Brooks & Dunn - [link
url=http://gofish.about.com/detail.html?gfid=11-6090978]"Building Bridges"[/link]
After two Greatest Hits CDs, Brooks & Dunn hit a homerun with their last single, "Believe." Now back with "Building Bridges" Kix and Ronnie deliver another smash hit that keeps it the summer radio waves light and lively.
Trent Tomlinson - "One Wing In The Fire"
While "Drunker Than Me" introduced Tomlinson to radio, The Tracy Lawrence-like "One Wing In The Fire" should give Trent his first Top 10 hit. It's a ballad that's released in the summertime but it's the kind of ballad that works perfectly against the shiny summery songs.
Clint Black - "Heartaches"
This is a tear-in-your-beer stone country release from Clint and it's the kind of song he used to release years ago. The problem with this drinkin' song is that it's got no chance on current 'rock-country' radio. Still, it's a good song that deserves to be heard.
Jack Ingram -
With "Wherever You Are" hitting #1, Jack earned his first Number One Hit. Those afraid that the 'gritty' Jack had sold-out to become a country star will be glad to know that "Love You" is about as 'classic Jack' as any of Jack's last few albums. Good stuff.
Bomshel - Ain't My Day To Care
There's a place on country radio for female harmony driven groups and Bomshel seems to have a nice potential hit here with this little number. It's certainly better than that too long a title "...Finger Lickin" song they released last time around.
Mark McGuinn - Deep
When Mark McGuinn released his self-titled CD in 2001, he had a unique sound with unique lyrics and a unique single in "Mrs. Steven Rudy." Now back on his own label, Mark releases "Deep" as the third song to try to make an impact at radio. It's a lovely ballad with a wonderful message that parents should share with their children.
Heartland - I Loved Her First
Signed to the small Lofton Creek label, Heartland is a new band and they have a hook-filled ballad that I see becoming a staple at weddings as the father-daughter first dance song. The lyrics talk about that special bond between a father and a daughter. This is the kind of independent single I'm talking about when I say that it takes something special for radio to notice these artists. It's a hit.
Matt Jenkins - Bad As I Want
Last summer Matt released "King Of The Castle" and while it failed to register as a hit outside a few radio markets, I adored the humorous Joe Nichols-like song. "Bad As I Want" showcases a different sound than that one but it's still very good. Matt has a good voice that wraps around a melancholic melody and lyric. I hope this one's a hit for him and his label Universal South.
Steve Azar - You Don't Know A Thing
Mississippi's Steve Azar had a huge hit with "I Don't Have To Be Me ('Til Monday)" a few years ago and now he's back on the Midas record label with a single that sure sounds like a hit to me. It's a mid-tempo track that suits Steve's unique vocal and unique songwriting. Again, a "indie" single that's 'in it to win it' with radio. Welcome back, Steve.
"indie" single that's 'in it to win it' with radio. Welcome back, Steve.
