Country Universe – A Country Music Blog

2014 Grammy Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions

Thursday, January 23rd, 2014

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.

2014 Grammy Nominees

Saturday, December 7th, 2013

The nominations for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards have been announced.   Taylor Swift has the top nomination connected to country music, earning her second nomination for Album of the Year.  She took home the award four years ago for Fearless.

Here are the general category nominees, along with all country and country-related categories:

Album of the Year

• Sara Bareilles, The Blessed Unrest
• Daft Punk, Random Access Memories
• Kendrick Lamar, good kid m.A.A.d. city
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist
• Taylor Swift, Red

If Taylor Swift wins, she will be the first country-related artist in history to win the category twice with individual projects. Alison Krauss also has two victories, one for her collaboration with Robert Plant (Raising Sand, 2009), and another for her contributions to the O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack (2002.)  The award has only been won by country artists in two other years: Glen Campbell for By the Time I Get to Phoenix (1968), and the Dixie Chicks for Taking the Long Way (2007).

Record of the Year

• “Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams
• “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams
• “Locked Out of Heaven” – Bruno Mars
• “Radioactive” – Imagine Dragons
• “Royals” – Lorde

For the third time in the last eight years, no country or country-related records make the cut. Only four country-related winners have triumphed in this category, but three of them have been in the last few years. Olivia Newton-John won for “I Honestly Love You” in 1975, followed much later by the Dixie Chicks for “Not Ready to Make Nice” in 2006; Robert Plant & Alison Krauss for “Please Read the Letter” in 2009; and Lady Antebellum for “Need You Now” in 2011.

Song of the Year

• “Just Give Me a Reason”  – Jeff Bhasker, P!nk, and Nate Reuss
• “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

For the third straight year, country is shut out of the top songwriting category, a streak that began after the writers of Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” won in 2011.

Best New Artist

• James Blake
• Kendrick Lamar
• Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
• Kacey Musgraves
• Ed Sheeran

Kacey Musgraves is the latest new artist to represent country music in this category, which has become a nearly annual occurrence since LeAnn Rimes was nominated and won back in 1997.  Previous country winners also include Bobbie Gentry (1968), Carrie Underwood (2007) and Zac Brown Band (2010).

Best Country Album

• Jason Aldean, Night Train
• Tim McGraw, Two Lanes of Freedom
• Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park
• Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story
• Taylor Swift, Red

Despite the presence of four big, established stars, only Taylor Swift has actually earned a victory in this category.  She won in 2010 for Fearless.  She contended again in 2012 with Speak Now, which lost to repeating victors Lady Antebellum, who won two years in a row for Need You Now (2011) and Own the Night (2012).   Kacey Musgraves earns a nomination for her debut album, the first artist do so since 2005, when Gretchen Wilson contended with Here For the Party.

Best Country Solo Performance

• Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”
• Hunter Hayes, “I Want Crazy”
• Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
• Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”
• Blake Shelton, “Mine Would Be You”

Since this category combined the solo categories into one, this award has been one by Taylor Swift (“Mean”) and Carrie Underwood (“Blown Away.”)  Lambert is the only previous winner in a predecessor of this category.

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

• 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”
• Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”

There’s really only one hit here, but there are plenty of former Grammy winners scattered among this category.  In case you’re wondering, the answer is no, they didn’t win a Grammy for “Islands in the Stream.”

Best Country Song

• “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
• “Merry Go ‘Round” – Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves, and Josh Osborne
• “Mine Would Be You” – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Deric Ruttan

It’s not too common for people to receive double nominations, but here there are four songwriters competing against themselves: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves.

Best American Roots Song

• “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
• “Shrimp Po-Boy, Dressed” – Allen Touissant

This category is brand new this year, encompassing songs from all of the subcategories in the American Roots field: Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk, and regional roots music.

