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Re-charting the Chart

Every week we will take a look at the top 30 Mediabase Country Chart. We will re-rank the songs on the chart based on the quality and overall enjoyment of each song. Next to each song I will provide the ranking the we would give it and the actual ranking on the Mediabase chart in parenthesis. At the end of each ranking there will be some thoughts about the current chart as well as any news or updates that are deemed important. I hope everyone enjoys this weekly post and feel free to comment/agree/disagree with anything you see.

1. Eric Church ft Rhiannon Giddens                              Kill a Word (14)
2. Chris Janson                                                               Holdin' Her (26)
3. Brad Paisley                                                               Today (15)
4. Darius Rucker                                                             If I Told You (30)
5. Chris Young                                                                Sober Saturday Night (11)
6. Tim Mcgraw                                                               How I'll Always Be (5)
7. Chris Stapleton                                                           Parachute (17)
8. Little Big Town                                                          Better Man (12)
9. Carrie Underwood                                                     Dirty Laundry (2)
10. Jon Pardi                                                                    Dirt On My Boots (18)
11. Florida Georgia Line ft Tim Mcgraw                        May We All (6)
12. Josh Turner                                                                Hometown Girl (25)
13. Luke Bryan                                                                Fast (23)
14. Old Dominion                                                            Song For Another Time (10)
15. Jason Aldean                                                              Any Ol' Barstool (28)
16. High Valley                                                                Make You Mine (21)
17. Blake Shelton                                                             A Guy With a Girl (4)
18. Garth Brooks                                                              Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance (22)
19. Trent Harmon                                                             There's a Girl (27)
20. Maren Morris                                                              80's Mercedes (13)
21. Brett Eldredge                                                            Wanna Be That Song (3)
22. Keith Urban                                                                Blue Ain't Your Color (1)
23. Thomas Rhett                                                             Star Of The Show (7)
24. Lauren Alaina                                                             Road Less Traveled (19)
25. Granger Smith                                                            If The Boot Fits (9)
26. Kelsea Ballerini                                                          Yeah Boy (24)
27. Dierks Bentley                                                            Black (29)
28. Dustin Lynch                                                              Seein' Red (8)
29. Michael Ray                                                               Think a Little Less (16)
30. Brantley Gilbert                                                         The Weekend (20)

My goodness there are some horrible songs on this chart. The fact that the stupid "A Guy With a Girl" is as high as 17 truly speaks to the bottom half of the chart. Outside of the top 10 there really is no quality country songs at all. The bottom 3 songs are 3 of the worst songs you will ever hear. "Think a Little Less" is a douchey pickup song, "The Weekend" is Brantley's worst song ever, it's just bad bro country and clearly Dustin Lynch has no motivation to release a decent song. Kelsea Ballerini is what I would call Disney Glitter Pop Music. As for the top of the chart, there are some really good songs including what I think is the best song on the chart "Kill A Word." "Holdin' Her" is a beautiful and personal song that has plenty of steel guitar and "Today" is a song that I think I like more than most people. It is a return of Brad Paisley to quality country music but, I wouldn't count on it lasting long when I look at some of the duets on his next album with Mick Jagger, Timbaland and Demi Lovato. 

** This is the first Re-Charting the Chart that I have done. If anyone has any feedback or comments please feel free to leave them in the comment section or on twitter. Hope you enjoyed! 

