Fearless by Taylor Swift
American Honey by Lady Antebellum
Alright by Darius Rucker
Love is a Beautiful Thing by Phil Vassar
God Love Her by Toby Keith
Best Days of Your Life by Kellie Pickler
Stay by Sugarland
These Days by Rascal Flatts
I Go Back by Kenny Chesney
Indian Summer by Brooks and Dunn
In A Real Love by Phil Vassar
Runaway by Love and Theft
You'll Think of Me by Keith Urban
Do I by Luke Bryan
Stay Here Forever by Jewel
I Just Call You Mine by Martina McBride
Love Your Love The Most by Eric Church
Alright by Darius Rucker
Love is a Beautiful Thing by Phil Vassar
God Love Her by Toby Keith
Best Days of Your Life by Kellie Pickler
Stay by Sugarland
These Days by Rascal Flatts
I Go Back by Kenny Chesney
Indian Summer by Brooks and Dunn
In A Real Love by Phil Vassar
Runaway by Love and Theft
You'll Think of Me by Keith Urban
Do I by Luke Bryan
Stay Here Forever by Jewel
I Just Call You Mine by Martina McBride
Love Your Love The Most by Eric Church
Southern Voice by Tim McGraw
Consider Me Gone by Reba McEntire
Umbrella by Taylor Swift (Cover of Rihanna song)
Listen
Taylor Swift is the ephiany of modern day country music. After exploding onto the country music scene in 2006, Taylor Swift has conquered not only the world of country music with her album Taylor Swift, but all genres of music with her latest album, Fearless. Taylor Swift not only sings, but plays guitar, and incorporates guitar into all her music, regardless of if she is playing it or not. Swift keeps the use of strings in her music which relates it back to the roots and original sounds of country music.
I chose this song for my playlist because Taylor Swift is a musician that made her debut in country music, but has since been considered a part of other genres as well. Even though most people would still consider her a country musician, she is very popular in the pop music scene as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Swift
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Swift
"American Honey." Lady Antebellum, Need You Now. Capitol Nashville, 97702, 2010. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:wz5rx9waldse (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Lady Antebellum is another group that has become famous within the genre of country music but is also spreading out into other genres, such as pop, as well. Lady Antebellum is much different than other country groups because they incorporate 60's R&B styles along with country styles.
I included American Honey because I thought that this song related very closely to what is stereotyped and considered as being country music. The string instruments are very prominent in the song and the slower, softer sound of the song is very common within country music.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/lady_antebellum/bio.jhtml
"Alright." Darius Rucker, Learn to Live. Capitol Nashville, 855062, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etr7UtnUflM (April 6, 2010)
Listen
Darius Rucker is a new addition to the scene of country music. Rucker is famous for his music performed while he was in the rock group, Hootie and the Blowfish. Darius Rucker split with the band to work solo on country music albums. Darius Rucker brings a new sound to the idea of country music, with the use of heavy beats and loud background music, although he does incorporate the strings that are popular within country music.
"Alright" was put on this playlist because it shows that country music has taken on a different tune than in the past, and what is considered country music today is more widespread than what was considered or accepted as country music in the past. I also enjoy the fact that Rucker was in a rock band and has now took on the genre of country music and has done so well in doing so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Rucker
"Love Is a Beautiful Thing." Phil Vassar, Prayer of a Common Man. Universal South, 000890702, 2008. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpN7Hwit3ew (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Phil Vassar is known for his songwriting and producing of country music that is very contemporary. Vassar, unlike most country musicians, uses the piano as the main source of sonic elements in his songs. Vassar has a niche for songwriting, which is how he made it in the industry before he had a record deal or created his own CD's.
“Love is a Beautiful Thing” is on this playlist because it is one of my favorite country songs, and also because it represents the contemporary country music that is popular in the genre of country music today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar
Artist: Toby Keith
Title: God Love Her
Album: That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: Show Dog Nashville
Catalog Number: 22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k_n1ogEbjU (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Toby Keith is one of the most popular men in country music. Known for his controversial songs and his opinionated personality, Toby Keith has had quite an influence on country music. Not only has he had chart topping hits, but he also owns a record label, Show Dog Nashville. Toby Keith has been a constant icon in country music since I have been a fan, and the sonic elements in his songs are very common sounds within country music.
