the Luke Bryan's "Dirt Road Diaries" tour in 2013.<br />
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3. Chase Rice - Dirt Road Communion - A cowriter on the aforementioned "Cruise", Rice did not get much, if any, radio play on his own. Nonetheless, "Dirt Road Communion" remains one of the top albums of the year, and is still a regular in my playlist, despite being released in March.<br />
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2. Jason Aldean - Night Train - After having giant years in 2010 and 2011, Aldean continued his success in 2012. His fifth album, "Night Train" features a diverse variety of songs, from the lead single "Take A Little Ride", to the risky "1994" (penned by Thomas Rhett) to the risque "Black Tears" (written by Florida Georgia Line). It is hard to find any song on Night Train that one can classify as a bad song.<br />
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1. Kip Moore - Up All Night - Newcomer Kip Moore took radio by storm with the catchy "Somethin' Bout A Truck". His soft, yet gruff, voice combined with a more traditional country sound makes his debut album the most played album on my playlist. Much like Aldean's "Night Train" it is hard to find fault with any of the songs on the album. "Beer Money", the second single from the album, is enjoying commercial success that is sure to make Moore a common sound on the radio in 2013.<br />
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Honorable Mentions: Aaron Lewis, former lead singer of Staind, released his debut full-length country album, "The Road" late this year. Also of note, after a long break and some time as solo artists, Big and Rich returned together to release "Hillbilly Jedi". <br />
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So there it is. The top 12 albums in country music in 2012. We are looking forward to sharing our thoughts on 2013 albums, including new ones from Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Brad Paisley, Band Perry and George Strait.<br />
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Until then, Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you off the dirt road.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-39811600108737500292012-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:002012-12-04T18:16:17.621-08:00Album Review: Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good TimesThe last review we did as "The Low Down For A Hoe Down" was of Florida-Georgia Line's EP "It'z Just What We Do". How fitting is it, then, that our first review as "Off The Dirt Road" is FGL's debut full-length album, "Here's To The Good Times"?<br />
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It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Besides an EP in May, a #1 single, and spots on the Country Throwdown tour (with Justin Moore and Rodney Atkins) and the 2012 CMT on Tour tour (with Jake Owen), the duo managed to appear on Jake Owen's "Endless Summer EP" and land a cut on Jason Aldean's "Night Train" album with a song ("Black Tears") from their first EP. FGL caps the year off with a full-length album, which picks up right where they left off with their summer EP, including all five of "What We Do"'s tracks, including their recent chart topper and debut single "Cruise". <br />
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None of the newest additions to the album stray very far from the groundwork the duo laid over the summer, and the lead single ("Cruise") defines the mood for the entire album. Almost every song is perfect for driving down a dirt road with friends or cuddling up with a loved one on the tailgate of your truck at a bonfire. The one song that strays from that mood is "Stay" which appears in the middle of the album. The song, which takes on a more alternative rock feel, is about a topic almost everyone has had to deal with, heartbreak. <br />
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"I'd sell my soul just to see your face. And I'd break my bones just to heal your pain".<br />
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It is hard to find fault with any of the tracks on the album. The duo manages to create a mood the flows from start to finish without being repetitive, something that many artists struggle to do through an entire album. "Here's To The Good Times" is sure to skyrocket the newcomers up the charts, winning many many new fans in the process. Be sure to check them out in 2013, when they open up for Luke Bryan on the "Dirt Road Diaries" tour. 9/10Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-72120312361897727402012-12-04T17:27:00.002-08:002012-12-04T17:27:47.397-08:00Rebooting, With A New NameHey everyone.I know it has been several months since we have done a review. This post it to let you know that we are coming back, starting tonight, with a new name and new reviews.
First things first. I have decided to change the name of the blog. I feel that "Off The Dirt Road" better reflects the type of country music that we review. As I mentioned in May, while we have always reviewed country artists of all levels of fame, most of our fan base and our reviews have been for the smaller, up-and-coming artists. "Off The Dirt Road" is a better representation of that base.
Second, I will be posting a review of the new Florida Georgia Line album tonight and over the next couple weeks, will take time to review some of the albums I have missed, including the latest offerings from Jason Aldean and Brian Davis.
Finally, I am hunting for a new writer. Be on the lookout for an announcement on who that is in the near future.
Thanks to anyone who has stuck with us, even during this extended period of no reviews.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-79655319040760989422012-05-25T20:32:00.000-07:002012-05-25T20:32:14.095-07:00Album Review: Florida Georgia Line - It'z Just What We DoFlorida Georgia Line is the latest in a line of Male Duos in country music to blend with rock music and hope to make it big. Their debut EP, "Anything Like Me" was released in 2010 slipped through the cracks, which is a shame. "It'z Just What We Do", the latest EP from the duo, should gain them more recognition, helped along by appearing with Gary Allan and Rodney Atkins on the Country Throwdown Tour.<br />
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FGL opens the EP with "Cruise", a viable candidate to replace "Dirt Road Anthem" as this year's perfect summer driving song. The first single from the band, "Cruise" is radio friendly and hopefully will get the duo noticed by fans outside of the South. The summer fun continues with "Get Your Shine On" and "Tip It Back". Both are perfect bonfire songs, with "Shine" being part love song and "Tip It Back" being a great drinking song. The latter of the two is sure to hook fans of Montgomery Gentry, as there is a similar sound to the duo's back and forth singing.<br />
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"Tell Me How You Like It" changes the pace some, bringing a unique sound to a romantic song. FGL is down for anything, just waiting for the word from the girl. Wrapping up the short EP is "It'z Just What We Do", the title track. The duo is unapologetic as they party, combining rap, rock, and country, the duo creates a great bar song, no matter what part of the country you are in. If FGL releases another single before a full-length album, I would bet on this being it.<br />
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Full of summer party anthems, FGL's EP hit the shelves just in time to have maximum impact. Florida Georgia Line's "It'z Just What We Do" is exactly what the duo needs in order to put them on the radar and the radio. Be sure to catch them on the Country Throwdown Tour this summer. The EP is available on <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/florida-georgia-line/id399241518" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itz-Just-What-We-Do/dp/B007ZOHASY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338002769&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Florida_Georgia_Line_It_z_Just_What_We_Do_EP?id=Bxzyjzuurmzfks6ju2ap233kdgu&feature=nav_top_albums#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDUsImFsYnVtLUJ4enlqenV1cm16ZmtzNmp1MmFwMjMza2RndSJd" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> 8/10<br />
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One of the things that I have always taken pride in with "The Low Down For A Hoe Down" is our focus on the smaller artists, the ones who are up and coming. I have always felt that the people I connect with are the ones who enjoy the unknown artists. And the readers have proven that. Today, 10 months after starting this blog, we reached 10,000 unique readers and our three most-read posts are our reviews of Chase Rice, Rachel Farley and Brantley Gilbert, none of whom are platinum selling artists. All of them are currently either not touring or opening acts. The fact that our readers are drawn to these reaffirms my faith in the true country music fans, so we will continue to bring you artists you may not have heard of in hopes that their music will spread. We will continue to review big artists too, but our primary focus will be on the currently unknowns.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-64747057167611629422012-04-03T10:04:00.000-07:002012-04-03T10:19:14.943-07:00Album Review: Rachel Farley - The Truth<div>
Rachel Farley is a young female singer that first grabbed my attention about two years ago. A group of friends and I drove down to South Carolina to see our favorite artist, Brantley Gilbert. The venue was a bar in Florence and there were two openers. To this day, I cannot tell you who the middle act was, but the first performer was this young woman. I remember us being very impressed by this unknown artist, but knowing she had a lot of potential. Flash forward two years and that woman, Rachel Farley has released another EP and is still just as impressive as that Carolina night. <br />
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It would be unfair to try to compare Farley to any of the leading female singers in country music today. She does not have the innocent tone of Taylor Swift, nor the violent attitude of Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood or Kellie Pickler. But that does not mean she is inferior to any of these. She is truly a unique voice, and one that has a pure country tone to it. In fact, she starts the EP off with a theme more commonly found among the outlaw boys of country. "Ain't Easy" leads "My granddaddy ran moonshine/ Till the day he died/ Left behind his children/ And a .45/ That outlaw stuff/ Runs through my blood/ I was raised to be tough/ I was born to run". These are not uncommon sentiments from the likes of Brantley Gilbert, Jamey Johnson or Montgomery Gentry, but it is refreshing to hear it from a woman.<br />
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Not only is she an outlaw, she falls for them too. "Damn I Do" is about her falling for the guy that everybody says she should not. Despite what those around her say, the guy makes her feel alive, so she is going with it anyway. This leads nicely into "Place To Land". The two songs work well back to back as Farley tells about how when she is tired from her Gypsie life, she always has that safe place to land.<br />
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Wrapping up the album, Farley make it clear what every country boy knows: if you mess with a country girl, you are going to have to face daddy. Obviously someone did not get the memo as the guy is now facing the shotgun of a pissed off father.<br />
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Rachel Farley is not known now, but if she keeps making music like this EP, she will end up right there with the current leading women of the genre. I, for one, cannot wait for a full length album from this genuinely outlaw woman. 9/10</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-37514104051843899142012-03-20T22:41:00.000-07:002012-03-20T22:41:20.153-07:00Album Review: Chase Rice - Dirt Road Communion<link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher"></link><script type="text/javascript">
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If the name Chase Rice sounds familiar in your household, chances are it is not for Country music, but it should be. If the name sounds familiar, it is likely because the young North Carolina native placed second on "Survivor: Nicaragua", the shows twenty-first season. Rice has just released his first full-length album, a follow up to his EP, "Country As Me".<br />
