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