I chose “God Love Her” for this playlist because it is one of Toby Keith’s songs that exemplify the ways in which country has changed over the years and even though the guitar is prominent in the song, it has more of an electric sound and is also masked by the other instruments that create the background music to the song.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/keith_toby/bio.jhtml
Artist: Kellie Pickler
Title: Best Days Of Your Life
Album: Kellie Pickler
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: BNA
Catalog Number: 8869722811
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLUvO8QUmXc (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Coming from American Idol, Kellie Pickler had to become accustomed to singing all different genres of music. Pickler found her niche in country music, with her sweet southern voice. Kellie Pickler's song, "Best Days of Your Life" goes along with that of country music, because like a lot of other songs in the genre, it focuses on infidelity in a relationship. Pickler wrote and recorded the song with her friend and fellow musician Taylor Swift.
I chose to put this song on the playlist because she is an example of country musicians that stem from American Idol. The song is very relatable for most woman and it has a catchy beat and tune that I think show how country music has grown and changed over the years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellie_Pickler
Artist: Sugarland
Title: Stay
Album: Enjoy the Ride
Year Released: 2006
Record Label: Mercury Nashville
Catalog Number: 07411
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPG1n1B0Ydw (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Sugarland is a country duo consisting of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. The duo uses strong vocals and lyrics to attract their listeners. Sugarlands use of different aspects of different genres attracts listeners from all genres to their music. Because of the use of their guitars and the southern accent of Jennifer Nettles voice, this group is still very country, even though they seem to be well known in other genres as well.
I chose this song because I feel that Jennifer Nettles has a voice that exemplifies country music. Her southern accent adds a whole new meaning to any song she sings. In this particular song, the slow place and the intimacy of the singing and the guitar add to the emotion of the song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarland
Artist: Rascal Flatts
Title: These Days
Album: Melt
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Lyric Street
Catalog Number: 165031
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6GOBXoT3o (April, 6 2010).
Listen
Rascal Flatts, a country trio of three guys, Gary LeVox, Jay Demarcus, and Joe Don Rooney is known for their pleasing harmonies and songwriting skills. Their first album was a mix of eclectic country and pop music that grabbed audiences. Since then, Rascal Flatts has continued to produce this type of music, and has made it more popular within the genre of country music.
I chose this song because this is one of the first country songs that I ever heard and had on a CD. I remember thinking that this song is not what I thought country music was, which goes to show that Rascal Flatts has taken on other influences in their music than that of just honky tonk and bluegrass country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rascal_Flatts
Artist: Kenny Chesney
Title: I Go Back
Album: When The Sun Goes Down
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: BNA
Catalog Number: 56609
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdeSLxz5TTE (April, 6 2010).
Listen
Kenny Chesney is another very popular contemporary country artist. Chesney uses pop-like ballads in his music. Kenny Chesney also uses a mix of country and rock music, that he listened to growing up before he started creating his own music.
I chose this song because of the references it has to other songs within the music industry. The fact that Chesney references these songs shows that Kenny Chesney plays off of other genres of music in creating and writing his music. I also enjoy the sonic elements of this song, the strings and the drum beat that is constant and carries the song from beginning to end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_chesney
Artist: Brooks and Dunn
Title: Indian Summer
Album: #1s.....and Then Some
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Arista Nashville
Catalog Number: 749922
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WgAECLrBMo
(April 7, 2010)
Listen
Brooks and Dunn have been a popular duo in country music for more than a decade. The duo uses a blend of rock and honky tonk to create their hits. Their songs are usually based along dance beats, or songs that are used for line dances. Brooks and Dunn have tried different styles of country music and have been quite successful in all their attempts. They use pop beats in some of their songs that are mixed with strings and other instrumentation that give them a country sound.
I chose this song because being one of their most recent, it shows how even though they have taken on the genre of pop music, they still have songs that are very acoustic sonically.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_and_dunn
Artist: Phil Vassar
Title: In A Real Love
Album: Shaken Not Stirred
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Arista Nashville
Catalog Number: 61591
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUOkK4XXMIE (April 7, 2010)
Listen
I chose this Phil Vassar song because I think it is a very relatable song and it has a catchy tune. Phil Vassar's music captures and defines what is considered to be contemporary country music, which is a change from the past. Instead of country music being very honky tonk and bluegrass, it is now more contemporary and include aspects of pop and rock music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar
Artist: Love and Theft
Title: Runaway
Album: World Wide Open
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Carolwood
Catalog Number: 21350
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BiSWd4fHL4 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Love and Theft is another country male trio comprised of Stephen Barker Liles, Brian Bandas and Eric Gunderson. The trio all grew up in different areas of the country, but met through mutual friends and decided to start a band. They all share lead vocals throughout their music and they all play guitar. Their extensive harmonies draw people into their songs.
