Quit bitchin'!!

I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY SICK OF HEARING PEOPLE TALK SHIT ABOUT THE ARTISTS IN MAINSTREAM COUNTRY!!!

Guess what? Every country song ever recorded is available on iTunes! So go download it, and stop listening to the radio if all you're going to do is bitch, moan, and complain about what's on! Or change the station! Either way, PLEASE DO US ALL A FAVOR AND SHUT UP!!!!!! I'm pretty sure that Lynard Skynard & Alabama (among others) were given A LOT of shit for their 'Southern Rock' sound back in the 70's. Yet, they've been dubbed two of the greatest bands of ALL TIME. Moral of the story.. Just because you don't like Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, or the music they're putting out... doesn't mean that they aren't great artists who make music that the rest of us LOVE!!

One more thing... growing up, I remember Country Music being a 'family'! What happened to that? When did everybody start being so shitty just because they don't agree with the music someone else makes? Get over yourselves!

He's baaaaaaack! GARTH BROOKS officially announces 2014 WORLD TOUR!

I am the happiest country music fan in the entire world today! Garth Brooks officially announced on GMA this morning with Robin Roberts that he WILL be doing a WORLD TOUR in 2014! With the exception of George Strait still heading into retirement, ALL is right in the world of Country Music! Rest assured that if it takes me selling a damn kidney to see him in concert, it will be done!

In 2000, an emotional Brooks took to the television airways to announce his retirement. Married to then-wife Sandy, he'd decided that he wanted to take on his biggest role full-time as a Dad to daughters Taylor, August, and Allie. With Allie now a senior in High School, and the older girls away at college, he says that he's now just a 'phone call Dad'. And he's alright with that.

Since his retirement in 2000, Garth has played few and far between charitable events. And done one collaboration with 'The King' himself, Mr. George Strait at the 2013 ACM Awards to pay tribute to the late Dick Clark. That night on stage, as he sang his hit 'The Dance', aside from the big 'shit-eatin' grin' on his face, you could the light behind his eyes. At that moment, he was exactly where he needed to be. On stage!!

After a 3 year run of low-key sold-out shows at the Wynn in Las Vegas, Garth has just released an 8 disk box-set that includes not only his biggest hits, but the music that influenced him to do what he does, and be who he is as an artist. And now, with the blessings from all of his girls, including Mrs. Garth Brooks (Trisha Yearwood, whom I'm PRAYING will be on the road with him next year!), he's finally going back to doing what he loves most in the world, besides being a Dad, and that's making and playing music!!

Garth Brooks is responsible for bringing country music to a whole new audience of people around the entire WORLD! He revolutionized so many things about what it means to be an entertainer. In any genre! Having already sold out every single major arena in the world, not to mention playing for over 1Million fans in CENTRAL FREAKING PARK, Garth Brooks is STILL the standard to live up to. Good luck next year Garth and I can't wait to see you on the road!!

Jamie Lynn Spears!

I remember hearing Jamie Lynn sing on 'Zoey 101'. But I don't remember THIS voice! WOW! I mean, just... wow! I am incredibly impressed! I absolutely love 'How could I want more'!! Fantastic song! Really, really great! I'd just like to say to Miss Jamie Lynn Spears... WELCOME to country music honey! I'm definitely looking forward to what you'll be bringing us in the future!!

The 47th Annual CMA Awards

Well, obviously I'm a little late with my thoughts on the 47th Annual CMA Awards. But, having just celebrated my birthday, and with the holidays coming up, this girl has been busy!!

So, on the 6th I sat in front of my TV like 16.6 million other people and watched the CMA's. First of all... Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line... one word; YES! Absolutely fantastic performance! Just what the show needed to kick it off with a bang!!

Then of course, there was Brad Paisley & Carrie Underwood's ever-infamous opening monologue. Between their playful digs at Luke's 'mini-seizures', feuding in Country music, and their fabulous rendition of 'Obamacare by Mornin'", there were tears in my eyes from laughing so hard! Then again, we can always count on Brad and Carrie to make the CMA's an enjoyable watch for us fans.

