“Just Gettin’ Started”
Jason Aldean
Written by Rhett Akins, Chris DeStefano, and Ashley Gorley
Competently performed. Creatively stagnant. Completely unnecessary.
Grade: D
Tag Archives: Jason Aldean
Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Just Gettin’ Started”
Filed under Single Reviews
Single Review: Sam Hunt, “Take Your Time”
“Take Your Time”
Sam Hunt
Written by Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne
“Take Your Time” is interesting for its combination of rapidly delivered spoken word and warmly sung melody, and for its tentative attempts to acknowledge a woman’s own agency.
The structure borrows heavily from contemporary urban music, and will sound familiar to anyone who has listened to a fair amount of Drake. But Hunt keeps the proceedings grounded enough in country that it doesn’t sound nearly as reductive as it could’ve been.
Filed under Single Reviews
2015 ACM Awards: Nominations & Analysis
The third most prestigious country music industry award nominations – but the most important ones handed out in the spring – have been announced. Here’s a rundown of all the major categories, along with some back-of-the-envelope analysis:
Entertainer
- Jason Aldean
- Garth Brooks
- Luke Bryan
- Florida Georgia Line
- Miranda Lambert
Who’s In: Jason Aldean, Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line
Who’s Out: Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift
Last year’s winner, George Strait, didn’t get a return invitation, but Garth Brooks, who has won this award six times before, returns to the competition. Much like Strait’s farewell tour was a reminder of his extensive popularity, Garth’s ability to sell out several dates per city overshadows the lukewarm reception to his new material at radio and retail. Taylor Swift’s exit is directly tied to her cutting ties with the genre. Jason Aldean’s return makes logical sense, but it’s quite the mystery to see Blake Shelton gone and Florida Georgia Line in.
Filed under ACM Awards
CMA Awards 2014: Staff Predictions and Picks
Despite the Grammys and even the ACM’s demonstrating more consistent taste over the past few years, the CMA’s remain the most significant industry awards that honor country music. This year’s slate of nominees gives the organization an opportunity to build on the credibility of last year’s George Strait victory. His win for Entertainer saved a dismal show in its closing minutes.
Here’s our take on this year’s contenders:
Entertainer of the Year
Should Win:
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Blake Shelton
- George Strait – Kevin, Jonathan, Tara, Ben
- Keith Urban
Will Win:
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Blake Shelton
- George Strait – Jonathan, Kevin, Tara, Ben
- Keith Urban
Kevin: I’d settle for a Miranda Lambert victory, as she had an amazing year. But my first choice is George Strait, who deserves a fourth trophy for that record-breaking final concert. The rest of these nominees have either won before or still seem to have their best days ahead of them. There will never be another George Strait again.
Jonathan: The appalling sense of entitlement Jason Aldean has shown in his seemingly endless campaign of adult temper-tantrums disguised as interviews since these nominees were announced makes it all the more satisfying that the voters didn’t exclusively consider commercial and touring stats when voting for this award. I think that will likely continue with the final ballots, giving Strait the win here as a final send-off– a win that, as Kevin said, Strait’s last concert fully justifies based on even Aldean’s logic.
Tara: I have a feeling I’ll be pulling for Lambert next year, but 20 months after seeing it, I’m still high on Strait’s phenomenal farewell show. He deserves this.
Ben: Why not? Miranda will have plenty more shots at it, but this could be our last chance to see George Strait accept a CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. Let the cowboy ride away in style.
Filed under CMA Awards
2014 CMA Nominations
This year’s CMA nominees are the best in years, with multiple nominations for Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Brandy Clark. Country radio may still be shunning women, but their embrace by CMA voters suggests that the industry knows who is really leading the way in the genre these days.
Entertainer of the Year
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Blake Shelton
- George Strait
- Keith Urban
Who’s In: Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban
Who’s Out: Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift
George Strait, a surprise winner last year, is nominated again in a year that includes his record-shattering final concert. Miranda Lambert’s domination of this year’s nominations extends to the big category, where she competes for the first time since 2010.
Filed under CMA Awards
Single Review: Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”
“Burnin’ it Down”
Jason Aldean
Written by Rodney Clawson, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and Chris Tompkins
Country music isn’t historically prudish. It covers the topical gambit of love, drinking, cheating, murder and, yes, even passion. Conway Twitty, Alabama, Charlie Rich, even Alan Jackson ,as well as many others, haven’t shied away from memorably singing about sexual intimacy. But their songs maintained a respect for the intimacy, which Jason Aldean’s “Burnin” it Down” grossly fails to do. Instead, the song is high octane graphic with no sense of real intimacy and nothing left up to the imagination.
Filed under Single Reviews
ACM Awards 2014: Final Thoughts
This year’s ACM Awards were mediocre and broverwhemingly male-centric, despite women winning most of the major awards. As with last fall’s CMA show, the best moment was the final one, when George Strait won Entertainer of the Year.