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Dirt Road Communion - The title track, "Communion" follows a familiar country path, reminiscing about growing up on the dirt roads back home. With a sound that falls somewhere between Jason Aldean and Brantley Gilbert, with a little Lee Brice thrown in for good measure. The formula works, providing a rocking song that is likely to get attention for the newcomer.<br />
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How She Rolls - Keeping the pace up, Rice gives a rocking tribute to his woman. Sounding a lot like Matt Kennon ("The Call"), Chase describes everything about this country girl: "My baby's a hands in the air/ Don't have a care/ When her songs on the radio/ A little crazy with a blue-jean tear/ Gets a Ray-Ban stare/ Just about everywhere we go/ She likes to get down/ Sippin on Coke and Crown/ Jesus and Gypsie Soul/ Yeah that's how she rocks/ That's how she rolls"<br />
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The Little Things - Another tribute to his woman, Rice slows this one down with a short love song about what is truly important to her. "No she doesn't need/ A four-carat diamond ring/ Or a big house to come home to/ No she doesn't need/ A Hollywood movie scene/ Or a sunset every day in Malibu/ No all she needs/ Are the little things". Rice mentions what those little things are, roses just because it is Tuesday, watching "The Bachelor" every Monday, and letting her drive his truck (even after previous mishaps). You can almost see the singer with a grin on his face as he sings.<br />
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Pbj's and Pbr's - Rice returns to what he does best, rocking. "Pbj's & Pbr's" is him reminiscing about his college days, being broke, barely making it to class (if they went at all). Chase even includes a shout out to another country singer: "That Sigma Ki gig every other Thursday/ Wouldn't make a penny, but we tried to play/ We cut a song for all of them college honeys/ Give ole Luke Bryan a run for his money". The title refers to the diet of a college student-musician. <br />
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Whoa - A change of pace for the Carolina singer, the heavy bass beat in the beginning leads to the inevitable rap verse near the end of the song. "Whoa" is simply the reaction Rice has to seeing a beautiful girl. Thankfully, the rap does not feel out of place and he pulls it off without sounding forced. "Whoa" is a song that will probably not get a lot of playtime, but is definitely catchy.<br />
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Room 205 - Every once in a while a song comes around that is so deep, and tells such a story, that you have to listen to it a few times to gather what is going on. This is that song for Chase Rice. The song is told from the perspective of a motel room that has seen a lot of things. I really do not want to go into detail, it is better to just let you listen and take it in for yourselves.<br />
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Pop A Top Off (Good Time On) - Returning back to the idea of partying and drinking, Rice sings from the perspective of the singer on stage of a concert. Quite obviously fitted to be the opening song for his concerts, the guitar in the last third really stands out.<br />
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Shades Of Green - A song about the struggling economy and being thankful for what you have and where you are from, "Shades of Green" is familiar without being repetitive. The song is about exactly what the title says, the different greens in life that are more important than money. "It's the color of the tractor in my barn/ A fifty acre pasture old horse farm/ And rows of pines as far as I can see/ It ain't the money in the bank that we ain't got".<br />
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You Ain't Livin ' Yet - This song follows in the tradition of "Shades of Green" in theme. "You Ain't Livin' Yet" is about the large difference between "livin'" to a city boy and "livin'" to a country boy. Once again, Rice does a good job of avoiding the same song that every other country makes, while sticking to the same ideas as Josh Thompson's "Ain't Seen Country Yet" and Jason Aldean's "Country Boy's World"<br />
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Country Boy's Kryptonite - The title should give away what the song is about. Every country boy is a sucker for a hot country girl. We just cannot get enough. He does not stick just to the women though, the second verse dives into muddin' and NASCAR. "I can't resist it, I'm addicted/ Even Superman would lose this fight/ Yeah, and all of this, is my weakness/ It's all a country boy's kryptonite"<br />
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Every Song I Sing - Every song has a story behind it, and more often than not, it involves a woman. The first song on "Dirt Road Communion" that actually involves a breakup, it is also probably the one filled with the most emotion on the album. This is probably one of my favorites simply because it feels the most vulnerable.<br />
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Only A Country Girl - After my favorite track, "Country Girl" is probably my least favorite on the album. It is not that it is a bad song, but it just feels a bit cookie cutter. Jeff Bates immediately comes to mind when I hear this song about how special a country girl is. <br />
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I Like Drinking, Cause It's Fun - This one might be my new anthem. Sometimes you do not need a reason to be drinking. Sometimes you do not have a heartbreak, or a hard day at work. You just want to drink "Cause it's fun!". Does not matter if it is beer, tequila or wine, drinking is just fun.<br />
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Shakin' The Wheels - This fast tune contrasts nicely with the idea of a truck not actually going anywhere, but the couple in the song sure are moving fast. The instrumentals nearly overpower the lyrics, but it works with the content of the song. <br />
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Jack Daniel's & Jesus - Another raw, vulnerable track. Chase pours his heart out about being lost in life, much in the vein of Brantley Gilbert's "Modern Day Prodigal Son". This purity places this just above "Every Song I Sing" because I have lived there. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find someone who has not. If there were only one track to listen to on this entire album, this one would be it. It is hard not to be moved by Rice's honesty.<br />
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Happy Hour(Worktape) - Wrapping up the album with a track that was unedited, Chase sits down with just his acoustic guitar, lamenting on being stuck in the same routine, just without the girl he used to enjoy it with. He swears he is never coming back, the memories are just too rough, but he has said that before. "I guess Happy Hour/ Ain't so happy without her" Rice sings in the chorus. After a short silent period (and maybe a few drinks) his mood picks up. The girl walks in and asks if she can join him. He plays along for about a second, then tells her to kiss his ass. He definitely ends it with a upbeat take on the heartbreak, wrapping the album up nicely.<br />
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"Dirt Road Communion" is Rice's first attempt at a full-length album, and he does not disappoint. He recorded this album without a label and without radio support, but you would never guess it listening to it. Chase is not a household name, but if he keeps putting music out like this, he will be in no time. 8.5/10<br />
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This album is available through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Road-Communion/dp/B007KHDESG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332123106&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Amazon MP3</a> and <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dirt-road-communion/id510739670" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. You can follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ChaseRiceMusic" target="_blank">Chase Rice on Twitter</a><br />
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<g:plus height="69" href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" theme="light" width="300"></g:plus>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-43133653868549369382012-03-18T12:19:00.001-07:002012-03-18T12:22:56.770-07:00Album Review: Luke Bryan - Spring Break 4... Suntan City<link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher"></link><script type="text/javascript">
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About this time every year, Luke Bryan releases a short, four song EP of party songs. Many of these songs are ones that Bryan admits would never get much radio play, but he enjoys making them and the freedom he gets without the pressures from the record label. 2012 brings us the fourth iteration of the series, "Suntan City". Previous "Spring Break" EPs have brought us such songs as "I'm Hungover", "Wild Weekend" and "It's A Shore Thing". <br />
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Suntan City - Bryan kicks of the EP with the best track on the album, the title track "Suntan City". This one really sets the mood, talking about how people from all over the country head to the beach during Spring Break for a week or so of partying. "Hey there cutie with the Kentucky coozie/ Have you ever hung with a Georgia Boy?/ Why don't you and your friends ease on over here/ and chug a beer with Miss Illinois". Easily the strongest track on the album.<br />
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Spring Break-Up - Following up with a song about Spring Break promiscuity, Luke talks about moving on from one girl while trying to pick up another. Problem is, the first one is not getting the message. Bryan tries to tell her that there should be no hard feelings, but he "Don't need (her) number/ Don't wanna be (her) Facebook friend". <br />
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Little Bit Later On - Definitely a goofy song, this is one of the songs that Bryan was talking about when he said they are not necessarily recording for radio. Much of the song is spoken rather than sung, as the Spring Breakers work on trying to make plans for the night. <br />
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Shake the Sand Off the Sheets - The only slow song on the EP, "Shake the Sand Off the Sheets" is a love song, talking about getting ready to climb into bed together. The romantic tone definitely highlights Bryan voice, which allows it to fit nicely without feeling out of place on the party album.<br />
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While "Suntan City" is not the best of the Spring Break EPs Luke Bryan has released, it definitely holds its own and accomplishes what it set out to do. The party EP has enough good tunes to satisfy fans and bridge the gap between "Tailgates and Tanlines" and whatever project Bryan releases next. At only about $3.50 for the four tracks, it is definitely worth the money. 7.5/10<br />
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This album was purchased from the <a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Luke_Bryan_Spring_Break_4_Suntan_City?id=B7w3hourqv6ub2mqed647zcqnre&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImFsYnVtLUI3dzNob3VycXY2dWIybXFlZDY0N3pjcW5yZSJd" target="_blank">Google Play store</a>. It can also be found on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spring-Break-4-Suntan-City/dp/B0078AMCA6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332097778&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spring-break-4...suntan-city/id502260320" target="_blank"> iTunes</a><br />
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<g:plus height="69" href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" theme="light" width="300"></g:plus>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-63770097948054840112012-02-08T20:32:00.000-08:002012-02-08T20:35:43.881-08:00Album Review: Dierks Bentley - Home<link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher"></link><script type="text/javascript">
