Now we're gettin in to some newer, bad ass country. And none other than the 5'6 country bad ass, Justin Moore is my number 4 pick. Once again, I've seen this guy in concert....and man does he put on a show! The backdrop of his set up said NRA Country....so we know where he stands. In 2009, Justin released his self-titled, debut album. With songs such as "I Could Kick Your Ass", "Smalltown USA", "Backwoods", and "Hank It", it was clear that this guy was no joke. In the summer of 2011, Justin released his second album, Outlaws Like Me, with the songs "Bait a Hook", "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away", and "If You Don't Like My Twang". You're in luck, Justin, because I love your twang! From Arkansas, Justin learned how to be a bad ass and his spunk made up for his small stature. Unfortunately, Justin hasn't been nominated for any huge awards, but he did win two Inspirational Country Music Awards in 2011. His Southern draw is ridiculous and thick. His lyrics are amazing and really get you pumped up and proud to be an American. He sings about where he grew up and what he loves about it ("Redneck Side", "Smalltown USA", "The Only Place I Call Home"). He responds to the people who don't like the way he sings ("If You Don't Like My Twang", "I Could Kick Your Ass"). He stands up for what he believes in ("Guns"). He is also sure to always pay homage to where he came from ("Flyin Down a Back Road"). And of course, he sings about his rough ways in the song "Outlaws Like Me"-"I curse the sun. I pray for rain. I'd run a mile to walk through pain. I've seen the worst and I've seen the best that I can be. God bless outlaws like me."Justin has such an "I don't care" attitude and a killer voice. I'm bummed that he hasn't won any ACA's or AMA's or Grammy's, but he's only a couple years into his career. I'm sure there will be much more comin from this country rock star!
Number 5 is the 2006 winner of Nashville Star, Chris Young. After his win, Chris released his self titled debut, with the hits "Drinking Me Lonely" and "You're Gonna Love Me." Chris's second album, The Man I Want To Be is the one that got my attention. The song "Gettin You Home" hit the radio in 2009 and became a quick country favorite. This is when I really started to love Chris Young. I got the album as soon as it came out and each song was just as good as the last one. In 2011, Chris won two ACA's for "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" and "Single of the Year" for his song "Voices". He released his third studio album, Neon in the summer of 2011. And let me tell ya, it's just as good as the other two. Chris hasn't had a whole lot of exposure, so there is less history for me to talk about. This is good because I can tell ya'll how I really feel about this guy. This Tennessee native has such a unique voice. It's deep and twangy and he somehow manages to almost yodel in a very country way. He sings about the things that are traditionally sung about in country music, but he does it a little differently. Chris' songs are about influences of family, being a man, and loving a woman. His songs tell stories, such as the song about a brother who is a Marine going off to duty, "The Dashboard". Through his songs, it is clear that family had a huge influence on who he is today, and without them he wouldn't have gotten far. The words he sings and the manner in which he sings them lets the listener know how passionate he is about that which he is singing. "She's got this thing about her, she's got this thing about her. Like the magic in your favorite song, you just can't put your finger on." His voice is unlike any other and just melts your heart when you hear him sing. And for this reason, I love me some Chris Young!
Jason Aldean, or as he is know by his family, Jason Aldine Williams, has only been on the country scene for about 7 years now. But when he hit the scene, he hit it hard. Once again, I must testify that I've seen this guy in concert, and although he seemed pretty drunk, he put on a great show, bringing out folks like Colt Ford and Kelly Clarkson to rock out on stage with him. Jason, another Georgia native, won his first ACM award in 2005 for "Top New Male Vocalist." He easily coasted into popularity in fame with hits such as "Amarillo Sky", "Hicktown", and "Why", all from his first, self-titled album. Only two years later, Jason released the album Relentless and the hits "Johnny Cash", "Laughed Until We Cried", and "Relentless". But it was his release in 2009 release of the cd, Wide Open that made Mr. Aldean a household name. The song "She's Country" was played (and still is played) on radios everywhere. From that cd, "Crazy Town", "The Truth", and the huge hit, "Big Green Tractor" became quick favorites of country fans. Only a year later Jason released the highly anticipated, My Kinda Party, and the title track became a huge sensation. Jason won "Album of the Year" in 2010 for this cd from the CMA's. Now here is what grinds my gears about this. You see that the album was released in 2010, so why is it that the Grammy Association is just now nominating him for releases from this album? Of course, he has yet to release another one due to all of the success he's had, but true Aldean fans are waiting impatiently on some new material. In 2011, My Kinda Party 6 AMA's, including "Artist of the Year" and "Album of the Year". Clearly, Jason is talented, and very popular, probably the most popular guy on this countdown. Jason is the definition of new country-he sings about partying, living life to the fullest, loving, losing, and always paying homage to farmers and workers who make this country what it is. Jason's lyrics are filled with heart, and to the point, even simple. "If I hurry I can catch the colors on her skin from that sunset, and her face and that look, waiting on me.This I gotta see" I've heard a lot of people make fun of how easy his lyrics are, but you can't deny that voice, and clearly America loves them some Jason. Hopefully we'll be hearing some new stuff from the guy really soon!