Here’s a rundown of all the major winners:
Entertainer of the Year
-
Luke Bryan
-
Miranda Lambert
-
Blake Shelton
-
George Strait
-
Taylor Swift
George Strait winning at the ACMs this year was even more surprising than at the CMAs last year, given how the fan-voted element of this award has favored stars with young fanbases in previous years. King George, indeed. – KJC
While it’s disheartening to see Strait’s mainstream support dwindling, it’s great to see the fans come through for King George. – BF
Even if Strait did unintentionally but hilariously leave Miranda Lambert hanging on her attempted hi-five, it was nice to see the genuine support for Strait’s win among the other artists in attendance. Too bad radio seems to have turned their back on him. – JK
Male Vocalist of the Year
-
Jason Aldean
-
Lee Brice
-
Luke Bryan
-
Blake Shelton
-
Keith Urban
A repeat win for Jason Aldean helped both hosts go home empty handed, despite the big years both Bryan and Shelton had. – KJC
Female Vocalist of the Year
-
Sheryl Crow
-
Miranda Lambert
-
Kacey Musgraves
-
Taylor Swift
-
Carrie Underwood
Has there ever been a female vocalist that the ACMs loved more? Lambert’s fifth consecutive victory snaps Reba McEntire’s four in a row from 1985-1988, though she’d return to the winner’s circle three more times in the nineties. But even McEntire didn’t dominate the other categories the way Lambert’s been doing. – KJC
Lambert officially owns this category for a half-decade. Can we please get a shake-up in the Female Vocalist race next year? – BF
As I said on twitter: If she’s in the building, Trisha Yearwood is the Best Female Vocalist (unless Connie Smith is also in the building, in which case Trisha would be runner-up). End of discussion. – JK
Vocal Duo of the Year
-
Big & Rich
-
Dan + Shay
-
Florida Georgia Line
-
Love and Theft
-
Thompson Square
Florida Georgia Line had the biggest year – actually, the only big year – of all the nominees, making their victory the least surprising win of the night. – KJC
Congratulations to Florida Georgia Line on their win for (Only Significantly Successful) Vocal Duo of the Year. – BF
Vocal Group of the Year
-
Eli Young Band
-
Lady Antebellum
-
Little Big Town
-
The Band Perry
-
Zac Brown Band
The Band Perry won their first Vocal Group award, with all the votes in before a confetti backlash was able to sway the tally. – KJC
New Artist of the Year
-
Brett Eldredge
-
Justin Moore
-
Kip Moore
Two Moores and a Brett walk into an ACM ceremony… – KJC
Album of the Year
-
Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story…
-
Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
-
Florida Georgia Line, Here’s to the Good Times
-
Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park
-
Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
With the Grammys picking Musgraves and the CMAs picking Shelton, the ACMs broke the tie, picking the best album over the biggest. Good call. – KJC
Musgraves’ well-deserved victory restores some ACM credibility, though it is ironic that she was the only nominee whom the producers did not grant a performance slot. – BF
She won for Album of the Year and co-wrote the winner of Single of the Year, so we can’t necessarily blame the ACM voters for Musgraves’ lack of a performance: Clearly, the producers of the show had adopted an ethos of “Bros Before Women Who Make Good Music.” – JK
Single Record of the Year
-
Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”
-
Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
-
Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
-
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
-
Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel”
True, a Song of the Year victory would’ve been sweeter. But Lambert’s single was still the best of the five, and gave her a third win in this category in four years. That feat was last accomplished by Willie Nelson, who picked up three in four years back in the eighties, for “Always on My Mind”, “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”, and “The Highwayman.” – KJC
The “Cruise” phenomenon promised to be hard to beat, but fortunately the voters chose to honor the best record over the biggest. – BF
I really wouldn’t have any reservations at all with Miranda having won this category three times for “Kerosene,” “Gunpowder and Lead,” and “The House That Built Me.” Hers was easily the best nominee of this line-up, though. – JK
Song of the Year
-
“Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” – Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew Warren
-
“I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
-
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
-
“Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan
-
“Wagon Wheel” – Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor
With Grammy winner “Merry Go ‘Round” not in the running, the ACM chose to honor last fall’s CMA winner, “I Drive Your Truck.” – KJC
Props to Lee Brice for letting the songwriters have the spotlight for this win. Considering the Song of the Year award purports to honor the year’s best songwriting, it’s been disconcerting that recent years have seen the ACMs shifting the focus from the songwriters to the artists. – BF
Of note: Women won for Album of the Year, Single of the Year, and were two of the three co-writers of the Song of the Year. Yet the genre’s regressive gender politics are as problematic right now as at any point in recent memory. When will we reach a true tipping point with this? – JK
Video of the Year
-
The Band Perry, “Better Dig Two”
-
Kacey Musgraves, “Blowin’ Smoke”
-
Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
-
Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
-
Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
-
Carrie Underwood, “Two Black Cadillacs”
The high-octane collaboration between these three superstars earned several nominations, but their only win came in this category. – KJC
Vocal Event of the Year
-
Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies and Friends, “Boys ‘Round Here”
-
Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, “Cruise” (Remix)
-
Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
-
Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel”
-
Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us”
Betting against Miranda Lambert at the ACM Awards is starting to look like a fool’s wager. This is her first win in this category, and with the other awards she won last night, her total ACM count is now at fifteen. – KJC
Filed under ACM Awards
2014 ACM Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions
And they’re back: The 2014 ACM Awards air live on Sunday at 7 p.m. CST, hosted by Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan. They’re sure to be enraging or amusing, depending on your bro-country meter. In the meantime, we’ve picked and predicted the awards below – chime in with your thoughts!
