This week we return after a brief hiatus with our latest Weekly Single Recap. Chuck Dauphin still takes the week off so our Editor, Matt Bjorke, has given us his quick assessment on a star-packed edition which includes brief thoughts on the latest hits from Blake Shelton, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Young, Joe Nichols, and Jake Owen along with newcomers Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Kelleigh Bannen, Sam Hunt, Dakota Bradley and the Swon Brothers.
Chris Young “Who I Am With You” (RCA Nashville):
One of the most underrated vocalists in Nashville does his thing with a song that actually sounds like a Country music song. It’s still contemporary but Young may quickly becoming the best at delivering solid hit after solid hit.
Kelleigh Bannen - Famous (EMI Nashville):
She was delightful with “Sorry On The Rocks” but “Famous” feels like an immediate hit, the kind that radio should want to eat up. It even has crossover potential.
Sam Hunt - Raised On It (Independent):
A “Highway Find,” “Raised On It” is an infectious, groove-filled modern tune. It’s not gonna win over traditionalists but the song rises above similarly themed songs with a charming performance from Hunt.
Dakota Bradley - Wild Child (StreamSound):
Tim McGraw’s youthful protege delivers a strong sophomore single. The song does have a little bit of Keith Urban’s (Sam Hunt co-write) “Cop Car” to it but it’s still easy enough to know the difference.
Jake Owen - Beachin’” (RCA Nashville):
Jake Owen’s spoken verses here (please don’t call them rap, they’re far from that) ooze charisma and the chorus is an epic ear worm. If this one doesn’t return Jake Owen to at least the Top 5, I’ll be shocked.
Blake Shelton - “Doin’ What She Likes” (Warner Bros.):
“Doin’ What She Likes” will have no problem continuing Blake’s string of #1 hits. It’s as charming as “Mine Would Be You” and “Honey Bee” and could possibly be the best song of the bunch.
The Swon Brothers - “Later On” (Arista Nashville):
The runner-ups to Danielle Bradbery on the fourth season of NBC’s “The Voice,” this Oklahoma duo showcases strong musicality and harmony on “Later On.” It’s a song that could very well be the first new artist break-out hit for 2014.
Natalie Stovall & The Drive - “Baby Come On With It” (HitShop Records):
Attitude to spare, this award-winning band has been touring America 200 days a year for over 8 years. They finally get their chance at the mainstream and the dynamic Stovall packs a powerful amount of engery and verve into this performance.
Brantley Gilbert “Bottoms Up” (The Valory Music Co.):
This one’s different for Brantley. While we initially thought it was good for him to show a different sound/style, we’re not so sure a couple weeks later. Still, It should be a big hit both on radio and at retail.
Joe Nichols - “Yeah” (RedBow Records):
The rebirth at radio continues for Joe Nichols with “Yeah.” It may be a bit Middle of the Road and not the best song on Crickets but “Yeah” is still a good radio single which should keep Nichols hit parade going.
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