Tim McGraw On Stage

It’s another winner from Tim McGraw.

We’re not sure how many songs will be released as singles from Emotional Traffic so we’re going to review a couple of them. Here is a preview of one of the good ones from the album, Halo.

Halo – Tim McGraw

This track is cool.

Tim McGraw has this mysterious quality about him. The songs on this record and on past records have had this urban influence. There is something very smoky and gray about these records. I’m not sure how else to describe them. They aren’t quite pop, but they aren’t quite country. Tim has always had this enigma quality about him, but he always finds a way to connect with the large country audience.

Halo is a great song. The song is about the struggles of a man and woman. I’m not sure what the lyrics are about beyond that. There is something mysterious about them. I can’t quite figure it out, but maybe that’s the point. It seems the woman is either being coy with the male in the song or she’s the one that’s saying she’s the angel to the guy’s devil. That could be as well I guess.

Either way, this song is cool. I’m a Tim McGraw fan. The man creates some of the best modern day music out there. It’s finally great to have this record out in the public because all the songs are great. I’m not quite sure what the fuss was about getting this out sooner, but it took too long.

The electric guitar is nice in the background. I’m a fan of the classic ’80s rock and anytime a country song can bring a little of that high screeching guitar into the mix it’s cool.

Check out this new one from Tim McGraw. I’m not sure if it will see the light of day as a single. Tim McGraw’s path is never certain, but I think we’ll have a few more singles from this record before Tim is truly out on his own for good.

Chart Estimate: n/a

CML Points: 80/100

She’s a long way from home, but Lisa Matassa fits right in with Nashville.

The Long Island native has brought her own sound to country music and this former pop singer is ready for life in the country. Check out this new single and video and see what you think. You might find this one to your liking.

Me Time – Lisa Matassa

Here’s a fun track from Lisa Matassa.

Back in the late ’80s, Matassa recorded and had two big hits with dance songs. The pop life soon faded and Lisa settled into New York life where she raised a family and still focused on music. She was quite successful up there in New York, but last year she came to Nashville looking for something a little different.

The result was the Me Time EP. The title track and video are now out at radio and CMT and the song is something catchy. It’s great to hear songs like this. The lyrics aren’t too deep or crazy, but the song is something most people can understand. If you like getting away from the crowds and spending time alone then you will understand this song.

Maybe that’s what Lisa was doing when she spent some time out of the spotlight during the last twenty years. I realize fame can be fleeting, but you never know if it’s by choice or not.

Lisa is back now and she deserves some attention. Me Time is a good song. I like this one and it kind of surprised me. It caught me off guard to learn how long Lisa has been working on this music career and I’m cheering for her to find success in country music. The song is catchy. The video is fun and getting away for a little me time is something I can certainly relate to.

Give this one a chance and have a listen or two. You might find something that you’d like. There has always been a little pop in country and I think Lisa brings even a little something in between and does it well.

What do you think?

Chart Estimate: #35

CML Points: 74/100

Over the last year or so Miley has been in the headlines for reasons outside of music. But like all great artists she is back to the basics of doing what she loves and is earning attention for the right reasons once again.

You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go – Mile Cyrus

The good artists make you forget. The really good artists make you remember.

Miley Cyrus

I think Miley Cyrus is about to surprise a lot of people. Her new single, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go is a superb effort. The song is laid back and stripped down. There is just a touch of instrumentation in the background and Miley takes all the attention with her voice and emotions.

I like this version of Miley Cyrus. She is making fans forget the pop sensation. It’s not that there was anything wrong with Hanna Montana. The character brought Miley to fame and was perfect for someone of that age. She was singing to girls of the same age and people loved it.

Now that Miley is a bit older and reaching adulthood she has taken on a maturity. Sure, she doesn’t have it all figured out, but who amongst us really does?

When it comes to music, though, I think Miley will make people remember this change in approach. You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome is a really cool song. The acoustic sound is interesting and appealing. To the country fans it’s really interesting to hear this music from a former pop star. Miley always had a home in country music especially given her pedigree, but now she’s really seeking to find a niche in the genre.

The title of the new song let’s you know what the song is about. There is pain and emotion in the vocals. You can feel the sadness in Miley’s voice as she’s thinking about someone leaving and going on with their own life. It’s a simple song, but one with plenty to say.

