Reviews

Be sure you're near a good, clean air source before you begin Jake Owen's new single 'Days of Gold.' Words like "uptempo" or "rockin'" don't even begin to describe the pace the singer keeps up for over three spellbinding minutes. 'Eight Second Ride' is a ballad comparatively.

Cole Swindell's debut single 'Chillin' It' isn't about the words or the musicianship. It's about the vibe and the sweet groove this Georgia-raised singer lays down patiently.

'Drivin' Around Song' is Colt Ford's best chance for a radio hit, something the singer would likely be willing to shave his body hair for. Jason Aldean's chorus is smooth and memorable, and his presence on the track from 'Declaration of Independence' gives Ford superstar credibility.

Frankie Ballard has chopped his hair, lost a few pounds (seemingly) and refined his sound to produce 'Helluva Life,' a new single from an upcoming album. Natural grit makes a wandering lyric a more emotional experience. It's a song that attempts to throw its arms around everyone -- that's always a dangerous endeavor.

July 30th is the date set for the release of the new album from Vince Gill with ace studio steel guitarist Paul Franklin. The album is titled, "Bakersfield," and as the title implies, the songs Vince and Paul have covered for this set were chosen from the two biggest artists associated with the "Bakersfield Sound," Merle Haggard and the late Buck Owens.

Does anyone in country music sing heartbreak quite like Blake Shelton? 'Mine Would Be You,' the third single from 'Based on a True Story ...' adds to a strong collection of Shelton tracks that will rip your heart out if you don't try to protect yourself. The turn in the last verse is devastating.

On 'Crushin',' the debut single from newcomers Bush Hawg, one can't hear the "blend of backwoods, blue collars, bar fights and bibles" they describe themselves as in their artist bio. The mid-tempo love song is a generic first-timer effort that relies on a big hook instead on lyrical depth or distinctive attitude.

Gwen Sebastian has grown as an artist since she was a part of Team Blake on 'The Voice' in 2012. Her new single 'Suitcase' shows new confidence and vocal power, without sacrificing her unique punctuation and delivery. Her pain is palpable.

Darius Rucker's new single 'Radio' is a perfect song for summer. The uptempo tribute to young love, open roads and, of course, the radio is familiar and easy to fall for, especially when powered by Rucker's unequaled exuberance.

Danielle Bradbery's natural sweetness pours through on her debut single, but 'The Heart of Dixie' isn't a perfect match for the 16-year-old. It takes years of experience to be a great storyteller, especially when the main character is going through something the singer hasn't. Her performance is admirable, but not memorable.

Sarah Darling's new single 'Little Umbrellas' is fun, flirty and a brand new way to describe drinking away the blues. The singer's airy, pop-fused delivery is a perfect match for the story she tells. It's a fun song and she has fun telling it. You can hear her smiling.

If you've been following my blog posts this week, you know I got the opportunity to compare the new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab pickup and the new 2014 GMC Sierra crew cab pickup, courtesy of Partners Chevrolet Buick GMC in Cuero.  Both models have been completely redesigned, and offer some amazing new features. But which truck won the "showdown?"