Now, let's get to the winners.

A huge congratulations to Taylor Swift for her incredible night full of wins! Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year with Tim Mcgraw & Keith Urban - And of course her Pinnacle Award! Gotta be honest, I was never really much of a fan of Taylor's. But over the last year, year and a half, she's really done a lot to reel me in!

Congratulations to Lee Brice, and the songwriters of 'I drive your truck' -  Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Jimmy Yeary on their win for Song of the Year! Definitely a touching song that still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it!

Was there ever ANY doubt that FLAGAline was going to take home Single of the Year?? Pssssssh, NO! Every station on the planet was playing 'Cruise' every 10 minutes! Congrats to Brian and Tyler on this, as well as their win for Duo of the Year!! Certainly well deserved, guys!! Can't wait to see how you top all of this in 2014!!

Congratulations to Blake Shelton on his wins for Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year! I absolutely love 'Based on a true story' and have it on repeat on my iPhone. If you've ever seen Blake in concert, in an interview, on The Voice, or just read his tweets, you're aware that he's quite a character and loves the world of Country music just as much as we love him!

New Artist of the Year - Ooooookay... I pride myself on NEVER writing anything truly negative about an artist/songwriter. But I have to be completely honest when I say that I don't agree with the choice for New Artist of the Year! I truly think that the award belonged to Lee Brice! Being that this is his SECOND year in a row to be nominated!! I'm not a fan of Kasey Musgraves. Not to take away from her win, or her talent!! But, clearly the Academy sees something in her that I just can't see. Sorry Lee!! But I have no doubts that you're gonna blow everybody away this year on the 'That's my kinda night' tour with Luke Bryan and Cole Swindell!!

A HUGE congrats to Little Big Town on their Vocal Group of the Year award!! Definitely well deserved, and well earned! So proud for you guys!! Can't wait to see what's next!!

Love, love, love, love, love Miranda Lambert!!! A big congratulations to her on her Female Vocalist of the Year award!!! This woman is well on her way to being the next Queen of Country Music! Being an East Texas girl myself, I gotta say how proud I am to call her 'one of us'!

Entertainer of the Year..... Is anyone really surprised that George Strait went home with the trophy? He is, after all, THE KING of Country music! Not to mention, he's on the final leg of his 'The Cowboy Rides Away' Tour!! I'll be honest, I believe the award would have made more sense going to Luke or Taylor. However, it would've been downright disrespectful not to let King George head into 'semi-retirement' without a parting gift!! Having said that, I'd like to point out that I am, and have always been a HUGE George Strait fan! I'm not at all trying to take away from his talent or his win! It's certainly well deserved!! However, I'm entitled to my opinion just like everyone else.


SOME of the performances of the night were a combination of fantastic, incredible, amazing, with a side of holy shit that was good!!! Like I said, Luke & FLAGAline starting out the show with a bang, and some hip-shaking was definitely a 'winner-winner'! Taylor's performance of 'Red' with the ever-amazing Alison Krauss and Vince Gill was perfection!! Blake's 'Mine would be you' was as captivating and true-to-form as ever! Miranda and Keith's new single 'When we were us' was a perfect mash-up of his country rocker style with her true country girl 'swag'!! Carrie Underwood definitely dazzled us with her medley of hits! The 'Night Train' ride that Jason Aldean took us on was just heavenly! Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts paying homage to Kennt Rogers was truly fantastic! And of course Alan Jackson and George Strait paying tribute to the late-great Possum, Mr. George Jones with 'He stopped loving her today' couldn't have been any better! I know it brought tears to my eyes!!

