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