Top 16 Favorite CM Radio Singles of 2008

It took me a while to think up of a list.  I wanted to keep it mainly mainstream-based (my excuse for not including alternative country/americana singles, those of which I really couldn’t list lol).  I didn’t listen to a whole lot of mainstream country radio this year, as compared to past years, because of, of course, XM Radio and my iTunes/iPod.  My list definitely includes, and excludes, singles that other sites have placed on their year-end lists.  For my own, I was bent on making sure that the tracks considered were mostly 2008-played singles, and so I came up with these.  Some of these are surprises and others maybe not so much.

Happy New Years to everyone and hopefully your 2009 is much better (I know the first half of my ’08 was much better than the second, but I am satisfied with the time I got the spend the time with my family over this time – and kinda crazy – but it’s been a great year).  Btw, the pic above I chose because I was pretty green the whole year and I thought it looked nice, especially as a negative, as it is now)

Time to reveal my:

Top 16 Favorite Country Music Radio Singles of 2008:

• 16. “No Air” – Rissi Palmer:
  • Call me surprised as well.  When Rissi first came about, I supported her, but didn’t particularly care for her debut single (“Country Girl”).  It wasn’t until I heard her “countrified” remake of Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown’s pop hit, “No Air” that I became really interested.  Though Rissi’s version is still very poppy, I find myself lovin’ the heavy fiddle, mandolin, and steel production with the catchy vocals.  Too bad it wasn’t a hit.  Woulda been sorta cool if she maybe made this a duet with Keith Urban or something.

• 15. “Workin’ for a Livin’” – Garth Brooks & Huey Lewis:
  • Hahaha, another remake, I say?  Yes.  I find this a very catchy track, and it’s classic Garth: full of bluesy harmonica and rockin’ fiddle.  It’s like a hybrid of “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)” and “Beer Run”.  To be quite honest, before this, I didn’t really know who Huey Lewis was, but had heard of him.  The music video is really cool and liking the NASCAR-theme.  Definitely a fun number to listen to and the lyrics are totally true.  I could do without the “working” female background vocals, however.  They’re annoying lol.

• 14. “Sounds So Good” – Ashton Shepherd:
  • The song title explains itself on how I feel about the track.  I love her über-twangy accent (I used to hate when people used that term, but it’s fine if I do it) and it confirms how much she loves being at home in the country.  Reminds me of the summer and of being out in the Arizona desert.  It’s contemporary country with traditional country soul.  I’m glad this song got played a decent amount, which was more than expected since radio kinda sucks.

• 13. “You and Me and Time” – George Jones & Georgette Jones:
  • I don’t think this song went anywhere on the charts, and was one of the best songs of 2008, IMO.  Georgette has such a beautiful voice and it’s very reminiscent of her mother, Tammy Wynette.  The song is about her childhood relationship with her father, and his absence that shadowed those times, and now, they’ve got time to be closer than ever.  It’s a sweet and pure country duet.  In the chorus, I love the pause after “time” and before “finally got together“… awesome.

• 12. “Rocks In Your Shoes” – Emily West:
  • Another one gone… newcomer Emily West really impressed me this one.  Very poppy, but as proven, country-pop can be done well, and she did it.  She got the title of the song from a phrase her grandfather used to say, if I’m not mistaken, and it took a big meaning.  Her voice reminds me of a younger, playful Patty Loveless.  One of the most catchiest songs of the year.  Check out her EP.

• 11. “His Kind of Money (My Kind of Love)” – Eric Church:
  • My favorite single from this guy.  I’ve never been too big on him, but have always liked this singles.  I really like the message of this song…money can’t buy everything, and you’ll realize that.  It can’t replace real and good love.

Recommendation XXXXI: Ashley Monroe & Trent Dabbs

I’m back… been a long week and I am tired (yawn express). Long long day at both jobs. I still cannot believe that it’s December already and ’08 is almost over (I will not not be doing a “Best Albums of 2008″ edition, sorries… maybe a best single thing. I dunno.)  Anyway, no real big update on me.  Just started paying off some loan stuff, and other payments (total craziness.  I should be spending the money on Christmas gifts! haha.)  Btw, I just recently watched The Happening on DVD, and it really really sucked.  Horrible, horrible movie in every way possible.  Now, every time I see and hear Mark Wahlberg talk, I think of that SNL bit.  Here’s to forty-one…