Miley Cyrus is going to make a lot of people interested once again. You can’t deny her talent even if you’re busy cutting her down.

Great take on this Bob Dylan classic.

Give this one a chance. You’ll be sad yourself if you don’t.

Chart Estimate: #35

CML Points: 75/100

The newcomer has a new single and video out. The song is sure to win over some country fans. Have a listen and see what you think of this new country voice.

Anywhere’s Better – Ty Stone

I’m a fan of Ty Stone.

He doesn’t appear to be your typical country music star. He’s got a different look and it’s welcomed. I find artists that are different to be interesting. You might recognize Ty’s sound from the mid-’90s in rock music. There was a movement back then of a garage band sound where the artists had a rough voice mixed with heavy, but melodic guitars.

Ty Stone

With Anywhere’s Better, Ty sings about the need to get away from a bad situation in life. We can be feeling sad with how things are going. We need to get away. A plane ticket to anywhere else in the world it would be better than staying here any longer.

You’ve likely had this feeling before. I know I have felt this way at times. Something happens and you just want to get away from it all. You want to start fresh and get past this BS going on in life right now. That’s what Anywhere’s Better is about. I think folks will find some understanding from the lyrics and a real emotion in the delivery of the vocals.

This is Ty Stone and I think you’ll be hearing more from him in the future. The sound is what really gets your attention on this track. It’s a welcome difference from others in country music right now. Again, that garage band sound from about twenty years ago is something that hasn’t really happend in country. I think Darius Rucker brought some of it with him a couple years ago, but Ty really has it down even more.

Anywhere’s Better could soon be in the top 40 on country radio.

Will you be requesting it?

Chart Estimate: #35

CML Points: 72/100

Waylon Music Inside II

The collection of artists on this record is interesting.

I’m not sure who chose the artists (Shooter and Jessi?), but after looking at each there is a commonality among them that creates a bond with the star of the record.

Each artist that covers Waylon on this record has been criticized at some point for being too far outside the Nashville norm. Take for example, Justin Moore. The current country star wasn’t given a chance by many execs in Nashville because his voice was too country or even too twangy.

Crazy right?

Now, Justin is riding on a string of hits and his fans love him. It would be easy to see Justin Moore having a sustained career with upwards of 20 or more charting hits.

The same is true for many other artists here. They don’t do what is considered normal in country. They broke the mold just a little bit in country and that’s what connects them with Waylon.

Waylon was of course one of the original outlaws that changed things for the better in country music. There aren’t many times in music when things change so much, but it’s interesting to see a the collection of a few small outcasts here as they pay their tributes to the legendary difference maker.

Waylon: The Music Inside Volume II

The record sounds just as a Waylon fan would want it to sound.

There is attitude, emotion and passion with each song. The likes of today’s biggest stars and outcasts give life to these classic tracks. It’s also good to hear a few from the gals in the bunch including Jessi Colter. She sounds good and so does today’s artist, Jewel.

The songs are sharp. The production is neat, but with an edge. It sounds like a Waylon record.

Great job by everyone involved from the artists to the sound engineers and producers.

1. Lonesome, On’ry and Mean – Dierks Bentley

Dierks gets things kicked off. The guy has been on an interesting path the last couple years, but he’s been back at the top of the charts now and seems to be ready for another long run of success. He also does a great job on any song he covers including this Waylon classic.

2. Waymore’s Blues – Hank Williams Jr.

You gotta have Hank on the record. The man is his own and he truly does well on this song. Legend.

3. Good Ol’ Boys – Montgomery Gentry

What a great track. This is the the best two minutes in country history. I guess it’s also one of the best known TV themes in history as well. Troy and Eddie lay down a cool groove and do it justice. Great song that will never die.

4. I Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This – Justin Moore

Great song. Great artist. Justin Moore has won me over as a fan in recent months. The guy has been criticized and yet all he does is put out music that his fans love. This is a great song for him to cover. He could release this and it would be a huge hit. Simply a great combination song and artist although you’ll never top the original version.

