This has been one of the best years for mainstream country in a long time. Our first single roundup features the best single of Lee Ann Womack’s career.
“Monday Morning Church”
Alan Jackson
Written by Brent Baxter and Erin Enderlin
He cemented his place in the Hall of Fame with the one-two punch of “Where Were You” and “Drive (For Daddy Gene”) back in 2001, but as good as his recent work has been, this is his greatest single of the last few years. A heartbreaking story about a man who loses his faith after his wife dies, Alan’s vocals are powerfully understated, letting the song’s lyrics shine through. Haunting harmonies by Patty Loveless knock it up a notch. A
“Restless”
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Written by Chris Bathgate
Why radio hasn’t warmed up to Krauss is beyond me; she’s a top-seller, and continues to put out great singles like this. A
“When I Think About Cheatin'”
Gretchen Wilson
Written by Vicky McGehee, John Rich, and Gretchen Wilson
This should’ve been the second single; it’s proof positive that Wilson is more than a “Redneck Woman,” much like Trisha Yearwood proved early on that she had far more depth than the novelty of “She’s In Love With The Boy” had indicated. B
“The Chance”
Julie Roberts
Written by Deanna Bryant and Liz Hengber
A mopey ballad about her mom that doesn’t deliver the emotional knockout that she’s aiming for. C
“I May Hate Myself In The Morning”
Lee Ann Womack
Written by Odie Blackmon
The most realistic song I’ve heard in a long time, so much I squirmed a bit on the first listen. This is the best single of her career. A
“Where I Belong”
Rachel Proctor
Written by Chris Lindsey, Hillary Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Troy Verges
She really is the best new artist out there. The sentiment – “I was lost until I found you” – manages to be honest and sincere. Love it. B+
“Party For Two”
Shania Twain with Billy Currington
Written by Robert John “Mutt” Lange and Shania Twain
Tasty pop confection #342 from Shania, though this version’s clear superiority to the “More Pop” take with Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath shows that Twain is still best when she keeps one toe in the country waters. B
“Back When”
Tim McGraw
Written by Stan Lynch, Stephony Smith, and Jeff Stevens
On an album filled with potential ballad hits, this is the only up-tempo cut that matches them in quality. His vocal performance is just over-twanged enough to suggest he’s making fun of the sentimentality that he’s celebrating. B+
Ha, I’m glad I found this entry. I actually like Julie Roberts’ “The Chance,” but I like your commentary on it even more.