My forty-first recommendation is: Ashley Monroe & Trent Dabbs’s “Laying Low” from their 2008 Ashley Monroe and Trent Dabbs – EP album.  Yes, I am on a duo craze right now.  I have mentioned them before, in my Brooks & Dunn recommendation, and I discovered their music in July earlier this year.  I was real curious to know what Ashley Monroe was doing ever since her exceptional (but never released) debut album fell through with Sony Nashville.  From the clips I heard of that album, I seriously think it could have been the best debut album from anyone, that I’ve ever heard (even rivaling Lee Ann Womack‘s debut, whom Ashley somewhat sounds like.  She also reminds me of Dolly Parton and Jewel).  Country radio had a big play in us never hearing it, and they missed a huge opportunity by not playing Ashley’s music.  At least, she’s doing decent as a songwriter, but her singing is just incredible and should be heard by everyone.  I was excited to see she was making new music on her myspace page, and even more thrilled to see she created new tunes with a person I had never heard of: Trent Dabbs.

iCF Single Reviews #5 (Week of October 12, 2008)

Alright, I’m back… this time, I’m hoping to review a lot more radio singles.  Today is a nice, sunny (but chilly) Monday in Colorado.  I am happy to say that we have got XM Radio back in the car and it’s going great again so far.  Right now in my life, I’m just preparing for my trip to California and trying to pay off things (like my loans… ahh, it sucks.  It should be after I graduate, not before…but I may be able to kill some interest charges this way.)  Anyway, let’s get to it.  I’m going to start off with songs I didn’t review last time and skip songs I’ve already reviewed, so the numbers won’t be in order for some.

11. “Already Gone”: – Sugarland:

- (I chose the picture above because I think she looks beautiful there, but that will not change my opinion on the music lol) I just took another listen to it, and surprise, I actually think it’s okay.  Jennifer Nettles’s voice is tolerable here and the music isn’t bad: kinda folky and definitely more country-sounding than their other stuff (especially their last single).  I was delightfully shocked to hear “the guy” sing at the end…I think Kristian Bush is his name.  I’ll continue to change the channel, though, for my own sanity.  2.5 out of 5 stars.

16. “Start a Band” – Brad Paisley & Keith Urban:

- Hmm…this is kinda cool.  In this present time in the music industry, Paisley and Urban are definitely two of the most talented guitar players, and the production is an appealing blend of both of their guitar-playing.  Not a bad song, but I gotta admit, nothing really special special.  I’m sure they’ll perform this live on the CMAs, so that will be something to look forward to, kinda.  3.0 out of 5 stars.

18. “Here” – Rascal Flatts:

- I really hesitated to press play for this one, because I know what to expect: high-pitched screaming over loud drums and guitars with some fiddle, steel, or banjo thrown in.  Let me get something clear: I don’t hate Rascal Flatts, I actually like a few of their songs (maybe like three), but I don’t think they really care about country music and what they’re doing to it.  They may bring new fans to the genre, but IMO it’s usually the “wrong” kinda fans.  Back to the song: it’s no horrible.  Tolerable, and the mandolin’s got a nice touch (well, it’s a mandolin, how could it not?).  Vocals decent in parts, overdone everywhere else.  I’ll be nice.  2.0 out of 5 stars.

19. “Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band:

- Immediately after hearing this, I knew I’d like it (the title did turn me off, at first, but that proves you can’t judge a song by its title…)  A refreshing country sound with a refreshing voice.  It reminds me of another song from the past but I can’t quite think of it (but I’ll try to add to the post, if I remember).  Nice to see it’s doing so well on iTunes.  4.0 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

22. “Lookin’ for a Good Time” – Lady Antebellum:

- Ah, I love this song.  A new one-night stand song with exciting vocals.  When I first heard this song, I didn’t know exactly who it was…I thought it was duet but could not fit the voices.  For sure, I’m going to check this group out.  I liked their first single too (“Love Don’t Live Here”).  5.0 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

27. “Anything Goes” – Randy Houser:

- Instantly I just had to like this…a slight traditional production but with gospel/blues-touches throughout, and with a powerful voice, quite like Ronnie Dunn and Blake Shelton.  I’ve heard of this Houser guy before, but now I’m more intrigued.  Hopefully this charts a lot higher.  4.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

iCF Single Reviews #4 (Week of September 28, 2008)