Best Americana Album

• Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, Old Yellow Moon
• 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

Collaborations dominate this category, which is populated with many previous Grammy winners.  Emmylou Harris won this award twice, back when it was called Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Best Bluegrass Album

• 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

Del McCoury Band are the only returning victors in this category, winning back in 2006 for The Company We Keep.   Perhaps because of the broad voter base, this category has been dominated by acts with explicit ties to country music, including multiple wins by Ricky Skaggs, Jim Lauderdale, and Alison Krauss & Union Station, and one-off victories by Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton.  This year is the second in a row without crossover contenders; last year’s winner was the Steep Canyon Rangers for Nobody Knows You.

Best Folk Album

• Guy Clark, My Favorite Picture of You
• 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

A tribute to Guy Clark earned a nomination in this category last year, and now Clark himself is in contention for the prize.  None of the acts in contention have won in the folk fields before.

Also of note, the Pistol Annies set Annie Up earned nominations for engineer Chuck Ainlay and mastering engineer Bob Ludwig in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category.  It competes against Daft Punk, another album mastered by Ludwig, along with sets by Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, Andrew Duhon, and Madeline Payroux.

 

2013 CMA Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions

Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

They’re as hope-dangling and ridiculous as they’ve ever been, those Country Music Association voters, and the CU staff has picked and predicted their 2013 awards below. Let us know what you think, and check back for our live blog on Wednesday at 7 p.m. CST!

Entertainer of the Year

Should Win:

• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan
• Blake Shelton
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift

Will Win:

• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan
• Blake Shelton – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift

Dan: Sadly, it’s become hard to care about the night’s biggest prize. Swift and Strait are the two I can stomach right now, and neither of them actually had much to do with the country scene this past year—the former because she was flexing her pop muscles, the latter because he’s winding down.

Ben: I want to care, but I really don’t. There’s only one artist whom I could have supported unequivocally, and she didn’t get a nomination.

Jonathan: The CMAs have a tendency to lag a few years behind peak commercial trends, so I think Bryan will have to wait another year or two before he takes this award. While Bryan, Aldean, and Shelton could split votes among the bro contingent (presumably, to the benefit of Strait), I think Shelton’s visibility will be enough to earn him another win here.

Tara: This was Carrie Underwood’s year. I’m angry, unsurprised and completely apathetic about the rest of these contenders.

Kevin: Shelton won last year and if anything, his star has only shone brighter this year.  That being said, if I was a CMA voter, I’d leave this category blank.  Carrie Underwood was this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

Male Vocalist of the Year

Should Win:

• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan – Kevin
• Eric Church – Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Dan
• Blake Shelton
• Keith Urban

Will Win:

• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan - Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara
• Eric Church
• Blake Shelton – Kevin
• Keith Urban

Dan: Again, pretty indifferent here.

Ben: Church was between albums this year, but he’s the one whom I feel has represented country music the best. With Urban being past his commercial peak, I’m going to give the edge to Luke Bryan for his current red-hot momentum, but I honestly couldn’t care less which of the three dudebros gets it.

Jonathan: I’d replace four-fifths of this lineup with Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker, and Chris Young. If Bryan won’t win Entertainer of the Year, this will be his consolation prize.

Tara: I feel a little guilty rewarding Church’s residual awesomeness from Chief over Aldean’s admittedly solid year, but I’m still one redeeming single away from getting over “She’s Country.” Like Jonathan said, though, I think this is where the voters will reward Bryan.

Kevin: I’d give it to Bryan simply because he’s had a good year and has a good voice.  Another Shelton win seems inevitable to me.

Female Vocalist of the Year

Should Win:

• Kelly Clarkson
• Miranda Lambert
• Kacey Musgraves
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin

Will Win:

• Kelly Clarkson
• Miranda Lambert – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Kevin
• Kacey Musgraves – Tara
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood

Dan: Who knows? Voters could give Lambert a record-tying (with Reba McEntire) four-peat, or maybe give Underwood her fourth trophy instead, or maybe give Swift a second one just to be zany, or dismiss the stats entirely and make a surprise investment in Musgraves. I can imagine any of those scenarios playing out.

