Martina McBride "Anyway"
Martina showcased this song on the CMA Awards, and it's actually already being added, even though the official add date isn't until this Tuesday. I love the theme, telling you not to worry about what may happen, but to live your dreams. Martina actually co-wrote this tune with the Warren Brothers, who opened shows for her on her Timeless tour. This is the first single from her upcoming album that will be out next year.
Dierks Bentley "Long Trip Alone"
More and more country singers today than ever seem to be doing a majority of writing on their albums. With Dierks, he's such a good songwriter, it's not like he wouldn't want to showcase anyone else, but his own stuff is so personal, that it really strikes a chord with listeners. You don't have to know that he wrote it. You can feel that he's lived it with his delivery. This is an excellent choice for another Top 5 song, if not another No. 1. He's on a groove.
Blue County "I Get To"
I've always enjoyed Blue County's music. It's been a while between albums, and the songs they've released, while good, just haven't caught an audience enough to become a big hit. Once again, it's about perspective. He speaks about being little and having chores he had to do, and now that his dad has had a heart attack, he doesn't feel that helping out is something he has to do, but something he "gets" to do. Nice! I hope people will request this. It's well-worth hearing, and the guys sing their hearts out on it.
Todd Fritsch "What's Wrong With Me"
Todd is a Texas artist, and more popular on the Texas country charts, but I think his music can appeal on a National level, just like Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt, Pat Green and Tracy Byrd do. This is a really catchy tune. It sounds like something Pat Green would sing. He sings about being on the other end of a breakup and how he can't seem to get over it.