I’m hoping that I can get this done tonight.  I wanted to do another round of single reviews, since I haven’t done one in about two months or so.  There’s a good amount of newer material waiting for me to get my opinionization on with (not a word, but I like the way it sounds), so here it goes.  I’m using the Radio & Records website chart for this week, and I will take a listen to every song to its entirety (if I can stand it), and give it a fair review.  Fortunately (or unfortunately) I have heard most of these songs already, since the XM Radio service in the car is gone (yes, I’m crying the blues – it is horrible without our baby) and I am now listening to normal commercial country radio.  Good thing for me is that I usually listen to the alternative/independent rock station here more, so I don’t have to deal with some of the problems that plague today’s country radio.  I’ll review as far long as I can get before I have to take off.  Time for critical iCF to return (my last recommendations fired me up!)…

01. “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” – Darius Rucker:

- Wow, did not think this song would reach number one!  I already reviewed it in my last post, and my opinion has changed slightly.  It’s still a good song and the music is still pleasant.  I’m OK with the vocals… a bit overdone with the “don’t thank I don’t thank about it” part.  Gets kinda old, but I’m happy for Mr. Rucker.  I have yet to really check out his new album but from the clips I’ve listened to, it’s good-sounding music.  3.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

02. “Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven” – Kenny Chesney:

- Already another hit?  Let me just say: George Strait does it much better (aside from the weird Jamaican accent thing he does at the end of his version…just bizarre).  I personally think it’s a disgrace that in years from now, Kenny Chesney will be considered a “legend” in country music history.  Thanks radio!  (I admit, I like a little of his music, but radio plays the heck out of whatever he releases, no matter what quality it is, so that’s not really saying much).  We’re in the Hurricane Kenny era, and our beaches are not safe.  2.0 out of 5 stars.

03. “She Never Cried In Front of Me” – Toby Keith:

- This is a different sound for Toby, and it’s not bad.  Not my favorite from him, but it’s a lot better than some of his other material that grew tiresome for me.  The production is heavy on the drums and electric guitar in the chorus, and with the strings, but whatever.  I like variety and I’m not really gonna complain here.  3.0 out of 5 stars.

04. “All Summer Long” – Kid Rock:

- Man, talk about overplayed… even on XM Radio, this song was cranked out on about every music station I listened to and I could not escape it.  I gotta give it credit: it’s a good song and very catchy, but all those listens, had me lunging for the next number to play anything but this.  Still, I’d rather hear this tune than hear the mother of overplayed songs – and the one that he took the music from – Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” (don’t get started with that song…ahh).  3.0 out of 5 stars.

05. “Do You Believe Me Now?” – Jimmy Wayne:

- I also already reviewed this one and I was stoked and happy that it reached number one some weeks ago.  Now, Jimmy just needs to release his duet with Patty Loveless, “No Good for Me” (I’ve got no clip, unfortunately), and I’ll be in heaven.  4.5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

06. “Just a Dream” – Carrie Underwood:

- The poppy piano intro music is a great way to start off this ballad, and it sounds beautiful with the voice to go with it.  She does tend to overdo it at times in the chorus, though, but it is distinguishable in her catalog.  The lyrics are just as good as the vocals, and this is probably one of her best singles so far.  I may not be a “fan” of her’s, but I support her.  4.0 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

Recommendation XXXII: Crystal Shawanda

Whoo, today was pretty nice (“today” referring to Tuesday, which is when I wrote this, but I am barely posting it now): I had the day off, so I slept about ten hours lol and got ready for the day. I missed out breakfast, and it was now lunchtime, and I really needed to eat, so I finally decided I’d take my mom to lunch at Applebee’s (haha, yeah, had to get in on that 3 course meal for $10 thing they have/had going). Lunch was good, but I ended up paying $35, including the tip, so I paid for than I thought I would (that’s where they get ya…and drinks and tax really do add up!). Anyway, I’ll get to some other things we did later in the post since they relate.