Entertainer of the Year
Should Win
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Blake Shelton
- George Strait – KJC, TS, BF
- Taylor Swift
Will Win
- Luke Bryan – KJC, TS, BF, JK
- Miranda Lambert
- Blake Shelton
- George Strait
- Taylor Swift
Ben: No, Strait didn’t have the biggest year, but he’s still the only nominee whom I can truly endorse as the face of country music in 2014. At this point the Carrie Underwood snubs have ceased to surprise me.
Jonathan: If his fans’ votes were enough to give him the surprise win last year, there’s no reason to think Bryan won’t repeat, given that his profile only seems to have grown throughout 2013. All five of the nominees are equally sort-of deserving of a win based on relative metrics of commercial stats and quality of their output, while the most obvious, most deserving winner of this award was yet again left off the ballot.
Tara: Strait’s putting on a heck of a farewell tour, and I appreciate the CMA voters for recognizing that last year. I’m doubtful he’ll have that effect on the ACM voter demographic, though; this one’s Bryan’s to lose … but really, truly, belongs to Underwood.
Kevin: Strait’s victory at last year’s CMA Awards was the highlight of the night. But I agree with the consensus. Fan votes have this thing locked up for Bryan.
Male Vocalist of the Year
Should Win
- Jason Aldean – TS
- Lee Brice
- Luke Bryan – KJC
- Blake Shelton
- Keith Urban
Will Win
- Jason Aldean
- Lee Brice
- Luke Bryan – KJC, TS, BF, JK
- Blake Shelton
- Keith Urban
Ben: Bryan seems to have had the biggest year, but I’m not personally invested in any of these choices.
Jonathan: I’d be more excited about seeing new blood in this line-up if I were in any way impressed with Brice. Just looking at mainstream stars who had hits during the eligibility period, a superior slate of nominees could be culled from Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Easton Corbin, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and Chris Young.
Tara: I’ll be damned if Aldean hasn’t grown on me over the past few years. His material is still too uneven for me to get behind, but I’ve come to begrudgingly respect his appeal. My guess is his crown will go to Bryan, though.
Kevin: I like the fact that after the endless streak from Paisley, we’ve gotten different winners in the past two years. The only two who haven’t won yet are Brice and Bryan. The latter is the only one at the level to warrant a win at this time.
Female Vocalist of the Year
Should Win
- Sheryl Crow
- Miranda Lambert
- Kacey Musgraves – KJC, BF
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood – TS
Will Win
- Sheryl Crow
- Miranda Lambert – TS, BF, JK
- Kacey Musgraves – KJC
- Taylor Swift
- Carrie Underwood
Ben: Lambert’s status as one of this year’s leading nominees indicates that voters still have the hots for her. Her reign will end eventually, but I won’t bet on it happening this time around.
Jonathan: Brandy Clark LeAnn Rimes Ashley Monroe Kellie Pickler Julie Roberts Holly Williams No? On the brightside, Crow managed to snag the fifth slot instead of either of Blake Shelton’s overpraised “The Voice” winners, but that’s really where the good news ends. It seems premature for Musgraves to win this award, and I’m honestly still not all that enamored of her beyond “Follow Your Arrow.” I’ve been pulling for Underwood of late, but both she and Swift ended this eligibility period with two of their worst singles, so I’d have reservations about seeing either of them win. Lambert seems poised to repeat based on her haul of nominations; as fun as “Mama’s Broken Heart” is, I’d feel better about this streak of hers had it spanned her far superior Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Revolution eras.
Tara: I’m sticking with Underwood for one more cycle, mostly because Musgraves’ charming “Follow Your Arrow” didn’t really make its (relatively small) impact until after the eligibility period. It’s hard to swallow how many of these awards Lambert is racking up between the ACM’s and the CMA’s, but I suspect the trend will continue.
Kevin: Go big or go home. Musgraves is the ACM’s opportunity to definitively position itself as the more substantive country awards show, a status they’ve been flirting with as the CMA’s have moved in the opposite direction. I think she’ll pull it off, and I’ll be happy to see her do it.
Vocal Duo of the Year
Should Win
- Big & Rich
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line - KJC
- Love and Theft
- Thompson Square – TS, JK
Will Win
- Big & Rich
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line – KJC, TS, BF, JK
- Love and Theft
- Thompson Square
Ben: This category remains lame and pointless as ever, but at least I can give credit for the fact that they finally stopped shoehorning in Sugarland.
Jonathan: Thompson Square is the only one of these five acts who released a single that I didn’t absolutely hate during the past year. While that’s an accomplishment of sorts, it’s hardly one that should keep this category from being combined with the Vocal Group race.