Again, I really do hate to be negative. But I was not a fan of the Zac Brown Band performance, or Eric Church's. With all the talk of Country Music not being 'Country' anymore, I was NOT happy with the direction they chose to take. I am a huge Eric Church fan, and I love his music. But this, was not 'it' for me. I just didn't enjoy it. I've never been much of a Zac Brown fan anyway. But if I was, this performance would've sent me running in a different direction!! Wasn't really impressed with Kasey Musgraves performance either. I appreciate that she's a talented songwriter. But I don't believe that she's a great vocalist. Sorry.

Congratulations to ALL of the nominees, performers, and WINNERS! Can't wait to see what the 48th Annual CMA's will bring us next year!!

My Top 10

Since starting this venture into country music blogging, I've been so very fortunate to connect with so many incredible artists. While not excluding the fact that most of these artists have already made quite a name for themselves, I decided to come up with a list of the top 10 that I think have a bright, bright future in the world of country music.

1. Cole Swindell

2. JJ Lawhorn

3. Clark Manson

4. Old Southern Moonshine Revival (OSMR)

5. Tigirlily

6. Rachele Lynae

7. Memphis Cole

8. Craig Gerdes

9. Jake Kellen

10. The Springs Band

There are so many more artists that I'd love to include. But these are the top 10 that I think have a big year ahead in 2014. All of these artists can be found on Twitter, so make sure you go and follow them to find links to their pages and find out when and where you can get their fantastic EP & LP's. 

Oh no, he didn't!

Let me start out by repeating myself. Country music is the one genre that is always evolving but constantly stays the same. For this small town Texas girl, being 'country' is about tailgates, cold beer, bonfires, huntin', fishin', Momma's cookin', Friday night football, and Sunday mornin' church. 

Recently, Zac Brown Band front man was quoted as saying that Luke Bryan's newest single "That's My Kinda Night" (his SECOND #1 single off of his SECOND #1 album this year!) is "the worst song I've ever heard". WOW! Are you shittin' me??

Zac says "If I hear one more tailgate in the moonlight, daisy-duke song, I'm gonna throw up", in an interview with Vancouver's 93.7 JRfm. 

Here's my take on that; how in the hell can you possibly have anything negative to say about any country song having to do with "tailgates in the moonlight" when the beginning of the biggest song of your career is "Ya know I like my chicken fried. Cold beer on a Friday night, a pair-a jeans that fit just right, and the radio up."

Kind of hypocritical. Don't you think? That song was oozing with 'commercial appeal'. Annoyingly so!!

Brown also said “My opinion is not about Luke as an artist, it’s about that song. He didn’t write it. I’m a fan of Luke, but definitely not that song.” 

Well here's my opinion; for anyone who has actually followed Luke Bryan's career, you're very aware that Luke does not record music that he doesn't believe in, 110%. He is a talented and dedicated performer and songwriter. (Hense, that little ol'e ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR award). So, by not only saying that you hate the song, but basically implying that it disgusts you, you are insulting him as an artist!! Not only that, you're insulting Dallas Davidson who DID write the song and happens to be one of Luke's best friends! As well as SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR!!! So, obviously, he's doing something right! Intentional or not, it was a shitty thing to say. And if you're having to defend it, already... then you probably should've just kept your mouth shut to begin with!

My Momma always taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, you shouldn't say anything at all. Well, I'm sorry Momma but I gotta say this; Mr. Brown, your comments sound like those of a pretentious, bitter, and jealous man. Luke Bryan has recieved his WELL DESERVED success for three reasons. 1) He makes music for his fans because it's what he loves to do. 2) He never puts out a song that he doesn't believe in wholeheartedly. 3) He does everything in his life/career with a smile on his face. - Luke Bryan continues to not only revel in his own success, but he praises others in the world of country music, for theirs as well. Something all great artists are known and respected for!!

I was sort of a Zac Brown Band fan before. But I can honestly say that after this, I'll have a hard time not changing the station when one of his songs comes on.

Luke, Dallas, we LOVE you guys and we're so, so proud of both of you and all of your success. Dallas... The song is AMAZING! Keep em' comin' baby!!

In closing... all I can really say is.. Shame on you, Zac Brown. Shame on you!!

•Quotes provided by "The Boot" article - via Vancouver's 93.7 JRfm•

Prayers for Cole Swindell

As a huge fan of "Chillin' it", as well as the amazing songs he's written for Luke Bryan's "Crash My Party" album, I was deeply saddened to learn that Country singer/songwriter Cole Swindell experienced a devastating blow over Labor Day Weekend, when suddenly on Monday (Sept. 2) he lost his father. 

Having lost a parent, I know first hand that there is absolutely nothing that can be said or done to ease the heartache and confusion that Cole is feeling right now. But we, at Country Girl Review just want to express our deepest condolences to him, his family, and others close to him that have been affected by this terrible tragedy. 

Cole, please know that I am so, very sorry for your loss. You and your family are at the top of my prayer list, and I'm praying Angels around all of you. Sending lots and lots of love your way. God bless you, darlin'. 

Jake Kellen

Being a true-blue Texas girl, it's always good to find out about new "Texas Country" artists. And thanks to the wonderful world of Twitter, and my fellow-country-music-obsessed sister, I've found a new one!!

After receiving a tweet from Britain (my sister) about Jake Kellen, I did my usual protocol. iTunes, website, Spotify, etc. Which lead me to all of Jake's music. When I started playing his latest album "Heart of Gold", I was memorized. 

His sound, while unique, is so reminiscent of late 80's - early 90's country! My absolute favorite genre! He definitely has true Southern swagger with that West-Texas twang. His lyrics certainly speak to who he is, and who we all are as "good ol'e country folk". 

Researching Jake, I found out that apparently I'm late to the party! Considering this is his THIRD studio album!! It's obvious that Mr. Kellen knows what he's doing. And he's doing everything he can to put his music out there for the fans. Twitter, Facebook, iTunes, soundcloud, spotify... You name it, he's on it! You can imagine, being the social-media junkie that I am, how disappointed I was to just now hear his music! 

His current single "Jesus and Hank" is incredible. It tells a story. As all songs should, obviously. But this is different!! I truly believe that it's the sincerity in Jake's voice that makes his music so enjoyable. He means every word he sings, and you can actually hear it. You can hear him pouring his whole heart into every song he sings. That is so incredibly refreshing. 

Like I said, I'm sad that I was late to the party, but I'm glad I'm here now! I am a self-admitted 'country music snob'. I like what I like, and what I don't like, well... What I don't like, I don't review. 

And well, Mr. Jake Kellen, I like you!! I now have every song of yours on my iPod. Other than your current single which I'm hoping is available very soon, but will take to SoundCloud to listen to, in the mean time. You have true talent. And it's obvious that you have true faith! Something that doesn't come across a whole lot these days, in any artist. Then again, as Texans, we believe in football, country music, hard work, and The Lord! You clearly know who's lead you on the path you're on, and you're not afraid to express your thanks to the man upstairs, for that. Which is a more than admirable quality. I have fallen in love with you as an artist and I cannot wait to see what's next. You can bet that the next time I come back home (to Texas) for a visit, I'll be planning a trip to wherever you are, to see you on stage! You sir, have a very. Very bright future ahead and I cannot wait to watch it shine!

For more information on Jake you can visit: jakekellen.com

Twitter: @jakekellen

His current single "Jesus and Hank" is available to hear on SoundCloud. 

And all of his studio albums: "Take me home" - "Grace" - & - "Heart of Gold" are all available on iTunes

Clark Manson

Sometimes it's a favorite, a re-tweet, or just my sister. But lately, I've had good reason to get excited when my phone 'whistles' at me!