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It is hard to believe that Dierks Bentley has been in the Country Music world for nine years, but since 2003, the Arizona native has been giving us music to party by as well as music that causes us to reflect. Six studio albums and eight #1 singles later, Bentley is back with more of what he does best, and his latest album does not disappoint. "Home", the follow up to 2010's bluegrass filled "Up On The Ridge" has already produced one #1 song ("Am I The Only One") and the second single, the title track "Home", is rapidly climbing the charts.<br />
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Bentley kicks the album off with a couple of party songs. "Am I The Only One", the first single and #1 from the album is a rocked out version of Hank Jr's "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down". "Gonna Die Young" continues this vibe, which picks up later in the album with "5-1-5-0". The latter is a reference to the police code for a crazy person and makes for one of the most fun songs to drive and sing along to. All three of these bring the style that made "Sideways" such a hit for Dierks.<br />
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As known as he is for his rocking songs, Bentley might be known even more for his mid-tempo love songs. Tracks like "Tip It On Back" and "In My Head", two of the likely-to-be underrated tracks on the album, are great examples of this. "When You Gonna Come Around", featuring Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, furthers this niche, providing a beautiful duet.<br />
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The song that is sure to get everyone talking, however, is "Thinking Of You". Not only is it a beautiful love long, sure to resonate with both musicians and military alike, it also features Bentley's three year-old daughter, Evie, who sings the chorus on her own at the end. Just listening to her sing will bring a smile to everyone's face. She even joined him on stage for one of his shows to sing with her pops.<br />
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One other track especially worth mentioning (though they all are), is "Home". The second single from the album is a reflective track, along the lines of "Every Mile A Memory" and so many of his other hits. This one will be a #1 song soon, and deservedly so. The track feels genuine.<br />
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The album, "Home", is filled with solid tracks that are sure to appeal to everyone. Fans of all ages will hear something on this record that they will find themselves singing all day long. The songs are catchy, but never feel fake. Dierks does not step outside of the comfort zone, as he did with "Up On The Ridge", but the album is still an enjoyable listen from end to end. Country music is off to a good start in 2012, and Dierks is sure to continue to be a heavy force in the genre for several years. 8.5/10<br />
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The album can be found at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Dierks-Bentley/dp/B0050CJNH4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1328762109&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Amazon.com here</a>.<br />
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Also, do not forget to join us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LowDownHoeDown" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,<a href="https://twitter.com/LowDownHoeDown" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>, and Google+ (below) to let us know what you think and what you want from the blog.<br />
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<g:plus height="131" href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" theme="light" width="300"></g:plus>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-35172499089735903042012-02-03T00:22:00.000-08:002012-02-03T00:25:54.917-08:00Album Review: Kellie Pickler - 100 proof<link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher"></link><script type="text/javascript">
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Kellie Pickler is another in a long line of country artists who gained fame through "American Idol", having finished sixth in the show's fifth season. She has fallen off the radar recently, having not released an album since 2008, much slower than the typical country artist. However, she seems to have found her style in those years. "100 Proof", Pickler's third album features a much more traditional country sound than the "pop" of her previous albums"<br />
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Where's Tammy Wynette: If there was any doubt as to the direction the "I Wonder" singer was going to take with this album, Pickler shatters it with the very first song. The toe-tapping first song tells of Pickler, unsure what to do about her man, desperately searching the radio for the advice of the Late Country Legend, Tammy Wynette. <br />
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</div><div>Unlock That Honky Tonk: Kellie is in the mood to party, and a locked bar is not going to stop her. She does not care that it is only Tuesday. Her fiery attitude calls for people to wake up the owner, wake the bartender and drag themselves in. "Unlock that Honky Tonk" she sings. "Boy, turn the neons on / Go get the good stuff out / I'm bringing a party crowd".</div><div><br />
</div><div>Stop Cheatin' On Me: Slowing it down, Pickler lays down the rules, with a voice that immediately brings to mind that of June Carter Cash. She has one simple rule to make this relationship work, "Stop cheating on me / It ain't that hard to do / Stop cheating on me / Or I'll start cheating on you". The "I can play that game, too" attitude is sure to resonate with a lot of women, and the slow two-step beat is sure to get a lot of playtime in the bars.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Long As I Never See You Again: The "Red High Heels" singer is at the end of a long period of getting over a breakup. She no longer turns to the bottle for comfort. She indicates that she is still fragile after the ordeal though, with the contradictory statement, "I'll go my way / We can still be friends / I'll be alright / Long as I never see you again". My only complaint about this beautiful song of strength is the stop and start at the beginning of the chorus, which distract the listener with the lack of flow.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Tough: The first single from the album. "Tough" has a very similar sound to "Unlock That Honky Tonk". Pickler uses the title word in multiple ways, both describing herself as "tough" and telling guys that if they do not like it well, then "tough". This song is sure to be popular among fans who also enjoy Miranda Lambert's style of singing.<br />
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</div><div>Turn On The Radio and Dance: Finally, Kellie is ready for some genuine love. She describes driving down by the lake, where it is just the two of them so they can be alone and just be together. Nothing necessarily sexual, just kick off the shoes, "Turn on the radio and dance" she sings, describing her perfect moment with her man.<br />
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Mother's Day: Anyone who knows Pickler's backstory knows why on the night before Mother's Day, she prays "That there's some way / That life could skip a day / To Monday". She is obviously grateful for what she has, but misses having a mom in her life. The simplicity of her and the acoustic guitar make this one of the most emotionally powerful songs on the album.<br />
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Rockaway (The Rockin' Chair Song): Told from the perspective of an old lady, sitting in a rocking chair, reflecting on a lifetime of love with her husband. The bridge of the song describes the perfect ending to the longtime love "I whisper this rocking chair prayer at night/ If your's is ever empty/ Let mine not be far behind". <br />
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Little House On The Highway: A song about the life of an artist on the road, Pickler sings opens singing about how hard it is to stay awake, describing her band as a "Three Ring Circus" and finding stations to listen to. It is definitely the most fun song on the album, and I would not be surprised if it were released as a single in the future.<br />
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100 Proof: The title track to the album slows the beat down and uses alcohol to describe the strength of their love. Pickler compares their relationship with that of a friend's, who just got into a fight. In the meantime, Kellie and her man are going home to get drunk on each other's love, which is "100 proof".<br />
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The Letter (To Daddy): Pickler sings about the transformation in her father, an alcoholic who finally gave up the bottle and now makes up for lost time. The song is short, but genuine. Much like "Mother's Day", the power is in it's simplicity.<br />
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"100 Proof" is a step in a completely different direction from the albums Kellie Pickler has previously written. This new formula definitely fits the young singer well, and provides a traditional sound for those clamoring for the "good ole days" of country music. Every song comes across as genuine and heartfelt. I hope Pickler stays with this style. 9/10<br />
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-Tim<br />
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We are now on all three social networks. If you like what you are reading, or want to provide feedback, please join us there and let us know what you think.<br />
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Halo - The album kicks off with a powerful and emotional ballad. The only thing stronger than the guitar on this track are McGraw's vocals as he sings about a love that has faded despite every attempt to try to save it. "Cry, Cry, baby I can't change the weather" McGraw sings, describing that feeling of helplessness at a lost relationship. The guitar is what really sells this song, ending with a beautiful guitar solo.<br />
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Right Back At Ya - McGraw picks the pace up with the second track, a fun love song with a beach tone to it. The song is about positive karma, McGraw is going to do everything he can to reciprocate the love he has felt from his woman, singing "Right back at ya, babe/ Just like a boomerang/ Everything good you threw my way/ Right back at ya, babe/ Best that you get ready/ There's a whole lotta loving/ That is gonna be coming/ Right back at, ya babe"<br />
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One Part, Two Part - Returning to the theme of lost love, McGraw describes how there was a lot of good in the relationship, there was always more bad that got in the way. He sings it in a fun way that makes the song enjoyable and almost makes you forget that he is singing about a breakup. <br />
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I Will Not Fall Down - McGraw is in his mid-40's and he knows that he is not as young as he used to be. He acknowledges that in this song, but adds that he is not going to give up. "I will not fall down/ I will not fall down/ I will not fall down/ Without getting up/ That's when I need your love" McGraw sings in the chorus, noting that he cannot do it alone. <br />
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One - This song opens by painting a picture reminiscent of McGraw's past hit, "Something Like That". The only bad thing about this song is the awkward editing where McGraw sings the bridge, it sounds like it comes in about a half-second early. The style of this song is perfect for singing in the car as the words are easy and fun to sing along to.<br />
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Better Than I Used To Be - Tim slows it back down for what is now the second single from the album. In what is probably the most transparent song on the album, McGraw admits that he is not perfect. Far from it actually. He acknowledges that he has come a long way from his past, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The song is a good progression in maturity from ten years prior and "My Next Thirty Years" and is sure to reach number one.<br />
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Touchdown Jesus - Between "Friday Night Lights" and "The Blind Side", it is no secret that McGraw is a football fan. This song about redemption compares Jesus to a running back, you give either of them a little bit of room to work, and they will take it all the way for the touchdown. I am sure this song is going to get a lot of air time in the churches on Sunday mornings.<br />