Sam Hunt Releases New "Song" Drinkin' Too Much

       Yesterday was the first day of what I hope will be a better year than 2016 was. I woke up, spent the day with family and had what was turning into a swell day. That day filled with hope and excitement for the new year was struck down  after listening to whatever you call this bullshit by Sam Hunt. To refer to "Drinkin' Too Much" as a song would not be accurate in any way whatsoever. This garbage by pop/r&b pretty boy Sam Hunt is trash. Do you know why this trash is being peddled to Country radio? Plain and simple, Sam Hunt is a talentless hack who does not possess the ability to sing and would be laughed off of pop radio the moment his talk singing appeared. He would be a nobody and would quickly disappear from relevance. What other possible explanation can there be for this r&b singer to be pushed to country radio as a progressive country artist?
       Hunt's label MCA should be ashamed, that is if shame was something that they were capable of feeling. Why release new music from actual country singers like Josh Turner who they have not allowed to release a new album in over 4 YEARS or Gary Alan who has not released a new album in over 3 years. MCA along with Curb Records have been the worst offenders in Country Music not only for releasing some of the worst filth to proliferate Country radio's airwaves but, for imprisoning talented COUNTRY artists and forcing them to release milquetoast, boring, rubbish in hopes that it would become a hit on radio.
       The most annoying part of this whole thing is the people that want to say "If you don't like Sam Hunt or Florida Georgia Line or insert pop artist here then why don't you just listen to someone else?" The reason that argument is so ridiculous is that you cannot turn on Country radio without being plastered by this crap nonstop. You can't turn on a Country awards shows without seeing these pop "singers" not only perform but, regularly win awards when artists with actual talent get routinely ignored. Worst of all though, is that the radio success of these frat boys has actually changed the genre. It isn't bad enough that their music sucks, we now have to hear all these singers try to mimic their style of crap. Honestly, how many artists have you seen in the last few years attempt to be the next Sam Hunt? And I am not even just talking about new artists, I am referring to artists that have been around for a long time.
       After this short rant I guess I will talk about the "song" that is already the clear winner for worst song of the year and it is the beginning of the year. The song is about how Sam Hunt apparently named his first talk singing album Montavello after an ex girlfriend. With Sam Hunt's rise to fame his fans I guess have looked up this girl on social media and have begun to harass her. So because Sam feels guilty about being a petty douche, he has resorted to being a drunk. With the exception of the chorus of the song he is basically just talking as opposed to singing. Like any Sam Hunt song you get the creep factor turned up to 10 and you get the impression that the dude is psychotic. I guess Sam is just so gosh darn shocked that he would name an album where he trashes his ex girlfriend after her and nobody would look her up and harass her. If ANY country radio station EVER plays this bullshit I will never put on that station again, and I hope you all do the same. This is the absolute worst that the music industry has to offer and does not in any way resemble anything to do with country music. Not in theme, execution, instrumentation. Absolutely NOTHING. MCA, Sam Hunt and whoever wrote this diarrhea of the mouth should be sickened by themselves. Since I know they won't be, I will be sickened of you enough for all of us.

Grade: 0/10 (Listening to birds defecate would get a higher grade)      

Ned Ledoux Continues His Father's Legacy in Forever a Cowboy

     During Chris LeDoux's 56 years on earth he recorded a whopping 36 albums, sold 6 million albums and was a rodeo champion. Chris never signed a record deal and accomplished as much as he did as an independent artist. Chris' remarkable career was cut short after a fight with cancer ended in 2005 and now his son Ned has released a 5 song ep which continues his fathers legacy. The ep is not perfect but, for a debut ep it more than exceeds expectations.
     The album begins with "We Ain't Got it All" which is about a working class family who most of America would classify as poor. They owe their souls to the bank and they don't have much but, they are happy. They have food in the refrigerator, a piece of land and most importantly, they have each other. Other people would look down on this family and maybe even feel sorry for them, when in reality they have it all. They have a different kind of wealth that no amount of money can buy. Next up is "Brother Highway" which has an infectious sound from start to finish with the guitars carrying the melody. The song is about the parallels between himself and the highway and all time the two of them have spent together. Like the highway he has seen it all through the rain, the sleet and the snowfall. There have been some rough patches and detour signs along the way and like the highway he keeps rolling on. "Forever a Cowboy" is an honest take on what it means to be a cowboy. The man in this song is tough, handy and doesn't know when to quit. This man is a free spirit and will always remain a cowboy. I find it hard to believe listening to this song that it isn't a salute to his late father who lived this song. In mainstream country we often see shallow representations of what being country or being a cowboy is. The difference with LeDoux is you feel like he has actually lived what he is singing about.
     "Johnson County War" begins with the sound of horses galloping followed by a gun being fired. The time period the song takes place is 1882 in Wyoming during the time when people began to settle the west. "Johnson County War" is about the struggle of the people who settled the west and how many people did not survive. Droughts, winters and theft of cattle made surviving and sustaining a family a formidable task. The best song on the album "The Hawk" is a tribute to Ned's father Chris. Before the narrators father passed away he had told him that he always wanted to fly just like a hawk. After he passed away the family began to notice a hawk on their ranch. What was so peculiar about the hawk was that hawk's were almost never spotted on the ranch. This hawk was always watching over the family and never left. The narrator and his family believe that it is his father watching over all of them. It is a beautifully touching song about a family coping with loss. I almost never like hearing talk singing in a country song but, it actually adds to the idea of the story that is being told. It allows you to feel like LeDoux is talking to you about his father and the hawk.
     I sincerely hope that this ep is successful and LeDoux is able to release a full length album soon. The ep is not perfect but, it is a terrific start to a career. What we get is a very personal, honest ep about the cowboy life and what it means. This is a unique style of country western that we just do not get to hear very often. LeDoux carries on his father's legacy with grace and honor in this debut.

