Better Country KIX 105.7 » Review

Trace Adkins (Feat. Colbie Caillat), 'Watch the World End' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:00:42 +0000

There’s an intentional darkness that lingers over Trace Adkins‘ new single ‘Watch the World End,’ a duet with pop singer Colbie Caillat. It’s an effective love song that also succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the apocalypse. The ballad is both heartwarming and terrifying. Tempo, arrangement and performance all add to the details Adkins [...]

Thompson Square, 'Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking About' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:00:54 +0000

It’s back to basics for Thompson Square. The duo’s new single ‘Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About’ is a no-tricks, easy-to-embrace love song that finds the married couple having a conversation as comfortable as, “What’s for dinner?” That simple back and forth is what made ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ such a huge [...]

Jason Aldean, 'Night Train' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:00:17 +0000

Back country roads are becoming crowded this summer, with Jason Aldean's 'Night Train' the latest to take a girl and a fifth of something to a secret spot. The title track from this singer's most recent album stands out above many of the rest, however. It's a rare Aldean vocal showcase that uses a train to put a slightly different spin on this story.

Dustin Lynch, 'Wild in Your Smile' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 29 May 2013 19:00:10 +0000

'Wild in Your Smile,' Dustin Lynch's third single from his self-titled debut album, is another vocal showcase for the 28-year-old Tennessee native. The song is a fan favorite, one many liked for the followup to 'She Cranks My Tractor.' As Lynch hashes out a familiar story, his confidence is both reliable and charming.

Dierks Bentley (Feat. Kacey Musgraves), 'Bourbon in Kentucky' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 28 May 2013 20:30:37 +0000

Dierks Bentley breaks from his longtime producer Brett Beavers to record his new single 'Bourbon in Kentucky.' Sonically, the song is more experimental than anything the Batman and Robin duo put together. Beavers and Bentley's best work shook like a rattlesnake or pierced deep into the veins with a heartbreaking poison capable of inducing painful flashbacks of past relationships. Few have been as successful over the past decade.

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 ...