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One That Got Away - This is an interesting song, one about the irony of being an outcast as a kid, but now that he is famous, everyone wants to know him. This song is sure to resonate with a lot of people, not just singers, who were outcasts in high school, but have dreams of something bigger. "Everyone wants a glimpse of the one that got away/ Everybody wants to see you/ Everybody wants to be you too/ It's funny how they put you down/ But now they think you're alright/ Everybody loves you tonight/ You're the one that got away". This song is perfect for me, as I am currently reading a book that is similar to this "And The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth" by Alexandra Robbins. This is probably my favorite song on the album.<br />
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Felt Good On My Lips - The first single and #1 from the album is a fun one. Tim finds himself in a situation with a girl he did not know, whose name he could not pronounce, listening to music in another language, with a drink guys would not be caught dead with, but they feel good on his lips, so he is having a good time. The song is a great summer song with a great tune and fun lyrics.<br />
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Hey Now - Keeping the party theme going, "Hey Now" tells about a party that is winding down, but a girl puts on a new album. At first, McGraw is outraged as he was about to leave, but she starts dancing and Tim realizes maybe it is not so late after all. When she goes to leave, he decides he is going to extend the party for her too. The song is not the strongest on the album, but is a fun one for parties.<br />
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Only Human - Another song about maturing moments in life, Rapper Ne-Yo appears as a guest on this song about finding out you are not invincible. Ne-Yo sings "I tried to touch the sky/ Fell right to the ground/ Did my best to fly/ But I just kept falling down/ So many hopes and dreams shattered/ Expectations broken, battered" in the second verse". The song is one of realization, and fits well with the aging McGraw.<br />
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Die By My Own Hand - The "I Like It, I Love It" singer wraps up the album with another song about love lost. This time, McGraw admits that the girl in question changed him, but it is hard to change a music man, and before she could save him, she got fed up and left. He does not blame her, saying he "Should have seen it coming/ [He'll] always die by [his] own hand". <br />
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McGraw definitely shows a level of maturity on this album that he has not shown previously. At 44, he has had a long career and been around long enough to have learned many lessons along the way. Almost every song on this track is evidence of those lessons. This album will not resonate with everyone, especially much of the younger crowd, but it is one of the best efforts Tim has put forth in years. 9/10<br />
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This album is in stores on Tuesday, January 24th. You can pre-order the album through Amazon,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Traffic-Tim-McGraw/dp/B006GYEQTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327282321&sr=8-1" target="_blank"> here</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-20454110268635326372012-01-18T12:40:00.000-08:002012-01-18T12:40:43.627-08:00During the Break - A Word on SOPA/PIPAHello readers,<br />
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I know this is a blog to review country music, but I wanted to take a moment on this day to say a word about the SOPA and PIPA acts that are working their way through both parts of Congress. <br />
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Many of you may have noticed that today, Wikipedia is unavailable, Google has a censor block over it's name, and many other sites are inaccessible. This is for a reason. The SOPA and PIPA acts that Congress is trying to force down our throats is an abomination. So many sites that we consider vital to our lives: Facebook, Twitter, Google, YouTube and many more would be castrated, if not utterly decimated by these bills. These bills are nothing more than an attempt to censor the internet, thinly veiled as fighting piracy.<br />
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I urge all of you to write, call, tweet, facebook, use whatever means you have available to contact your representatives and tell them that you oppose this bill. We have had almost 3,000 unique visitors to this blog, and if these bills pass, this blog will be no longer.<br />
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Thank you for your time. Look for new reviews to start next week as Lynzee reviews Kellie Pickler's "100 Proof" and Tim tackles the new album from Tim McGraw, both released on the 24th.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-8410228660496842902011-12-11T17:47:00.000-08:002011-12-11T18:02:13.116-08:00End of Year Round-up<HEAD><link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher" /><script type="text/javascript">
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So, we are at the end of the year, which means plenty of Christmas shopping to be done. I am sure many of you are considering buying music for your loved ones, so I thought it would be handy to do a round-up of all the albums we have reviewed here, ranked from highest to lowest. Each album will have two links. The artist name will be a link to the review that we did here. The album title will be a link to Amazon where you can purchase it if you so choose. The ratings we gave are also included.<br />
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<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/09/album-review-brantley-gilbert-halfway.html">Brantley Gilbert</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Halfway-Heaven-Brantley-Gilbert/dp/B005D1IGFW/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi_1">Halfway to Heaven (Deluxe Edition): 10/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/07/album-review-eric-church-chief.html">Eric Church</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chief-Eric-Church/dp/B004ZBIJE4/ref=pd_sim_m_18">Chief: 9.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/07/album-review-justin-moore-outlaws-like.html">Justin Moore</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outlaws-Like-Me-Justin-Moore/dp/B004YZFF5W/ref=pd_sim_m_7">Outlaws Like Me: 9.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/12/album-review-lady-antebellum-own-night.html">Lady Antebellum</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Own-Night-Lady-Antebellum/dp/B0050CJNJ2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652030&sr=1-1">Own The Night: 9.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/08/album-review-pistol-annies-hell-on.html">Pistol Annies</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Heels-Pistol-Annies/dp/B005JT631W/ref=pd_sim_m_27">Hell On Heels: 9/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/12/album-review-martina-mcbride-eleven.html">Martina McBride</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eleven-Martina-McBride/dp/B005HWUBFK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652114&sr=1-1">Eleven: 9/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/micro-review-kevin-fowler-chippin-away.html">Kevin Fowler</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chippin-Away-Kevin-Fowler/dp/B0056MBV8C/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652297&sr=1-1">Chippin' Away: 9/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/08/album-review-eli-young-band-life-at.html">Eli Young Band</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Best-Eli-Young-Band/dp/B00577WFXQ/ref=pd_sim_m_25">Life At Best: 8.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/09/jake-owen-is-somewhat-of-interesting.html">Jake Owen</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Blue-Jean-Night-Jake/dp/B004T4YPI6/ref=pd_sim_m_34">Barefoot Blue Jean Night: 8.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/07/first-review-blake-shelton-red-river.html">Blake Shelton</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-River-Blue-Blake-Shelton/dp/B0050PLTDC/ref=pd_sim_m_27">Red River Blue: 8/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/08/album-review-brad-paisley-this-is.html">Brad Paisley</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Country-Music-Brad-Paisley/dp/B004FN1KZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323653064&sr=1-1">This Is Country Music: 8/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-review-lauren-alaina-wildflower.html">Lauren Alaina</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildflower-Lauren-Alaina/dp/B0052TDN5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652507&sr=1-1">Wildflower: 8/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/07/album-review-colt-ford-every-chance-i.html">Colt Ford</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Chance-Get-Colt-Ford/dp/B004SHHJGE/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323653385&sr=1-1">Every Chance I Get: 8/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-review-scotty-mccreery-clear-as.html">Scotty McCreery</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clear-As-Day-Scotty-McCreery/dp/B0052TDGQO/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_b">Clear As Day: 7.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-review-montgomery-gentry-rebels.html">Montgomery Gentry</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Run-Montgomery-Gentry/dp/B005H7Q0IM/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652348&sr=1-1">Rebels On The Run: 7.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-review-rodney-atkins-take-back.html">Rodney Atkins</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Take-Back-Road-Rodney-Atkins/dp/B005EIHMU4/ref=pd_sim_m_11">Take A Back Road: 7.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/07/album-review-chris-young-neon.html">Chris Young</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neon-Chris-Young/dp/B004T4YGNA/ref=pd_sim_m_5">Neon: 7.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/10/album-review-toby-keith-clancys-tavern.html">Toby Keith</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clancys-Tavern-Toby-Keith/dp/B005HGAKHU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652437&sr=1-1">Clancy's Tavern: 7/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/08/album-review-trace-adkins-proud-to-be.html">Trace Adkins</a> -<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Proud-Be-Here-Trace-Adkins/dp/B00545KY7U/ref=pd_sim_m_31"> Proud To Be Here: 7/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/11/album-review-miranda-lambert-four.html">Miranda Lambert</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Four-Record-Miranda-Lambert/dp/B005DTL958/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652179&sr=1-1">Four The Record: 6.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/11/album-review-joe-nichols-its-all-good.html">Joe Nichols</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Good-Joe-Nichols/dp/B005LTH4W2/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1323652233&sr=1-1">It's All Good: 6.5/10</a><br />
<a href="http://cmtd.blogspot.com/2011/08/album-review-luke-bryan-tailgates.html">Luke Bryan</a> - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tailgates-Tanlines-Luke-Bryan/dp/B0052V0NQ8/ref=pd_sim_m_3">Tailgates & Tanlines: 6/10</a><br />
<br />
Overall, country music had a pretty surprising year. Some new artists, such as Brantley Gilbert and the Pistol Annies put out fantastic albums. Some staples (Toby Keith, Trace Adkins) had mediocre releases. New First Couple of Country Music (Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert) had huge years.<br />
<br />
This is far from the only country albums to come out this year. These are only the ones that we had the chance to review. Check out releases from Thompson Square (Self-Titled), Sunny Sweeney ("Concrete"), Steel Magnolia (Self-Titled), Sara Evans ("Stronger"), Ronnie Dunn (Self-Titled), Josh Kelley ("Georgia Clay"), Josh Gracin ("Redemption"), Jeff Bridges (Self-Titled), The JaneDear Girls (Self-Titled), Hunter Hayes (Self-Titled), George Strait ("Here For A Good Time"), Craig Campbell (Self-Titled), Corey Smith ("The Broken Record"), Ashton Shepherd ("Where Country Grows"), Allison Krauss & Union Station ("Paper Airplanes"), and Aaron Lewis ("Town Line"). Many of these are great albums that we just did not have time to review.<br />
