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Guide Picks - Top 10 Contemporary Country Groups/Duos |
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Contemporary artists are those that have recorded from the mid 80s through today. These are the artists that are the ones you will hear most often on country radio. The picks below will comprise what I feel are the ten best albums by contemporary groups or duos. |
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1) One More Day - Diamond Rio
In their eighth release (counting "Super Hits" released in 1999), since getting their start in 1991, Diamond Rio has put together a set of tunes that speak to us all. While many groups change members over time, in the ten years between their debut album and this release, Diamond Rio still consists of Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Dan Truman, Brian Prout, Dana Williams and Gene Johnson. Though their bandmembers remain the same, their music has evolved as the years have gone by.
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2) Fly - Dixie Chicks
Despite the daunting task of recording their sophomore album and hoping they would at least match the success of Wide Open Spaces, the gals really knocked one out of the ballpark with Fly. The album has gone on to sell over 9 million copies.
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3) Kinleys II - The Kinleys
From the first track, also the first single "She Ain't The Girl For You," to the very last "Somebody's Out There Watching," this CD will keep you listening just to hear what comes next. You'll be tapping your toes and singing aloud to the hilarious tongue-in-cheek songs like "Lovers," "That's Gonna Mess You Up," and "Yeah Yeah Yeah." You can also sit back and just enjoy the harmonies and heartbreak heard in songs like "You're Still Here," "I Need You Now," and "If Ever I Needed You."
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4) Lonely Grill - Lonestar
Lonestar had three albums out prior to Lonely Grill. This is the first release without lead singer John Rich, and they've done just fine. Better than fine. With the amazing chart topping "Amazed" which rocketed their popularity into the stratosphere, plus hits like "What About Now," "Tell Her," and "Smile," this album is a great choice for those wanting to experience what Lonestar is all about.
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5) Steers & Stripes - Brooks and Dunn
Steers and Stripes is this country duo's ninth release, and contains the No. 1 hits "Only in America," "Ain't Nothin' About You," and "The Long Goodbye." The album was also nominated for 2001 CMA Album of the Year.
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6) Carrying On - Montgomery Gentry
"Ain't gonna break, ain't gonna bend, we're just carrying on..." And Montgomery Gentry does just that with this sophomore album, packed full of the same type of country-rock tunes that won them accolades from the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and Billboard Records.
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7) The Whole SHeBANG - SHeDAISY
The sisters Osborne, Kelsi, Kassidy, and Kristyn were the first country act to debut at the number one spot on Billboard Magazine's Heatseeker's album chart, they have also performed for two President - Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. This is their debut album, and it contains such hits as "Little Goodbyes," "I Will...But," and "This Woman Needs."
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8) This is BR549 - BR549
BR549 is a band that is tottering on the edge of a music revolution that is occuring in country music. In a time of country music pop star wanna-be singers and cute boy bands, they are neither. They are a bunch of guys playing the traditional honky tonk style country music that they love.
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9) King of Nothing - Warren Brothers
While the first CD, that features "Guilty," was a modest success, King Of Nothing has propelled the Warren Brothers into the spotlight. There are three great singles here and a whole lot of great tracks around them.
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10) River of Time - The Judds
Released in 1996, this album contains the hits, "Young Love," "Let Me Tell You About Love," "River Of Time," and the title cut. The album was also the last album produced before Naomi's illness was discovered.
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