Number 8: Brantley Gilbert

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!