song review

Pat Green's cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 'Even the Losers' sets a great example for artists considering the inclusion of a cover track on their new album. The Texas country singer delivers a passionate performance of a lyric that is not his own -- but it sure feels like it.

Former Smokin' Armadillos singer Rick Russell and guitarist Josh Graham have remained close enough to cut new music as Lucky Ned Pepper, a duo named after the villain in 'True Grit.' Their first single, 'I Remember the Music,' is catchy and polished, but likely not the breakthrough song they're hoping for.

It's been 15 months since Curtis Grimes was eliminated from 'The Voice.' The Team Cee Lo singer has been playing live around Texas and the southeast while honing his songwriting chops. Country music was something of a plan B for the Texan, and while he shows pure talent, his new single 'Smile' proves there is still work to be done.

Fans of Clay Walker know him as a lot of great things, but 'outlaw' is not one of them. It's a fair question for people to ask if his new single, 'Jesse James,' is sung with tongue loosely planted in cheek. One leans towards yes after checking out the cover art. The hat is a little big, the pants a little too pressed. He's a cowboy if cowboys shopped at Banana Republic.

Faith Hill has a new album finished, but it seems fans won't get to hear it until a single sticks. 'American Heart' is at least the third new song fans nationwide have heard -- including 'Come Home' and the title track, 'Illusion,' played during the 'CMA Music Festival' special on ABC. Like the others, it's a thick production made accessible by the wonder of Hill's voice.

The story goes like this: Texas teen auditions for 'Nashville Star,' doesn't win but uses the experience as motivation to sharpen her pen so that she can release her own melodic country music years later. The result strikes deep; right to the bone. It's uncomfortably close to reality for millions of Americans without offering much hope. Sound familiar?

Gary Allan tries on optimism with his new single 'Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),' and surprisingly, it fits. The master of melancholy may be turning over a new leaf with his upcoming album. This song is borderline inspirational.

Darius Rucker takes a simple story of two lovers who defy odds and skeptics and places it gently on a cloud in the stratosphere — a place few others can reach. ‘True Believers’ begins as a mild and unremarkable pop-country song before clever production and Rucker’s unforgettable voice find one soaring in the euphoria.

If Joanna Smith‘s new single ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ was released 30 years ago, we might call it a classic in 2012. Since the singer is relatively new, however (the sexy single ‘Georgia Mud’ barely cracked the chart in 2011 ), we’ll restrain ourselves from over-selling this portrait of caged yearning. Smith is the perfect voice to tell the story.

On ‘You Go Your Way,’ Alan Jackson finds himself heartbroken… again. That’s three radio singles in a row that focus on the wrong end of love, but not all with convincing pathos.

A solo album every four or five years leaves Heidi Newfield sounding like a new woman with each lead single. Much like ‘Johnny and June’ in 2008, the former lead singer of Trick Pony throws every ounce of herself into ‘Why’d You Have to Be So Good,’ a heartbreakingly wonderful ballad.

D. Vincent Williams has a style country fans are already familiar with through the hits he’s penned over the last decade (James Otto’s ‘Just Got Lovin’ You’ is one of many). Now they’re sure to remember his voice, as his new single ‘Down By the River’ is a tall musical glass of iced tea after a dead-dog hot afternoon on the farm.