<br />
Thanks for a great first year at "Low Down For A Hoe Down" and Merry Christmas from both Lynzee and I. We look forward to reviewing all the great albums coming in 2012. Look for reviews of albums from Kellie Pickler, Tim McGraw, and Dierks Bentley early in the year and many more as the year moves on. Also coming in 2012, I plan on reviewing any concerts I attend as well as finally getting around to the line dances I promised from the beginning. See you next year!<br />
<br />
<g:plus href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" size="badge"></g:plus>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-79505602935736628702011-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:002011-12-09T12:44:46.298-08:00Album Review: Lady Antebellum - Own The Night<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Lady Antebellum wasted no time following up their smash hit album "Need You Now". After racking up numerous awards (including five Grammy's), the group is back with their third album, "Own The Night"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We Owned The Night: This song has already been released and over-played on the radio but it has this amazing sound lovable message and romantic video. Great lyrics and sound.</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Just A Kiss: Another great song. The story of love. A strong connection that takes your breathe away. A song dealing with love being so strong that they don't want everything to end so they take it slow with "just a kiss."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Dancin' Away With My Heart: You always hear stories on TV about couples who go off to college and never see each other till they find one another again in some way (i.e. Facebook) and then they get married and talk about the good old days. When they met each other. It only takes one moment to catch someones heart. This song explains that perfectly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Friday Night: Such a different style. I normally hate songs like this, but they execute it perfectly. They write of a woman "I don't wanna be another chore to check off on your list." "I wanna be your Friday night sweet ride summertime sunshine barefoot in the moonlight." Basically do what you have to do but when you get home its always Friday night.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When You Were Mine: Brings back memories of when I would have a nasty breakup, later all I could think about would be the good times. "You promised you'd never break my heart, never leave me in the dark, said your love would be for all time." "But that was back when you were mine."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cold As Stone: It is easier to just put up huge electric fence around your heart when something goes wrong. It is easier to move on when your not admitting that you got hurt. "I wish I was cold as stone, then I wouldn't feel a thing. I wish I didn't have this heart, then I wouldn't know the sting of the pain." To me the best way to get over someone is to find some better who is worth it. No need to be a pathetic person who just talks about there break ups and how there madly in love with them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Singing Me Home: Awesome song. Now I know almost every country boy has had this happen. "My baby's riding shotgun, singin just a little off key. Her feet on the dashboard, tapping out the back beat. " "got the sunshine shining through the windshield, got a hand on her leg the other on the wheel." The chorus sounds like The Temptations only with a girl. Different but I love it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wanted You More: I despise those relationships where there is only one person giving everything thing humanly possible for the other and they're just blind (mostly it is the guy who doesn't show emotions well). Although I think the song was sung a little too clean cut regardless it was beautiful for a break up song. ;-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As You Turn Away: when things are bad, there normally is a long road to recovering the relationship. Most don't get to recovery they just leave. A hearts already fully broken, there is no repair for that. Also, there is the let's be friends horse poopy. "No we can't be friends cause I don't think I could take seeing you and knowing where we've been." I'm a little harsh but the song explains it in a gentle matter.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Love I've Found In You: I'm in love with this song. Definitely a song that will be played at a lot of weddings. So Romantic.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Somewhere Love Remains: I swear I could have used this album in high school with all the up and down relationships I went through. Sometimes I think they just take all my experiences and put them in song. (wait then, shouldn't I be getting paid too hahaha NOT) Another great break up song.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Heart Of The World: So Soft, incredibly smooth sounding. Almost like a lullaby it's so sexy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Own The Night was fantastic. (maybe I'm just in a good mood) I felt the whole album had so much personality and awesome mix of style. Even though he songs are out in order with romantic, then break up and back to romantic and so on. Every song exploded my mind with old memories. (good and bad) This is how country music should stay. Songs that people can relate to. Well done. 9.5/10</span><br />
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</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-21230586060192642682011-12-01T20:56:00.000-08:002011-12-01T20:56:24.619-08:00Album Review: Martina McBride - Eleven<div>Great timing on this album. Martina McBride released her eleventh album, "Eleven" containing eleven songs on October 11, 2011. The six-time CMA winner and five-time ACM winner (including an honorary award in 2011) Has been a staple in country music since she burst on the scene in the early 90's. She's an amazing singer that defines country music.</div><div><br />
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</div>One Night: What a song. Makes me want to just drop everything and go on an adventure. No worries. No concerns. Just love. I can agree. I'm Tired of waiting my whole life for something real. Like a match under my ass cause I'm ready to live it up. It's too bad the radios are going to play the shit out of this song.<br />
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</div><div>Always Be This Way: This song is short but to the point. A well-written song about love. Who wouldn't want their lover to say " you make my heart beat faster," and "I'm crazy for you"? It's too bad life's so freaked up that things can't always be just the good times.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm Gonna Love You Though It: Such an inspirational song to keep the fight. Although this song is very sad it's the truth. It's an amazing feeling have a person to hold on to and help give you strength when you have nothing left. There will always be those moments where everything is taken from you but, guess what, you're loved. Even though this song makes me want to cry, I love the video of real stories of people who didn't think they had anything to live for, but they survived.<br />
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</div><div>Marry Me: I like everything about this song, although I definitely don't think she should be saying "marry me" to the guy. I guess I'm old fashion when it comes to those things. Even though it sounds like they are just two people wishing they had the nerve to go over to the other and say "hello", yet they want to marry each other. Now, I've heard stories of people just taking a look at someone and knowing they're the one for life, but I guess it's just in what you believe in. Awesome song. I think she chose a beautiful, gentle sound, and it doesn't hurt to have a great guy singing it with you.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Broken Umbrella: Even though this song has nothing to do with Christmas, I love how the song has that tone to it. No care in the world just cause I'm with you. I love it. :-) Why should anything else matter when you're in love? You should never let the little things bug you. There is more to life.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You Can Get Your Lovin' Right Here: I love how she just lets her man be a man. There are too many little high school girls who think if they keep a tight chain on their dog, he won't run away. ( He will run for the sky right when you turn away) She just sings of how she will let him do what he wants as long as he comes home for a passionate night or two. Great song. She has amazing range in her voice. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Whatcha Gonna Do: A huge change from the first part of the album. Then again every relationship has there rocky points. I definitely agree when a relationship is not working there is no use for staying and putting yourself through the heartbreak. Like She says, "I can't keep waiting around this house, expecting you to change, You lead me on and let me down every time you say your sorry." It will never work itself out if only one person is doing the giving and taking. Partnership. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Teenage Daughters: No kid comes with a manual. Of course when they're small, they love you and you're the greatest thing since ice cream, but when those teen years come along, you're wrong. Just love them for who they are and help them become the best they can. Don't give in but don't abuse. Awesome songs for parents who think they're alone. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Summer Of Love: This song is deja vu for me. I've never had a song explain my situation more perfectly then this one. It was like i was reliving the moment. A wonderful song about "kiss me one more time, you said kiss me so I won't forget, so I can have this feeling even when you're gone." I think every person who's in a military relationship can agree with me on this song.</div><div><br />
</div><div>When You Love A Sinner: This song reminds me of people who marry because they think they can change the other person. In the end you don't.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Long Distance Lullaby: I don't really know what to say about this one. It's beautiful, sweet, and is something that would surely put me to sleep. I do wish I could send my kiss a thousand miles to you, and just to feel your touch.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This is an album that shows slightly different styles (which all sound amazing). It is one of my favorites. She held my interest through out the whole album. I love that she didn't put songs that wouldn't go on the radio or that didn't make any sense. It was powerful but gentle and inspirational and got to the point. Her voice is sensational and her range is amazing. She is one of many people that is going to keep country music alive. 9/10<br />