Tara: I don’t mind Thompson Square. That’s the best thing I can say about this line-up.
Kevin: I’m not really a fan of any of these acts, so again, I’ll root for variety. Thompson Square has two wins already. Florida Georgia Line had a great year. Give them their due, and then perhaps we can forget they ever happened.
Vocal Group of the Year
Should Win
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town – TS, JK
- The Band Perry
- Zac Brown Band – KJC
Will Win
- Eli Young Band
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town
- The Band Perry – KJC, TS, JK, BJF
- Zac Brown Band
Jonathan: I couldn’t vote against Little Big Town during a year when they released “Sober,” but Zac Brown Band continues to release solid material and remains overdue for recognition. The Band Perry have a run of huge hit singles– the first two of which were as clever and progressive as anything country radio has touched in a minute– to their credit during the eligibility period. Momentum seems to be on their side at the moment, and I think they’ll score the night’s only real upset.
Tara: The Band Perry are walking a skillful line between commercial and creative, and I think they’ll be rewarded. As for me, I’m clinging to Little Big Town at least until the exquisite “Sober” becomes old news.
Kevin: I think that The Band Perry is best positioned to win, but Zac Brown Band is the most overdue.
Ben: I’m torn between picking The Band Perry for having had such a strong year, and picking Little Big Town for releasing one of my favorite singles of 2013. But despite Little Big Town’s recent hot streak, I expect The Band Perry’s commercial stats will net them their first win in this category.
New Artist of the Year
Should Win
- Brett Eldredge
- Justin Moore
- Kip Moore – KJC, TS, BF
Will Win
- Brett Eldredge
- Justin Moore – TS, JK, BF
- Kip Moore
Jonathan: Of these three, Justin Moore has been building his fanbase for the longest period of time, so it seems logical that he’ll win based on the fan vote.
Tara: I’ve been in Kip Moore’s corner for a few years now, but doubt he’ll take this. True story: Sometimes I think Justin Moore and Brice are the same person.
Album of the Year
Should Win
- Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story…
- Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
- Florida Georgia Line, Here’s to the Good Times
- Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park – KJC, TS, BF, JK
- Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
Will Win
- Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story… JK
- Luke Bryan, Crash My Party
- Florida Georgia Line, Here’s to the Good Times
- Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park – TS, KJC, BF
- Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
Ben: Musgraves is the only one deserving of a nomination, let alone a win.
Jonathan: 2013 was an extraordinary year for country music, and that is in no way reflected in this appalling slate of nominees. Musgraves’ album is the only one that belongs in any conversation about the best of contemporary country. But there seems to be some growing consensus that Shelton is owed something more than his own celebrity status, so he’s the most likely winner.
Tara: A part of me thinks the voters will ride the 2013 Musgraves fan train and use this as an opportunity to show some relevance. But that’s a gamble of a guess, considering the atrocious other nominees.
Kevin: They’ve been more supportive of good art in this category than the CMA’s lately, so I’m thinking Musgraves has this wrapped up, and the ACM will be the tiebreaker between the Grammys and the CMA’s.
Single Record of the Year
Should Win
- Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart” – KJC, BF, TS, JK
- Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel”
Will Win
- Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” – TS, BF, JK
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – KJC
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
- Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel”
Jonathan: A case could be made for any of these five singles actually winning, but I’ll let my pessimism about the overall nominations carry the most weight here and say that “Cruise” will win. “Mama’s Broken Heart” is only Lambert’s fifth-or-sixth-best single, but it’s easily the class of this field.
Tara: “Cruise” is too big for the voters to ignore, and that’s both depressing and funny. I wouldn’t be disappointed if the Rucker or Brice singles won, but Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart” is clearly a cut above the rest with its sharp songwriting and spitting, bullet of a performance.
Kevin: Love the Lambert track, but the star power of McGraw/Swift/Urban seems hard to deny.
Song of the Year
Should Win
- “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” – Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew Warren
- “I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
- “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves – KJC, TS, BF
- “Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan
- “Wagon Wheel” – Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor – JK
Will Win
- “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” – Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew Warren
- “I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary – TS, JK
- “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves – KJC, BF
- “Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan
- “Wagon Wheel” – Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor
Jonathan: “Wagon Wheel” has become as close to a standard as any song in recent memory, and that generally doesn’t happen just by accident. This is one of the few times when Brandy Clark would be my second choice for a winner. The success of “I Drive Your Truck” propelled Brice to a surprising haul of nominations this year, though, and it’s clear that the song has resonated with a sizable bloc of voters.
Tara: This isn’t an awful line-up. I personally get the most kicks out of “Mama’s Broken Heart,” but I could make a case for all five songs, even the somewhat underrated “Mine Would Be You.” I have a gut feeling “I Drive Your Truck” will win on emotional heft, though.
Kevin: Perhaps it’s overly wishful thinking, but with “Merry Go Round” not in the running, voters have a clear path to rewarding both Musgraves and Clark, along with sending some more hardware Lambert’s way.