I chose this song because I seen Love and Theft when they opened for Taylor Swift in 2008. I really enjoyed their music and I am glad to see that they have made it into the realm of country music musicians.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/love_and_theft/bio.jhtml
Artist: Keith Urban
Title: You'll Think Of Me
Album: Golden Road
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Capitol Records
Catalog Number: 32936
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-oKxpQrRY4 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Keith Urban, a popular country musician, started the revolution for Australian country music. Urban with his guitar, his Australian accent, and his rock-ish appearance quickly took over country music in Australia. Although it was years before Urban made it to Nashville, his ultimate goal, since he has arrived he as made an impact and given a new light to a different type of country music.
I chose this song because it is one of my favorites by Keith Urban. The importance of the guitar and strings in the song and the impact and emotion they add really make this a 'country song' to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Urban
Artist: Luke Bryan
Title: Do I
Album: Doin' My Thing
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Capitol Nashville
Catalog Number: 65833
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5GVa1yWYZM (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Luke Bryan was very hesitant as to starting a career in music. He went against people strongly encouraging him to move to Nashville and pursue a career. It wasn't until his father forced him into going was Luke Bryan set on having a career in the business. Within a couple months of being in Nashville, Bryan had signed a deal to publish his music.
I chose this song because I think that even though this song has the country elements, I feel as though sonically it does not fit was is considered to be country. There is some guitar in the song but it has a very electric sound. If it was not for Bryan's voice I do not think that this song would be considered a country song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Bryan
Artist: Jewel
Title: Stay Here Forever
Album: Valentine's Day Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Year Released: 2010
Record Label: Valory Music Group
Catalog Number: 88139
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHVnVWf4Eh0 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Jewel is a singer, a songwriter and plays the guitar. Her debut album is one of the best selling debut albums of all time. Although Jewel came into the music industry with a splash, she has since slowed down. Jewel has made several different CD's within different genres. Her latest CD, and first independent album was released in May of 2009 and she is working on releasing more solo albums.
I chose this song because of the light, fun tempo and the acoustic sound. The way in which Jewel's voice keeps the song very light and fun moves the song foward. The guitar and the drums keep the beat moving. This song is a way to show how the changes in country music have made the music more marketable and apppealing to the people who would not normally listen to country music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_(singer)
Artist: Martina McBride
Title: I Just Call You Mine
Album: Shine
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: RCA Nashville
Catalog Number: 8869734190
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRyhr1mGEhw (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Martina McBride is a country artist that was first classified as a neo-traditionalist country singer. After years of not being known as the "normal" country singer, McBride released her fourth album that broke her into the sphere of country music. McBride now used more of a pop-country mix that was starting to redefine country music.
I chose this song because I felt as though it really classified as music that would be country music, but also music that could be considered as pop, or another genre. The slower tempo of the song and the strings at the beginning make it very country sounding, but soon after she starts singing the guitar is lost within the other music and there is not a strong distinction that this is a country song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martina_Mcbride
Artist: Eric Church
Title: Love Your Love the Most
Album: Carolina
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Capitol Nashville
Catalog Number: 208102
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeLEQohU4qw (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Eric Church started singing at the young age of four, and writing at the age of thirteen. Since then Church has been part of the band, The Mountain Boys, and worked as a producer for a music company. Now he is on to selling solo albums.
I chose this song because the lyrics of the song are definitely the stereotype 'country' song. He talks about his love for different things, all seemingly deemed 'country' and focuses on the love for his female partner. Being the sterotypical country song, I found that not only the lyrics but also the sonic elements of the guitar fit the mold as well. The fact that Church is still sticking with all of these model country aspects in this day and age intrigued me and made me want to include this track because maybe country music has not changed as
much as I had thought.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/church_eric/bio.jhtml
“Southern Voice.” Tim McGraw, Southern Voice. Curb, 505186560525, 2009. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:apfwxztaldje (April 6, 2010)
Listen
Tim McGraw, who started in country music in the early 1990's is one of the most famous male country singers. McGraw grew up listening to different genres of music, like country, pop, rock and R&B. McGraw started slow, and did not make an impact on country music until he debuted his sophmore album, having his premiere album not break charts. Since then, McGraw has continued to produce hit country songs and has made a lasting impression on country music.