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~Lynzee</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-54530333210147376822011-11-22T20:06:00.000-08:002011-11-22T20:06:07.504-08:00Album Review: Miranda Lambert - Four The Record<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Miranda Lambert has had an awesome, but busy year with the Pistol Annies, not to mention her new marriage to Blake Shelton (who is also featured on her album, song Better In The Long Run). Also this is her 4th album that has gone to number 1. This makes her the only country artist to have their 4 records go to number 1 on the country charts.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">So CONGRATS to Lambert.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">All kinds of kind: First time around listening to this song it took me 30 seconds to tell that this was <b>NOT</b> her normal style. Then questioning why she was talking about Ilas who was an acrobat, or congressman dressing up in dresses to realize that if you open the box, the people living in there are some weird, crazy, insane people in this world. Even then, it takes all kinds of kind to make the world go round. This song makes me want to get to know those people, just to experience a different side of the world so I can say "guess what I am a kind." (What's with the minute and half that's nothing but music radio station are going to cut the song off short???)</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Fine Tune: I almost missed the first line were she says "I've been missing all the vital signs" if I had not gone back. Is she trying to state a point with the title "Fine Tune" and the way you cant understand what shes saying unless you read the lyrics with the song??? Not my favorite at all. kinda sounds like she's bored, but makes a great point of guys; they turn all the loose strings, kiss you from your wrist to your neck and running your fingers through my hair. All I've got to say to that is ewwwww la la (read that slow if you don't understand) kinda cant wait for Christmas when I see my man.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Fastest Girl In Town: Powerful kind of attitude I love from her. A style she should keep. It describes the "I don't care what people think" fire that people in the music business need. It's your life! So live it to the fullest not what you think people want you to you do. So Rock On! Kick Some Ass :-)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Safe: Sounds like my relationship with my boyfriend. I always feel safe with him, and I hope he feels the same. "I'll spend forever making sure I can erase every tear you ever thought about crying" basically love him through everything knowing this song is about Blake Shelton. Ahh love. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Mama's Broken Heart: When I hear this song it makes me think of the olden day mamas. "Powder your nose, paint your toes, line your lips and keep'em closed, cross your legs, dot your I's, and never let them see you cry" "Run and hide your crazy, start acting like a lady," but I guess she has not seen the country girls in Fayetteville,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"> NC. Love the song Reminds me of my dad. hahaha</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Dear Diamond: I can relate to getting a new ring. "Perfectly flawless, to good to be true." She goes on by saying "Promise to never do what I've done, I've lied to someone." Everyone has their own dark secrets but when it comes down to it do you want to "Lie like the devil or just face the truth?" Everything about this song makes me wonder should they be getting married?? I mean hiding your poop sounds from them when you first get married is one thing or even dating, but "what he don't know <b>WILL</b> kill him," makes you question?? That closet must be deep if you don't think he won't find out.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Same Old You: Kinda makes me think this song came from a drunk person one night or a day were you realize <b>WTF</b> am I doing in this relationship. Same old complaints of a person who wants to leave but when their about to walk out the front door for good they looks back and all your can see is the good time. It draws you back to that no good life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Baggage Claim: Enjoy the music video for this one</span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Easy Living: Short, and to the point. A kiss in the morning (no coffee for me) "It's easy living, it's easy loving you." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Over You: Blake Shelton is the true artist of this song. They interviewed Miranda Lambert and she states that it was a very emotional time and this song is all about his brother who died when Shelton was in his teen years. Lambert goes on to say that the reason she sings the song is because Shelton didn't want to have to get up on stage to relive a horrible time in his life every day, week, month, year. The song gives off this emotional hurt, but knowing of protection. Even though Shelton chooses not to sing this song, Lambert pulls off this elegant, beautiful sound. This song is his history.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Look At Miss Ohio: I feel myself getting bored now. This song is one of many on this album that has no emotion to it. It's just got this tempo/sound of okay lets get this over with. I have never been more ill interested in a song. It talks about a Miss Ohio wanting to get married but not now and all her mom is doing is pushing her in to it. Okay I know when my parents try to push me in to something it pisses me off. WHERE IS THE EMOTION, the fire, anything? This song sounds like Lambert is an on-looking party, but still where's the interest that grabbed your attention to even make this song? Was this song a last minute addition because she had nothing else in her life to write about?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Better In The Long Run: Well yes I like this song but i don't blame Blake Shelton or Miranda Lambert for this song. This song makes you think does this song represent them when NO one knew they were dating for almost 3 years? Is this what they thought at one point about there relationship? Although I love the meaning cause lord knows I've been in that type of situation; the chorus sounds like they both are yelling at the microphone to be heard over the other. While I love them as separate indiviuals as well as a couple, I don't think singing together sounds right. There both dominant so having them sing together at times sounds like a pissed off cat looking for a fight. They would be better off in a slow romantic song. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Nobody's Fool: I really don't have anything to say about this song. Its a pretty simple song of a break up and the guy moving on or trying to rub the next girl in her face. Replacement is no fun, but then again there's plenty of fish in the sea.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Oklahoma Sky: Before I even played this song I looked at how long the song was(4:47), then I assumed there would be a lot of lyrics but when i looked it up the song was 3 paragraphs. In my mind I'm guessing there's a lot of instrumental parts. This song to me has a lot of mystery. I've listened to the song over and over but all I know is that it deals with a lot of love.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">Although It took me longer to review this album then I thought; it was an okay album. I saw MTV featuring Miranda Lambert and she talked so high about this album that I had high expectations. Especially since she states it has a lot of her personality, and that it shows her curiosity with the different styles. So Congrats and good luck with the marriage. 6.5/10</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">(I would love to sit down with her and ask about some of these songs because they have so much mystery to them. Even to get it straight if this album is all about Blake Shelton and her or not?)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';">~Lynzee</span><br />
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</span></div><g:plus href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" size="badge"></g:plus>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-7799561502952887682011-11-21T16:34:00.000-08:002011-11-21T16:34:21.680-08:00Album Review: Joe Nichols - It's All GoodJoe Nichols returns with his first album in almost three years. The "Gimme That Girl" singer, known for his more suave singing voice released his seventh album on November 8th. "It's All Good" has already produced one single, "Take It Off", which did not perform well. <br />
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The "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" singer continues in his typical style, which is very similar to that of Kenny Chesney. It is a fun-loving, but romantic style, albeit without Chesney's beach tone to it. "Take It Off" and "The More I Look" embody this perfectly, with the latter having more of a bar party attitude and the former being more of a beach party.<br />
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"Somebody's Mama" tells the story of getting a tattoo covering up an angel tattoo from the past. The singer reminisces on a past love as he shares with the artist: "She used to say all she wanted babies/ And I was too young to slow down/ But I figure she's probably somebody's mama by now".<br />
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The next two songs, the title track and "This Ole Boy" return to the idea of life being perfect as long as he has his woman with him. In "It's All Good", Nichols paints a picture of everything around him falling apart, but as long as he is sitting in the shade with his love, well, you get the picture. "This Ole Boy", a song that will also appear on Craig Morgan's forthcoming album, continues that same feeling. Both are feel-good songs and either of them will likely end up as a single before he releases his next album.<br />
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"I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is a romantic ballad that is sure to be sung between lovers for years to come. The Arkansas native does not care what is going on around him, whether it be two moons in the sky, a meteor shower or anything, he simply cannot stop looking at his girl. <br />
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After painting the picture of a perfect life with a perfect love for several songs, the "Brokenheartsville" singer takes a fall and hits the bottom with "No Truck, No Boat, No Girl". He acknowledges this fall in the chorus, as the song closes: "Seems like yesterday I was sittin' on top of the world/ Man ain't supposed to live this way/ No truck, no boat, no girl/ Some things just can't be replaced/ No truck, no boat, no girl"<br />
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Nichols returns to love for the last three songs of the album. "Never Gonna Give You Up" talks about all the habits, mostly drinking into the early hours, that he is more than willing to give up in exchange for a woman's love. "She's Just Like That" is a descriptive song about how perfect the woman is. Closing out the album, "How I Wanna Go" is a very reflective song, comparative like "Never Gonna Give You Up" in that it shows how different his life is since meeting his love. None of these songs stands out, but they are typical Joe Nichols, and none of them are bad either.<br />
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"It's All Good" is far from the strongest album that has been put out in country music this year, but it is far from the worst as well. Every song on the album is typical Joe Nichols, with him not taking any risks from the formula that has worked for him in the past. 6.5/10<br />
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<a href="https://market.android.com/details?id=album-Bxbejzrgprxy35d2fjp5hvr4z2a&feature=artist-albums#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDYwMiwiYWxidW0tQnhiZWp6cmdwcnh5MzVkMmZqcDVodnI0ejJhIl0.">You can pick up the album here from Google's new music store for $7.99</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/FsOz_T1K17Y/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FsOz_T1K17Y&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FsOz_T1K17Y&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-28712900211193479062011-11-19T14:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:35:35.411-08:00We are on Google+!!!!I am planning on having a review for you by the end of the day, but in the mean time, we are now on Google+! You can circle use here:<br />
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<link href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" rel="publisher"></link><script type="text/javascript">
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<div class="g-plus" data-href="https://plus.google.com/102043691773419616758" data-size="badge"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-57585237897155574092011-11-17T10:12:00.001-08:002011-11-17T10:12:56.606-08:00Update<div><p>Sorry for the break in reviews. I am in the process of moving from Korea to California and have not had much time. Reviews should be back by the end of the month with music by Josh Gracin, Joe Nichols and many more</p>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-4575209738208146182011-10-27T23:09:00.000-07:002011-10-27T23:09:15.262-07:00Micro-Review: Kevin Fowler - Chippin' AwayNote: Have some extra time, so finally doing micro-reviews of some of the albums I never got around to reviewing. Expect quite a few in the coming days.<br />
