Time for the top ten…

Top Country Songs of 2011 Part 14

10. Bait A Hook – Justin Moore

Justin Moore is becoming a country star before our eyes. I’m not sure if people realize it yet, but Justin is slowing racking up hit songs. Justin’s last song reached the top spot on the charts. Now he’s moved on to the 2nd single from his 2nd album. Bait A Hook is catchy. It’s fun. It’s a bit ridiculous, but it’s 100% Justin Moore. He’s a country boy that’s not afraid to sound a little too country for some people’s taste. And I’ve always thought it was ridiculous when people say an artist is too country. Certainly Justin Moore has more twang than other country singers. I think it separates him and makes his sound unique. When he’s singing about a girl that’s left him for a city boy you believe it. You can imagine Justin living this story at some point in his life. And I’m sure it’s happening to a few other country boys out there. Don’t be afraid to be who you are. That’s the Justin Moore message. And girls, look for the guys that know how to bait a book and skin a buck. That’s a real man.

9. Long Hot Summer – Keith Urban

Keith Urban It was hard for me not to put Long Hot Summer at the top of the list. If I’d written this series a couple weeks ago there is no doubt this would have been the top song. I get in these moments where I play one song over and over a few days. Long Hot Summer was that song a few weeks ago. It’s infectious. Keith Urban is the master and weaving together these great lyrics with the best melodies. I think he’s one of the masters of melody in all of music right now. I’m glad he’s in the country music world. He’s found a little niche as the pop-country guy that brings real melody to country. Long Hot Summer is another co-write with pop singer Richard Marx. These two have teamed up a few times now to make some really big hits. Keith Urban just keeps going making it look easy to make songs like Long Hot Summer. Hopefully he can keep it going for many more years.

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

The first time heard this song I thought it was great. Just about everybody knows somebody affected by cancer. Martina McBride is taking on the universal subject with I’m Gonna Love You Through It. The song is about a woman that finds out she has cancer. Her husband is right there by her side. He make sure she knows he’s going to be there through it all. They know the difficultly that is ahead in her life. He’ll be affected as well, but she’ll be the one going through the physical pain of recovery as she fights the cancer. She won’t have to do it alone, though. He’ll be there fighting right along with her doing everything he can to make her feel strong. That’s how it works in many families. Often it’s a husband, but just as often it’s a daughter, a son, or another member of the family that is right there fighting with the person that’s suffering. Great, great song from Martina.

7. Home – Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley has a new album coming up. The first single from the album has already reached the top spot on the country singles charts. The second single looks to be just as big and probably bigger. Dierks is taking on the theme of Home or more importantly America. He’s singing about the country so many of us love. We love the people we live with here in America. We’re proud of our fellow countrymen and how they work hard and enjoy life and try to make things right for their neighbors. We love that there are people here in America that are willing to put their own life on hold to go down the street and help someone. Even if it’s a simple task of mowing the lawn or picking up the mail. We help each other. That’s what makes living in America a home. That’s what makes anything a home. It’s about loving the people around us – friends and family. Great song from Dierks. It should do well.

6. We Owned The Night – Lady Antebellum

Own The Night Lady Antebellum continues their reign as the top act in country music. The group came out of nowhere 3 years ago and is now one of the biggest acts in country music and probably any genre of music. The band has had huge number one hits on the country charts and those songs have crossed over to the pop charts as well. Now the band is ready for the second single from their third album. We Owned The Night is the title track from the band’s latest smash hit album. The song is about being young and free. It’s about enjoying life and enjoying those moments when you feel like there is nothing that can keep you down. You’re spending time with someone special. You feel untouchable. I love this band’s spirit. They have an energy for life that is infectious. It’s an energy that is youthful and fun. We Owned The Night is a great song. Truly one of the best of 2011.