Ben: I’ll probably be 100% Team Kacey at next year’s ACMs, but right now I want to see Underwood recognized for her incredible Blown Away era. As Dan noted above, this category is difficult to predict this year. I’m going to play it safe and bet on Lambert, but Kelly Clarkson is the only one without a shot.

Jonathan: Since there are far stronger albums than Blown Away in contention for Album of the Year, this is where I’d prefer to see Underwood recognized for the artistic gains she’s made during her current era. Lambert basically told voters to do just that during her acceptance speech for Female Vocalist of the Year during the ACMs a few months back, but it seems doubtful that they will. She seems poised to repeat, even though she’s coming off the most poorly received and lowest selling run of her career. Based on the quality of what was released during the eligibility period, I would have preferred to see Brandy Clark, Ashley Monroe, Kellie Pickler, and LeAnn Rimes squaring off against Underwood.

Tara: Just going out on a limb here with Musgraves; it feels like this category is due for a change. Or maybe that change will be a throwback to Underwood? One can hope.

Kevin:  I think Lambert will win out of force of habit, with bonus votes for having the good taste to cover Musgraves and Clark before they both became breakout artists this year. Underwood made the best music and, as always, sang it better than the rest.

Vocal Group of the Year

Should Win:

• The Band Perry
• Eli Young Band
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town – Ben, Jonathan, Tara
• Zac Brown Band – Dan, Kevin

Will Win:

• The Band Perry – Kevin
• Eli Young Band
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara
• Zac Brown Band

Dan: I suppose that Little Big Town will repeat—but with “Your Side of the Bed” having doused their white-hot momentum, it’s hard to say for sure. Perhaps voters will finally throw Zac Brown Band the bone, if Brown’s Luke Bryan comments didn’t ruffle too many feathers. [Update: And ditto what Kevin says below.]

Ben: Little Big Town may have lost some steam with “Your Side of the Bed,” but they’re still going into the ring with a platinum album and two big hit singles, and they’re one of the only groups with multiple nominations this year. The trophy is theirs to lose.

Jonathan: Had The Band Perry scored more across-the-board support, I’d say they might have been able to pull off the upset here, but this remains Little Big Town’s to lose. Hopefully, a repeat victory will lend “Sober,” one of the year’s finest singles and arguably a new career-best for LBT, greater momentum at radio.

Tara: Cheers to that, Jonathan. Agreed.

Kevin: The Band Perry had a new album this year that was well-received.  My personal pick is Zac Brown Band, only because I want last year’s Little Big Town win to start a new era in this category of acknowledging the overdue.  Having the Dixie Chicks rack up four wins in five years is one thing.  Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum dominating in the same way robbed the award of its luster.  Last year, it got a little back. Let’s keep it going.

Vocal Duo of the Year

Should Win:

• Big & Rich
• The Civil Wars – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• Florida Georgia Line
• Love and Theft
• Sugarland
• Thompson Square

Will Win:

• Big & Rich
• The Civil Wars
• Florida Georgia Line – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• Love and Theft
• Sugarland
• Thompson Square

Dan: After years of sluggish Sugarland and shruggish Thompson Square, at least this year’s winning duo will have clear commercial heft behind them. Too bad I’m talking about Florida Georgia Line and not the also-quite-successful Civil Wars.

Ben: Whatever.

Jonathan: Same as it ever was: This category is years overdue to merge with Vocal Group. And the nomination for Sugarland is absurd.

Tara: I can’t decide what’s more amusing: Sugarland’s nomination or Florida Georgia Line’s inevitable win. (Although it does kind of feel like Sugarland is still haunting country radio with that new Band Perry single, no?)

Kevin:  The Civil Wars.  I swear they’re only nominating them so we can feel extra bad when they lose to Florida Georgia Line. (See: Rascal Flatts over Alison Krauss & Union Station, Martina McBride over Dolly Parton and Patty Loveless…)

New Artist of the Year

Should Win:

• Lee Brice
• Brett Eldredge
• Florida Georgia Line
• Kacey Musgraves – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• Kip Moore

Will Win:

• Lee Brice
• Brett Eldredge
• Florida Georgia Line – Dan, Ben
• Kacey Musgraves – Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• Kip Moore

Dan: Musgraves is class valedictorian, and Moore’s a solid B+ student, but expect the boys of Florida Georgia Line to cruise in on baseball scholarship and come out on top.