5. Bob Wills Is Still The King – Jack Ingram

I’m not sure where Jack Ingram has been the past few years. He’s got an interesting voice for a country singer; always has. The guy is cool and interesting. He’s had a few hits out there, but it’s been awhile since he was on the charts. Now he’s making a great appearance here with a tribute to the ultimate Nashville outcast.

6. Only Daddy That’ll Walk The Line – Colt Ford

If there is one person today that should be on this record it is Colt Ford. There is no one further outside the current Nashville landscape that Colt. The man is a country rapper and he’s really making it work. He hasn’t been on the mainstream side of things, but damn is he close. Colt has a huge fanbase and he’s only getting bigger each year. I love his take on this track. Some won’t like it, but get over yourself. This is classic outlaw.

7. Rainy Day Woman – Pat Green

It’s good to hear from Pat Green again. He had his moment in the spotlight with mainstream country and then sort of retreated back this home in Texas where he’s much loved in the Texas country scene. It was never really Pat’s thing to fit in with mainstream although he certainly had the talent and the songs to succeed. He belongs on this record for being just on the outside by doing his own thing. This is one of my favorite Waylon songs too so this one gets an extra credit mark in my book.

8. Love of the Common People – Josh Thompson

In the video interviews about this record it was Josh Thompson that really stood out. He speaks of how much Waylon influenced him and it’s easy to believe what he’s saying. Some artist will name drop in their songs and in interviews and it’s not always easy to believe them. With Josh, you really feel like Waylon had an impact on who he is as an artist. Josh does a great job on this record. The man can sing an outlaw country song. He fits the genre with sound and purpose to perfection.

9. Mama – Jessi Colter

Waylon’s late partner, Jessi, still sounds great. She was there for most of his life in the spotlight. She supported him when he was up and when he was down. It’s great to see and hear her involvement on this album. From a song standpoint, this is a strong song. It’s something special. You can’t find emotion like this on many records these days.

10. Dreaming My Dreams With You – Jewel

Every record needs a soft edge. Jewel brings that element to this record. Her voice is so angelic and sweet. This is a great song with an interesting take on one of the interesting songs in the Waylon collection. I think this is one of the surprise hits on the entire record and worth the price alone.

11. A Long Time Ago – Wyatt McCubbin

This is a great way to end the record. I’ve never heard of Wyatt McCubbin. With the help of the song he sounds like a guy straight out of the ’70s. The song is great. I love this kind of song. It’s mean. It has attitude and it just has a cool edge to it. I love it.

Entering the countdown this week is Tim McGraw’s “Better Than I Used To Be”, which is off of his newly released Emotional Traffic CD, coming in at #25. Also, Sara Evans “My Heart Can’t Tell You No” comes back on the charts at #24, after falling out for a week.

As always, the CML Chart combines radioplay, album sales, along with popularity (video countdowns, frequency in the news, etc.) and internet downloads.

Check out this week’s CML chart…

Country Music Life Chart – January 29th, 2012

25. Better Than I Used To Be – Tim McGraw

24. My Heart Can’t Tell You No – Sara Evans

23. Amen – Eden’s Edge

22. Drink On It – Blake Shelton

21. Where I Come From – Montgomery Gentry

20. Bait A Hook – Justin Moore

19. Camouflage – Brad Paisley

18. Storm Warning – Hunter Hayes

17. The Trouble With Girls – Scotty McCreery

16. Dancin’ Away With My Heart – Lady Antebellum

15. A Woman Like You – Lee Brice

14. Love’s Gonna Make It Alright – George Strait

13. Home – Dierks Bentley

12. I’m Gonna Love You Through It – Martina McBride

11. Keep Me In Mind – Zac Brown Band

10. Reality – Kenny Chesney

9. You Gonna Fly – Keith Urban

8. Let It Rain – David Nail

7. Alone With You – Jake Owen

6. Ours – Taylor Swift

5. Red Solo Cup – Toby Keith

4. All Your Life – The Band Perry

3. You – Chris Young

2. Drink In My Hand – Eric Church

1. I Don’t Want This Night To End – Luke Bryan

David Nail is ready to follow up his first number one single with the title track from his last album. Here is the song – The Sound of a Million Dreams. Have a listen and see what you think.

The Sound of a Million Dreams – David Nail

It’s becoming a niche for David Nail.

