Release Date: February 9, 2010

If country music was a toolbox and the tools represented the artists, Josh Turner would be the one really unique, but cool, tool that when buried in the cluster, it really stands out above all the rest. While that one tool is really awesome, it hardly gets the use, or air-time, it deserves. Turner’s distinct, deep voice, when combined with either his pop-country songs or his gospel infused album cuts, really give him that desirable feel that is so unique over the rest. In “Haywire”, released Tuesday, Turner continues with what he knows best. Working with songs that fit his voice and persona.

Even with the title “Haywire”, the album is anything but problematic. From the fun “Why Don’t We Just Dance”, the first pre-released single from this album, to the gospel-like “The Answer” all the way down to the deep love songs, only Turner can do best, the album’s 11 plus new tracks are consistent to his style but always unique to the present-day genre we know as country music.

Returning to the hardware reference. Growing up as the son of a carpenter, I’ve learned from my father that it can be rather challenging to build something with only one particular tool. Contrary to this, it’s amazing how Turner can craft a complete album with such a distinct voice as his. Even with those deep vocals, he’s crafted a unique album that manages to draw the listener from the beginning, to the end. -SW

Download Josh Turner’s music on iTunes:
Purchase “Haywire” on Amazon: Haywire [Deluxe Edition]

Video Content: Turner explains the makings of Haywire:

[podcast format="video"]http://countrymusicchicago.com/music-content/turner-haywire-downcast.mov[/podcast]

(iPhone users, watch this video in the “New Music Section”. )

Track Listing [Deluxe Edition]:

1. Why Don’t We Just Dance – HOT
2. I Wouldn’t Be A Man
3. Haywire
4. Your Smile
5. Lovin’ You On My Mind
6. As Fast As I Could
7. I’ll Be There
8. All Over Me
9. Eye Candy
10. Friday Paycheck
11. The Answer
12. This Kind Of Love
13. Let’s Find A Church
14. Long Black Train
15. Your Man

Music Video:

• “Why Don’t We Just Dance” |

On the Web: joshturner.com

Need You Now
By: Lady Antebellum

Release Date: January 26, 2010

Review: coming soon….

Download Lady Antebellum’s Music on iTunes:
Purchase “Need You Now” on Amazon: Need You Now

Track Listing:

1. Need You Now
2. Our Kind Of Love
3. American Honey
4. Hello World
5. Perfect Day
6. Love This Pain
7. When You Got A Good Thing
8. Stars Tonight
9. If I Knew Then
10. Something ‘Bout A Woman
11. Ready To Love Again

On the Web: ladyantebellum.com

Traveling Circus
By: Phil Vassar

Release Date: December 15, 2009

Country music’s piano man, A.K.A Phil Vassar, is set to release his sixth album titled “Traveling Circus” on Tuesday. The album’s title must refer to Vassar’s life as the song layout has a remarkably comfortable “Vassar” feel as his unique songwriting and performing talents are quickly noted.

While the album as a whole quickly impressed me, one particular song really stood out. I immediately knew why and as soon as I saw the co-writer. “Everywhere I Go”, a lost-love song, was co-written by Vassar and singer/songwriter Jeffrey Steele. Lost relationship songs seem to be something Steele has a knack for.

Download Phil Vassar’s Music on iTunes:
Pre-Order “Traveling Circus” on Amazon: Traveling Circus

Track Listing:

1. Life
2. Lemonade
3. Everywhere I Go – HOT
4. John Wayne
5. Tequila Town
6. Bobbi With An I
7. She’s On Her Way
8. A Year From Now
9. Save Tonight For Me
10. I Will Remember You
11. Where Have All The Pianos Gone

Watch “Everywhere I Go” on GAC.

On the Web: philvassar.com

“Gold and Green”
By: Sugarland

Release Date: October 13, 2009

Sugarland has released holiday tracks in the past but this album is the duo’s first full holiday collection. When I first learned they would be releasing a full-fledged holiday album I immediately looked to see if the track, “Little Wood Guitar” would be included as it has become a holiday favorite for me. (Ok, I do listen to it year round, I’ll be honest.)

Recommend: Also check out their latest music video release “Keep You”.

Download Sugarland’s music on iTunes:
Purchase “Gold and Green” on Amazon: Gold and Green

Track Listing:

1. City Of Silver Dreams*
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Holly Jolly Christmas
4. Coming Home*
5. Gold And Green*
6. Maybe Baby (New Year’s Day)*
7. Nuttin’ For Christmas
8. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
9. Little Wood Guitar*
10. Silent Night

* Original songs co-written by Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.

[podcast format="video"]http://music.countrymusicchicago.com/video/sugarlandchristmas.mov[/podcast]

On the Web: sugarlandmusic.com

Doin’ My Thing
By: Luke Bryan

Release Date: October 6, 2009

“Doin’ My Thing” is Luke Bryan’s follow-up to his debut album “I’ll Say Me” released in 2007. Since then, Bryan has enjoyed the early successes of his career with “All My Friends Say” , “Country Man” and one of my personal favorites, “We Rode In Trucks.” Now, with his latest single from the new album, this Georgia-born artist proves he can do slow love songs with the single “Do I”.

Catch Luke Bryan at Joe’s Bar on October 13.

Download Luke Bryan music on iTunes:
Purchase “Doin’ My Thing” on Amazon: Doin’ My Thing

Track Listing:

1. Rain Is A Good Thing
2. Doin’ My Thing
3. Do I – HOT |
4. What Country Is
5. Someone Else Calling You Baby
6. Welcome To The Farm
7. Apologize
8. Every Time I See You
9. Chuggin’ Along
10. I Did It Again
11. Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets

Discography

• I’ll Stay Me (2007) |

On the Web:  lukebryan.com

“This project is really not a departure from the music I’ve always recorded,” said Lawrence in a prepared statement. “The music is still in the same vein but the messages are little more moving. It’s a powerful combination that I think will touch a piece of everyone’s heart.”

While “The Rock” might not contest with today’s typical chart movers, its spiritual undertone is what some would consider part of country music’s foundation.

The time was right artistically, emotionally and spiritually, Lawrence explained, his life and career experiences helped shape this album.

It’s not every day an artist produces and releases an album like “The Rock.” You might find a hidden track in an album or two but with Lawrence’s album, listeners have the opportunity to truly connect, in multiple ways, with the artist and hopefully be inspired. In the challenging times we face, most would agree we all could use a little faith and inspiration.

“The Rock” was co-produced by Lawrence and Julian King and features Lawrence’s road band. To find out where to purchase “The Rock”, visit tracylawrence.com.

Download “The Rock” bonus track verson on iTunes:  

CMC Rating: Must Have

Sugarland did it again with their latest album, Love on the Inside. Following the duo’s last release, Enjoy the Ride, Sugarland keeps getting better and stronger with each album. In their third album, Jennifer Nettles, the band’s lead singer and Kristin Bush, the lead guitarist, are starting to bring their own signature and style to country music that is being well received. With hints of country, rock and bluegrass, Love on the Inside will have listeners begging for more.

CMC’s favorite song: Already Gone

Download it on iTunes: