Each year we see a new class of stars appear on the country music horizon. Sometimes an artist will have a huge hit right off the bat, and other times it may take an album or two. The stars listed as the "Class of 2006" are those that made their first major impact on country music in that year.
I knew when I first heard Eric Church that he was here to stay. This year, we've seen him bring two singles into the Top 20.
"How 'Bout You" brought him to everyone's attention, finally landing at No. 15. His second single,
"Two Pink Lines" sits at No. 19 and rising. His album,
Sinners Like Me debuted at No. 7.
Jake Owen's first single
"Yee Haw" became his first Top 20 song, peaking at No. 16. His album
Startin' With Me debuted at No. 8. The title track, which is the second single is hovering in the mid-forties and rising.
"I Don't" was the first single, and it peaked at No. 28. Her second single,
"Findin' a Good Man" rose all the way to No. 16. Her album debuted at No. 23.
Taylor Swift is the second female in the Class of 2006, and the most successful new female. Her debut single
"Tim McGraw" is sitting at No. 10 this week, and still moving up. Not bad for a debut single. Her self-titled album debuted at No. 3, and remains in the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart.
Trent's first single was the fun-loving party song,
"Drunker than Me." The song peaked at No. 19. His second single
"One Wing in the Fire" shows a totally different side to the young singer, and really shows off his beautiful baritone. It's currently sitting at No. 15 and still rising. His album,
Country is My Rock debuted at No. 20 on the charts, and is the top-selling album from a new artist this year.
Michelle Branch, one half of The Wreckers had a career as a pop star, and was doing quite well. She teamed up with her friend, singer/songwriter Jessica Harp, and the two have a great country sound. Their first single,
"Leave the Pieces" went all the way to No. 1, and their second,
"My, Oh My" just may make the trip as well, sitting at No. 14 and rising this week. Their album,
Stand Still, Look Pretty debuted at No. 4 and remains in the Top 25 on the album charts.