Album Grade: 7/10

Enjoyment: 7/10

Favorite Song: The Hawk    

Dear Life Album Review

    

      High Valley is a Canadian Country duo that hails from La Crete, Alberta. The duo is made up of brothers Brad and Curtis who have released four albums. I have followed High Valley for a few years and they always had a few songs that I enjoyed. Previously High Valley had only released singles to Canadian Country radio but, in February the duo released their first single to American radio "Make You Mine." Make You Mine is a song that immediately reminds one of Mumford and Sons and their song "I Will Wait" which is something to note in regards to their sound. On previous albums you had songs like "Make You Mine" and "She's With Me" that had that folk/pop sound but, with this album they go completely in that folk country direction. What Dear Life does if nothing else is make clear what High Valley's sound is going to be henceforth. The way that I would describe their sound is the infusion of folk, pop, country and bluegrass in that order. This is not traditional country music.
     My biggest takeaway from the album is that there are two major flaws on an otherwise enjoyable album. The first problem with the album that I have, is that it does not feel personal. What I mean by this is I don't feel like after listening to this album I know anything about High Valley besides their sound. The album is full of uplifting, fun songs but, there is not one song that feels personal. My other problem with the album is there is not one heartbreak song. Now, not every album has to be a breakup album filled with heartbreak like Tradition Lives however, couldn't you include one or two?
     My criticisms of the album do not mean that I think that High Valley's music is bad in fact, I really enjoy the individual songs on Dear Life. If you are looking at the songs one by one they are fun, uplifting songs with a positive message.  One of the songs on this album I liked is the title track "Dear Life." This song describes how quickly life goes by and wanting to hang on for as long as you can. The song talks about how the narrator has loved every minute of his life even though he has had some "hits and misses" along the way. Something this song fails to do however is go into any detail about any subject that is broached. The song moves so quickly which adds to the fun and energy of the song but, we are left without any substantive material. My favorite song on the album is "Don't Stop" which is the closest we get on the album to slowing down the pace and trying to be more descriptive. "Don't Stop" is another song with a positive message about being who you are and chasing your dreams no matter what. The duo actually goes on to describe some of the instances where you shouldn't stop moving forward such as when you get your heart broken, faith and loving life while you have the opportunity.
     "Roads We've Never Taken" has some bluegrass, country and folk influences blended together and displays the best music on the album. There is banjo, steel guitar and acoustic throughout the song with a fun drum tap beat. The song is about leaving home and going to new places you haven't yet been before. The song is about not settling for the same monotonous life at home every day and the need to change things up occasionally. The low point on the album is actually a part of the Madden 17 soundtrack "Young Forever." Just the title of the song gave me horrible flashbacks to "Live Forever" from The Band Perry. The song is straight pop and the theme of the song is that they are going to stay young forever. I hate this idea for a song and not just because it has been done to death but because the premise is just awful. As if there is something wrong with growing up and acting like an adult instead of a stupid frat boy. Usually on mainstream country albums the best song is buried last on the album but, in this case the worst song is buried which I guess is a good thing.
     The current single "Make You Mine" and the first song on the album "She's With Me" are both songs that were recycled from their last album County Line. I actually liked the original version of "Make You Mine" better because it included a verse by the legendary Ricky Skaggs but, it's not a bad song. "She's With Me" is way too much pop for my tastes however, when you dig into the song it's not a bad premise. The song is about the narrator being amazed that his spouse is with him. The song describes a woman who is out of his league and sticks by him through thick and thin. He does not know what he would do without her and it's clear that he loves her. What ultimately drags the song down is the hand clapping and during the chorus when the song goes "She's with me e e e e e e e."
     I would consider Dear Life to be a debut album even though High Valley has been around for some time and recorded a few albums already, since this is their American debut. What Dear Life does well is define the duo's sound and provide songs with a positive and uplifting message. What the album fails to do is get personal, being descriptive and not having a single heartbreak song. As individual songs, most of them are enjoyable to me however, as an album it is lacking. I would recommend giving this album a try as long as you go into it knowing that this is not traditional, down the middle country music.