Video of the Year
Should Win
- The Band Perry, “Better Dig Two”
- Kacey Musgraves, “Blowin’ Smoke”
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
- Carrie Underwood, “Two Black Cadillacs” – KJC, TS, BF, JK
Will Win
- The Band Perry, “Better Dig Two”
- Kacey Musgraves, “Blowin’ Smoke”
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – BF
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart” – JK, TS
- Carrie Underwood, “Two Black Cadillacs” – KJC
Jonathan: The video for “Blowin’ Smoke” looks like a reel of B-roll footage from Rob Zombie’s The Devil’s Rejects, which was an interesting aesthetic choice but was still nowhere near as fun as the Christine homage in “Two Black Cadillacs.”
Tara: I dig the tongue-in-cheek realism of Musgraves’ video and the whimsy of Lambert’s, but Underwood makes the most unexpected, imaginative choice.
Kevin: They’ve got to give Underwood something, right? I’m not a huge fan of the video, really. The song is awfully suggestive, but doesn’t come right out and say that the two ladies killed the guy. So the video takes that opening and decides, “The car did it!” But at least it’s a video. The others are just YouTube fodder.
Vocal Event of the Year
Should Win
- Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies and Friends, “Boys ‘Round Here”
- Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, “Cruise” (Remix)
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – KJC, JK, BF
- Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel” – TS
- Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us
Will Win
- Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies and Friends, “Boys ‘Round Here”
- Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, “Cruise” (Remix)
- Tim McGraw featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – KJC, BF
- Darius Rucker featuring Lady Antebellum, “Wagon Wheel”
- Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us – TS, JK
Jonathan: Hillary Scott’s shrill attempts at singing harmony are the worst part of Rucker’s cover of “Wagon Wheel,” and hopefully the two hip-hop-circa-2003-inspired singles will split votes. “We Were Us” is the worst sounding track of the five– which is really saying something about how we’ve forever lost the Loudness War– but it seems like Lambert is going to have a big night.
Tara: I’ll go with “Wagon Wheel” by default, though its collaboration does it absolutely no favors, as Jonathan said. Even still, it’s far above these other middling to obnoxious (so loud!) singles.
Kevin: Fair warning. If Florida Georgia Line/Nelly win, I’m out. Done. No live blog for me after that!
Filed under ACM Awards
Single Review: Eric Church, “Give Me Back My Hometown”
“The Outsiders,” the title track and lead single from Eric Church’s new album, may have strayed too much into the realm of metal for its own good, but it served as a strong mission statement. Like him or not, Church is one of the few male country singers today who are willing to stray from the country-party-dude template, and even his songs that don’t quite hit the mark are more interesting than most singles currently on the radio.
His new song, “Give Me Back My Hometown,” is much more melodic than the first single, though it too stretches the boundaries of country in its own way. “Hometown” starts off simple enough, but it builds up steadily in both volume and drama in a way that’s reminiscent, if anything, of U2’s “With or WithoutYou.”
The song, written by Church and Luke Laird, is well-written and nuanced, as Church laments that the memories of a small town that have been tainted by the absence of a loved one. It also gives Church a chance to stretch his vocals to the top end of his range, and while that may not necessarily be one of his strong suits, it’s encouraging to hear someone acknowledge that small-town living isn’t for everyone.
With songs like “The Outsiders,” “Drink in My Hand” and that unfortunate collaboration with Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean that will not be named here, Church has carved out a reputation as a hell-raising outlaw. While he sings those anthems well enough, he really separates himself from the competition by his willingness to dive into mature, serious topics as well. It’s a nice change of pace to hear something other than a perpetually partying, small-town man-child every now and again.
Written by Eric Chuch and Luke Laird
Grade: A-
Filed under Single Reviews
2014 Grammy Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions
The Country Universe staff has picked and predicted the 2014 Grammy Awards below, strange bunch that they are. Chime in with your thoughts, and catch the show on Sunday at 7 p.m. CST.
Album of the Year
Should Win:
- Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest
- Daft Punk, Random Access Memories – Kevin
- Kendrick Lamar, good kid m.A.A.d. city – Jonathan
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist
- Taylor Swift, Red
Will Win:
- Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest
- Daft Punk, Random Access Memories – Kevin, Jonathan
- Kendrick Lamar, good kid m.A.A.d. city
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist
- Taylor Swift, Red
Kevin: With electronic music so mainstream now, it would be wise and timely for NARAS to acknowledge the excellent comeback of one of its pioneers, especially as the year’s best country albums (Brandy Clark, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, etc.) and the year’s best rap album (Kanye West) didn’t score nominations in the top category.
Jonathan: Lamar and Daft Punk would both be worthy winners of an award that rarely seems to go to one. Hip-hop and R&B have notoriously struggled in the general field in recent years, so Daft Punk’s cachet with the rock contingent should give them the edge over Swift, who didn’t score the across-the-board support many were expecting from her this year. If the voters are feeling especially timid, though, watch out for “Brave” yelper Bareilles as a spoiler.
