Carrie Underwood - Missed Opportunities

Carrie Underwood is hands down one of my favourite vocalists of all time. She has the power I look for and the country tone that takes me back to Nashville (I have never been to Nashville physically). She alone takes up most of my iPhone playlist; I have 372 songs that have all been meticulously chosen and Carrie is 39 of them! May not sound like a grand statement - but it is! She holds a very dear place in my heart, I can relate to a lot of her music and also it supplies the one thing I find necessary when listening to music - can I mime to it and pretend I am in a dramatic music video, and yes I can, she delivers like no one else.

However a lot of her songs do not got any attention and I find that incredibly sad, not just for the population, but for me aswell! I want to be able to watch live performances and see music videos for all of her songs; but just like the rest of the music world she only chooses to release around 5-6 of the songs from each album! I WANT MORE!

So as I do, I have a problem and I have found a solution. The missed opportunities compilation album. This can purely be a selection of her greatest non hits or even (and I type this with shaking excitement) a video album! I have selected the 10 songs for the album so Carrie doesn't have to - you're welcome. Also I have named the album 'Relapse' after one of my chosen songs. Also the latin definition for relapse is to 'slip back' - kind of perfect for this style of album don't you think. 

So let us get this track list underway.

1. Relapse - From the album 'Storyteller'

I may be jumping the gun here because this song is on her most current album so there may still be time, however this may be the push she needs to release this single! I can't lose. 

2. Lessons Learned - From the album 'Some Hearts'

An amazing motivational song. Basically every knock you get in life you should appreciate them, because they are (wait for it...) lessons learned.

3. Flat On The Floor - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

This is a toe tapper if I ever heard one! It is about trying to get out of a terrible relationship. Although if you want to get deep it could possibly be about trying to escape an abusive relationship - but I might be reading too much in to it, I do that sometimes. 

4. Forever Changed - From the album 'Blown Away'

This a tear jerker. Emotional doesn't come close to how this song will make you feel. It is a song about a loved one losing their memory as they gets older. I want to assume dementia but it doesn't mention anything. So sad, so beautifully sung.

5. Change - From the album 'Play On'

A nice song to make you feel guilty for not giving to charity. A real thinker to make you evaluate your life choices.  

6. Cupid's Got A Shotgun - From the album 'Blown Away'

A fun country ditty about avoiding Cupid basically. Love that she sings about shooting Cupid herself, that pure nugget just wants love in this world!

7. We're Young and Beautiful - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A beautiful little love song about enjoying life whilst they are young and beautiful basically. It is just a nice, easy listening, sweet song; and we don't get much of them these days.

8. Get Out of This Town - From the album 'Carnival Ride'

One of my favourite type of songs are ones about escape. I love the idea of one day packing my bag and just running. Not in a depressing way, more just to see what else is out there. This song hits that feeling on the head.

9. Starts With Goodbye - From the album 'Some Hearts'

A song about the pain of having to say goodbye, having to leave something behind or even been left behind. So sad, but uplifting at the same time - something Carrie is an expert at doing.

10. Someday When I Stop Loving You - From the album 'Play On'

A very typical country song (that isn't a bad thing), a nice simple music track with some beautiful vocals. Quite heartbreaking to hear her singing about trying get over a break up.

 

Bonus Track

Mexico - From the album 'Storyteller'

I just really love this song right now, up there with 'Relapse' as one my favourites from the new album. Made it a bonus track because she needs to release it as a single yesterday! She could also re-record it and release it as a sequel to 'Something Bad' with fellow country goddess Miranda Lambert. 

There you go Carrie, Carrie's management and Carrie's Record label; I have done all the hard work for you. You have your cover and your tracklist. You already own the songs so just put them together, make me 11 music videos and I will move on. I need to move on. 

My American Country Music Awards 2015

Last night was the big 50th Annual American Country Music Awards! That's right it was the big 5-0. The Kings and Queens of country put on their sunday best and hot footed it to the AT&T Stadium in Texas. It was a night of amazing performances, shocking guests and award after award after award. Speaking of awards I of course have an opinion, some people should have won and some were just damn right snubbed. So I have picked my winners, and if any of the losers see this and have won in this list - well done, you freaking deserved it.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Garth Brooks
- Luke Bryan
- Miranda Lambert
- Florida Georgia

Luke Bryan won on the night, and I totally understand as he does entertain the masses. He is country's darling right now and can't seem to do much wrong. However I feel Miranda Lambert was robbed. Her album (Platinum) is perfect, she always puts on a show and when it comes to entertaining I know who I would prefer to see live.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean
- Dierks Bentley
- Luke Bryan
- Eric Church
- Brad Paisley
- Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean took away the award last night and huge congrats to him. I thought Blake Shelton might have won this award, he has much more mass appeal thanks in large parts to The Voice. I also think Hunter Hayes was snubbed, I absolutely loved his song 'Invisible', it was a refreshing change to hear a male country artist to song from the view of teenagers who are struggling.