Ben: Musgraves has a chance, but I don’t know if her critical clout will be enough to compete with the “Cruise” phenomenon.

Jonathan: That Musgraves is the night’s leading nominee gives me hope that she can overcome Florida Georgia Line’s commercial heft. That she had the balls to push “Follow Your Arrow” as a proper single puts me firmly in her corner.

Tara: Moore is my personal favorite here, but Musgraves outclasses them all. I’ll throw my optimism in with Jonathan and Kevin.

Kevin:  This is a defining moment for the CMA’s.  Musgraves will help restore their credibility. Florida Georgia Line will destroy what’s left of it.  FWIW, Ricky Skaggs beat Lee Greenwood and Mark Chesnutt beat John Michael Montgomery.  Then again, Rascal Flatts beat Nickel Creek and Terri Gibbs beat Rosanne Cash…

Album of the Year

Should Win:

• Little Big Town, Tornado – Jonathan
• Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park – Dan, Ben
• Blake Shelton, Based On a True Story…
• Taylor Swift, Red
• Carrie Underwood, Blown Away – Tara, Kevin

Will Win:

• Little Big Town, Tornado – Ben, Tara
• Kacey Musgraves, Same Trailer Different Park – Jonathan
• Blake Shelton, Based On a True Story… – Dan
• Taylor Swift, Red
• Carrie Underwood, Blown Away –  Kevin

Dan: Tough call. In recent years, the CMA has coalesced around the album with the most “story” value, whether that story was total domination (Fearless, My Kinda Party) or a respected artist finally hitting pay dirt (Revolution, Chief). Tornado seems like a fit for that second grouping, except that Little Big Town’s pay dirt was already last year. So the field seems open.

Ben: Of the four albums that have any real business being nominated for country awards, I consider the Musgraves set to be the strongest, but my gut says that it’s going to come down to either Shelton or Little Big Town. I’m going to be optimistic and predict an LBT victory.

Jonathan: I’m not nearly as bullish on Musgraves’ album as many others are, but it seems like this is safest place for voters to recognize her distinctive, critically acclaimed work. Tornado is my pick for the most consistently excellent set of this line-up; Red hits some glorious highs, but it’s also wildly uneven and has little business being recognized as a country album.

Tara: Tornado has some really fantastic production, and Blown Away is a stand-out showcase of Underwood’s interpretive abilities. Personal investment puts me in Underwood’s camp, but based on momentum and the fact that Musgraves is new, I think Little Big Town will take this.

Kevin: Musgraves has the most critical support, but Underwood made a much better album, in my opinion. I’m going out on a limb here and saying Underwood will win.  My logic is that she had an incredible year and this is the best category to acknowledge that in.  Also, a debut album has never won this award. There’s always a first time, but Musgraves has a lot of history up against her here.

Single of the Year

Should Win:

• Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise”
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
• Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Jonathan, Tara, Kevin
• Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round” – Dan, Ben
• Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel”

Will Win:

• Florida Georgia Line, “Cruise” – Dan, Jonathan, Ben
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
• Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
• Kacey Musgraves, “Merry Go ‘Round”
• Darius Rucker, “Wagon Wheel” – Tara, Kevin

Dan: “Cruise” is the behemoth here, and behemoths tend to win Single.

Ben: Dan said it.

Jonathan: I’d like to think that a record-setting run atop Billboard’s ridiculous mongrel chart would be its own reward, but it probably won’t be.

Kevin:  There have been some goofy winners in the past.  “Elvira.” “Achy Breaky Heart.” “Bop.”  But there aren’t any in the recent past.  I think that “Wagon Wheel” allows the CMA to pick a big mainstream hit that has a bit of alt-country cred, should they decide against a Musgraves sweep.