The man that couldn’t get a hit for years because he didn’t fit into the traditional country genre has now formed his own. David Nail has created a modern day country soul genre and fans are loving it.

The Sound of a Million Dreams is the title track from David’s sophomore album. The track is another mid-paced song. It’s about a guy looking back on life and remembering a few key moments. There are songs that spark memories and remind him of things that have happened.

It’s the sound of these songs that make his dreams possible. The track is great. As with most David Nail songs it’s the melody and the music that makes the track. The lyrics are good and David’s unique voice lend something to this song that no one else could copy in country music.

The song isn’t what the normal country single would be, but I think it’s going to work for David. Let It Rain was a more mainstream country hit with a killer melody. Now I think fans are ready to really get to know David as they dive into this record. This track – Million Dreams - is one of the best on the collection and it should become another hit. I’m thinking at least a top ten, but that guess might be conservative.

Another interesting side note on this track are the names on the songwriting credit. You might recognize the names Scooter Carusoe and Phil Vassar. Carusoe has written many country songs including a few for Kenny Chesney including Anything But Mine. This song has the same kind of feel.

Vassar is a country star in his own right having numerous number ones and countless hits over the last ten years. Vassar has also been an accomplished songwriter well before he ever became a star. It’s nice to see him back on the songwriting trail with this great track on the Nail record.

I think The Sound of a Million Dreams is another unlikely hit. It’s something most country fans aren’t used to hearing and I think that’s exactly why people will want to have a second listen.

This track is good.

Don’t you think?

Chart Estimate: #10

CML Points: 90/100

Eric Church is a superstar.

Eric’s last song became his first number one. Now, the country singer is looking to follow that up with another top hit. Check out the latest offering from country music’s hottest superstar, Springsteen.

Springsteen – Eric Church

Springsteen is a new groove for Eric Church.

Well, it’s a new sound if you haven’t listened to each Church album. The regular country music listener will like this one. They’re finally getting a chance to hear more of Eric’s music after years of being ignored by country radio. Eric had to work hard to figure out how to get plays on radio stations. He comes off as having a brash attitude when it comes to his music and some in the industry were averse to that.

Now, Eric is one of the biggest stars in music and it’s a testament to his fans and his own hard work. The man had a vision and he took a few dedicated fans along for the ride and now they’re at the top.

Springsteen has this cool sound as Eric tells the story of two kids falling in love. They’re going through life just being seventeen and enjoying the little moments they experience together.

The story is told from the perspective of the now older guy from the story. He hears a song from one of the classic American artists and it reminds him of his own American love story.

We all have our own stories of love and living life. There are songs that can take us back to those memories. Music has a way of bringing about all the sense from that moment in time. We can feel, see and smell everything that was happening when we were living a specific moment in our past. We can be there right with the person we loved so much.

Springsteen is another great song from Eric Church. It sounds like it’s going to be another huge hit. This last album has been the one that ushered Eric into the mainstream of music and country music. He’s taken a different path to reach this success, but now he seems like he still has a plan to take it even further.

I’m a big fan of what he’s doing and I’d love to see him continue to succeed.

How ’bout you?

Chart Estimate: #3

CML Points: 89/100

2012 is big for Darius Rucker.

He just finished up his first headlining tour.

That’s a huge deal for any artist. Darius has been out on the road working the country world for about five years already. It seems like he just came out with his first country single and really caught people by surprise.

These days he’s a country veteran and as we head into 2012 everybody is waiting to see what the next move is from Darius Rucker.

Darius Rucker 2012

This is a turning point in Darius Rucker’s career. It’s hard to think about it that way because Darius has had such success over the last few years.

Back in 2008, Darius broke onto the country scene for the first time and his single reached the number one spot on the charts. Since then he’s four more number one singles and two other top hits. It’s been a great run of success for Darius and things are looking to be just as good in the next year.

The trick will be to keep the momentum going and really go into this year with ambitions for new music that continues to capture the attention of the country audience.

New Single and Album

With each album there is new excitement and enthusiasm by fans and artist.

Darius is scheduled to release another new record later this year. It’s been every two years so far for Darius with his country album releases. He released one back in 2008 and his last one back in 2010. Now, 2012 should be another time for new music.