I chose this song because not only sonically does it seem to fit well into the genre that is country music, and exemplify the sounds that sonically compose country music. The lyrics also exemplify country music and the south. Tim McGraw uses his guitar and other strings along with his twangy voice to make this song one that represents country music very well.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/mcgraw_tim/bio.jhtml
“Consider Me Gone.” Reba McEntire, Consider Me Gone. Starstruck Records/Valory Music Co, VMCRM0102, 2009. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:hzfqxzyaldhe (April 6, 2010)
Listen
Reba McEntire is another artist that has been around for decades and has encountered the changes within country music. ***
I chose this song, because being one of Reba's most recent hits, it shows how she has adapted to the changes that have taken place in country music in the last thirty years. Even though Reba McEntire has covered all bases of country music, she is still changing with the times and producing hit music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reba_Mcentire
“Umbrella.”Taylor Swift Live From SoHo. Big Machine, 2008. http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfyxz8kldhe (April 6, 2010)
Listen
Taylor Swift has done multiple covers of different songs from all genres from rock to pop. Taylor uses her guitar and country music influences to turn these pop or rock songs, which would not normally be classified as country, into a song that could be produced in the genre of country music.
I chose "Umbrella" because I liked the way in which a song that would never fall into the classification of being a country song, can be transformed into just that with the addition of acoustic sounds. The acoustic sound of Taylor's guitar along with her singing the song solo, the way in which the song comes out is more country than anyone could have imagined a Rihanna song to be.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Swift
Listen
Lady Antebellum is another group that has become famous within the genre of country music but is also spreading out into other genres, such as pop, as well. Lady Antebellum is much different than other country groups because they incorporate 60's R&B styles along with country styles.
I included American Honey because I thought that this song related very closely to what is stereotyped and considered as being country music. The string instruments are very prominent in the song and the slower, softer sound of the song is very common within country music.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/lady_antebellum/bio.jhtml
Listen
Darius Rucker is a new addition to the scene of country music. Rucker is famous for his music performed while he was in the rock group, Hootie and the Blowfish. Darius Rucker split with the band to work solo on country music albums. Darius Rucker brings a new sound to the idea of country music, with the use of heavy beats and loud background music, although he does incorporate the strings that are popular within country music.
"Alright" was put on this playlist because it shows that country music has taken on a different tune than in the past, and what is considered country music today is more widespread than what was considered or accepted as country music in the past. I also enjoy the fact that Rucker was in a rock band and has now took on the genre of country music and has done so well in doing so.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_Rucker
Listen
Phil Vassar is known for his songwriting and producing of country music that is very contemporary. Vassar, unlike most country musicians, uses the piano as the main source of sonic elements in his songs. Vassar has a niche for songwriting, which is how he made it in the industry before he had a record deal or created his own CD's.
“Love is a Beautiful Thing” is on this playlist because it is one of my favorite country songs, and also because it represents the contemporary country music that is popular in the genre of country music today.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar
Title: God Love Her
Album: That Don't Make Me a Bad Guy
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: Show Dog Nashville
Catalog Number: 22
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k_n1ogEbjU (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Toby Keith is one of the most popular men in country music. Known for his controversial songs and his opinionated personality, Toby Keith has had quite an influence on country music. Not only has he had chart topping hits, but he also owns a record label, Show Dog Nashville. Toby Keith has been a constant icon in country music since I have been a fan, and the sonic elements in his songs are very common sounds within country music.
I chose “God Love Her” for this playlist because it is one of Toby Keith’s songs that exemplify the ways in which country has changed over the years and even though the guitar is prominent in the song, it has more of an electric sound and is also masked by the other instruments that create the background music to the song.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/keith_toby/bio.jhtml
Title: Best Days Of Your Life
Album: Kellie Pickler
Year Released: 2008
Record Label: BNA
Catalog Number: 8869722811
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLUvO8QUmXc (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Coming from American Idol, Kellie Pickler had to become accustomed to singing all different genres of music. Pickler found her niche in country music, with her sweet southern voice. Kellie Pickler's song, "Best Days of Your Life" goes along with that of country music, because like a lot of other songs in the genre, it focuses on infidelity in a relationship. Pickler wrote and recorded the song with her friend and fellow musician Taylor Swift.
I chose to put this song on the playlist because she is an example of country musicians that stem from American Idol. The song is very relatable for most woman and it has a catchy beat and tune that I think show how country music has grown and changed over the years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellie_Pickler
Title: Stay
Album: Enjoy the Ride
Year Released: 2006
Record Label: Mercury Nashville
Catalog Number: 07411
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPG1n1B0Ydw (April 6, 2010).
