Song Reviews

It’s difficult to overstate how important ‘Kick It in the Sticks’ is to Brantley Gilbert‘s career and the direction of country music. It’s a line drawn in the red Georgia clay — after two releases that held back — to allow those not previously familiar with the Jefferson-born singer to get acquainted with his pacing and style. This is his ‘Free Bird,’ in that it’s the first song fans and critics w

Jason Aldean‘s next album seems poised to pick up where ‘My Kinda Party’ left off. Listen to the first single 'Take a Little Ride' here.

Country newcomers Parmalee come from the North Carolina rock scene, and it shows on ‘Musta Had a Good Time,’ their debut single on Stoney Creek Records. The loud and rowdy track relies on a screaming guitar lick and rock n’ roll riffs, which stand out like Marilyn Manson would at a Scotty McCreery show.

Lonestar celebrate 20 years of music in 2012. Of course, Richie McDonald stepped aside to pursue a solo career for four of those years, but the accomplishment is still noteworthy. Their new song ‘The Countdown’ reminds fans how how sharp the group is musically and how tight they are vocally.

Tim McGraw's rowdy new single is rockin' and ready! Click through to listen.

Eric Church has chosen what could one day be his encore song as the fourth single from ‘Chief.’ ‘Creepin” isn’t the best song on the album — it may not even be in the Top 3. However, it’s the project’s loudest, most rock and roll moment — one that would send fans home in a dizzying fit of distorted euphoria.

Gretchen Wilson may not be one of country music’s top female vocalists any longer. No, she’s transcended the genre, in a way Alison Krauss did her’s years ago. Except Wilson’s not getting any of the recognition, until maybe now. ‘One Good Friend’ is a brilliant ballad about the meaning of friendship. However it’s perhaps too professional to fit between the stars on modern country radio, a problem

Perhaps this was the song Trace Adkins was recording naked? The big man has become quite a sex symbol for women over a certain age, and his new song ‘Them Lips (On Mine)’ is sure to stir their pots. Adkins avoids lyrical euphemisms, but underscores his steamy message with suggestive guitar licks and his trademark growl.

Every once in awhile, an artist like Miranda Lambert needs to remind the country music community what crazy looks like.

‘Crying on a Suitcase’ is one of two songs on Casey James‘ self-titled debut that the singer didn’t help write, but the song doesn’t suffer from any lack of personal connection. It’s a more straightforward, mainstream country song than his previous single ‘Let’s Don’t Call It a Night,’ which leaned more toward soul or blues. James’ delivery here is appropriately urgent.

Jessie James has the voice and the passion to be a force in country music, she just needs the right song. Her new single ‘Military Man’ will find a special place in the hearts of military families, but that audience — while important — isn’t large enough to make the song a national hit on country radio.

When he’s on, few vocalists commit to an emotion quite like Rascal Flatts‘ Gary LeVox. The singer will recklessly throw himself into love, heartbreak or desperation. ‘Come Wake Me Up,’ the new single from ‘Changed,’ is another fine example of how this trio continues to work at a level few country artists are aware of.