This time, it was Clark Manson. I went to his page and began to read some of the #tweets. One especially caught my eye. "Who's ready for fall? #bonfires" - that right there let me know just what kinda guy this was! Next, I took to iTunes. Downloading "Falling". Great song! Then, YouTube. That's where I was able to see what this guy was all about. Standing there in blue jeans, a hoodie, boots, and a backwards hat, with a bud light in his hand! I like him already!! Standing there, just having fun. Singing Georgia Satellites "Keep your hands to yourself". Excellent song, not easy to cover, vocally! But he managed to pull it off!

Unfortunately, we'll all have to wait til' Fall before we (those of us in South Louisiana who can't see him live) can hear anything new. But with his album slated to hit shelves in a few months, I have a feeling that his music will definitely be on my Saturday-night, bonfire, cold beer, and a hoodie, playlist!

I can't quite put my finger on it, because obviously I'm still kind of in the dark as far as what this kid is really capable of. But ya know when you hear somebody who just has "that thing"? Okay.... well he's got it. Whatever 'it' is... he's most definitely rockin' it. 

If you know me personally, you're aware that Fall is my favorite time of year. For the above mentioned reasons, of course. Bonfires, cold beer, and hoodies. Not to mention my Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy football!! - But now I'm in great anticipation for Mr. Clark Manson's new album!! 

You can find out more information about Clark by visiting: clarkmanson.com

You can follow him on Twitter - @clarkmanson

Check out "Running with the night" on YouTube

His single "Falling" is also available on iTunes

Alabama and Friends

Absolutely AMAZING!! Five stars, across the board! This, wow! This is pure country perfection right here!

Recipe for a hit? 1. Biggest country group of all time with over 73 MILLION albums sold worldwide. 2. Add 9 of the biggest artists in Today's Country that collectively have over 80 #1 hits. BAM!! 

Alabama is near and dear to my heart. I grew up listening to their albums (literally! On vinyl!!) in my Moms old bedroom at Mammaw & Pappaws' house. I've been a fan since the first time I heard the needle scratch across that record and Mr. Randy Owens' voice blared through those old wooden speakers singing "Tennessee River", at 5 years old. The song had already been out 10 years, and cassette tapes had replaced vinyl. You can imagine my huge-Alabama-fan of a Momma's excitement, when I stumbled upon the record collection! 

If you've ever read my blog or know me personally, you're undoubtedly aware of my love (okay, okay... Obsession) with Georgia boys Luke Bryan & Jason Aldean. So hearing them sing two of my all-time favorite songs, "Tennessee River" and "Love in the first degree", definitely put a smile on my face!!

I love this version of "Old Flame" by Rascal Flatts. Then again, I'd pay good money to sit and listen to Gary LeVox sing the damn phone book. (They still make those? Right?)

Kenny Chesney, the "Sand Commander", as I like to call him, comes across wonderfully with his always-smooth vocals in "Lady Down on Love". Very, very, nice. 

Mrs. Trisha Yearwood sends chills shooting up your spine with "Forever's as far as I'll go". God bless that woman and her God-given talent to make you feel every emotion in whatever song she's singing. 

The red-solo cup man himself, Toby Keith reminds us that he's not just about havin' parties in the 'trailerhood', with his rendition of "She and I". His strong heartfelt version of this song is sure to have couples sayin' "ain't it wonderful?" all over the barroom dance floors. 

Eli Yound Band sounds flawless as ever with "The closer you get". Growing up not far from Denton, Texas, I fell in love the first time I heard "Everything is you" and I haven't stopped listening since. Mike Eli's lead vocal is always nothing less than captivating. 

Florida Georgia Line, although still pretty new, have proven that they aren't going anywhere! They grabbed our attention with "Cruise" and they've shown that they don't plan to let go. As if a hit album and TWO songs currently in the top 10 of The Billboard Country charts weren't enough; Tyler and BK are currently breakin' hearts with the opening slot on Luke Bryan's "Dirt Road Diaries Tour". Their take on "I'm in a hurry (and don't know why)" is just, fan-flippin'-tastic!!

