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Monday, June 13, 2011

Moving

Country Rocks is moving to a new address, and our name is changing! Check out the new "Muziverse" site!

www.muziverse.com/blog

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Craig Campbell - Fish

I'm a little late getting to this one, but here's Craig Campbell's "Fish", which he released this past week, and has already debuted at 53 - making it the largest rise this week on the country music charts.

Fish, taken from Campbell's debut album "Craig Campbell" and is the 2nd single after the top 20 hit "Family Man". Fish tells of the man's girlfriend who likes to fish, which of course the man likes.

The lyrics are very country, but are fairly shallow - that shouldn't be too much of a bother to most people though. The lyrics basically describe him finding out that she likes too fish, and how she wants to fish all the time, and he's so thankful that he found a girl that likes fishing so much.

The style is also very country, and fun to listen too. The tune is fun, with fiddles filling in between phrases. Campbell has a great country voice, and even though it's not shown of incredibly in this song, it just seems to come easy to him.

"Fish" is already doing well on the charts, being the highest debut of the week (and as said earlier, the biggest chart rise of the week) - and I'm expecting it to at least make it to the top 20. I can't say if it will beat Family Man or not, but it's a great addition to Craig Campbell's music repertoire. A music video is in production currently, and we can expect to see that very soon.

Kellie Pickler–Tough

Kellie Pickler is releasing the first single from her upcoming album today – the single is called “Tough” and is already making it’s way up the Charts, debuting at #59. The album has yet to be named, but it’s expected to be released this fall.
“Tough” is about a regular girl who “wanted lace…pearls…[and] to be a princess like all the other girls”. But when life got hard, she wanted to “even up the score” by being “tough”.

The song is upbeat, with very well-written lyrics. A catchy tune, with instruments and arrangement that return Kellie to more of a country style (most of her music has merged in some pop). Filled by banjos and strings, and backed by guitar, the song is mixes several different styles of country together with excellent skill.

Kellie’s voice shines in the song, with her signature twang showed off and with great power on the higher notes. She continues to make us wonder how she didn’t win, or at least come in 2nd, on American Idol.

This songs quality production and performance guarantees some good radio play. This track is sure to do well on the charts, and it already has had a pretty good debut on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Shania Twain - Today is Your Day

Well, it's finally here! After 6 years of waiting for another release from country superstar Shania Twain, the singer has released her new single "Today Is Your Day". This single is her first since her Greatest Hits album, and also her first track to not feature the work of her ex-husband "Mutt Lange". It was released at the end of the finale episode of Shania's TV show "Why Not? with Shania Twain", and is now available for purchase at iTunes!

"Today is Your Day" is a charming, up-lifting song - and a different style than I personally have ever heard from Shania. It departs from her usual mix of Country and Pop, and goes more towards a folk style. The first verse is accompanied by Piano, and strings enter in the chorus - then the second verse is accompanied by Banjo and Guitar, creating a large contrast in styles between the verses.

The lyrics are very simple, mostly made of simple rhymes. For example, "You got what it takes, you can win. Today is your day to begin", "I know you can and you will, get to the top of the Hill" or "When people throw sticks and stones, all they can break are your bones". It makes the lyrics sound as if they were written by a relatively new songwriter, with little experience. While the lyrics aren't "bad" in any way, Shania has done better in the past.

The tune is simple and charming. The tune in the verse is fairly repetitive, and it doesn't reach it's full potential in the chorus - but overall was written well (especially if you factor in that Shania hasn't written in over 6 years). In the second verse, a harmony part enters, which adds quite a bit to the quality.

