Neal McCoy has never really slowed down.

I had the chance to finally see Neal earlier in 2011.

He was in town for a show at the Northern Wisconsin Fair in Chippewa Falls. The former Entertainer of the Year put on a great show. He played some of his classic country hits and even mixed in some modern rock and rap songs. He’s quite the entertainer.

As we head into the new year it looks like Neal is as busy as ever.

There are new songs on tap for 2012 and the usual string of shows.

Neal McCoy 2012

The word “busy” has a meaning for most people and then it has an entirely different meaning for Neal McCoy. The man simply doesn’t seem to slow down when he’s out there on the road. He’s been playing shows nonstop since the ’80s and he’s also always in the studio recording new material.

Over the last few years there hasn’t been much buzz on the charts with Neal McCoy music, but that all changed last year when he signed with Blaster Records. Now, Neal has a new single that’s entered the Billboard Country Singles chart and the song continues upward as we head into 2012.

There is also a little buzz around Neal’s latest album due out later this year because it was produced by two of country’s biggest stars.

A-Ok

The new single for 2012 from Neal McCoy is A-Ok. If you like simple country songs with heart then you’ll love this one.

The song is ultra-catchy. Neal even breaks out something you don’t often hear these days: whistling. It’s a great addition to a fun song that’s about life and simply enjoying it while you can.

I’ve been having this song on repeat many times already. It’s catchy and you just find yourself singing along with the lyrics. There is nothing crazy or really new about the song. It’s just good country music and I think it suits Neal McCoy perfectly.

A-Ok was co-produced by country superstars Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton. The entire album is due out later this spring and the buzz is already positive around the new music.

It should mark a return to the charts and mainstream for one of country’s hardest working entertainers.

New Album: XII

The album is a big deal for McCoy. Over the last few years he hasn’t been as lucky on the charts. Way back in 2005 he had success with That’s Life, which Neal self-released on his own record label. That record had a top ten single and another single in the top 40 on the charts.

Shortly after the album’s success Neal had close up shop on the label due to lack of funds. Since then he’s recorded a few songs and released them, but hasn’t had a charting hit since 2006.

Now that’s all about to change and I think with the new album Neal will find some success on the charts and at radio once again. His voice is unique and it’s too good to not have some Neal McCoy out there in the mainstream of country music. He fits in well with what’s being played on radio these days and I think it’s time for a whole new generation of country fans to be introduced to Neal McCoy.

When XII hits the shelves be sure to pick it up and play it for the entire family.

XII is set for release on March 6.

Tour

Taking a look at Neal McCoy’s tour schedule for 2012, it appears like he’s got a full lineup of shows.

The singer has never shied away from playing all over the country. He’s got some dates in casinos and other buildings throughout the spring before heading back outside for the usual string of fairs and festivals.

I know Neal is huge here in Wisconsin. Fans all over the state seem to have adopted him as oen of their own. Neal must play Wisconsin a half dozen or more times throughout the year. I know he’s a regular at the Hodag Fest up in Rhinelander each summer.

If you have the chance to see Neal out there on the road this year don’t miss it. It’s a great show and one of the best you’ll see all year.

A-Ok – Neal McCoy