Record of the Year
Should Win:
- “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams
- “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams – Kevin, Jonathan, Tara
- “Locked Out of Heaven” – Bruno Mars
- “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons
- “Royals” – Lorde – Dan
Will Win:
- “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams – Tara
- “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams
- “Locked Out of Heaven” – Bruno Mars – Kevin, Jonathan, Ben
- “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons
- “Royals” – Lorde – Dan
Kevin: “Get Lucky” was retro and modern at the same time, featuring the charismatic Williams. That guy makes everything better. I’m guessing Mars will get it because he’s the most established and arguably is overdue for a big win.
Dan: “Royals” was the most refreshing to me. Winner feels like a real toss-up, though.
Jonathan: Prevailing logic as to why hip-hop tracks have fared so poorly in this category is that NARAS voters are still hell-bent on rewarding live instrumentation, so it’s hard to imagine something as spare as “Royals” winning, even if it’s the most distinctive choice. “Get Lucky” would get my vote, but look for Bruno Mars to head off to his Super Bowl Halftime gig with some new hardware in hand to reward his Police homage.
Tara: Lots of atmospheric tunes here. “Get Lucky” seems like the one that will feel no less groovy in ten years time. I wouldn’t put any money on it, but I could see the voters ignoring controversy and rewarding the biggest hit of the year.
Song of the Year
Should Win:
- “Just Give Me a Reason” – Jeff Bhasker, P!nk, and Nate Reuss – Kevin, Ben
- “Locked out of Heaven” – Phillip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Bruno Mars
- “Roar” – Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry, and Henry Walter
- “Royals” – Joel Little and Lorde – Jonathan
- “Same Love” – Ben Haggerty, Mary Lambert, Ryan Lewis, and Curtis Mayfield – Dan, Tara
Will Win:
- “Just Give Me a Reason” – Jeff Bhasker, P!nk, and Nate Reuss – Kevin, Ben, Dan
- “Locked out of Heaven” – Phillip Lawrence, Ari Levine, and Bruno Mars
- “Roar” – Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Bonnie McKee, Katy Perry, and Henry Walter
- “Royals” – Joel Little and Lorde
- “Same Love” – Ben Haggerty, Mary Lambert, Ryan Lewis, and Curtis Mayfield – Jonathan, Tara
Kevin: P!nk is long overdue for a top tier award, and her co-write with previous winner Nate Reuss was, in my opinion, the best duet in a year chock full of ‘em.
Dan: The Macklemore & Ryan Lewis composition is somehow the most personal of the group even as it makes the biggest, broadest statement. And the climactic third verse still gives me chills.
Jonathan: I don’t care that Kacey Musgraves is a fan of hers: Perry’s nomination is indefensible, with four adults credited on a song that rhymes “zero” with “hero” and that allows pop music’s least-capable vocalist to scream a series of self-help cliches. The broad, even-in-the-flyover-states popularity of “Same Love,” though, gives the voters a safe opportunity to make a political statement and to recognize one of the year’s breakthrough acts.
Tara: It’s a toss-up between “Royals” and “Same Love” for me in terms of substance and purposeful songwriting, but I can’t ignore the chills I also get listening to the latter. I agree with Jonathan that this is a win-win way for the voters to make a statement.
Best New Artist
Should Win:
- James Blake
- Kendrick Lamar – Jonathan
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Dan
- Kacey Musgraves – Kevin, Ben, Tara
- Ed Sheeran
Will Win:
- James Blake
- Kendrick Lamar
- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Dan, Kevin, Tara
- Kacey Musgraves – Jonathan, Ben
- Ed Sheeran
Kevin: Gotta root for the home team. I think Macklemore & Lewis will win, though.
Dan: For once, this category is hot across the board; you could make a great argument for any of these folks. Personally, I find Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to be the most exciting.
Ben: I don’t always gravitate toward the country-affiliated New Artist nominee, but then again it’s rare for me to be so invested in a country newcomer’s artistry as I am with Musgraves. To see her win would make my heart happy.
Jonathan: Lamar is making the most compelling music of this lot, but this category’s history dictates that it’s Musgraves’ award to lose. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis pose a real threat, but being the only woman nominated plays in Musgraves’ favor.
Tara: It’s hard to tell if Musgraves’ profile outside of the country sphere is big enough to nab her this one, but I’d be happy if it did. I hope she keeps the face in check if it doesn’t, though.
Best Country Album
Should Win:
- Jason Aldean, Night Train
- Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
- Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park – Dan, Kevin, Ben, Jonathan, Sam, Tara
- Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
- Taylor Swift, Red
Will Win:
- Jason Aldean, Night Train
- Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
- Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park
- Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story – Sam
- Taylor Swift, Red – Kevin, Ben, Jonathan, Tara
Kevin: Don’t see how Taylor doesn’t win, though Musgraves made the best album by a decent margin, regardless of how country any of ‘em are.
Dan: Here’s the most logical place to reward Musgraves, though I guess Red’s nomination in the general Album of the Year field makes it the frontrunner in this category. And that’s fine; whatever. I’ve been hoping for Swift’s albums to be grouped under “Pop” at the Grammys since Fearless. It ain’t gonna happen.
