For every country superstar out there, there are 100 upcoming acts making some great music as well that you should consider adding to your collection. I've listed 10 Country CDs that you may have missed picking up earlier this year. Here's your chance to give yourself a little Christmas joy by giving them another chance at being a part of your every day listening.
Craig's CD made my #1 spot on my Top 10 for 2006 list for good reason. It's really, really good! The songs are things many people can relate to, and he sings 'em so well.
When I first heard Jake's album, I thought... Wow! This guy has got some great music here, and he has a fantastic voice, and isn't hard on the eyes, either. "Yee Haw" is a fun song and it got me hooked on his music. The title track just takes it even further, with an introspective look at oneself. I see a bright future for this young man.
These guys had me hooked since I first heard "Call Me Crazy." It's a great, singable, fun song, and it just boggles my brain that it didn't go to No. 1. These guys have a great personality, and they're super talented. Stokes Nielson is a great writer, and they've got some great country-rock stuff here. Give it a try.
Jeff Bates is also on my "underrated males" list. I don't understand why none of his songs have ever lived up to their potential to be big hits. Likeable guy. Great voice. Sexy as heck. What's not to like? There's great music here. Good, solid country music.
If you never experienced Barbara Mandrell's music before, sit down and listen to this wonderful tribute album. Over a dozen country stars sing some of Barbara's biggest hits, and the result is magical. Listen to Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Kenny Chesney, Reba, Brad Paisley and others.
I've loved Emerson Drive's sound since they first came out with "I Should Be Sleeping." The band consists of great musicians, a fantastic lead singer, and great harmonies. Ok, ok, if you are a staunch traditionalist, much of their stuff will be too pop for you. But, if you're a fan of Rascal Flatts, Emerson Drive will be right up your alley. "Moments" is a wonderful track that is their current single, and may be the song to finally really bring them to U.S. fan's attention, something that Canadian fans have known all along. These guys are great!
These guys are some more super talented individuals. Their harmonies are every bit as good as anything Rascal Flatts, Lonestar, or Alabama has ever put out. They can turn it up, or slow it down. Please, give this a listen. It's well worth the purchase.
Since this was put out by Cracker Barrel Country Stores, you may not have heard this, unless you caught the special that ran on GAC, but this is "do not miss" country music. Take a couple country legends like George Jones and Willie Nelson. Pair them up with some of today's hottest artists. Add in a little mix of rock from Heart, and soul from Michael McDonald, and you have an album of some of the best Country songs ever. All of them are either CMA, ACM or Grammy Songs of the Year, and these new interpretations are wonderful.
Rosanne Cash is probably not someone you're going to hear a lot of on today's country radio. That's a shame, as she has a voice that rivals Emmylou Harris in excellence. This project was inspired by her grief at losing her dad, her mom, and her step mom within a very short time, and turning it into what Kathy calls "a brilliant showcase for her voice."
His first single was "Drunker than Me," and I thought it was a fun song, and he was pretty good. But, when I heard "One Wing in the Fire," I knew this guy was more than pretty good. He was terrific. This guy can down right sing his butt off. And he is most definately country! Anyone that thinks that country radio does not play traditional country any more has not heard Trent's song played, and played again, as it is a Top 15 hit which has boosted his sales of this album, making him 2006's hottest selling new male artist.