Tara: I agree with Kevin that “Wagon Wheel” seems like a nice compromise for the voters. I’d be cool with any of the latter three winning, but to me, “Mama’s Broken Heart” has the most momentum from start to finish.

Song of the Year

Should Win:

• “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice) - Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary
• “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert) – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves – Kevin
• “Merry Go ‘Round” (Kacey Musgraves) – Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne – Dan, Ben, Tara
• “Pontoon” (Little Big Town) - Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird
• “Wagon Wheel” (Darius Rucker) - Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor – Dan, Jonathan

Will Win:

• “I Drive Your Truck” (Lee Brice) - Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary - Dan, Jonathan
• “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert) – Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally and Kacey Musgraves
• “Merry Go ‘Round” (Kacey Musgraves) – Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne – Ben, Tara, Kevin
• “Pontoon” (Little Big Town) - Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby and Luke Laird
• “Wagon Wheel” (Darius Rucker) - Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor 

Dan: “Wagon Wheel” is a proven standard, but voters will probably want to go with something newer, and I guess I do, too. There’s a decent chance that Musgraves will get acknowledged here with “Merry Go ‘Round,” but with two co-writes in the pool, her danger is vote-splitting—and if that does happen, I defer to Jonathan’s logic below. Plus, frankly, CMA voters love songs about deceased loved ones.

Ben: It’s definitely possible that vote-splitting may be turn out to be Musgraves’ undoing in this category, but my guess is that “Merry Go ‘Round” will ultimately overshadow “Mama’s Broken Heart,” and that this will be where she gets her trip to the podium.

Jonathan: I’m all-in for the idea of recognizing brilliant songs that should have been hits a decade ago. Next year, can we get Drive-By Truckers’ “Outfit” or Neko Case’s “Deep Red Bells,” please? This year, I just can’t see the CMA giving an award to Bob Dylan, and, as much as I’d love to see Brandy Clark win, I think the Musgraves co-writes will split votes. Which leaves a frivolous holdover from last year to face off against the only “truck” song in years that’s worth even half a damn. I think the latter pulls off the night’s only real upset.

Tara: Lots of solid choices here; even “Pontoon” has a melody worth respecting. “Merry Go ‘Round” just edges out “Mama’s Broken Heart” for me, but I think the voters will be more pointed with their choice and reward Musgraves for her breakout song.

Kevin: “Merry Go ‘Round” fits in well with previous female writer wins. Distinct point of view, attention to details, and some quiet feminist commentary. My pick is “Mama’s Broken Heart”, which I think is just brilliant. “Line your lips and keep them closed.”  Wow.

Music Video of the Year

Should Win:

• Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away” – Ben, Kevin, Tara
• Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
• Lady Antebellum, “Downtown”
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
• Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
• Little Big Town, “Tornado” – Dan, Jonathan

Will Win:

• Carrie Underwood, “Blown Away” – Dan, Ben, Jonathan, Kevin, Tara
• Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
• Lady Antebellum, “Downtown”
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care”
• Miranda Lambert, “Mama’s Broken Heart”
• Little Big Town, “Tornado” 

Dan: The Underwood clip was made to win this award, but I find it silly. Why does she have lie around all sexily on that bed in the tornado shelter?

Ben: Little Big Town’s “Tornado” is also a worthy contender, but Underwood’s “Blown Away” video is an absolute tour de force.

Jonathan: The idea that this could be how the Pistol Annies win a CMA award just makes my teeth hurt. As big a fan of hers as I may be, Miranda’s mugging in the video for “Mama’s Broken Heart” makes her laughable acting gig on Law & Order: Perverts Unit seem measured and subtle by comparison.

Kevin:  Because why shouldn’t there be two winners in this category that give homage to Oz?

Tara: Tornadoes scares the crap out of me.