Jamey Johnson. Oh Jamey, Jamey, Jamey! That man has a voice that'll make you melt, every single time you hear it. Being that Jamey spends a lot of his time behind-the-scenes writing hit singles, it's so nice to hear his voice!! His version of "My Home's in Alabama" is nothing short of brilliant! 

Alabama rounds out the album with "That's how I was raised" and "All American". Proving that after a very successful career, spanning three decades, these boys were "born country, and that's what they'll always be"!! This playlist is already on repeat!

For more information on these artists, please visit:

TheAlabamaBand.com

JasonAldean.com

LukeBryan.com

RascalFlatts.com

EliYoungBand.com

KennyChesney.com

TrishaYearwood.com

TobyKeith.com

FloridaGeorgiaLine.com

JameyJohnson.com

"Alabama and Friends" is now available on iTunes

A voice all his own..

Thomas Rhett (Akins) is an artist that I've certainly heard about, but never really paid much attention to. I've known who he was and had heard a few songs that he'd written and recorded. And obviously, I've got eyes, and can see that the man is every bit of good lookin'!

Well, after a post on Facebook asking my friends to reveal their favorite country artists, a guy friend of mine reminded me of Thomas Rhett. He's apparently a very, very big fan. And now, having listened to the EP and his latest song "It goes like this", so am I! 

As most of you know, Thomas Rhett is following in his fathers (Rhett Akins) footsteps. But, don't make any assumptions. This southern boy is paving his path with a sound all his own. His twangy southern drawl and engrossing lyrics put you right in the middle of each one of his songs. As a country music fan, you can't ask for anything better. I mean, who wouldn't wanna have a "Beer with Jesus"? How can "..we're just sippin' moonshine, watchin' chicken fry.." from "Front porch junkies", not put a big ol'e smile on your face?! That is PURE COUNTRY right there!! And then there's "You make me wanna". The lyrics make you either wish you were the guy holding that purty girl or the girl driving that country boy crazy! You can't help but fall in love with this guy and his music!

Thomas Rhett, 

I truly believe that you made a wise choice in hopping on the "family business" train. You definitely have the talent and potential to become one of country music's next superstars! Congratulations on all of your well-deserved success. I know you've got a lot more ahead of you!!

For more information on this artist visit: thomasrhett.com

Thomas Rhett - EP and "It goes like this" are both available on iTunes

Old Southern Moonshine Revival

Tonight, while on SportsCenter keeping up with my Dallas Cowboys, I received a notification from Twitter. It said that the band Old Southern Moonshine Revival, was following me. It's always cool when you get new followers, definitely. But I have to be 100% honest and tell you that even though I caught absolute hell from my Daddy because of it, I wasn't really sure who they were. Okay, I had no idea who they were. I guess I'm guilty of being a top 40 country whore. (For lack of a better term, sorry.)

So, after combing their twitter feed, finding them on Facebook & Instagram, I googled to find their website. I read their story. You can imagine my embarrassment, when I realized that they've actually been around for a while. My face turned about eight different shades of red!

I obviously went straight to iTunes and downloaded their album "Between Jesus and Me". As soon as "Who's got the moonshine" started, I was immediately floored!! Wow!! There isn't one single song on that entire album, that I didn't fall in love with!! When I heard the piano riff at the beginning of the last song, I got chills. Some songs really can capture your attention in the first 3 seconds. "Take me home" was most definitely one of "those" songs, and before I knew it, there were tears streaming down my face. All I could do was sit there and think "WOW!!"

It is very clear that the guys of OSMR are talented. And judging by their bio, they make music because they truly love it. As a country music fan who appreciates fan-loving artists probably more than anyone, I have so much respect for them, just for that reason alone. 

OSMR, 

I've taken to Facebook, Instagram, and twitter to spread the word as much as I can, to have everyone I know download this album!! You guys are incredible. You have pure talent and I definitely think there's a spot for you in the mainstream world of country music! I truly love the album and already have it on shuffle and repeat. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with next!! Thank you for following me on Twitter! More importantly, thank you for making me a fan!

