I know with it being Grammy night, I'm probably a little late with this. But I just want to give a huge shout out to all of the Grammy Nominees from the wonderful world of Country Music! It's the music that runs through our veins. So when the voters for the biggest music award in the world give a nod to your favorite artists, you can't help but feel proud!! My predictions for the 2014 Grammy's are...
Best Country Solo Performance
Lee Brice - "I Drive Your Truck"
Hunter Hays - "I Want Crazy"
Miranda Lambert - "Mama's Broken Heart"
Darius Rucker - "Wagon Wheel"
Blake Shelton - "Mine Would Be You"
**As much as I absolutely LOVE all of these nominees & their songs.. I gotta go with Lee Brice on this one! He just has a way of breaking your heart when he sings that song!**
Best Country Duo/Performance
The Civil Wars - "From This Valley"
Kelly Clarkson ft. Vince Gill - "Don't Rush"
Little Big Town - "Your Side Of The Bed"
Tim McGraw ft. Taylor Swift & Keith Urban - "Highway Don't Care"
Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton - "You Can't Make Old Friends"
Best Country Song
"Begin Again" - Written by: Taylor Swift
"I Drive Your Truck" (Lee Brice) - Written by: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Jimmy Yeary
"Mama's Broken Heart" (Miranda Lambert) - Written by: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves
"Merry Go 'Round" (Kacey Musgraves) - Written by: Shane McAnally, Kasey Musgraves, & Josh Osborne
"Mine Would Be You" (Blake Shelton) - Written by: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington & Deric Ruttan
Best Country Album
Night Train - Jason Aldean
Two Lanes Of Freedom - Tim McGraw
Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
Based On A True Story - Blake Shelton
Red - Taylor Swift
___________________________________________________________________
2013 was undoubtedly an incredible year for Country Music! I know that 2014 will be even better!!
I want to congratulate ALL of the nominees tonight! While I don't necessarily AGREE with who I think WILL win tonight, I gotta go with my gut and say that I really think these will be the winners! Here's hoping I get a couple of em' wrong!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Friday, January 17, 2014
Luke Bryan show postponed in Lexington, KY
Country Girl Reviews would just like to extend love, support, and a ton of prayers to the three injured in last nights stage collapse in Columbus, OH on the inaugural night of the Luke Bryan That's My Kind Of Night 2014 Tour!
After what appears to be a fantastic opening night, while taking down the stage, three crew members were apparently injured. It is unknown at this time if that is the specific reasoning, but the show in Lexington, KY at the Rupp Arena has been postponed until Friday February 21, 2014. All tickets purchased for tonight's show WILL BE HONORED!! Luke and his production crew just want to take the necessary steps to make sure that the tour can continue, and to hopefully prevent anything like this from happening again!
Luke's next show, scheduled for the Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN is still scheduled, as of right now. For more news and tour updates you can visit http://LukeBryan.com
Again... lots and lots of love and prayers to Luke, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell & all of their crew members!
Again... lots and lots of love and prayers to Luke, Lee Brice, Cole Swindell & all of their crew members!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
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!
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!
Monday, December 9, 2013
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
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!!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
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!!
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!!
Friday, September 27, 2013
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.
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