Musical Event of the Year

Should Win:

• Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
• Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, “Cruise” (Remix)
• Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush” – Jonathan, Ben, Tara
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – Dan, Kevin
• Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know”

Will Win:

• Blake Shelton featuring Pistol Annies, “Boys ‘Round Here”
• Florida Georgia Line featuring Nelly, “Cruise”
• Kelly Clarkson featuring Vince Gill, “Don’t Rush”
• Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, “Highway Don’t Care” – Jonathan, Ben, Dan, Kevin, Tara
• Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church, “The Only Way I Know” 

Ben: Clarkson and Gill made the best record of the lot, but it doesn’t have the commercial muscle to pull off a victory, so I’m giving the edge to McGraw and Company.

Jonathan: Cosigning Ben’s comment, word for word.

Dan: “Highway Don’t Care” is kinda weird and meh, but it’s not “Boys ‘Round Here” and “The Only Way I Know”. For this, I am grateful.

Tara: I swear I’m not throwing this to Clarkson and Gill just because they’re Clarkson and Gill – I can stomach not one of these other songs. Part of me thinks Aldean and co. might take this, but McGraw and co. seems more likely.

Kevin:  “Highway Don’t Care” made me enjoy both McGraw and Swift as singers, not just song pickers/songwriters.  For that alone, the win.

Musician of the Year

Should Win:

• Sam Bush (Mandolin) – Jonathan, Ben
• Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar) – Kevin
• Dann Huff (Guitar)
• Brent Mason (Guitar)
• Mac McAnally (Guitar)

Will Win:

• Sam Bush (Mandolin)
• Paul Franklin (Steel Guitar) – Jonathan, Ben, Kevin
• Dann Huff (Guitar)
• Brent Mason (Guitar)
• Mac McAnally (Guitar)

Ben: I’ll be all for Paul Franklin next year thanks to Bakersfield, but this year I would like to see Sam Bush get his due.

Jonathan: Bush may not have a MacArthur fellowship like Chris Thile, but his progressive mandolin work is certainly overdue for recognition. Hard to begrudge Franklin, though, as Bakersfield is one of the year’s best albums.

Kevin: Until he wins. I will pick him until he wins. 

Single Review: Lee Brice, “Parking Lot Party”

Monday, August 5th, 2013

It’s fun to imagine the songwriting meeting that produced this.  It sounds like somebody just said, “So let’s write a song about a parking lot party before a concert”… so they did.

In theory, a song attempting to encapsulate that pre-show warm-up experience is not a bad idea.  The problem is that “Parking Lot Party” is all volume and no content – all packaging and no product.  There seems to be little idea behind the song other than the fact that parking lot parties are a thing, and repeating the phrase “parking lot party” over and over again.

Part of the problem is simply that the song tries too hard to make you like it, shamelessly laying on every gimmick under the sun, including an spoken intro by Nashville DJs Big D and Bubba, crowd sound effects, and a canned singalong chorus at the end.  There’s hardly a hook or clever line to validate the song’s existence, and the record as a whole is made so cheesy that it’s hard to listen to.

The song reminds me in some ways of Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” in that both songs portray scenes of summery recreation in a mostly literal and one-dimensional manner.  The difference is that “Pontoon” is catchy – this isn’t.

There’s nothing wrong with ear candy, but you’ve got to remember to add the flavor.

Written by Lee Brice, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Laird

Grade:  D

Single Review: Lee Brice, “I Drive Your Truck”

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Lee Brice’s current hit is quite possibly the best song he’s yet sent to radio – a  compelling meditation on the process of dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one in death.

The point of the song is that each person has his or her own way of dealing with loss.  In the case of our bereaved narrator – who the lyric implies has lost a brother in army combat – he deals with it through driving his brother’s truck.  The song is filled with little details that add color to the story, from the half-empty bottle of Gatorade on the floor to his brother’s favorite country station playing on the radio.  Though specific in nature, the scenario is relatable for any of us who have dealt with grief by surrounding ourselves with things that remind us of the one lost.  A simple but delicately crafted story that draws out one of Brice’s most evocative vocal performances on record.

I hate to have to poke a stick at a single’s production for what feels like the hundredth time, but this song would have an even greater impact if given a more restrained arrangement.  It’s a fine performance of a solid song, but the bass-heavy production in the chorus acts as an unfortunate distraction.