Ben: Should Win – easy choice. Will Win – also an easy choice.
Sam: Just to be contrary, I think Shelton’s built up enough recognition with his “The Voice” gig that he has name recognition from voters who know next to nothing about country music. The fact that it was a terrible, terrible album doesn’t really matter.
Jonathan: No, Red shouldn’t be nominated in the Country field, so I wouldn’t vote for it on principle, even though its best tracks are far and away the strongest material in this line-up. NARAS has no qualms about rewarding pop crossover albums here, so it would be a huge upset were Swift to lose. When we were all prepping our ballots for our year-end countdowns, I had Musgraves’ album at #38. It’s good and I certainly understand why it has as many fans as it does, but I’m just not as bullish on it as others seem to be. Still, it would be my personal choice from this paltry line-up, since Aldean’s, McGraw’s, and Shelton’s albums ranged from pedestrian to downright unlistenable.
Tara: Seems like an easy Swift win, but I get where Sam’s head is at re: Shelton. There’s no question Musgraves made the best music, though, and what a shame she’s not surrounded by her peers who made even better music.
Best Country Solo Performance
Should Win:
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Hunter Hayes, “I Want Crazy”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Dan, Kevin, Ben, Jonathan, Sam, Tara
- Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
- Blake Shelton, “Mine Would Be You”
Will Win:
- Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
- Hunter Hayes, “I Want Crazy”
- Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Dan, Kevin, Ben, Jonathan, Sam, Tara
- Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
- Blake Shelton, “Mine Would Be You”
Kevin: Lambert is the only female and the only previous winner. I’d be shocked if she lost.
Ben: To me, Lambert’s performance alone claims the distinction of making an already-great song even better.
Sam: This could be one of those rare occasions where the best nominee actually wins a Grammy. I think Hunter Hayes is a long shot, as most Grammy voters are not teenaged girls.
Jonathan: What Kevin said. Also, he’s a talented instrumentalist, but the Grammy voters’ fascination with Hunter Hayes is baffling.
Tara: Lambert’s is the most distinct and impactful performance here, but I’ll throw in my defense of Hayes’ “I Want Crazy,” a song and vocal that’s as breathlessly exuberant as Keith Urban’s best work.
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
Should Win:
- The Civil Wars, “From This Valley”
- Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
- Little Big Town, “Your Side of the Bed” – Jonathan
- Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
- Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, “You Can’t Make Old Friends” – Kevin, Ben, Tara
Will Win:
- The Civil Wars, “From This Valley”
- Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
- Little Big Town, “Your Side of the Bed”
- Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” - Kevin, Ben, Tara
- Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, “You Can’t Make Old Friends” – Jonathan, Sam
Kevin: The high octane collaboration of McGraw/Swift/Urban has been unstoppable thus far. Kudos to NARAS for noticing Rogers & Parton’s beautiful work, their best together since “Islands in the Stream.”
Ben: “You Can’t Make Old Friends” is enough to give many a longtime country music lover warm fuzzies, but the commercial clout of “Highway Don’t Care” may be too much to beat.
Sam: If you’re a Grammy voter and have to decide on a zillion categories, do you take the time to sit and listen to each nominee, or do you skim over the names and pick the ones you’re most familiar with? Kenny and Dolly for the win.
Jonathan: One of the strongest sets of nominees anywhere on the Grammy ballot this year. Little Big Town would get my vote so that they have a win for something besides “Pontoon” to their credit, but I think NARAS’ older voters will be swayed by the effortless charm of the Rogers and Parton duet.
Tara: I don’t love any of these except for the Rogers and Parton collaboration, as much as I wanted to embrace “Don’t Rush” (Kelly Clarkson! Vince Gill!). I think the middle-of-the-road McGraw / Swift / Urban song will win out, but here’s to hoping the voters act on warm fuzzies.
Best Country Song
Should Win:
- “Begin Again” – Taylor Swift
- “I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Jimmy Yeary
- “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves – Kevin, Jonathan, Sam, Tara
- “Merry Go ‘Round” – Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, and Josh Osborne - Ben
- “Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Deric Ruttan
Will Win:
- “Begin Again” – Taylor Swift – Jonathan, Sam
- “I Drive Your Truck” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Jimmy Yeary
- “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves – Kevin, Tara
- “Merry Go ‘Round” – Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, and Josh Osborne - Ben
- “Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Deric Ruttan
Kevin: Gotta root for the Brandy Clark co-write, which is conveniently the best composition anyway. Still, I think voters will use this category to acknowledge Musgraves for writing her own hit instead of Miranda’s.
Ben: I seem to be in the minority here, but I actually consider “Merry Go ‘Round” to be the finer of the two Musgraves co-writes – which is not to say that I don’t adore “Mama’s Broken Heart” or that I wouldn’t be thrilled to see Brandy Clark also gain a mantle decoration. This would seem a comfortable place for voters to acknowledge Musgraves – as well as a likely consolation prize should she lose Best New Artist – and like Kevin, I expect it will be for the hit she performed as well as wrote.
Sam: I’d just like to point out that this is an incredibly strong group of nominees and shows there is some substance to country music once you weed out all the tailgate songs.