Listen
Sugarland is a country duo consisting of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. The duo uses strong vocals and lyrics to attract their listeners. Sugarlands use of different aspects of different genres attracts listeners from all genres to their music. Because of the use of their guitars and the southern accent of Jennifer Nettles voice, this group is still very country, even though they seem to be well known in other genres as well.
I chose this song because I feel that Jennifer Nettles has a voice that exemplifies country music. Her southern accent adds a whole new meaning to any song she sings. In this particular song, the slow place and the intimacy of the singing and the guitar add to the emotion of the song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarland
Title: These Days
Album: Melt
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Lyric Street
Catalog Number: 165031
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx6GOBXoT3o (April, 6 2010).
Listen
Rascal Flatts, a country trio of three guys, Gary LeVox, Jay Demarcus, and Joe Don Rooney is known for their pleasing harmonies and songwriting skills. Their first album was a mix of eclectic country and pop music that grabbed audiences. Since then, Rascal Flatts has continued to produce this type of music, and has made it more popular within the genre of country music.
I chose this song because this is one of the first country songs that I ever heard and had on a CD. I remember thinking that this song is not what I thought country music was, which goes to show that Rascal Flatts has taken on other influences in their music than that of just honky tonk and bluegrass country.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rascal_Flatts
Title: I Go Back
Album: When The Sun Goes Down
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: BNA
Catalog Number: 56609
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdeSLxz5TTE (April, 6 2010).
Listen
Kenny Chesney is another very popular contemporary country artist. Chesney uses pop-like ballads in his music. Kenny Chesney also uses a mix of country and rock music, that he listened to growing up before he started creating his own music.
I chose this song because of the references it has to other songs within the music industry. The fact that Chesney references these songs shows that Kenny Chesney plays off of other genres of music in creating and writing his music. I also enjoy the sonic elements of this song, the strings and the drum beat that is constant and carries the song from beginning to end.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_chesney
Title: Indian Summer
Album: #1s.....and Then Some
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Arista Nashville
Catalog Number: 749922
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WgAECLrBMo
(April 7, 2010)
Listen
Brooks and Dunn have been a popular duo in country music for more than a decade. The duo uses a blend of rock and honky tonk to create their hits. Their songs are usually based along dance beats, or songs that are used for line dances. Brooks and Dunn have tried different styles of country music and have been quite successful in all their attempts. They use pop beats in some of their songs that are mixed with strings and other instrumentation that give them a country sound.
I chose this song because being one of their most recent, it shows how even though they have taken on the genre of pop music, they still have songs that are very acoustic sonically.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooks_and_dunn
Title: In A Real Love
Album: Shaken Not Stirred
Year Released: 2004
Record Label: Arista Nashville
Catalog Number: 61591
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUOkK4XXMIE (April 7, 2010)
Listen
I chose this Phil Vassar song because I think it is a very relatable song and it has a catchy tune. Phil Vassar's music captures and defines what is considered to be contemporary country music, which is a change from the past. Instead of country music being very honky tonk and bluegrass, it is now more contemporary and include aspects of pop and rock music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Vassar
Title: Runaway
Album: World Wide Open
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Carolwood
Catalog Number: 21350
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BiSWd4fHL4 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Love and Theft is another country male trio comprised of Stephen Barker Liles, Brian Bandas and Eric Gunderson. The trio all grew up in different areas of the country, but met through mutual friends and decided to start a band. They all share lead vocals throughout their music and they all play guitar. Their extensive harmonies draw people into their songs.
I chose this song because I seen Love and Theft when they opened for Taylor Swift in 2008. I really enjoyed their music and I am glad to see that they have made it into the realm of country music musicians.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/love_and_theft/bio.jhtml
Title: You'll Think Of Me
Album: Golden Road
Year Released: 2002
Record Label: Capitol Records
Catalog Number: 32936
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-oKxpQrRY4 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Keith Urban, a popular country musician, started the revolution for Australian country music. Urban with his guitar, his Australian accent, and his rock-ish appearance quickly took over country music in Australia. Although it was years before Urban made it to Nashville, his ultimate goal, since he has arrived he as made an impact and given a new light to a different type of country music.
