5 Country Acts That Should be on Your iPod

This is the first time I'm including country music in my blog and it will not be the last. It is my favorite music genre and the whole country music industry is just an amazing fan to be a part of. I find that country acts get lost in the crowd and people often forget or never discover many of the great talents out there. On my list of country acts that you should be listening too but probably aren't - are some more known and some unknowns. I hope you take the time to go to youtube and take a listen even if you aren't a country music fan because you might surprise yourself!

1.       Love and Theft

Their first single “Runaway” was a top ten hit in 2009, unfortunately, their beautiful and sobering 2^nd single “Word Wide Open” and a personal favorite of mine did not run so well, which would be the start of their label troubles. This band originally started out as a trio but early last year their keyboardist, vocalist and one of their lyricists Brian Bandas left the group to start his own clothing store and take care of his new family. This left Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, of Taylor Swift’s ‘Hey Stephen’ fame, to start over. Eric and Stephen not only had to deal with being a duo but they also had to find a new record label after Lyric Street Records, the same label that housed powerhouse Rascal Flatts, closed its doors. They definitely have had their ups and downs in the past 2 years – with Eric getting married and Stephen penning Martina McBride’s hit “Wrong Baby Wrong” and the song “Kissin’ in Cars” which was included in the major motion picture Country Strong’s soundtrack. The duo is a force to be reckoned with so much talent to grow and share within the industry. In August 2011, it was announced that they signed with RCA Nashville their new single will be out in November, with their sophomore album to follow in 2012. If you haven’t checked out their debut “World Wide Open” album please do it is a contemporary take on classic rock country. They have been one of my favorites since 2009.

Tracks to Download: Don’t Wake Me, Me Without You, Try To Make it Anyway (Stephen’s song about Taylor Swift)

2.       Jerrod Niemann

Jerrod is definitely no stranger to the Nashville music scene. He has written songs with Garth Brooks, Neal McCoy and Jamie Johnson. With his first 2 albums being unsuccessful it seems he has struck gold with his third. His first single “Lover, Lover” off the “Judge Jerrod & the Hung Jury” album went to number 1 and his somber “What Do You Want” sophomore single was in the country top 5. His lastest single, “One More Drinkin’ Song” is quickly approaching the success of its two predecessors.

Tracks to download: The Buckin’ Song, Bakersfield

3.       Eden’s Edge

Eden’s Edge is the new kid on the block to Big Machine Records, the same label that is home to Taylor Swift and now Rascal Flatts, but they quickly spreading their music like wildfire. They are joining Reba McEntire on tour later in 2011 and are currently touring with Brad Paisley. Their current single “Amen” is playing on country radio right now.

4.       Hunter Hayes

19 year old Hunter is relatively new to the country genre. He is Taylor Swift’s opening act for her “Speak Now” tour and is hitting airwaves with his first single “Storm Warning.” Hunter wrote, played every instrument and co-produced the single, I’d say he might become the Justin Bieber of country music. He co-wrote the song “Play” for Rascal Flatts’ “Nothing Like This” album.
Tracks to Download: Storm Warning, Somebody’s Heartbreak, Love Makes Me

5.       Jaron and the Long Road to Love

Jaron is the 2^nd half of the Evan & Jaron band duo from the late ‘90s, you might remember their one hit wonder from 2000 “Crazy For This Girl.” Jaron has come a long way from singing with his twin brother. His “Pray For You” hit was a surprise and embraced by scorned lovers all over the airwaves last year. His album, “Getting Dressed in the Dark” was probably one of my favorites from 2010. Don’t let all my scornful songs scare you off – his love songs are beautiful it is just that the scornful lover ones are my favorite!

Tracks to Download: Happy For You, I Hope You Hit Traffic, Beautiful Lies w/Big Kenny of Big & Rich

Honorable Mentions

Chances are that if you are a pretty avid country music fan or just listen occasionally, you have heard of these 3 artists.

1.       David Nail – He’s been in the music scene for nearly 10 years. But his music is so touching and haunting that anyone can connect with it instantly.

Tracks to download: Mississippi, Turning Home, I’m About to Come Alive

2.       Jake Owen – Jake’s junior album just claimed the number one spot on iTunes’ country albums chart. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet. But his first two albums are frequently visited on my ipod.

Tracks to download: Hard Not to Love You, Something about a Woman, Don’t Think I Can’t Love You, Nothin’ Grows in Shadows, Every Reason I Go Back

3.       Billy Currington – Despite having released four albums, I think Currington remains one of the top country underdogs. He has some of the best love songs “Must Be Doing Something Right” and best anthem songs (and one of my personal favorites, it was my anthem when I was unemployed) “Pretty Good at Drinkin Beer.” He also got more popular from his duet with Shania Twain in 2004 with “Party for Two.”

Tracks to download: Until You, She’s Got A Way With Me, Swimmin In Sunshine, Let Me Down Easy