But in the end, the power of a great song prevails.  Without a doubt, “I Drive Your Truck” is Lee Brice’s finest single to date.

Written by Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, and Matt McClure

Grade:  A-

2012 CMA Awards: Staff Picks & Predictions

Sunday, October 28th, 2012

While the rest of the country fixates on “Nashville,” the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards air live from Music City with equal drama and ridiculousness November 1 at 7 p.m. CST. The CU staff picked and predicted the awards below. Chime in with your thoughts, and check back for our live blog on Thursday night!

Entertainer of the Year 

2012 CMA Nominations

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

The list of nominees for the 46th annual Country Music Association Awards has been released.  Eric Church had a big breakthrough this past year, and such is reflected in the nominee list – Church leads the pack with five nominations.  Power couple Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert follow with four each, including a shared Song of the Year nod for their co-write “Over You.”

What’s your take on this year’s field of CMA nominees? Whose nominations were deserved, and whose were not? Who got snubbed? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

The live presentation airs Thursday, November 1 at 8pm Eastern on ABC-TV.  The Country Universe Staff Picks & Predictions will be released the week of the show.  Feel free to join us on show night for some live-blogging fun!

Entertainer of the Year 

• Jason Aldean
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• Taylor Swift

Who’s in:  Kenny Chesney
Who’s out:  Keith Urban

No real surprises here.  This year we swapped out Urban for Chesney, but all of these nominees have been here at least once before.

Female Vocalist of the Year

• Kelly Clarkson
• Miranda Lambert
• Martina McBride
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood

Who’s in:  Kelly Clarkson
Who’s out:  Sara Evans

Well, I was hoping for some new blood in this category, and that’s definitely what I got.  Pop crossover star Kelly Clarkson scores her first nomination in the Female Vocalist field, displacing Sara Evans.  There will likely be some amount of upset over Clarkson receiving such an accolade, as she had one #21-peaking country hit in the past year with “Mr. Know It All,” but has yet to release a full-length country album.  And…that makes her one of the top five leading female vocalists in the country format?  Okay…

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Jason Aldean
• Luke Bryan
• Eric Church
• Blake Shelton
• Keith Urban

Who’s in:  Luke Bryan, Eric Church
Who’s out:  Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley

Bryan and Church’s recent career strides are rewarded

with their first nominations in the always-competitive Male Vocalist race.

Vocal Group of the Year

• The Band Perry
• Eli Young Band
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Zac Brown Band

Who’s in:  Eli Young Band
Who’s out:  Rascal Flatts (!!!)

Eli Young Band scores a pair of huge radio hits, and thus squeezes out a former staple of the Vocal Group race.

Vocal Duo of the Year

• Big & Rich
• Love and Theft
• Sugarland
• The Civil Wars
• Thompson Square

Who’s in:  Big & Rich, Love and Theft
Who’s out:  Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia

New Artist of the Year

• Lee Brice
• Brantley Gilbert
• Hunter Hayes
• Love and Theft
• Thompson Square

Who’s in:  Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Love and Theft
Who’s out:  The Band Perry (won), Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Chris Young (So, everyone except Thompson Square)

Album of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)

• Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines
  Produced by Jeff Stevens and Mark Bright
• Eric Church, Chief
  Produced by Jay Joyce
• Miranda Lambert, Four the Record
  Produced by Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, and Glenn Worf
• Dierks Bentley, Home
  Produced by Brett Beavers, Luke Wooten, and Jon Randall Stewart
• Lady Antebellum, Own the Night
  Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year (Awarded to songwriters)

• Eli Young Band, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart”
  Written by Will Hoge and Eric Paslay
• Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
  Written by Dave Barnes
• Dierks Bentley, “Home”
  Written by Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers
• Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
  Written by Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton
• Eric Church, “Springsteen”
  Written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell

Single of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)

• Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”
  Produced by Michael Knox
• Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
  Produced by Scott Hendricks
• Dierks Bentley, “Home”
  Produced by Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten
• Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
  Produced by Jay Joyce
• Eric Church, “Springsteen”
  Produced by Jay Joyce

