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'.