Between Jesus and Me is available on iTunes

For information on OSMR: visit OSMRmusic.com

Headlights, Taillights, & Radios

Growing up in Texarkana, Texas, the name "Tracy Lawrence" was used almost daily. Over the last 20+ years, he has been burning up the airwaves with songs like "Renegades, Rebels, & Rouges", "If the good die young", "Texas Tornado", "Alibis", "Better man, better off", "Lessons learned", "Sticks & Stones", "Can't break it to my heart", "As any fool can see", "I see it now", "Paint me a Birmingham", "Find out who your friends are", and my favorite song of all time, "Stars over Texas".

In my personal opinion, there is no greater line from a song than "..as long as there's stars over Texas, darlin' I'll hang the moon for you." It gets me every time. 

I am a big fan of Tracy's and I listen to his music constantly on my iPod. When I hear it, all-of-a-sudden I'm 6 years old again out in the pasture feeding the horses. It takes me back to a simple time in my life. And I love him and his music for that. 

I have seen Tracy in concert many, many times in Texarkana and in his hometown of Foreman, Arkansas which is about 35 minutes down the road. (Depending on how fast you're driving, of course.) Every single year somehow managed to top the one before. His presence, his interaction with the fans, and that one-of-a-kind voice, always made for a good time. 

I recently purchased "Headlights, Taillights, and Radios" on iTunes. I did it blindly, not previewing any of the songs, just knowing that I would love it. And I was right! It's awesome! I fell in love instantly with "Stop, drop, and roll", "Where I used to live", "Black top", "Good girl", & "Cloud of dust". My favorite on the album has to be "Butterfly". Being a big softy, of course, I cried. It was so touching. Which we all know that if anybody can get you to squeeze out a tear, it's Mr. Lawrence. As is evident with songs like "Til' I was a daddy too" and one of my favorites "If I don't make it back". 

The album is just, well, fantastic!! With all of the debate about the direction of Country music these days, it is beyond refreshing to see an artist from "my generation", change with the times, but stay 100% true to who he is!

Country music is not what it used to be. But let's be honest, as great as they are, Luke, Jason, Blake, and Eric aren't singing the same songs as Garth, George, Tracy, Alan. And they're not singing the same music that was sung by Hank, Waylon, Willie, or Merle. But that's the beauty of country music! Everybody brings something different to the table while staying true to who and what they are. Which is pure country! 

"The only thing that stays the same is, everything changes!" - Tracy Lawrence (Time Marches On) 

That is the truth. Country music is the one and only genre that is always evolving but never changes. So... maybe there's a little more bass, and a little more electric guitar. The music itself is the same. It's about lovin' God, fallin' in love, drinkin' beer, huntin' deer, breakin' hearts, barroom brawls, catchin' fish, dirtroads, backroads, momma & daddy, Mammaw & Pappaw, Friday night football, and Sunday mornin' church. It's about knowing who you are, where you come from, who made it possible, and loving every bit of it!!

At its roots, country music will always be the same. And artists like Tracy, know and understand that! And keep it fresh by changin' up the verse, but always keepin' the melody the same.

Tracy, I've listened to you and watched you since I was a little girl. Your songs are forever a part of who I am! I love your new album and I can't wait to see how much more you give us in the future! You truly are, one-of-a-kind. And even though there's a little distance between Texarkana, and Foreman, always know that as far as Texarkanians are concerned, you'll always be a hometown boy to us!! Love, love, love you!

Please visit: tracylawrence.com

Headlights, Taillights, & Radios now available on iTunes 

Crashing the party..

In 2008, Luke Bryan came to a little bar called 'Shooters' in my hometown of Texarkana. My friends and I had obviously fallen in love with that 'shit-eatin' grin' and southern boy charm the minute we heard "Country Man", and we rushed to buy tickets the day they went on sale. Luke wasn't very well known at the time but, that night I knew that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of Country music.