Album Grade: 5.5/10

Enjoyment: 7/10

Favorite Song: "Don't Stop"
     

2017 Breakthrough Country Artist Predictions

2016 was a tremendous year for fans of country music that are eager for the genre to have more substance and get back to a more traditional sound. In 2016 the mainstream saw Jon Pardi and William Michael Morgan grace the top of country music's charts with Pardi having the most played song in country music with "Head Over Boots." Outside of the mainstream, artists like Cody Jinks, Margo Price and Sturgill Simpson among many others released terrific albums of substance that not only performed incredibly well but, gained these artists huge followings. In 2017 I believe we will see a lot of what we saw in 2016 meaning that we will continue to see traditional leaning artists of substance have success while the bro's and pop singers clutter the charts as usual. The list that I have comprised is a list of exciting, young artists who have the potential to break out in 2017. When I say "breakout" I should be clear that I am not necessarily talking about radio success. Plenty of artists have shown in recent years that you can be successful without country radio getting on board (see Chris Stapleton please). I chose artists specifically that have not had a major radio hit or had major independent success to this point. I was tempted to put William Michael Morgan and Jon Pardi on this list because, I believe 2017 will be huge for both of them but, I decided they have had too much success already to be on a list like this.  The artists that I chose for this list are artists whose music I can admire and appreciate and believe can have success like they have never seen in 2017. So, without further ado, here are my picks for breakout artists of 2017.  

Aubrie Sellers

Lee Ann Womacks daughter splashed onto the scene in 2016 releasing her garage country album New City Blues in January and then re-releasing it in September with her new record label Carnival Recording Company. The album was recieved mostly well by critics and established Sellers as an incredible vocalist and an artist who's music had real substance and a real edge. Her sound is not for everyone and the production on her first album is a bit heavy but, that is her unique garage country style. I am definately excited to see what is to come next for Sellers and whether or not country radio will give her a chance. 

Midland

I learned of Midlands existence from a random tweet I saw made by Jon Pardi. I decided to check out the Big Machine Label band and I was SHOCKED! This band brings back the sounds of 90's country in a way that I thought was dead. Not only is Midland's music unquestionably country but, there isn't a single bad song on their debut ep. What is so encouraging is that Big Machine is behind them which increases the odds that country radio will give these guys a chance. Regardless of what country radio does with them though it is impossible to believe they won't be a big success. 

Runaway June

Believe it or not but, Runaway June is the first female trio to have a top 30 hit in a decade. Their debut single "Lipstick" is a song about loving someone that will treat you right (someone who will ruin your lipstick, not your mascara). The song has wonderful fiddle play throughout the song and reminds you of a song the Dixie Chicks could have recorded. For such a new group they sound great together and showcase the kind of music women can give us on country radio if the industry would give them a chance. 

Mo Pitney

I truly wish Curb Records would just set this incredible artist free of their mismanagement of his career. It took until October of 2016 to get a debut album from Pitney. And may I add they did a horrible job of promoting the album and are chosing to release the worst song from Behind This Guitar "Everywhere." Despite all this I believe "Everywhere" has a shot to have success on country radio and with the traditional country resurgence this is the time to push Mo Pitney. The only question is whether or not Curb will screw this up.

Whitney Rose

Whitney Rose is great for anyone who is a fan of Margo Prices work. Whitney Rose has a throwback country sound that is just so refreshing. Rose is the one artist on this list that is not a mainstream artist so her success in 2017 will not be predicated on radio at all besides maybe Texas country radio. Rose who was born in Canada and currently resides and plays in the Texas scene is set to release a new album in 2017 after releasing the terrific first single "My Boots," which is a song about being a strong, independent woman who doesn't change who she is despite the circumstances.

Trump Vows to Read Every Year End Country Music List Before Taking Office

   

     Critically Country has obtained exclusive content in regards to President elect Donald Trump. Trump has vowed to read every single year end country music list before he will assume the duties of the presidency. "During all my campaigning this year I just didn't have time to hear all the big league country music. A lot of people have been saying I could have been a country singer and I mean that bigly. So before I take office I am going to really grab these lists by the pickup so that I am all caught up." This news has come as a great shock to the country that is set to officially elect Trump to the presidency when the electoral college convenes on Monday. Nobody knows just how long it could take one person to go through all the year end lists but, our estimates at Critically Country are that it would take upwards of four Turnpike Troubadour album cycles. In the meantime just who will assume the role of the presidency of the most powerful nation on earth? Will it be vice presidential nominee Mike Pence or perhaps Garth Brooks? As a modest country music blog I am afraid we do not have all the answers but, we pray that this all sorts itself out before a new president is set to take office in January.