"Today Is Your Day" is a simple song, that is fun to listen too - and it overall is very good. The main problem with this song, is that it's no where near the level of quality we've found in Shania's songs. In other words, she didn't match her previous work - which leaves us disappointed. She is rumored to be working on a new, 5th studio album, and it's unknown if this track is for that album or if it's a special release to celebrate her return to the music business.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

CMT’s Next Superstar Winner…

This year, CMT debuted the new talent TV show “CMT’s Next Superstar” – sort of a country version of American Idol. This week, the winner of Season 1 has been crowned:

Matt Mason, a 25 year old from Indiana, was named the winner at the end of the finale episode that included guest star Kristin Chenoweth. He has now signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville's Elektra imprint, and will Luke Bryan on the CMT On Tour concert series.

"It's all very surreal," Mason said , "I've wanted this for so long. I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making the most of it. Huge thanks to everyone who voted for me."

Friday, June 10, 2011

Lady Antebellum names next album "Own the Night"

On June 7th, Lady Antebellum announced the name and release date of their upcoming album! It will be called "Own the Night" and will be released on September 13!

"We took more time to write and record this record than we've ever done before," said Charles Kelley. And so far, that time and work is paying off, as the lead single from the album, "Just a Kiss" has become the fastest rising single of the group's career. (for a review of "Just a Kiss", Click Here)

The name, "Own the Night", appears to come from a song from the record called "We Owned the Night"; which Hillary Scott said was one of their favorite songs from this album, and is all about "a special once-in-a-lifetime moment".

For more information, or to read Lady Antebellums official announcement, click here.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Reba announces Fall Solo Tour

Country Superstar Reba McEntire announced today that she'll be going on a Solo Tour this fall, touring the United States and Canada. Starting in September the Tour will be visiting at least 31 cities in the 2 countries. Reba will have 3 groups opening for her throughout the tour; "The Band Perry", "Steel Magnolia" and "Eden's Edge". Dates and Cities will be released on Reba's website sometime in the following weeks. Reba says that they're currently planning the new show, designing the production and putting together the new stage and new lights.

Reba finished a tour with George Strait and LeeAnn Womack, called the "Twang Tour" earlier this year - and released her album "All the Women I Am" in November 2010. (see the review here) And more recently, she has been the latest addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Reba was known in the 90's for putting on extravagant shows that included dancing troupes, rising platforms, etc, etc, and in the late 2000s even went on tour with Pop-Singer/American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. I'm looking forward to hearing her opening acts and am especially looking forward to seeing what she does with these upcoming shows.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

CMT Music Award Winners, 2011

This evening CMT hosted it's annual Music Awards, so here are winners of those awards:

Video of the Year went to Taylor Swift, for her video for "Mine"! Congrats to Miss Swift!

Rascal Flatts and Justin Bieber won Collaborative Video for their duet version of Bieber's "That Should Be Me".

Blake Shelton took home the award for Male Video of the Year, even though he wasn't at the ceremony to accept his reward. (He's down in LA to tape a few episodes of "The Voice")

Duet Video of the Year went to Sugarland, for "Stuck Like Glue".

Group Video of the Year went to Lady Antebellum, for "Hello World"!

Shania Twain also made her first appearance at a Country Award show since she left the business years ago - presenting the Male Video award, and also appearing in a pretaped parody of Thelma and Louise, with Taylor Swift as her Co-Star.

Congrats to all the Winners!

Shania Twain is going to Vegas

shaniaShania Twain took part in a live press conference with her fans this afternoon, at which she made the announcement that she’ll be doing a 2 year stint at the Caesar's Palace in Los Vegas.
Starting in December 2012, she’ll be doing a series of 60 shows per year over the following 2 years at the Colosseum. The name of the show series is to be called “Still the One”, after Shania’s juggernaut hit “You’re Still the One”.
Tickets will be going on sale soon!

Top 25 Country Artists since 1985

Billboard has updated it's "Top 25 Country Artists" list to include data from 2011. This list basically ranks the 25 country artists who have had the biggest careers in and biggest influence on the country genre. The largest change since last years list is Taylor Swift's entry into the list at #24 - her addition was credited to her phenominal sale numbers, with her album "Fearless" being the top sold album (in any genre) over the past 5 years. Swift's entry pushed LeAnn Rimes (who was at 25 last year) off the list.

