Billy Dukes

Women who already think Blake Shelton singing is the sexiest thing since Johnny Castle pulled Baby from the corner may want to take the rest of the week off. The best moments on 'Based on a True Story ...' sizzle, and not in that ironic "bow-chicka-wow-wow" sort of way that's occasionally implied with this singer's sense of humor. Songs like 'Mine Would Be You' are safe to put on any red wine and candles soundtrack. Guys, you can thank Shelton via his Twitter account, if you'd like.

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In recent years, Kenny Chesney has began to reveal layers of his personal life through his music. Songs from 'Hemingway's Whiskey,' 'Welcome to the Fishbowl' and 'Life on a Rock' are his most personal and introspective to date, but he's still somewhat of a private person, one who shuns social media in favor of retreats to the islands. There are plenty of things even a superfan of the 'Pirate Flag' singer might not know. 

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Two new videos make their Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown debut this week. '1994,' the new clip from Jason Aldean, and 'Hey Pretty Girl,' the latest from Kip Moore, both find a home amongst the most popular country music videos. They knocked superstars like Kenny Chesney from contention early, but did either get enough support to top last week's No. 1 video? 

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'Cut to Impress' by Maggie Rose is one of the more entertaining listens of the year. Fans will either embrace the dark, swampy sound the singer creates with producer James Stroud, or they'll be terrified by her bad girl persona and downright chilling stories. The album is no teddy bear.

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There is comedy in Blake Shelton singing with Pistol Annies, as he does on his new single 'Boys 'Round Here.' One imagines a country Hugh Hefner surrounded by his beauties. In real life, the Annies likely (very likely) don't attend to his every need and agree with him at all costs, but they do on this song, and it's absolutely charming. 

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The best songs on Thompson Square's new album 'Just Feels Good' sound like a conversation between the two married lovers. Early on, their back-and-forth is light and playful. Later ballads take a more somber tone, but all that find the 'If I Didn't Have You' singers sharing lead are highlights from the duo's sophomore project.

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James Wesley has a real feel for the life and struggles of the blue-collar American. His new song 'Thank a Farmer' is similar to his previous Top 30 hit 'Real' in its honest, no-nonsense approach. The worst thing a singer can do with a song like either of these is come off as contrived. Wesley is a long way away from being accused of that. 

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The most popular country music festivals -- like Taste of Country's own -- last up to five days and include dozens of artists. It's a big commitment to try to take it all in, and you'll want to do so in a way that allows you to be presentable at work on Monday morning. By following this list of 10 Country Music Festival Survival Ti

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The magic of many of the songs on Kacey Musgraves' debut album -- including her new single 'Blowin' Smoke' -- is in the little details. 'Merry Go 'Round' thrived in efficient specificity. The follow-up is equally effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables.

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Kacey Musgraves' Mercury Records debut album is everything a new artist dreams her first record will be. 'Same Trailer Different Park' is well-written, edgy (yet familiar) and coated in "cool." Musgraves is an original who at age 24 is surprisingly wise and adept at using her voice to share her experiences. 

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Two country superstars clashed at the top of the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown this week, with fans of Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood going vote for vote for new videos 'Hope on the Rocks' and 'Two Black Cadillacs.' Did Underwood hang on to repeat at No. 1? 

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It takes a few listens to absorb the new sound Wynonna reveals on her new single 'Something You Can't Live Without.' The singer and 'Dancing With the Stars' competitor hasn't had a hit song in a decade, but comparing this to music from the 'What the World Needs Now Is Love' album would be like comparing Kelly Clarkson now to her 2003 self, but flip-flopped.

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