Review

Jana Kramer, ‘I Hope It Rains’ – Song Review
Jana Kramer, ‘I Hope It Rains’ – Song Review
Jana Kramer, ‘I Hope It Rains’ – Song Review
'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
Thomas Rhett, ‘It Goes Like This’ – Song Review
Thomas Rhett, ‘It Goes Like This’ – Song Review
'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.
Kenny Chesney, ‘Life on a Rock’ – Album Review
Kenny Chesney, ‘Life on a Rock’ – Album Review
Kenny Chesney, ‘Life on a Rock’ – Album Review
Kenny Chesney's 'Life on a Rock' album is as revealing of a record as 'Be as You Are' -- more so in some ways. The songwriting isn't as sharp as the 2005 project (the most closely comparable to 'Life on a Rock' in style and substance), but the experiences are as mixed and honest.
Lee Brice, ‘Parking Lot Party’ – Song Review
Lee Brice, ‘Parking Lot Party’ – Song Review
Lee Brice, ‘Parking Lot Party’ – Song Review
Songs like Lee Brice's new single 'Parking Lot Party' are easy to dismiss. It doesn't pack near as much punch as 'I Drive Your Truck,' but that's far from his intent. The South Carolina-raised singer is looking to add to the tailgate soundtrack, and at this he's successful.
Willie Nelson, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ – Album Review
Willie Nelson, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ – Album Review
Willie Nelson, ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ – Album Review
'Let's Face the Music and Dance' is a great place for a young country music fan to meet Willie Nelson. It won't be his most famous, and it won't create any hit singles. This wonderfully consistent effort proves what longtime fans of the legend already know: At 79 years old (80 on April 30), Nelson is still as important and skilled a vocalist as there is in country music.
Hunter Hayes, ‘I Want Crazy’ – Song Review
Hunter Hayes, ‘I Want Crazy’ – Song Review
Hunter Hayes, ‘I Want Crazy’ – Song Review
In his new song 'I Want Crazy.' Hunter Hayes doesn't soar like Ronnie Dunn or croon like Chris Young. His vocal performance is an exercise in diction -- and memory. Simply put, he packs a ton of words into a tight space without straining or slurring one idea into another. It's not easy.
Album Spotlight: Blake Shelton, ‘Based on a True Story …’ – ToC Critic’s Pick
Album Spotlight: Blake Shelton, ‘Based on a True Story …’ – ToC Critic’s Pick
Album Spotlight: Blake Shelton, ‘Based on a True Story …’ – ToC Critic’s Pick
Women who already think Blake Shelton singing is the sexiest thing since Johnny Castle pulled Baby from the corner may want to take the rest of the week off. The best moments on 'Based on a True Story ...' sizzle, and not in that ironic "bow-chicka-wow-wow" sort of way that's occasionally implied with this singer's sense of humor. Songs like 'Mine Would Be You' are safe to put on any red

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