Now, I know what you're thinking, Blake Shelton has been around for over a decade, so why is he on a list of newer artists? With the release of his first big hit, "Austin", Blake made waves in the world of country music. But he is just now becoming a household name due to his appearance as a judge on the hit tv show "The Voice." Blake has released more than 8 albums, his most recent, Red River Blue, was released in the summer of 2011. So what makes Blake so amazing besides that pretty smile and his 6'4 stance? Well, for one, his wife. (Miranda Lambert, my love, my inspiration, I like to think of Blake and Miranda as a modern day Johnny and June) But we'll get to her later on in the countdown. ;) Blake's debut, self titled album had three big hits, that are still played regularly on country radio today. After the beginners luck of his first album, Blake didn't have another big record until 2004, with the album, Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill and the hit, "Some Beach". In 2007, Blake released Pure BS, then in 2008, Startin' Fires, and in 2009, Hillbilly Bone. Beginning in 2007, Blake's success returned and he's been on a roll ever since. At the 2012 Grammy Awards, Blake was up for the titles of "Best Country Solo Performance, "Best Country Song", and "Best Country Album." Although he didn't win, it was a huge accomplishment as an artist. Although I am not the biggest fan of Blake's newest album, Red River Blue, I am a fan of his older work, and therefore I am loyal to him. (As a true country music fan is). Blake sings of drinking, not giving a damn ("Kiss My Country Ass"), women, losing love, and his time spent in his home state, Oklahoma. He's known for his tale of jail break in the song, "Ol' Red." As well as his duet about not denying where you came from with Trace Adkins, "Hillbilly Bone". Blake also knows how to sing a great love song, as noted by his lyrics in the song "Over", "So tell me what I gotta do to win you over. You'll never have to wonder if you need another. You'll never have to wonder if I understand; And every time you reach for me you'll find a hand." See what I mean? Blake's humor and eye for talent landed him a spot on "The Voice" and America fell in love with him. What's next for Blake? Hopefully more music, really reaching back to his roots. And maybe a baby? His marriage to Miranda Lambert is almost a year in now, and there's talk of starting a family. Either way, Blake has a huge fan base and a lot of talent to back up his cocky attitude!
My number 8 pick for best new country artists of the decade is Brantley Gilbert. I speak from personal experience when I say this guy ROCKS! I saw him at Country Concert 2011. The only thing I knew about him at that time was that he wrote "Dirt Road Anthem", a huge hit for Jason Aldean (who I will be talking about later in the countdown). As soon as Brantley hit the stage, I fell in love. He's got a rock and roll attitude with a southern twang. Needless to say, after seeing him on stage, I went out and got his cd, Halfway to Heaven, the next day. This cd was his second cd, to A Modern Day Prodigal Son. However, Halfway to Heaven got much more recognition and praise due to songs such as "Country Must Be Country Wide" and "Dirt Road Anthem." His song writing skills got the attention of many fans when Jason Aldean covered "Dirt Road Anthem" and "My Kinda Party." So, it's obvious that this guy can write some tunes for himself and others, but there's more to Brantley that meets the eye. Although he doesn't like to discuss the horrific details, one drunken night changed his life forever. Brantley was driving intoxicated and speeding through the back roads of Georgia. He lost control of the vehicle and was ejected, right before the truck hit a tree. The state trooper at the scene said that he should not have survived the accident. So, what have I been saying this whole time? Experience makes amazing country music. And what's more inspiring than a near death incident? This accident made Brantley feel like he could die at any day, so why not die doing what he loves? The songs on the album Halfway to Heaven speak of crazy girls, good times in the sticks of Georgia, and the album titled song "Halfway to Heaven" speaks directly to the accident that changed it all. Songs like "Kick it in the Sticks" and "Hell on Wheels" show the true rocker side to Brantley. "Ridin 95 down the highway, sideways, runnin from ol' John Law"-"Hell on Wheels". However, what makes Brantley a true amazing artist is his ability to write great, head banging songs, as well as songs that could make you cry in one listen, such as "Halfway to Heaven" and "Saving Amy". It looks like some good came out of such a terrible accident, Brantley is able to do what he loves best, and we are able to listen to his amazing music! Rock on, bud!
Lee Brice comes from the backwoods of South Carolina, and mentions it many times in his debut album, Love Like Crazy. The first track, also called "Love Like Crazy", put Lee on the map, taking a record breaking 46 weeks to make it to the top of the Billboard charts. Lee was influenced by the music of Hank Williams Jr, Garth Brooks, but also, Coldplay, 3 Doors Down, and Tom Petty (I'm a huge Tom Petty fan, so this could be why I like him so much!) Now, let's get down to the important stuff. What got Lee to my top 9 of favorite newer country artists? Well, not only those beautiful eyes, but also his music. Songs such as "Sumter County Friday Night" and "Carolina Boys" are great tunes to boogie down to at a honky tonk, while songs such as "Happy Endings" and "These Last Few Days" really tug at the heart strings. Lee draws his inspiration from growing up in South Carolina under the strong influence of family and love. The first track of the album, "Picture of Me", paves the way for the rest of the cd and gives listeners a taste of what Lee's all about, with lyrics such as, "Like me or leave me, either way you'll know it the second you shake my hand." His lyrics stem straight from the memory and truths about growing up. Just like a true country artists, his music comes straight from the heart and rocks the soul. Did I mention he's easy on the eyes? Although this newcomer doesn't have any Grammy awards under his belt just yet, (the Grammy people seem to have awful taste in country anyway) Lee is well on his way to the top. In January, 2012, Lee was nominated by the ACM for "Song of the Year" due to his writing of the song "Crazy Girl" that is performed by another amazing band, The Eli Young Band. This song was the number 1 Billboard song for 2011, a year after "Love Like Crazy" was the number one song for 2010! On April 24th, 2012, Lee will release his second album, Hard 2 Love. His first single from this album,"A Woman Like You" has had big radio success so far. I'd say definitely keep a look out for this guy-I know I will for sure be picking up that cd!!