My thirty-second recommendation is: Crystal Shawanda’s “Try” from her 2008 Dawn of a New Day album.  This debut album came out this week and has strong material on it, so it was a must to do.  I’ve been anticipating this release for quite some time and it doesn’t disappoint (I’d like a more traditional country sound to it, but it’s fine without it).  I first heard Crystal’s debut radio single, “You Can Let Go”, I think, in January when listening to XM Radio online.  I was impressed and even more so when I found out she was Native American, just like me.  It’s not that often you see a Native have a breakthrough in country music, especially a female, so I was immediately drawn to her and had to find out more.  Her voice was very different that any female singer I’ve heard (she’s like the female Gary Allan) and while the theme and lyrics in the song have been done before, she put her own stamp on it and makes it even better.  With her vocals, she knows when to crack and break at the right times, and it’s full of a lot of emotion.  I knew lots of people could relate, so I hoped it would be a big hit in the U.S., but it wasn’t, unfortunately.  It did bring Crystal Shawanda to the spotlight with many people, though, and she seems to be big in Canada, her home country (Canadian Female Vocalist of the Year nomination…whoo).  It’s cool to read about her and see her performance videos on youtube.  I think Kevin on Country Universe did an excellent review on “You Can Let Go” some months back, and there’s lots of feedback there, so check that out.

Recommendation XXVI: Ashton Shepherd

Here I am, posting late again near midnight lol.  I’m really a night person and it doesn’t help that I don’t have to get to work until about 11am (just gives me more of a reason to stay up later!).  I’m very happy to see that a good amount of people visit the blog and come back regularly (probably has to do with the fact that I now blog more often than the past – gives you all something to look forward to with each visit).  I know how that is with blogs, checking back everyday to see new content and there’s not – annoying, because what else are you gonna read? haha.  I now try my best to stay dedicated to the blog.  It’s like my new child, and I must make it grow with fresh substances and improve over time, just like a fine wine (oddly worded, but you get the idea).  Anyway…

My twenty-sixth recommendation is: Ashton Shepherd’s “The Whiskey Won the Battle” from her 2008 Sounds So Good album.  I don’t know where to start with Ashton.  I’m pretty sure the first time I heard her music was during my winter break, with her debut single, “Takin’ Off This Pain”.  I thought that song sounded good, but I was not in the mood for tough, redneck-themed girl songs at the time, and her voice was too Gretchen Wilson-like (who I love too, but at the time, it seemed like an imitation).  Eventually my interest in her got the best in me, and I remember reading somewhere online that her album was very traditional, that she wrote or co-wrote most of her work, and that she had some songs posted on her myspace page to showcase it.  So, of course, I checked them out and first heard the title cut, “Sounds So Good” (this being her second and current single at the moment, and also let me make it clear, this was before the album came out in March 2008).  I liked it a lot: very catchy and full of steel and twang.  What really sold me on Ashton Shepherd, though, was her song, “I Ain’t Dead Yet”.  That one is stone-cold country (and you know that’s what I like the most ;) ), and I’ll all about quality country music that’s real, sung by a distinct female voice these days, and even more, if they write it themselves, so I was definitely hooked to Ashton then.  She’s almost 22 years old, married, and has a baby as well!

iCF Single Reviews #2 (Week of June 22, 2008)

Looking at my blog, I decided that what I really need to do if I want to ensure its survival and interest, I need to post a lot more (obviously lol), and I think it is necessary to expand into other things/ideas because just doing recommendations is not enough (even though it is this blog’s specialty, I am quite aware that my monthly blog posts isn’t adequate enough to keep my readers staying around, because as a fellow blog reader, I am the same way – I need constant and consistent postings!).  So, I’m going to try to do other things on this site, but the recommendations will still, be first and foremost, the most important feature of the site and I’ll try to do them more frequently!

One feature I started some months ago was reviewing current “country” radio singles.  I noticed that I usually only review songs I like or artists I like and don’t really review ones I don’t.  I’m all for optimism but reality is, they are a lot of songs that are pure crap and need to be justifiably criticized for it lol (Rascal Flatts come to mind?).  Anyway, I’m going to review the Top 17 songs of the week based on the Radio & Records‘ website chart.  My opinions will vary and I will definitely be as honest as possible.  I will not post links to the review singles because chances are you most likely have already heard the songs and plus, I’m lazy to look them all up lol.  FYI: you should know I don’t listen to mainstream country radio a lot (well, now I am a lil bit more because I have my stereo in my room and didn’t have an iPod for a while. Otherwise, I listen to XM Radio in the car or iTunes when I’m at school), so I may not be as sick of these overplayed songs as you are, so we shall see. Here we go… (this will be a longggg post!)

01.  “Better As a Memory” – Kenny Chesney

- Surprise, surprise.  Look who’s #1 again.  The song is OK, but not worthy of #1,  The lyrics are mediocre and the vocals just the same.  I admit it’s nice that it’s not overproduced, but all in all, I don’t see what people see in him these days.  2 out of 5 stars.