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I mentioned back in the Eli Young Band review, that I do not know what makes certain music "Texas Country". I will admit, though, that the two albums I have heard in that genre this year have been fantastic. Kevin Fowler's "Chippin' Away" is another one that will likely not be recognized much outside of the Lone Star State, but with party songs like "Hell Yeah I Like Beer" and "Beer Money" coupled with the serious "Daddy's And Daughters" and the fun "Girl In A Truck" and "That Girl", the singer should be bigger than he is. The only weak points on the album are "Big River" and "Do That With You Gone". The closing track, "Knocked Up" is a live performance, and the content, while borderline inappropriate (sings about getting a girl not quite out of high school pregnant), will have you laughing. 9/10<br />
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</div>Kevin Fowler's "Chippin' Away" is <a href="http://goo.gl/pcc7s">available here</a> from Amazon.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-88234802686628347612011-10-27T03:27:00.000-07:002011-10-27T03:27:34.618-07:00Album Review: Montgomery Gentry - Rebels On The RunMontgomery Gentry, a duo known for their hard-partying music is back with their first album in three years. "Rebels On The Run", the groups seventh studio album, is the first to be released on Average Joe's Entertainment (co-owned by Colt Ford). The duo has never had a #1 album to date, maybe this will be their first:<br />
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Damn Right I Am - The lead-off track to the album is a rocking anthem about being proud of who you are and where you are from. The song has political undertones, but does a good job of avoiding overdoing it. The real highlight of the song is the guitar near the end.<br />
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Ain't No Law Against That - This is the type of song the Montgomery Gentry is known for. A hard-rocking party tune. Following in the footsteps of "One In Every Crowd" and "Hell Yeah", the song reminds me a lot of "Nobody Feelin' No Pain" off of the recently released Jake Owen album. It is definitely a great drinking song that, knowing these guys, will end up as a future single.<br />
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Damn Baby - The third song on the album slows it down, but only a bit and leads off with the question every couple asks: "Damn baby/ Are we crazy?/ Crazy enough to think that maybe/ We might make it". The pace of the song is just the right speed to serve as a solid transition between the second and fourth tracks.<br />
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Empty - One of the great things about Montgomery Gentry is that they do not focus a lot on heartbreak. "Empty" is one of only two songs on the album with that theme. The problem with this track though, is that the contrast in feeling is too great between the verses and the chorus. The former feels genuine, but something about the way the latter is sung feels a bit forced. <br />
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Where I Come From - The first single from the album returns to the mood set by "Damn Right I Am", being proud of where you are from. The song could almost serve as a sequel to "My Town", a song off of their album of the same name. The music video tells a pretty emotional story:<br />
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Note: I would like to thank Montgomery Gentry for this video. As a Soldier, it is nice to see a music video in which a Soldier is in combat AND survives. There are music videos of Soldiers coming home but do not have them in combat (Trace Adkins' "All I Ask For Anymore") and videos of them in combat, but not coming home (Jason Aldean's "Tattoos On This Town"), but it is nice to see a video show combat and have a happy ending.<br />
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I Like Those People - A tribute to people who are real, and true to themselves and each other. Musically, it sounds like it fits more to a barroom ballad, but the bluesy beat fits the mood of the song. The song does not necessarily fit where it is on the album, but it still ended up being one of my favorites.<br />
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Rebels On The Run - The album's title track takes the duo back to their younger days: partying, loving, and making the most of their lives. "We snuck in all the hometown games/ And played chicken with midnight trains/ Old timers swore/ We were insane/ Rebels on the run/ We made a beer bottle pact/ Behind Bernie's store that/ We would always be one for all/ And all for one/ Rebels on the run." My money is on this being the next single from the album, and deservedly so.<br />
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Simple Things - MG cranks up the guitar on this track celebrating the "Simple Things" in life, like 4th of July parades, fishing, and driving down a dirt road with a girl. Inevitably, the duo longs for days without cell phones as well. Other than that personal disagreement (about things being simpler without the cell phones), I absolutely love this track.<br />
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Missing You - The other heartbreak song on the album, this one feels a lot more natural than "Empty" did. The violin and keyboard provide a beautiful background to the tune, and the guitar solo about the 1:30 mark only adds to it.<br />
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So Called Life - The duo goes back to the rock, celebrating the ups and downs in life and adding a bit of funk in the process: "This ain't no rodeo/ No dog and pony show/ Ain't no roller coaster ride/ Ain't no highway/ Sure ain't no river baby/ It's just my so called/ Just my so called life". The song is a great pedal-to-the-metal cruising tune.<br />
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Work Hard, Play Harder - Closing the album is another party rock tune, this one as a tribute to those who work hard, sometimes for what feels like almost nothing. The song is timely, especially the first verse in light of the Occupy Wall Street protests currently taking place: "I put my forty in plus overtime/ Oughta be proud of this check of mine/ Open it up and I'll be damned/ I worked half the week for Uncle Sam/ He's up there having him a spending spree/ A big ole party and its all on me". The song is a great way to end the album, starting and ending with the type of songs the duo is known for.<br />
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"Rebels On The Run", while not the strongest album the duo has put out, continues to build upon the foundation the band has laid in the past. The album is full of potential hits, and hopefully will debut as their first #1 country album. 7.5/10Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-79256212545573582562011-10-25T21:55:00.000-07:002011-10-26T00:51:42.507-07:00Album Review: Toby Keith - Clancy's TavernToby Keith is one of the most polarizing performers in country music. Many stand by him and his patriotic views. Others, like me, tire quickly of the political country (a point I have made before on this blog). Nobody, however, can deny that Toby has been extremely successful. This, Keith's 15th album (not counting Christmas or Greatest Hits), will likely become the ninth album to reach #1 on the country albums chart. <br />
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Made In America - Keith leads off with not only the ONLY political song on the album, it is probably the least divisive political song he has released. "Made In America" also became Toby's 20th #1 single. The song is about his father, who is American to his core: "He's got the red, white, blue flyin' high on his farm/ 'Semper Fi' tattooed on his left arm/ Spend a little more in the store for a tag in the back says 'USA'/ Won't buy nothin' that he can't fix/ With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench/ He ain't prejudiced/ He's just/ Made in America" Keith sings in the chorus. The anthem is a good picture of who Toby is and will resonates with a lot of country music fans.<br />
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I Need To Hear A Country Song - Toby follows up with a song about heartbreak. He does not want to go through what he is going alone. He wants to share his experience, even if it is not with someone physically in the room. Many can relate to the words: "I need to hear a loser cryin'/ Songs about a love that's dying/ Lyin' Cheatin' to the bone/ Three chord, stone cold country song". <br />
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Clancy's Tavern - The title track is actually a follow-up of sorts to the song "Honkytonk U" from 2005. This, a waltz with an Irish drinking song tone, is more of a tribute to his grandmother than the previously mentioned track. Although it is not the second music video to come from the album, it is the second single. The song is a breath of fresh air, breaking away from the standard sound of country music. <br />
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Tryin' To Fall In Love - The title of the song betrays it's mood. I expected another slow song about attempts at love, but what I got is a fun, upbeat song. "If women come a dime a dozen/ I ain't got a penny/ Some guys are gettin' way too much/ Some guys don't get any/ But if I had a nickel for every time I've had enough/ I'd still be busted and heartbroken/ Still tryin' to fall in love". <br />
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Just Another Sundown - Toby moves back to the heartbreak songs here. The song is not one that stands out, but the acoustic melody really adds to the feeling. <br />
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Beers Ago - "Beers Ago" is an example of the my only real complaint about this album, the mixing does not flow well. "Beers" is what Toby does really well, a fast-paced, fun country song. The problem is that it is sandwiched between "Sundown" and "South Of You", both songs about heartbreak. Unlike most artists, this is Keith's own fault, as he not only recorded the album, but he produced it as well.<br />
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South Of You - As mentioned, Keith comes back to the heartbreak song once again. This one, honestly, feels a little more suited as a Kenny Chesney song, as Keith sings about getting away from the girl by sailing out to the islands. There is nothing inherently wrong with the song, but it does not feel like what we are used to from Toby.<br />
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Club Zydeco Moon - Not sure what it is about Toby, but he seems to have a weak spot for strippers (See "Bullets in the Gun" off his previous album of the same name). This song comes across as an alternate ending for that song, sort of describing what would have happened if they had not run off together to Mexico. The answer? More heartbreak, with Toby eventually avoiding the bar where he met the girl.<br />
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I Won't Let You Down - Rather than a heartbreak song, Toby is finally singing about making love work. The song is great advice for women, men are not perfect. If you do not expect us to be, we will not let you down. It is not about convincing girls to lower their standards, but it is about letting us surprise you with what we ARE capable of, instead of being disappointed by what we are not.<br />
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Red Solo Cup - A song that Keith himself accurately describes as "Adorable and very very stupid", this song will get stuck in your head and show no signs of leaving for days. The song is a tribute to what Toby describes in the opening line as "the best receptacle/ For barbecues, tailgates, fairs, and festivals/" The song is several run-on sentences, but is so much fun that it is sure to be a hit. The music video features cameos from Jeff Dunham, Larry Bird, Craig Ferguson, Carrot Top, Ted Nugent and fellow country star Eric Church.<br />
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Chill-axin' - Another song that sounds better suited for Kenny Chesney, Keith closes out the main part of the album with a song about getting away from it all, whether to the beach or out to the country. The song feels really awkward following "Red Solo Cup" and the album probably would have benefited from flipping the order of the last two songs.<br />
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Overall, it is nice to hear Toby Keith step away from much of his political grandstanding that has dominated the artist for several years. This creates an album everyone can enjoy, regardless of political affiliation. The only problem that this album presents is a poor distribution of songs. The album would have been much improved if they had sat back and listened a little closer to the flow between the songs. If not for that, the album would have gotten a much higher rating: 7/10<br />
