With not too many new singles to write about this week, we’re going to revisit some recent singles and other ones that are now gaining traction with country radio (meaning you likey have heard these on the radio now). So with only a couple of new singles talked about here, we’ll call both Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr Know It All” and the Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw duet “Feel Like A Rock Star” the songs to watch this week.
Kelly Clarkson - “Mr. Know It All”
She’s been a superstar since her break-out album “Breakaway” came out in 2004. One of the best vocalists in all of music, she gave legitimacy to American Idol and paved the way for for artists like Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery to have successful careers. She may be the only real ‘pop star’ to come from the show but she’s oh, so good. a few years back she dueted with Reba on a remake of “Because of You” (from “Breakaway”) and then last year scored a major crossover and country hit with Jason Aldean on “Don’t You Wanna Stay” (Named ACM Single of the Year for 2011). This tune, released about a year ago on Pop radio, has been re-recorded and not just remixed with fiddles and ‘country’ sounds to release it in our country radio format. Instead it’s slightly different enough of a mix that the attempt to crossover feels genuine. Kelly’s very excited to see what happens with the single and quite frankly, it may be more country sounding in melody and tone than Carrie Underwood’s recent hit “Good Girl.”). It may take a while or it may not be a hit but “Mr. Know It All” isn’t just a cross-over cash-out attempt. In fact, I think Kelly should’ve been a contemporary country singer all along.
Josh Turner - Time Is Love
This single is making quite a few waves at country radio and recently started picking up on the digital single front and while it’s pleasant enough. The single hasn’t grown on me like I hoped it would. It’s solid radio fare but nothing that will bring Josh Turner the cavalcade of new fans that singles like “Your Man” did. - Matt Bjorke
Canaan Smith – We Got Us
Canaan Smith is one of our 15 artists to watch in 2012 for good reason. This charming, lilting ballad charmed our me from the very first time I heard it and it still sounds good three months after hearing the song for the very first time. Canaan’s a country/pop sounding stylist but he’s definitely in the right genre and is ready to become the next breakout star like labelmate Kip Moore has this year.
Eli Young Band - Even If It Breaks Your Heart
I’ve been a fan of Eli Young Band since I first heard "Level" in 2005. It took them the better part of 3 years before they landed a Nashville (via NY's Republic Records) label deal and once the Republic Nashville shingle opened, the band exploded with "Crazy Girl" ending 2011 as one of the most-played singles (and their first #1 hit). Now they're back with an even better song. This is soulful folksy and modern country music about 'every note wrapped around' a young kid's soul. It's destined to be a #1 hit. Look for our full review soon! - Matt
Watch the music video here
Josh Thompson - Comin' Around
Lately I've noticed that a lot of acts who have modest performance from a first album do far better on the second one. Witness Eli Young Band and David Nail finally scoring number ones with the lead-offs to their respective second albums. I don't know if "Comin' Around" will go the distance (although, given RCA's knack for sending all of Chris Young's songs to the summit, I wouldn't doubt it), but I at least expect it to outperform "Beer on the Table." - Bobby Peacock
Read our full review here
Gloriana - “(Kissed You) Good Night”
2011 saw the band go from quartet to trio and while that might hurt some bands, Gloriana has really benefitted from the change as it allows the trio to act much more like the way Lady Antebellum, Steel Magnolia and Thompson Square are able to mix the male/female lead vocals up and outside of debut single “Wild At Heart” and album track “Time To Let Me Go,” the band hasn’t released a song that rivals or is better than (Kissed You) Good Night.” with strong lyrics that serve as an effective telling of how a first kiss can be a nervous affair but in the end it is those nervous moments that make life worth living, the band’s harmones are tight, the lead vocals from Tom Gossin and Rachel Reinert are fantastic and Mike Gossin’s instrumental work helps bring the whole thing home. This song is currently running near the Top 20 and sounds and feels like their first Top 10 hit.
Read our full review of “Shinin’ On Me” here
Casey James - “Lets Don’t Call It A Night”
The second-runner up (3rd place) for the nineth season of American Idol, Casey James took the unusual approach - for idol alumni at least - and took about 18 months to complete his recently released 19/BNA Records album. This tune is that album’s lead single is sitting just outside the Top 20 this week (at #21). A strong soulful vocalist with natural blues inflictions, James sings about taking a new relationship to the next step by spending some private QT together. While the title is a little weird, the song ends up working and remains a charming, pleasant radio single.
Keith Urban - “For You”
Performed on this past week’s ACM Awards telecast, “For You” is now officially the new single from Keith Urban. The song played over the end title sequence of Navy Seal movie, Act of Valor, and is more or less Keith Urban doing what he does. It’s a guitar driven power ballad that was inspired by a screening of the film. It finds Keith willing to give his life and do anything possible to keep his family safe and sound. It’s a song that is relatable to more people than those who have fought to keep America free.
Watch the "For You" music video here
Craig Morgan - “This Ole Boy”
This peach pickers song first came to my attention via Peach Picker Dallas Davidson’s own song-writer album release and it immediately stood out as the kind of song that would eventually get recorded from that album. Literally when I was thinking this two artists did reord it for their new albums, Joe Nichols and Craig Morgan. Unfortunately for Joe, Craig was able to get the single out to country radio first and while it’s taken a long time to get into the Top 20, now that the charismatic vocalist is there with “This Ole Boy,” it looks like Craig Morgan will not be leaving there anytime soon as he looks to get his first Top 10 since 2009’s “Bonfire.”
Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw - Feel Like A Rock Star
The single may feel like the typical kind of thing Kenny Chesney would do but in many ways it isn’t. Sure, the vocal delivery feels ‘old hat’ and the melody kinda does at times too, but that lyrics are inspirational and serve as a reminder that you can be ‘a rock star’ in whatever part of your life that you want to be. There are rock star teachers, there are rock star cashiers, there are rock stars literally everywhere. “Feel Like A Rock Star” is that kind of song, a song that’s not meant to change the world other than to help people remember that there’s always a positive side to life and how we choose it.
Other Recent Weekly Single Recaps:
Weekly Single Recap:January 19, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: January 26, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: February 2, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: February 9, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: March 2, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: March 8, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: March 15, 2012
Weekly Single Recap: March 22, 2012
Weeky Single Recap: March 29, 2012
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