02.  “Last Name” – Carrie Underwood

- Usually I don’t care for Miss Underwood’s singles because radio KILLS them with overplay (even though they’re good, country or not), but with this song, I just can’t get enough of it.  It’s catchy and fun to sing along with (I sing “I don’t know even know her last name” instead lol but it doesn’t quite make as much sense but whatever).  Musically, it reminds me of Shania’s “Honey I’m Home” with the rocking guitar, drums, and the fiddle.  This was a great choice for a summer song.  I think she is really talented and I’m liking her more, though I still think she is way overplayed.  5 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

03.  “Home” – Blake Shelton

- Blake has lately been hit-and-miss with me over the last few years.  I’m just not into him as much.  I really don’t like this song even though his vocals are nice.  Sometimes doing remakes/covers is annoying because you keep comparing it with the original or another version.  I just don’t like it.  1 out of 5 stars.

04.  “I’m Still a Guy” – Brad Paisley

- Here’s a guy who’s music I must recommend sometime in the future.  I love that he helps make traditional/real country popular with his songs and that he does it while being so cool.  This single, one of his other gimmicky haha songs is really clever, once again displaying his immense talent as a songwriter, and his ode to traditional country.  His novelty songs do get annoying though sometimes.  I should love this song, but I don’t.  I like it but for some reason, the extremely unnecessary, but short, whole baby/cradle-music thing that’s goes on the song is like chalkboard-scratching to my ears.  I think it kinda messes up the song to be honest lol (just like when children sing in songs, for example: like in  “Ain’t Nothin’ Like” on his Mud on the Tires album.  Good song until the kids get involved).  I just don’t like that.  4 out of 5 stars. Buy here!

05.  “Every Day” – Rascal Flatts

- Crap.  Annoying crap like always.  Seriously, though.  The music, though it isn’t country at all, is not too bad and the vocals are OK (but get pretty whiny several times, as expected from Gary LeVox).  This boy band continues their Murder Row Massacre once again with this song, so of course, radio can’t get enough of it.  One somewhat positive thing about it: MUCH better than their next single, “Bob That Head” (yes, I said bob that head… a title which makes you think, and considering the double entendre and who’s singing it to you, makes you just want to barf).  1.5 out of 5 stars.

Recommendation XXIII: Dierks Bentley w/ Sarah Buxton

…And we’re back.  My summer’s going pretty well for me so far: I’m just hoping that I can look back at it and say that I didn’t waste it like past summers.  Too many days come by when I feel I could’ve done more and done something more productive (beside working, of course).  I hope I can get outside more and spend less time online (I admit, I’m lazy and I could’ve made more posts on here lol, but I’m a to-be-junior in college, so give me a break: I could do much worse).  Alright, alright.  ‘Nuff small talk…Imma gonna get to the music!  Lately, I’ve been listening to my local alternative/independent rock station at home, and sometimes, my local country stations (but they suck, for the most part, as we all know), so I’m sticking to the rock station because it sounds better ;), but that isn’t a segue into the following paragraphs (or maybe it is?), but anyway…

My twenty-third recommendation is: Dierks Bentley’s (with Sarah Buxton) “Sweet & Wild” from his 2008 Greatest Hits – Every Mile a Memory album.  These days, Dierks is pretty well known amongst country fans because he’s gotten really big now quickly since his debut single, “What Was I Thinkin’?” came out years ago, so he’s one of the bigger, currently popular artists I’ve discussed on this site so far.  With him, I’m pretty much hit-and-miss with his music, but I really appreciate his respect towards real traditional country music and the history.  I gotta admit: I was a big fan of Dierks’s when he first came out: I loved his debut single, and then the honky-tonker, “How Am I Doin’?”, and then the Waylon-ish, “Lot of Leavin’ Left to Do”, but I began to lose interest in him because it seemed like he wanted to be a rock-star sex symbol (like Kenny Chesney) or something (and also the fact that my sister is obsessed with him, contributed a lot to it haha).  My favorite song of his’ is actually “Settle for a Slowdown” because it’s just an awesome song through and through, though after that, I really didn’t like his choice of singles because they seemed to become less country-sounding (with one exception, of course) and it turned me off even more.  I didn’t care to hear his music much anymore.