We should have a new single in the upcoming months. I’d expect Darius to be busy writing material right now. I believe I read something back a few months ago that said Darius would take some time off for the holidays after his tour. From there he would likely spend time with the family for a few months before heading back out for a few more tour dates and the release of some new music.

The ACM Awards are coming up in April. There are always some interesting moments at award shows including the release of new music. This could be the time for Darius ro debut his new single as things lead up to a late summer or early fall release for a new album.

I’m looking forward to the new music and it should be a great year to hear Darius on country radio.

More Headlining Dates

The move to headliner was big for Darius. He went out on the road and the pressure was on to fill the seats. It’s always difficult to be the one that brings in the fans, but Darius has done all the hard work and he’s truly a big star in country music.

This is the second time he’s done this with the first being back in the days of Hootie and the Blowfish. Darius is a music legend at this point and I’m sure he’s got more dates lined up for 2012 where his fans can see him perform.

Darius Rucker is the big name in the lights once again and it’s great to see him succeeding in country music.

A Look Back with Hootie

I think I’ll always have to look back on Hootie & The Blowfish when I think about Darius Rucker. Back in the Hootie days I was just getting into music. I had no idea what I liked, but I knew I liked my mom’s Hootie record. The music was catchy. Darius’ voice was something really unique and cool.

He and the guys really helped define the garage band music of the early and mid 1990s. It was a good time in music and I always thought the guys would get back together at some point. I’m sure that’s still on tap for some point, but until then we’ll have to enjoy Darius as he heads back out on the road to support his new music in 2012.

Come Back Song – Darius Rucker

Colt Ford is an interesting guy.

The former professional golfer has successfully found fame in country music.

But there is something missing in Colt Ford’s career. He really hasn’t been accepted into the mainstream of country just yet. A few years back Colt set out to make music for the guys that like to listen to music on their tailgates in the parking lot of school.

Those kids were listening to country music and rap. Colt figured they needed a little of both so he created his own record label and soon found success with a mix of great songs, videos and albums.

These days Colt is releasing new music every year and 2012 looks to be another banner year for the country rapper.

Colt Ford 2012

Last year was pretty good for Colt Ford.

His album debuted at #3 on the country charts and really stayed in the top 20 for a long time. The album’s first single cracked the charts at #54, but other singles didn’t really make it any other place than CMT and GAC.

I’m not sure why radio doesn’t look to play more of Colt’s music. He’s got great melodies and teams with some of the greatest country stars of today. The songs are kick ass and Colt is doing something that people are loving.

Colt is ready for a new album later this spring. I’m sure we’ll have the new single out any day now.

New Singles and Album

Since starting Average Joe’s back in 2008 with a business partner, Colt Ford has been releasing new music just about annually. The man is busy in the studio working on new stuff all the time. He never lets up. It’s a constant stream of great new material. It keeps him active in the minds of his fans. They have plenty of new music to satisfy their needs and it’s great material for Colt when he’s out on the road.

The new record, Declaration of Independence, should be another great album. With all the new artists signed to Colt’s label in the last year or so there should be some good collaborations.

Colt is one of the best at what he’s doing right now. A few other artists have even taken a liking to the country rap thing and folks like Jason Aldean have really succeed with it.

I think eventually Colt will find some success and acceptance in the mainstream world. Perhaps there is a song on the new album that will hit the radio waves and bring Colt into the trucks of the average country Joe.

Average Joe’s

Anytime I write about Colt Ford I need to mention the great success story he is. Back in 2008 or so he stated his own label with a business partner. That label, Average Joe’s, has been really successful. The record label has sold millions of copies of CDs and downloads. Today they have one of the best lineups of country singers including the likes of Kevin Fowler and Josh Gracin. There are plenty of others too and I’m sure even some we haven’t heard of quite yet.

Colt Ford has gone from being a pretty good golfer to an aspiring country star with no shot at making it and now finds himself as one of the leading moguls in the game.

I’m sure he doesn’t see it that way, but Colt Ford is really pushing country music to change directions a little bit. Anytime someone does that there will always be the folks pushing back.

It’s because they know things are changing and there’s nothing they can do but kick and scream.

Keep on fighting, Colt. We love what your’e doing.

Waste Some Time – Colt Ford