I chose this song because it is one of my favorites by Keith Urban. The importance of the guitar and strings in the song and the impact and emotion they add really make this a 'country song' to me.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Urban
Title: Do I
Album: Doin' My Thing
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Capitol Nashville
Catalog Number: 65833
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5GVa1yWYZM (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Luke Bryan was very hesitant as to starting a career in music. He went against people strongly encouraging him to move to Nashville and pursue a career. It wasn't until his father forced him into going was Luke Bryan set on having a career in the business. Within a couple months of being in Nashville, Bryan had signed a deal to publish his music.
I chose this song because I think that even though this song has the country elements, I feel as though sonically it does not fit was is considered to be country. There is some guitar in the song but it has a very electric sound. If it was not for Bryan's voice I do not think that this song would be considered a country song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luke_Bryan
Title: Stay Here Forever
Album: Valentine's Day Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Year Released: 2010
Record Label: Valory Music Group
Catalog Number: 88139
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHVnVWf4Eh0 (April 7, 2010)
Listen
Jewel is a singer, a songwriter and plays the guitar. Her debut album is one of the best selling debut albums of all time. Although Jewel came into the music industry with a splash, she has since slowed down. Jewel has made several different CD's within different genres. Her latest CD, and first independent album was released in May of 2009 and she is working on releasing more solo albums.
I chose this song because of the light, fun tempo and the acoustic sound. The way in which Jewel's voice keeps the song very light and fun moves the song foward. The guitar and the drums keep the beat moving. This song is a way to show how the changes in country music have made the music more marketable and apppealing to the people who would not normally listen to country music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_(singer)
Title: I Just Call You Mine
Album: Shine
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: RCA Nashville
Catalog Number: 8869734190
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRyhr1mGEhw (April 7, 2010)
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Martina McBride is a country artist that was first classified as a neo-traditionalist country singer. After years of not being known as the "normal" country singer, McBride released her fourth album that broke her into the sphere of country music. McBride now used more of a pop-country mix that was starting to redefine country music.
I chose this song because I felt as though it really classified as music that would be country music, but also music that could be considered as pop, or another genre. The slower tempo of the song and the strings at the beginning make it very country sounding, but soon after she starts singing the guitar is lost within the other music and there is not a strong distinction that this is a country song.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martina_Mcbride
Title: Love Your Love the Most
Album: Carolina
Year Released: 2009
Record Label: Capitol Nashville
Catalog Number: 208102
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeLEQohU4qw (April 7, 2010)
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Eric Church started singing at the young age of four, and writing at the age of thirteen. Since then Church has been part of the band, The Mountain Boys, and worked as a producer for a music company. Now he is on to selling solo albums.
I chose this song because the lyrics of the song are definitely the stereotype 'country' song. He talks about his love for different things, all seemingly deemed 'country' and focuses on the love for his female partner. Being the sterotypical country song, I found that not only the lyrics but also the sonic elements of the guitar fit the mold as well. The fact that Church is still sticking with all of these model country aspects in this day and age intrigued me and made me want to include this track because maybe country music has not changed as
much as I had thought.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/church_eric/bio.jhtml
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Tim McGraw, who started in country music in the early 1990's is one of the most famous male country singers. McGraw grew up listening to different genres of music, like country, pop, rock and R&B. McGraw started slow, and did not make an impact on country music until he debuted his sophmore album, having his premiere album not break charts. Since then, McGraw has continued to produce hit country songs and has made a lasting impression on country music.
I chose this song because not only sonically does it seem to fit well into the genre that is country music, and exemplify the sounds that sonically compose country music. The lyrics also exemplify country music and the south. Tim McGraw uses his guitar and other strings along with his twangy voice to make this song one that represents country music very well.
http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/mcgraw_tim/bio.jhtml
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Reba McEntire is another artist that has been around for decades and has encountered the changes within country music. ***
I chose this song, because being one of Reba's most recent hits, it shows how she has adapted to the changes that have taken place in country music in the last thirty years. Even though Reba McEntire has covered all bases of country music, she is still changing with the times and producing hit music.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reba_Mcentire
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Taylor Swift has done multiple covers of different songs from all genres from rock to pop. Taylor uses her guitar and country music influences to turn these pop or rock songs, which would not normally be classified as country, into a song that could be produced in the genre of country music.
I chose "Umbrella" because I liked the way in which a song that would never fall into the classification of being a country song, can be transformed into just that with the addition of acoustic sounds. The acoustic sound of Taylor's guitar along with her singing the song solo, the way in which the song comes out is more country than anyone could have imagined a Rihanna song to be.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taylor_Swift
