The short version: Dillon Carmichael is a talented vocalist, and the best cuts on his debut album are excellent. With that said, it also feels like he’s copying his influences rather than showcasing who he is as an artist on ‘Hell On An Angel.’ The long version: Sometimes albums will just jump out at you… Continue reading Album Review: Dillon Carmichael - ‘Hell On An Angel’
Month: November 2018
Album Review: Whitey Morgan And The 78’s - ‘Hard Times and White Lines’
The short version: Whitey Morgan may not offer anything new and exciting on ‘Hard Times and White Lines’ but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The long version: Artists can only do one of two things on their next albums – evolve or deliver more of the same material. We tend to view the latter… Continue reading Album Review: Whitey Morgan And The 78’s - ‘Hard Times and White Lines’
Album Review: Colter Wall - ‘Songs Of The Plains’
The short version: While the concept for ‘Songs Of The Plains’ isn’t as fleshed out as it could have been, this album nonetheless showcases Colter Wall’s style better than his debut album did. The long version: To say I’ve got a complicated relationship with Colter Wall’s music would be underselling it. When he entered in… Continue reading Album Review: Colter Wall - ‘Songs Of The Plains’
Album Review: Jamie Lin Wilson - ‘Jumping Over Rocks’
The short version: ‘Jumping Over Rocks’ asks loaded questions about the meaning of life and features Jamie Lin Wilson at the top of her game in terms of her songwriting. The long version: It seems like everyone in the independent country scene is the world’s current best songwriter, doesn’t it? Granted, one of this scene’s… Continue reading Album Review: Jamie Lin Wilson - ‘Jumping Over Rocks’
EP Review: Lauren Morrow - Self-Titled
The short version: Lauren Morrow’s self-titled EP is short, but it’s loaded with richness. The long version: Change can either be the worst or best thing to happen to a band. When certain people ask for more of the same while others ask for innovation, it only serves to highlight why artists should follow their… Continue reading EP Review: Lauren Morrow - Self-Titled
Song Review: Brad Paisley - “Bucked Off”
The short version: It’s good to have the old Brad Paisley back. The long version: After many album eras of experimentation, maybe it’s good to have the old Brad Paisley back. Despite his unfortunate waning chart success, Paisley has quietly been one of the most interesting artists of the genre. He’s managed to stay true… Continue reading Song Review: Brad Paisley - “Bucked Off”
Opinion: ‘Real Country’ Starts Off Strong On First Episode
Look, I had very little faith in a show called “Real Country” when it was first announced, especially when the judges were Travis Tritt, Jake Owen and Shania Twain - an odd pairing if there ever was one. But if I’ve learned anything from years of writing album reviews, it’s that you can’t judge something… Continue reading Opinion: ‘Real Country’ Starts Off Strong On First Episode
Opinion: Thoughts On The 52nd Annual CMA Awards
This year’s CMA Awards were … interesting to say the least. If anything, it feels like the divide in country music is cutting deeper than ever before, with the best moments of the show feeling like true standouts and the worst moments feeling like embarrassments for the genre. I’m going to give my thoughts on… Continue reading Opinion: Thoughts On The 52nd Annual CMA Awards
Album Review: Pistol Annies - ‘Interstate Gospel’
The short version: ‘Interstate Gospel’ may be bogged down by a few gimmicky tracks, but this is overall the trio’s most mature, realized record to date. The long version: There was a time when a Pistol Annies album almost made too much sense. Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe may have differed stylistically at the time, but their… Continue reading Album Review: Pistol Annies - ‘Interstate Gospel’
Album Review: Kane Brown - ‘Experiment’
The short version: While Kane Brown has some work to do in improving his lyrical content, ‘Experiment’ is an improvement in nearly every area for the young artist. The long version: Declaring that Kane Brown is the future of country music is no longer an opinion. The only new artist out there currently acting as… Continue reading Album Review: Kane Brown - ‘Experiment’
The Musical Divide 