Musical Event of the Year

• Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band, ”Dixie Highway”
•  Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, ”Feel Like a Rock Star”
•  Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson, ”Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die”
•  Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars, ”Safe and Sound”
•  Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker, ”Stuck on You”

Music Video of the Year (Awarded to artist and director)

• Eric Church, “Springsteen”
  Directed by Peter Zavadil
• Kenny Chesney, “Come Over”
  Directed by Shaun Silva
• Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
  Directed by Trey Fanjoy
• Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
  Directed by Declan Whitebloom
• Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup”
  Directed by Michael Salomon

Musician of the Year

Sam Bush
Paul Franklin
Dann Huff
Brent Mason
Mac McAnally

Single Review: Jerrod Niemann, "Shinin' on Me"

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

I’ve got an idea about how we can stop the bleeding.

Let’s make it mandatory for all new country singles top selling herbal viagra to have arrangements like the ones on Jerrod Niemann records.   While we’re at it, let’s keep Zac Brown Band on retainer, too.

At least that way all of the songs will be interesting to listen to, even if the lyrics are banal and the vocals can’t be saved by Auto-tune.

I’d be happy just listening to Jerrod Niemann’s new single as an instrumental, but thankfully, Niemann also has a laid-back lyric and personable vocal performance to go with the cool instrumentation.

Let’s go down the checklist:

• Decent Song
• Good Vocal Performance
• Effective Production
• Minimal Noise

It’s got all of the necessary components of a 2012 country single that’s actually listenable.   I’d say he cleared the bar by a wide margin, but it’s so far underground now that it’s impossible to measure the distance.

Written by Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, Lance Miller, and Jerrod Niemann

Grade:  B+

Listen: Shinin’ on Me

Single Review: Lee Brice, “Hard to Love”

Friday, July 6th, 2012

Hard to love, but easy enough to like.

Brice had a potential home run here.  The lyric is endearing, and his vocal conveys the sentiment well.  I think it’s just a little too slow, so the needed sense of urgency isn’t there.

If you tune out his vocal and just listen to the backing track, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled on to a Lite FM station that played easy listening hits from the early eighties.

Lee Brice has the chops.  He needs a producer who thinks he can be a country music legend and a studio band willing to help get him there.

Written by Ben Glover, Billy Montana, and John Ozier

Grade: B+

Listen: Hard to Love

Single Review: Lee Brice, “Woman Like You”

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Lee Brice’s new release is a song that sets a casual conversation to music.  Woman asks husband, “Honey, what would you do if you’d never met me?”

Answer: “I’d do a lot more offshore fishin’ / I’d probably eat more drive-thru chicken / Take a few strokes off my golf game / If I’d have never known your name / I’d still be driving that old green ‘Nova / I probably never would have heard of yoga / Be a better football fan / But if I was a single man / Alone and out there on the loose / I’d be looking for a woman like you.”

I’m digging the sound of this record. I particularly appreciate the restrained, acoustic-based arrangement. As another significant plus, Lee gives a low-key vocal delivery that works well with the conversational tone of the lyric, while also making for a nice change of pace from the more theatrical vocal performances heard on some of his previous singles.

But my problem here is that I have a hard time seeing why this guy answers his wife’s question by going into all of the hobbies and pastimes he enjoyed as a single man (and would still be enjoying had he not met his woman), only to jolt back to his life of domestic bliss, saying that he’d be all alone and “looking for a woman like you.” That latter development feels gratuitous and underdeveloped, fitting in awkwardly with the rest of the chorus.

The bridge ties things together to some extent, explaining that he plays a lousy golf game, his wife makes the best friend chicken, he loves the sound of her name, et cetera.  But the problem remains that the song spends too much time focusing on little inanities.

It’s a very pretty-sounding tune, to be sure, but the lyrics just don’t quite add up.  In most cases, my current
mood will probably determine whether I think the strength of the performance offsets the general disjointedness of the lyrics.

Written by Jon Stone, Phil Barton, and Johnny Bulford

Grade: B-

Listen: Woman Like You