The Best Songs Of 2019
A yearly tradition of counting down 50 songs from the year that resonated with me… Read More The Best Songs Of 2019
Tag: George Strait
The Best Hit Songs Of 1982
In the early 1980s, country music benefited from the release of the film Urban Cowboy, enough to where one could label it a boom era for the genre. Commercially, the movement was great, but stylistically, artists may have dressed the part (almost too much), but the actual music was too syrupy and glossy to resemble anything… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1982
The Best Hit Songs Of 1989
Featuring hits from Keith Whitley, Clint Black, Suzy Bogguss and more!… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1989
The Musical Divide’s 2019 Midyear Report
As we approach the midway point of 2019, it’s time to reflect on what the best music of the calendar year has been thus far. At this point, The Musical Divide has reviewed over 50 albums and EPs this year, with many of them finding a spot on this list. As far as quality is… Read More The Musical Divide’s 2019 Midyear Report
The Best Hit Songs Of 1985
In 1985, The New York Times published an article declaring country music’s death. While the genre was caught in a weird area after the decline of the Urban Cowboy era, the article failed to take into account certain factors. Yes, older artists were generally faring worse during this time, and sales were down overall. But… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1985
The Best Hit Songs Of 1996
Since my reviews have focused heavily on ’90s country artists lately, I figured I’d revisit this beloved decade for this week’s edition of ‘Best Hit Songs.’ As for this particular year, there isn’t much to say. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill were country music’s new power couple, and the actual boom of the ’90s was… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1996
Album Review: George Strait – ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine’
The short version: While it’s scattershot in some places, ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine’ is nonetheless a welcome return for King George Strait. Favorite tracks: “Some Days,” “Sometimes Love,” “Blue Water,” “Old Violin,” “Sing One With Willie (w/ Willie Nelson)” Least favorite track: “Código” Rating: 7/10 The long version: Sadly, an eventual exclusion of country music… Read More Album Review: George Strait – ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine’
The Best Hit Songs Of 1981
The ’80s were a strange time period for country music. In some ways, I’d argue it mirrors country music today, namely in how it’s all over the place. The outlaw movement was over, and with country music’s Hollywood exposure through movies such as Urban Cowboy, Honeysuckle Rose, 9 to 5 and Coal Miner’s Daughter, country… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1981
Song Review: George Strait – “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar”
The short version: George Strait’s “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” feels like a familiar friend to his catalog, for better or worse. Writers: George Strait, Bubba Strait and Dean Dillon Rating: 6/10 The long version: It may be hard to know exactly what George Strait is up to these days, but at the very least,… Read More Song Review: George Strait – “Every Little Honky Tonk Bar”
Song Review: George Strait – “God And Country Music”
The short version: … George Strait is back! Writers: Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna Rating: 6/10 The long version: We might have had to wait a little while for new George Strait music, but all feels right in the country music world now that it’s here. Granted, while Strait hasn’t quite been as… Read More Song Review: George Strait – “God And Country Music”
The Best Hit Songs Of 2002
This edition of “The Best Hit Songs” explores a transitional period in country music. The ’90s boom had long been over, and even Garth Brooks and Shania Twain were collecting their final big hits. Hat acts were transitioning into easy listening pop-country acts, and in the wake of the September 11 attacks, the theme of… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 2002
The Best Hit Songs Of 1987
This is a re-uploaded post. This feature of the “best hit songs” has been something I’ve been promising to do for quite a few months now. Back in April, Kyle of Kyle’s Korner Blog requested me to take a look at this particular year. For those who don’t know, I’ve usually based these lists off of whatever Billboard… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 1987
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… Read More Song Review: Brad Paisley – “Bucked Off”
The Best Hit Songs Of 2010
No, I haven’t forgotten about this feature. Truth be told, I decided to scale it back a bit. Doing one of these every week is fun, sure, but it also gets to a point where I’m just saturating you all with cheap lists, and that’s not the point of this. The point of this is… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 2010
The Best Hit Songs Of 2005
(Last edition’s list of the best hits of 2007 can be found here) Let’s hop in the time machine folks, because we’re going back to 2005 … I’ve got a few online friends who would say that 2005 was one of the best years for modern Country music, and looking back, I can’t say I… Read More The Best Hit Songs Of 2005
