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Guide Picks - Class of 2000
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Each year we see new and talented stars debut albums. A first album is always one of the most important in an artist's career. If the first album doesn't fly, most of the time you'll never see a second. The albums below represent artists from the class of 2000.
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1) Unconditional - Clay Davidson
"Unconditional" was a song that almost everyone could relate to. His other singles were the up-tempo, "I Can't Lie To Me" and ballad, "Sometimes." Capturing the party side of the album is "We're All Here," which is reminiscent of Garth Brooks' "Friends in Low Places."
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2) One Voice - Billy Gilman
An instant success despite the fact that there was only one moderately hit single, the stunning "One Voice," which was written for Billy, the CD by the same name nonetheless showcased a promising vocal talent that, given time to mature, could become one of the best that country music has to offer.
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3) Swimming In Champagne - Eric Heatherly
Eric Heatherly stormed onto the country music scene with his hit cover of The Statler Brothers hit "Flowers On The Wall." The CD also includes the hit, "Wrong 5 O'Clock," and the silky smooth title cut.
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4) Blue Moon - Steve Holy
It took until his fourth single, but Steve Holy attained his first number one hit. Not only was "Good Morning Beautiful" a hit, it was a multi-week No. 1 hit on Billboard's Country chart. From his first single, "Don't Make Me Beg," to his second, "Blue Moon," to his third, "The Hunger," Steve Holy was consistently seeing his singles go farther up the charts.
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5) Craig Morgan - Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan is the self-titled debut album from a very talented newcomer. One of the highlights of this album was "I Wish I Could See Bakersfield." It features a guest vocal appearance by Merle Haggard. "Paradise" was somewhat of an autobiography for the very patriotic military veteran and did very well on the charts. "I Want Us Back" is a haunting love song that also did very well on the charts.
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6) Nickel Creek - Nickel Creek
Ever wonder what would happen if you were to mix youthful energy and bluegrass? Nickel Creek would be the result. The three members of Nickel Creek consist of Chris Thile on mandolin and lead vocals, Sara Watkins on fiddle and lead vocals, and Sara's brother Sean on acoustic guitar and background vocals. Chris and Sara take turns singing the leads on different songs.
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7) Shiver - Jamie O'Neal
Shiver is Jamie O'Neal's debut album. It may be our first listen to her as an artist, but it's not the first as a songwriter. O'Neal has written songs that were recorded by LeAnn Rimes, Chely Wright, and Tammy Cochran. She's also recorded background vocals on records by Mindy McCready, Clay Davidson, Jason Sellers, Chely Wright, Ronnie Milsap, Sonya Issacs and others.
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8) Rascal Flatts - Rascal Flatts
This hot new group with the killer harmonies comes via Lyric Street Records. Members include Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, and Jay DeMarcus. This is their self-titled debut album, and includes the hits, "Praying For Daylight," "Everyday Love," and "While You Loved Me."
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9) Phil Vassar - Phil Vassar
There was five singles released from the CD. Four of them were Billboard Top 10 hits with the other one being a Top 25 hit. The singles were "Carlene," "Just Another Day In Paradise," "Rose Bouquet," "Six Pack Summer" and "That's When I Love You." "Paradise" was a multi-week No. 1 in the spring of 2001 for Phil.
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10) Hard Rain Don't Last - Darryl Worley
When I first heard Darryl Worley's first single, "When You Need My Love," I thought he sounded like Garth Brooks. Not every line, but certain words and his phrasing. Now that I've listened to his whole album over and over again, I have to say that the Garth-sound doesn't seem as noticeable. Sometimes I think he sounds like Merle Haggard, which isn't surprising at all, since Merle is one of Darryl's musical influences. But overall, I think Darryl's sound is just that.. HIS sound. And I love it!
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