Brad Paisley releases his new album 'Wheelhouse' today (April 9), and a track from the record titled 'Accidental Racist' has already been stirring up controversy online. The collaboration with rapper LL Cool J attempts to address the ultra-sensitive topic of race relations, and far from apologizing, Paisley states: "I wouldn't change a thing."
Granger Smith releases his ninth studio album next week (April 16) -- one he calls his most ambitious project to date. 'Dirt Road Driveway' features singles 'We Do It in a Field' and 'The Country Boy Song' in addition to 10 other tracks from the pen of the the Red Dirt singer-songwriter. Listen to the entire album early via this exclusive stream on Taste of Country.
Scotty McCreery makes his songwriting debut on 'See You Tonight,' a mid-tempo love song that finds the 19-year-old not settling for a phone call or some distant "I love you" from the girl who holds his heart. It's the start of a new chapter for McCreery -- one that's much more important than his last.
The Country Music Association unveiled the names of this year's Country Music Hall of Fame inductees at a press conference held in the Hall's rotunda. Two legendary artists, and a legendary songwriter/producer will soon have their plaques on the walls of that same rotunda, joining the ranks of Country music royalty. This year's inductees are:
Brad Paisley's 'Wheelhouse' delivers a familiar mix of humor, life lessons and scorching guitar solos, but it does it in a way different from any of the other eight albums the 'Beat This Summer' singer has released. He took his old formula, balled it up, lit it on fire and tossed the ashes in the garbage. The result is a meaty and ambitious project that doesn't always click, but clears new ground when it does.
Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and John Fogerty were among those who made surprise guest appearances at the 2013 ACM Awards on Sunday (April 7). Perhaps more interesting, however, is who wasn't in attendance. Fans were left asking about a lack of screen time for three big country singers after Luke Bryan accepted Entertainer of the Year and credits rolled across the screen.
Although the weather outside is beginning to look a lot like springtime, Kelly Clarkson is already thinking about Christmas, and she's enlisting the help of country star Ronnie Dunn to bring a little holiday cheer to an upcoming Christmas album.
The last hour of voting during the finals of March Bandness was frenzied, to say the least. Thousands of fans of Alabama and the Charlie Daniels Band cast a ballot in the waning minutes. The boys from Fort Payne, Ala. were trailing until the end, when they surged ahead and took the title of Best Country Band of All Time.
Willie Nelson's 80th birthday celebration begins with the release of a new album on April 16. The country music legend will reveal 'Let's Face the Music and Dance,' which you can listen to in full in advance with this online stream on Taste of Country.
Fashion no-nos at the 2013 ACM Awards included one artist who went back in time for her dress and another who was apparently inspired by Dracula. The Worst Dressed at the ACMs list features at least one superstar who is more regularly found on Best Dressed collections, proving that everyone is vulnerable to an oopsie. From one plain Jane to one hot mess, these folks who were worst dressed at country's biggest party will want to rethink their approach for next year.
In his new song 'I Want Crazy.' Hunter Hayes doesn't soar like Ronnie Dunn or croon like Chris Young. His vocal performance is an exercise in diction -- and memory. Simply put, he packs a ton of words into a tight space without straining or slurring one idea into another. It's not easy.
