2005 was a great year for country music. There were a lot of new stars, and tons of really great music released by stars, both new and established. I've chosen five new country artists that I think will be making a name for themselves in 2006. All of them have had singles released in 2005, but I'm sure that some of them will be more familiar than others.
Ray Scott
I just love Ray Scott's voice. His album My Kind of Music debuted at No. 39 on the Country Albums chart, and was critically acclaimed, and the single of the same name, while not a chart busting single, (the song is at 40 this week) shows the true potential of this traditional-sounding guy. With the sound of country music becoming more traditional, I think that Ray's songs should do quite well, and we'll be hearing more from him in 2006.
for My Kind of Music
Rockie Lynne
When I first heard his name, I thought that was a rather odd-sounding name. When I first heard him sing, I thought... WOW!!!! I just love his voice. His debut single, "Lipstick" is made-to-order for country radio. It's catchy, and his voice, as I mentioned above is outstanding. His album will be out in early 2006, and if there music on it similar to this single, it's certain to really bring him to everyone's attention.
for Rockie Lynne
Miranda Lambert
2005 was a great year for Miranda. After a two year process of recording her debut album, after placing third in the first season of Nashville Star, her album Kerosene debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums charts, and she's released three singles, so far; "Me and Charlie Talking," (No. 27) "Bring Me Down," (No. 32) and b]"Kerosene"] (No. 21). She had a fiery (literally) performance at the CMA Awards this year. Her album recently went Gold, and I really see things looking even brighter for her next year.
for Kerosene
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean, like labelmate Craig Morgan proves that you don't have to be on a big label to have a Top 10 record. His debut single "Hicktown" peaked at No. 10, and his current single, "Why" is a scorching ballad that shows another side of this hunky cowboy. His self-titled album debuted at No. 6 on the country album charts, and has gone Gold; a sure sign of good things to come for him musically.
for Jason Aldean
Carrie Underwood
Being the American Idol this year certainly gave Carrie a built-in fan base. A fan base that voted their fingers off to make sure Carrie did win the competition. Being the American Idol also meant that she had to tailor her album to satisfy both country and pop fans. I think she did a good job, with several good country tunes and the first country single, "Jesus Take The Wheel" is a Top 5 hit, and rising. Not only is the song a hit on the country charts. It sold 314,000 copies sold in just the first week, and has already gone Platinum.
for Some Hearts