The top 5 artists are:

5. Tim McGraw - Since his career entry in 1994, McGraw has released 24 #1 Hit Singles, and his tours with his wife Faith Hill (#18 on the Top 25 list) were some of the highest grossing tours in Country Music history.

4. Alan Jackson - Jackson has taken 50 of his charted titles on Country Songs into the top 10, and 26 of those have spent time at No. 1.

3. Reba Mcentire - The best selling female country artist of the '80s and '90s, McEntire has sold over 50 Million Albums and is the 2nd highest selling female country artist of all time, 2nd only to Shania Twain. She also had a successful run in the early 2000s as Annie Oakley in a remake of the play "Annie Get Your Gun", and went on to play the lead character "Reba Hart" in the hit SitCom "Reba". She recently was added to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

2. Garth Brooks - After succesfully entering the country music business in the 90's, Garth Brooks became a music phenominon - rivaling Elvis Presley in album sales (for a time, he was RIAA's Top Selling Solo Artist Ever).

1. George Strait - Country Music Hall of Famer Strait, who holds several all-time Billboard records, tops the list this year. His 44 No. 1s on Country Songs is the most by any artist in the chart's 64-year history.

To see the rest of the list of the Top 25 Country Artists, click here!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Ronnie Dunn - Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn has been known for the past years as half of the successful duo "Brooks & Dunn", and now he's released his first ever Solo Album - the self-titled album, "Ronnie Dunn". The 12 track album hits right on the mark, with very few "below average" tracks.

The album begins with the up-tempo country rock song "Singer In A Cowboy Band", and there's not much to say - good song, great beat.

It moves on with the slow ballad "I Don't Dance", which is one of the best pieces on this record. The words are very well written, with a tune that matches well. This track would do well if released as a single.

"Your Kind of Love" is another slow ballad about the strength of his partner's love. The lyrics show some weakness in the chorus, but never falls too far; and the tune and chords make the song a great track to listen too.

"Once" is the next highlight on the album - a great track in every way. The lyrics are written with incredible skill, and the music rises and falls (dynamically) in all the right places, and the song as a whole matches Dunn's voice perfectly. "Once" is another song that would do very well on the radio if released as a single (which I believe it will be).

"Cost of Living" leaves me with mixed feelings. The lyrics tell of a man interviewing for a job in a troubled economy with a high cost of living. The lyrics and tune are uneventful, and never seem to go anywhere.

Then there's Dunn's debut single "Bleed Red". A great track that is doing fairly well on the charts. For the full review on this track, click here.

"Last Love I'm Tryin'" is another slow ballad about a man who's had his heart broken many times before, that he's decided that this is the "Last Love [he's] Trying". A beautiful piece, and performed well by Dunn.

"I Can't Help Myself" has a great chorus, and the lyrics are mostly very well done. The verse has some shaky points in the songwriting, but Dunn makes up for any shortcomings in the chorus - making this a song I thing most fans will enjoy.

The album ends off with "Love Owes Me One", a slow sad track accompanied only by Piano and some light Organ, highlighting only Dunn's singing. A great ending to a great album.

"Ronnie Dunn" is a great entry record for Dunn's debut in his solo career. Filled with almost all great tracks that range on all sides of the country music spectrum, this album is a must-have for any country music fan, and is sure to do well commercially.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Shania Twain - From this Moment On, Her Autobiography

Shania Twain is one of the best selling female artists of all time, and the best selling female country artist ever. Her album "Come On Over" is the best selling country album ever, and most of her releases have been certified Diamond (10 Million Copies Sold). After having marital troubles with her Husband/Producer Mutt Lange, Shania hasn't released any new songs since 2004. But this year, she has begun making her comeback to showbiz with a Book and a TV show on OWN (oprah winfrey network).