Over the last 3 years, we've been able to watch Luke's career get bigger, and his star rise higher thanks to his YouTube channel "LBTV". I have seen every single episode and I can tell you that I've laughed at all of the behind-the-scenes antics with Luke and his band. And I've actually cried watching them progress and give thanks to their fans for all of the success. It is extremely clear that Luke Bryan loves what he does. He loves bringing music to his fans. How many other "Entertainer of the Year" winners have you seen take time out of their lives DAILY, to show their fans what it's like to live their life, and be who they are?

I've heard so many wonderful reviews from actual fans about Luke and his current album "Crash my party". In my opinion, it truly is his best album yet! But the other day while scanning Twitter, I came across a "tweet" that Luke has responded to, from a girl that said "I love Luke Bryan but his new album sucks and if you like it, you don't know what country is". I WAS IN SHOCK! How can you not believe that songs like "Dirt road diary", "Blood brothers", "Drink a beer", "We run this town", aren't country? I don't know what "Country" means to anyone else. But for me, growing up in a small Texas town, even as a girl, country was about dancin' in the bed of a jacked-up Chevy. Drinkin' beer around a bonfire. Falling in love and sometimes getting your heart broken at a party out in the middle of a pasture. And genuinely just havin' a good time! That is what "Country" is!! And that is what Luke Bryan brings to country music.

There hasn't been one of Luke's albums that hasn't spoken to me personally. In fact, when "I'll stay me" came out, I played it so much in my car that I had to get another copy less than 3 months after I bought my first one. It was new. It was fun. And it was real! With "Doin' my thing", Luke made us fall in love. With "Tailgates and Tanlines" he took us to the party!! He has made country girls all over the WORLD wanna 'shake it' for him! And God love him, he's kept the party going by draggin' us all down to Spring Break with him every year! Now, with "Crash my party" he's done all of those things! You feel the heartbreak in songs like "I see you" & "Goodbye girl". You fall in love all over again with "Beer in the headlights", "Roller coaster", "Play it again", "Shut it down", "Out like that", and of course "Crash my party". You head back to the good ol'e farm days with "That's my kinda night". And then there's one of my absolute favorites "Drink a beer". The first time I heard it, I cried. Because when you lose someone that's special to you, obviously you mourn. It's sad. It's emotional. But even though you can't quite understand why they're gone, all you can do is sit there and drink a beer remembering all of the good times. It's raw. And it's real! It's country!

In every interview I've watched with Luke (and yes, I've seen them all!) I've heard him say time, and time again that he's never been more excited about an album release. And while I've loved every single song he's ever recorded, (honestly!) I've never been more excited for one of his albums to come out, like I was "Crash my party". 

Luke Bryan solidifies what it is to be true-blue country. He is the best artist out there. And I don't believe for one second that this success will be short-lived. I have a feeling that Mr. Thomas Luther is here to stay!! And as an avid fan of all that is country music, I sure as hell hope so! 

When I lost my mother suddenly in 2011, I listened to a lot of Luke's music. You can't help but smile when you hear it. I can honestly say that his songs got me through the hardest time of my life. And I'm so, so thankful to him for that.

Luke, Congratulations on all of your success. It is well deserved. And more importantly, it is well earned. You truly have worked your ass off to get where you are. I have immense respect for you and all of your hard work to help make country music what it is now. I can't wait to see what you do in the future! The tour is sold out this year, and I've entered just about every contest possible to try and see you on the "Dirt Road Diaries" tour. Doesn't look like that's gonna happen. But next year, I'll be on the ball and get tickets as soon as I can, for what will I'm sure be an even more amazing line of shows. Enjoy the view from the top baby, 'cause I've got a feeling that you're gonna be up there for a while!

Visit Lukebryan.com for upcoming dates on his Dirt Road Diaries Tour!!

Crash My Party now available on iTunes