Better Country KIX 105.7 » Reviews

Kree Harrison, 'All Cried Out' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:14 +0000

They say specificity is the soul of narrative, which would mean Kree Harrison‘s first post-’Idol’ single ‘All Cried Out’ lacks soul, or narrative. The ballad is a showcase for her vocal range and power, but it’s never made clear why the Texan is so bummed. Harrison performed the song during the final performance episode of [...]

George Strait, 'Love Is Everything' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:37 +0000

George Strait steps back in time for his newest release, 'Love Is Everything.' In the past, the singer always found a way to add a touch of contemporary to his traditional sound. There's nothing to separate this from albums he made throughout the '80s and '90s, but that's not necessarily a criticism.

Kellie Pickler, 'Someone Somewhere Tonight' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:05 +0000

Kellie Pickler delivers an inspired performance with a new single called 'Someone Somewhere Tonight.' The song -- originally recorded by Kenny Rogers -- is a soaring ballad that touches a range of emotions. Few will find nothing relatable on the singer's first release from an upcoming album.

Keith Urban, 'Little Bit of Everything' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:18 +0000

Perhaps it should be no surprise that after five months spent judging 'American Idol,' Keith Urban has delivered his most pop-friendly single to date in 'Little Bit of Everything.' The talented singer and guitarist uses tricks in production that a less established singer would be skewered for. The result is a delightful summer jam that's short on nutritional content.

Lauren Alaina, 'Barefoot and Buckwild' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:59 +0000

Meet the new Lauren Alaina. With just a few weeks of her senior year of high school remaining, the singer introduces a grown-up new look, grown-up style and grown-up attitude with her latest single, 'Barefoot and Buckwild.' It's especially difficult to find songs that fit when you're short on life experience, so the one-time 'American Idol' runner-up wrote her own ...

Lady Antebellum, 'Golden' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:00:33 +0000

The best moments on Lady Antebellum's fourth album 'Golden' find Charles Kelley or Hillary Scott singing solo, with minimal help from the other on harmonies. There is no shortage of songs that act as features for the two talented vocalists. The evolution of the trio finds them becoming a dual threat super power instead of a two-headed pop-rock-country group.

Lady Antebellum, 'Goodbye Town' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:19 +0000

Charles Kelley's desperation turns to anger by the end of 'Goodbye Town,' the second single from Lady Antebellum's new 'Golden' album. The song finds the trio working their bread and butter: heartbreak and a yearning for love lost. Sonically, this song forges ahead with fresh production, but it's not quite as exciting as the lead single, 'Downtown.'

Pistol Annies, 'Annie Up' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:00:33 +0000

Strong production keeps 'Annie Up' -- the new album from Pistol Annies -- from being something their debut effort certainly was not: boring. The women thrive among thick, bluesy guitars that moan and wail throughout the 12 cuts. It's a throwback sound that fits the trio as well as the daring outfits they've become known for wearing.

Jana Kramer, 'I Hope It Rains' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:23 +0000

'I Hope It Rains' makes three heartbreaks in three singles for Jana Kramer. The new track from her self-titled debut album is more fun than the bittersweet 'Why Ya Wanna' and catchier than her Top 30 hit 'Whiskey.' The singer finds that sweet spot between revenge and psycho and works the vocals into a potential hit.

Thomas Rhett, 'It Goes Like This' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:00:17 +0000

‘It Goes Like This’ is the safest of the three singles Thomas Rhett has released, but he sacrifices nothing in sharp songwriting in his effort to land a hit on country radio. The charismatic songwriter is a natural storyteller, and his lyrics bounce to life with each verse and chorus. Rhett’s previous two singles didn’t realize their [...]