Her book, "From This Moment On", tells the story of Shania's life from her poverty stricken childhood all the way through her rise to fame, break from the music business, and now her return. The tell-all book keeps no secrets from the reader, giving details about growing up in a home plagued with domestic abuse, escaping to a battered women and children shelter with her mother, living through the tragic death of both her parents in a car accident, taking care of her siblings while she worked as a singer, being discovered and making it to the top, and her painful break-up with her husband.

"From This Moment On" gives us an amazing glimpse into Shania's mind, and tells the story in a way only she could. This book is a must-read for any fans, and marks the music legends entry back into the business.

Shania currently is starring in her own reality show, "Why Not? with Shania Twain", on the Oprah Winfrey Network, and will be debuting her first single in over 6 years on the finale episode. She will also be making an appearance at the CMT Music Awards on June 8th, presenting an award.

CMT Music Awards 2011

In just a few short days, CMT will be presenting it’s awards for the best Country Music Videos over the past year. In preparation for the rewards show, let’s take a look at some of the nominees…

Video Director of the Year

Nominees:

Deaton Flanigen, Trey Fanjoy, Chris Hickey, David McClister, Roman White

Who should win:

Roman White, for his work on Lady Antebellum’s spine-tingling video for “Hello World”. Roman White has worked with lots of different artists including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lonestar, etc, etc.

Duo Video of the Year

Nominees:

Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, The Civil Wars, The JaneDear Girls, Thompson Square

Who Should Win:

Sugarland, for the duo’s video for their hit, “Stuck Like Glue”.

Group Video of the Year

Nominees:

Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Zac Brown Band

Who Should Win:

Lady Antebellum, for the chilling video for their hit “Hello World”.

Female Video of the Year

Nominees:

Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood

Who Should Win:

Taylor Swift or Miranda Lambert. Taylor Swift for her video for “Mine”, or Miranda Lambert for her warm video for “The House that Build Me”.

Male Video of the Year

Nominees:

Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban

Who Should Win:

Keith Urban, for both the song and accompanying video, “Without You”.

Video of the Year

Nominees:



The award show is on Wednesday, June 8 – so tune in to see who wins the awards!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Brad Paisley - This is Country Music

In May, 2011, Brad Paisley released his 9th studio ablum, "This is Country Music". Filled with light, upbeat tracks "This is Country Music" has already gone #1 on the Country Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album begins with the mid-tempo title track hit "This is Country Music", which tells a little bit about what country music is about. A fairly uneventful verse leads into a well-done in every way chorus, which shows off Brad's voice and it's abilities.

It's followed by Paisley's #1 hit "Old Alabama", the upbeat track that's been playing all over the radio over the past weeks. This track describes the singers girlfriend, a southern girl who likes listening to "Old Alabama". In the middle of the track, the band "Alabama" makes a cameo and sings along for the rest of the song. Overall a good track, as the charts have already proved.

"A Man Don't Have To Die" is about a man describing his living hell life, and how "A Man Don't Have to Die to go to Hell". The words of this track are average, with nothing wrong but nothing amazing. The tune and harmonies are very good in this track. "Camoflauge" is upbeat and fun, with a cool tune all the way through. The lyrics are below average, and have no substance in them - completely about a vehicle being painted "Camoflauge".

"Working on a Tan", like "Camoflauge", lacks any substance in the lyrics - all about a girl Working on a Tan, and not "giv[ing] a damn" anything else. But if there's one thing Paisley always gets right, it's chord progressions and tunes - both are great in this track, and his voice shines on the chorus of this track.

"One of those Lives" is an obvious highlight of this album. A great beat starts the song off, with a equally great chord progression entering to accompany Paisley's voice. The lyrics tell of a guy who thinks his day has gone badly, but then finds that a child of a family friend has cancer.

The rest of the album (15 tracks in all) has some good tracks and several collab's with other country artists like Black Shelton and Sheryl Crow. This album shows off Brad's voice and skills when it comes to tune writing and chord progressions - but leave something to be desired with some of the lyris. Overall a great album - and worth any country fan's time!