We take a look at 10 new singles that have recently been sent out to country radio stations across America. We give honest, quick-hit opinions about these songs with our favorite single of the week easily Dierks Bentley's "Riser" (though it's easy to like a majority of these songs including newcomers Clare Dunn, Brian Collins and Old Dominion).
Keith Urban - “John Cougar John Deere John 3:16” (Capitol Records) *
The title is a little long but the sentiment is as American as Apple Pie. Even though Keith was born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, he grew up idolizing American culture and developing as a young adult when the 1980s (The focus of the lyrics here) were happening. It’s a song that may have a little too loudly-produced drum programming but other than that, J3 is a very good song.
Old Dominion - “Break Up With Him” (ReeSmack/RCA Nashville)**
A huge hit on SiriusXM’s “The Highway,” this is a song that’s quickly becoming one of the biggest hits in country music radio. It’s easy to see why. There’s an easy-going charm to the vocal from lead vocalist Matthew Ramsey and clever wordplay and ear-worm-like melodies from the song which he wrote with every other member in the band. It’s going to be a huge hit and isn’t the only hit on their self-titled EP in stores now.
Sammy Kershaw - “Grillin’ And Chillin’” (Goldenlane/Cleopatra Records)*
The lead single from Sammy’s new album I Won’t Back Down, “Grillin’ And Chillin’” was written by Casey Beathard and Scooter Carusoe and feels exactly like the kind of summery song you’d hear on country radio in the 1990s or 2000s. It’s a fun retro-cool song that doesn’t feel “old” either. Will mainstream big market radio play it? Naw. But secondary and music row stations should help make it a nice hit for Sammy and his new record label team.
Brandon Holland - “Blame It On the Whiskey” (Independent)*
An appealing country/rocker suggest that Holland has the ability to become a star if things break right.
Dierks Bentley - “Riser” (Capitol)*
The best song on a brilliantly made album, “Riser” is a stunning piece of music and deserves to be in the spotlight. It might have a ‘fight’ to make even the Top 10 but the fact that such a brilliantly-written (Steve Moakler and Travis Meadows) and produced (Ross Copperman) song that any time it spends on the charts is a time worth celebrating.
Clare Dunn - “Move On” (MCA Nashville)***
A well-written song (co-written with Jesse Frasure) has an even better production that suggests that Clare can and should be the next “Tomato” to break out.
Brian Collins - “Shine A Little Love” (Blue Light Entertainment)*
Amazing single. Amazing sentiment. Just the kind of song America needs. Could/should be a star-making song for the Georgia native.
Kristin Bush - “Light Me Up” (Streamsound)***
Another winning single from the talented singer/songwriter. His gift for infectious melody and strong lyrics is showcased on this follow-up to the hit “Trailer Hitch.”
Mikel Knight - “Roses & Mayhem” (Independent)***
If one likes fake rap songs with country/rock guitars, go for it. But this is the kind of song that makes the rural rap scene have a bad name.
“Real Life” - Jake Owen (RCA Nashville)*
Notes for radio DJs and music directors:
Songs with * can be found on CDX 619
Songs with ** can be found on CDX 618
Songs with *** can be found on CDX 617
gloria
I love everything about Keith's song! I'm a child of the 80's , well 60's, 70's and 80's and I am so glad. Nothing wrong with the production, IMO.