Jonathan: Things could play out here in a similar fashion to the CMAs, with vote-splitting among the multiple nominations for Musgraves, McAnally, Alexander, and Harrington. That worked to the latter pair’s advantage at the CMAs, where “I Drive Your Truck” pulled off a surprise win, but Shelton’s powerballad could siphon votes from Brice’s hit this time. As much as I love the idea of Brandy Clark as a Grammy winner, I think the various vote-splits will allow one of Swift’s best-written songs to win.
Tara: As strong as Lambert’s spitfire performance is, I’d argue that the bones of “Mama’s Broken Heart” are even stronger. I’ve never been able to connect with “Merry Go Round” the way others have, but agree this is likely where the voters will single Musgraves out.
Best American Roots Song
Should Win:
- “Build Me Up From Bones” – Sarah Jarosz – Jonathan
- “Invisible” – Steve Earle
- “Keep Your Dirty Lights On” – Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott – Kevin
- “Love Has Come From You” – Edie Brickell and Steve Martin
- “Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed” – Allen Touissant
Will Win:
- “Build Me Up From Bones” – Sarah Jarosz
- “Invisible” – Steve Earle
- “Keep Your Dirty Lights On” – Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott
- “Love Has Come From You” – Edie Brickell and Steve Martin- Kevin, Jonathan
- “Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed” – Allen Touissant
Kevin: Can voters resist Steve Martin? If they do, I hope it’s to acknowledge again the unique talents of Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott. They are so good together.
Jonathan: Jarosz draws favorable comparisons to Alison Krauss, and, if ever there were a surefire way to appeal to Grammy voters, that would be it. She’d get my vote for the exceptional title track from her third album, though, like Kevin, I’m a big fan of O’Brien’s and Scott’s work together. Martin’s charm and name recognition are likely to give his duet with erstwhile New Bohemian Brickell the edge here.
Best Americana Album
Should Win:
- Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Old Yellow Moon – Kevin, Jonathan, Sam
- Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Love Has Come For You
- Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, Buddy and Jim
- Mavis Staples, One True Vine
- Allen Touissant, Songbook
Will Win:
- Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Old Yellow Moon – Kevin, Ben
- Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Love Has Come For You - Jonathan
- Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, Buddy and Jim
- Mavis Staples, One True Vine
- Allen Touissant, Songbook - Sam
Kevin: Martin & Brickell might be the most logical choice, but in a category stacked with veterans, Harris & Crowell must be tempting to voters who are long time fans of both.
Sam: The fact that Jason Isbell wasn’t nominated here shows that Americana music has a long way to go before Grammy voters stop using it at the place where all veteran singer/songwriters end up. As for this year, Allen Touissant is older and has past Grammy love, so my money is on him.
Jonathan: The strongest, most vital year for Americana music in a decade is rewarded with a staid slate of nominees. Old Yellow Moon is the obvious standout and could very well win, but I think Martin’s well-received album with Brickell has the edge based on Martin’s celebrity.
Best Bluegrass Album
Should Win:
- The Boxcars, It’s Just a Road
- Dailey & Vincent, Brothers of the Highway – Jonathan
- Della Mae, This World Oft Can Be
- James King, Three Chords and the Truth
- Del McCoury Band, The Streets of Baltimore
Will Win:
- The Boxcars, It’s Just a Road
- Dailey & Vincent, Brothers of the Highway
- Della Mae, This World Oft Can Be
- James King, Three Chords and the Truth
- Del McCoury Band, The Streets of Baltimore - Kevin, Jonathan, Ben
Kevin: Haven’t heard these albums enough to have a personal favorite, but I think the Del McCoury Band’s name recognition will power it to a win.
Jonathan: Both the Del McCoury Band and Dailey & Vincent are nominated for some of their very best work, and either would be a richly deserving winner. Della Mae have a fairly vocal fanbase, but it isn’t clear if that fanbase overlaps with the Grammy voter bloc enough to unseat one of the two bigger-name acts.
Best Folk Album
Should Win:
- Guy Clark, My Favorite Picture of You – Kevin, Ben
- The Greencards, Sweetheart of the Sun
- Sarah Jarosz, Build Me Up From Bones – Jonathan
- The Milk Carton Kids, The Ash & Clay
- Various Artists, They all Played for Us: Arhoolie Records 50th Anniversary Celebration
Will Win:
- Guy Clark, My Favorite Picture of You – Kevin, Ben, Jonathan
- The Greencards, Sweetheart of the Sun
- Sarah Jarosz, Build Me Up From Bones
- The Milk Carton Kids, The Ash & Clay
- Various Artists, They all Played for Us: Arhoolie Records 50th Anniversary Celebration
Kevin: Sentimental favorite who also put out a great album? How can they deny Guy Clark?
Jonathan: I’m tempted to pick the Arhoolie Records without having heard it, simply because it just seems like something the idiosyncratic Grammys would go for. Clark is a safer bet for his beautifully observed album, while the ascendant Jarosz would get my vote for her career-best work.
Filed under Grammys