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Note: The deluxe edition of the album features Toby Keith's band, the Incognito Banditos, doing live covers of four songs: Waylon Jennings' "High Time (You Quit Your Low Down Ways)", Buck Owens' "Truck Drivin' Man", Three Dog Night's "Shambala" and Chuck Berry's "Memphis".Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-42338400133624228372011-10-15T02:45:00.000-07:002011-10-15T02:45:09.499-07:00Album Review: Lauren Alaina - WildflowerAs mentioned in the Scotty McCreery review, Lauren Alaina is the other country artist to come out of the tenth season of American Idol. Taking second, Lauren released her debut album a week after McCreery and both artists show a lot of promise. I am sure it is no coincidence either that Alaina's album was released on the same day as Martina McBride's: Lauren made her debut to the country world by being introduced by McBride at CMA Music Fest this year, where they performed Martina's hit "Anyway".<br />
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Alaina is just sixteen years old, but her powerful voice lends a maturity to her coming-of-age songs that we did not find in Taylor Swift's early releases. Because of this Lauren has a chance to surpass Swift, maybe not in quantity, but in quality.<br />
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Georgia Peaches - At sixteen, most would expect Alaina to lead off the album with something safe about home, and she does. Few would expect a rocker song a la Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert. Alaina does this too (albeit without the bitterness of heartbreak that Carrie and Miranda do so well). What results is probably the catchiest song on the album. Georgia Peaches is a fantastic introduction to Lauren, and is already the second single from the album. This one could easily crack the top ten on the charts.<br />
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Growing Her Wings - Another upbeat song while avoiding mixing in too much pop. The song is the first of many songs about growing up as a teenage girl that show up on this album. "Wings" is about a girl whose parents are afraid to let her soar the way she wants to. "They got her whole life on lock down/ Doing time behind her bedroom door/ I guess it's alright for right now/ but outside her window there's so much more"<br />
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Tupolo - Alaina slows it down a bit for "Tupelo" and adds a bit of a tropical type beat to it. The song is nothing new, as many artists have sung about young love, driving in a car or truck, just getting away for a bit. That said, the song serves as a great way for Alaina to transition to slower tracks and adds a little bit of depth to her repertoire of singing skills.<br />
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The Middle - "Middle" is a song full of great advice. It opens with reminiscing, most likely on someone's advice who has passed. The meat of the song is about making each moment count. Our gravestones have two dates, birth and death. But as the song says "The beginning and the end mean so little/ What matters most is what's in the middle". The song is as slow as you can expect it to be, and adds to the range of Alaina's voice.<br />
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Like My Mother Does - The first single to come from the album, "Like My Mother Does" is a beautifully written song about how much she is like her mama. The singer is okay with this though, because that is exactly who she wants to be. It is also a great opportunity for Lauren to show her pipes, as she channels Martina McBride and belts out some long high notes. Enjoy the video:<br />
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She's A Wildflower - Another coming-of-age song about trying to find her place in the world, "Wildflower" picks up the pace into what is definitely Alaina's comfort zone. The song does not stand out in the country world, as many have done this type of song, but Alaina owns it.<br />
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I'm Not One Of Them - Alaina continues her sassy girl image with a song that a lot of girls should listen to and take to heart. "One Of Them" is a song about having respect for yourself as a woman instead of chasing after guys with a flashy smile and big wallet. Find someone who is worth your time and gives you something back. "You're gonna have to do better than that/ If you want my love/ You've got to give me some back/ Give me something real/ Not another come on/ Baby Come on/ There's a lot of girls who might just fall for what you got/ But I'm not one of them". This song should definitely follow "Georgia Peaches" as a single.<br />
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The Locket - Alaina does a fantastic job of telling a story. This song, which sounds like the movie "The Notebook" in song form. This song just might bring a tear to your eye as you listen to the tail of lifelong love. The simple music gives Lauren a chance to show off her vocal ability in a moving way.<br />
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Eighteen Inches - Another example of great storytelling, "Eighteen Inches" is about a girl who runs away with her boyfriend to California. The title refers to how disconnected logic and emotion are: "'Cause when you're young and in love, yeah/ You might do some things/ That don't seem all that smart/ 'Cause there ain't no greater distance than the/ Eighteen inches from your head to your heart"<br />
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One Of Those Boys - The guys version of "I'm Not One Of Them", "Boys" is about the perfect guy in Alaina's eyes. She describes him as country, wanting to have fun, but respectful to her and her father. "He ain't gotta have money or a brand new truck/ But he better shake my daddy's hand/ When he comes to pick me up/ Gotta be a little reckless, a whole lotta fun/ And he's gotta know my midnight curfew/ Don't mean 12:01". <br />
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Funny Thing About Love - The only song on the album that Alaina helped to write, "Funny Thing" is about how love never makes sense. Lauren opens with "You used to want me/ But I didn't want you/ And now I want you, oh/ But you don't want me". I can think of several times I have wondered about why love does not make sense, and I am sure everyone will relate to this song.<br />
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Dirt Road Prayer - Alaina wraps up the album with a slow song about where she can always turn when she is overwhelmed or needs advice, to God. Lauren prays for her family members before turning to herself, asking to make the time go slower as life has been flying, and praying for guidance over the boy she thinks might be the one. The song is a beautiful way to end the album, and contrasts perfectly with how it opened, demonstrating the wide range of abilities Alaina has.<br />
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"Wildflower" is definitely one of the best debut album's I have heard in a long time. The vocal ability makes one sometimes wonder how she finished runner-up in American Idol. Either way, those die-hard country fans who are worried about the future of country music need look no further than Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery to see that the future is in safe hands. 8/10Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8161411404545749001.post-72431583804615471462011-10-11T03:33:00.000-07:002011-10-11T03:33:55.901-07:00Album Review: Scotty McCreery - Clear As DayAmerican Idol has been good to country music. Bucky Covington, Josh Gracin, Danny Gokey, Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood have all come to Nashville through the singing competition. The most recent season brought us two more, Lauren Alaina (whose album review is forthcoming) and Scotty McCreery, the High School Senior who won the tenth season.<br />
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Listening to the album, it is hard to believe that the voice belongs to a guy who just turned 18 this week. The voice is deep and mature, his lyrics heartfelt and relatable. He has already charted at #15 on the country charts with his debut single "I Love You This Big" and this album is expected to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200. <br />
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McCreery kicks the album off with "Out Of Summertime", an upbeat song about the one that got away because they ran out of time. Scotty channels the feel of a Jake Owen summer tune perfectly and the song serves as a great intro to those unfamiliar with the artist. "I Love You This Big", the song he performed on the "Idol" finale, follows and will likely serve as the love anthem for 2011. Here is where the deep voice that made fans fall in love with the singer is really showcased. The attitude with which he performs is years beyond his youth. Enjoy the video:<br />
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</div>The "Idol" winner keeps rolling with "Clear As Day" a simple song about reminiscing about a girl he met in the parking after a football game. The song is generally positive, recalling the night they met "clear as day", until the end, when it takes a somber turn. "The Trouble With Girls", McCreery's second single, keeps the slow pace. The title is a bit misleading, as it is about all the things he loves about girls, ending the chorus with "Yeah the trouble with girls/ Is nobody loves trouble as much as me". The song, as slow as it is, is catchy and the lyrics stick in your head.<br />
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"Water Tower Town" is a song pretty much every country singer has done, a song about the town they grew up in. That is not to say anything bad about it, as the Garner, North Carolina native says that the song perfectly describes where he grew up. Look for this to be a future single. "Walk In The Country" is a great cruising song, originally written by Keith Urban in an old band he was a member of. This song deserves to be blasted in a truck with the windows down. "Better Than That" is another catchy tune about all the amazing things in life and how they still do not compare to his girl's love.<br />
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"Write My Number On Your Hand" is a little odd, with a ukulele providing the main musical accompaniment. "Dirty Dishes" is one of the best songs on the album. The family sits down to eat and Mama says an unusual prayer "I wanna thank you Lord/ For noisy children and slammin' doors" she prays. She includes being grateful for clothes scattered on the floor, a husband busy with work, a messy kitchen and dirty dishes. The family looks at her funny and her husband asks if she is alright before she explains. The song is a must listen for anyone, especially mothers, who deal with the day to day life of raising kids and sometimes get so fed up and frustrated.<br />
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Legendary songwriter "Rhett Akins" penned "You Make That Look Good" for McCreary, and the upbeat song about how a girl can make anything look good (even a mud-covered Ford) is one of many catchy tunes on the album. <br />
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The North Carolina native ends with two slow songs. "Back On The Ground" is a song about slowing down and staying grounded. Reminiscing about how he could not wait to get out of the town and on to his life, the singer realizes that he needs to come back home once in a while just to relax and not let his fame go to his head. "That Old King James" is about a Bible that was passed down from his grandpa to his mom and now to him. All three generations looked to it for hope, whether it was in World War II, raising the singer, or when the singer is feeling down.<br />
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Scotty McCreary's album is a solid effort for the American Idol winner on his first time out. The many catchy songs will likely lead to him having a number one single before he gets to his second album. Country music fans of all ages will be shocked by, and fall in love with, the voice emanating from this 18 year-old singer. 7.5/10Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04082850264435063164noreply@blogger.com0