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Miranda Lambert - Automatic
- Florida Georgia Line - Dirt
- Dierks Bentley - Drunk On A Plane
- Lee Brice - I Don't Dance

Lee Brice won and I understand, it is a beautiful heartfelt song - some argue that it isn't country but I don't think that country has the same guidelines as it used to, and it is starting to have more influence from other genres and I applaud that. From this category I was championing Miranda, it is a lovely song and probably the only one I would listen to on repeat from this list. However there was major snubs for this category, Little Big Town 'Girl Crush', The Band Perry 'Gentle on my Mind' and Carrie Underwood 'Something in the Water' to name a few.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
- Brandy Clark
- Miranda Lambert
- Martina McBride
- Kacey Musgrave
- Carrie Underwood

Miranda won this one and I completely agree, she is the reigning Queen after all. Her album exploded and she never falters. I would have liked Carrie to have won aswell as she has the vocal chops that not many have ever had. I would have liked a few more women get a nod this year like Jennifer Nettles, Kira Isabella and Ashley Monroe.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Jason Aldean - Old Boots, New Dirt
- Little Big Town - Pain Killer
- Miranda Lambert - Platinum
- Dierks Bentley - Riser
- Eric Church - The Outsiders

Miranda won again and rightly so, this album is (I've said it before and I will say it again) country perfection. I probably am not the one to judge this category as I haven't even heard the other albums on the list, but that might speak volumes in itself - because I don't intend to either, nothing is pulling me to them. Except one. I really need to hear Little Big Town's latest record, really loving what they have done in the last couple of years.

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Lady Antebellum
- Little Big Town
- Rascal Flatts
- The Band Perry
- Zac Brown Band

Little Big Town won this one and I was happy with that. I actually wish this could have been broken and thrown to a few people Cady Heron style. Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry also could have deservedly won this award. I guess their Grammy's will just have to keep them company instead.

SONG OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Miranda Lambert - Automatic
- Luke Bryan - Drink A Beer
- Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow
- Eric Church - Give Me Back My Hometown
- Dierks Bentley - I Hold On

Once again I do not 100% understand the difference between song of the year and single record of the year, and even more confusingly they had different winners. This time Miranda took the prize. Yay. She is exactly who I would have picked from the list, but I would have easily been as happy if Kacey took the prize. Again there was a lot of snubs but I understand they had to whittle it down to this six.

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
- Brothers Osborne
- Dan + Shay
- Florida Georgia Line
- Maddie & Tae
- The Swon Brothers

Florida Georgia Line won this one. I would have liked Maddie and Tae to win. They made a bold choice this year and released a song that kind of attacks the sexism in country music so for them to win would have been a great big statement from the academy.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Kenny Chesney - American Kids
- Keith Urban - Cop Car
- Dierks Bentley - Drunk On A Plane
- Glen Campbell - I'm Not Gonna Miss You
- Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood - Somethin' Bad

Dierks Bentley took home the gold last night, its a cute video but I didn't feel like it was award worthy. For me there was two other worthy winners and for very different reasons. Glen Campbell's video never fails to choke me up. It's basically clips of Glen's life as he suffers with alzheimer's. Miranda and Carrie's video was this high budget, balls to the wall video showing them as two criminals stealing from the bank and back alley poker tournaments, before looking damn good walking on to their private plane. They never looked better.

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
- Lonely Tonight - Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe
- Meanwhile Back At Mama's - Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill
- Somethin' Bad - Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood
- The South - The Cadillac Three featuring Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley, & Mike Eli
- This Is How We Roll - Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan

Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan took the prize this year. Carrie and Miranda were extremely snubbed. They tear the roof off the place whenever they perform this song, it has much more mass appeal and everyone loves a foot stomping good time. The idea behind this song was an event all on its own, get two of the biggest voices in country music together, make a flawless video and a perfect song - genius.

So those were my choices and I may have seem a tad biased, but I am not going to apologise - Miranda Lambert is God's gift to country music. Her performance on the night cemented that fact. Other highlights for me were Christina Aguilera (yep, she was there), Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift's Mum and Taylor probably receiving her final ever country award. My ultimate highlight was Little Big Town's performance. It was a simple performance, no bells or whistles. I was so happy they decided to play this song and another one of their hits. They sang 'Girl Crush' and if you know much about country music than you know the controversy around this song. It has been banned by a country radio station for "promoting the gay agenda." First of all this is ridiculous, if they even listened to the song once they would know it was about been jealous of a woman because she has the man she wants! Secondly, I am a gay man -  WE HAVE NO AGENDA!

My Grammy Predictions (and wants)

It is that time of year again, it is time for my 3rd favourite awards show! I love the Grammys because I love music and I want to see all these amazing artists and creators get celebrated for all their hard work the last 12 months. There has of course been a few snubs and a few surprises. What I am going to do is pick who I want to win the categories I will be watching out for as well as pick who I think will win (unfortunately they rarely match).

RECORD OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

All About That Bass
Meghan Trainor

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

Don't get me wrong I will always support the fellow Brit at these award shows but for me the wonder from down under just had the best song of the year. She allowed art to become a focus of her music and I will always admire that. The video had everyone talking and the song is one that we all have tried to scream out loud whilst bouncing around our bedroom in our nude onesie, or maybe that was just me.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR - Nominees

Morning Phase
Beck

Beyoncé
Beyoncé

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Girl
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Beyonce
Who I think will win - Ed

Once again my British pride had to take a step back. As much as I enjoyed Ed's and Sam's albums, I couldn't turn my back on Queen Bey. Her album was a huge step forward from her previous work, she experimented and to me it seemed like she has finally done what she wants to do, without input from anyone - so kudos to her. Also one of my favourite songs of the year came from this album (Heaven).

SONG OF THE YEAR - Nominees

All About That Bass
Kevin Kadish & Meghan Trainor, songwriters (Meghan Trainor)

Chandelier
Sia Furler & Jesse Shatkin, songwriters (Sia)

Shake It Off
Max Martin, Shellback & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith, songwriters (Sam Smith)

Take Me To Church
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, songwriter (Hozier)

Who I want to win - Hozier
Who I think will win - Meghan Trainor

I am still not sure how this category differs from 'Record of the Year' but I digress. For me Hozier knocked it out of the park with this song, it is dark and haunting with way too many catchy lyrics than any song should have. It is also one of the few songs I haven't gotten bored of yet. I do however think Meghan will win, the song was a huge success, it created a new catchphrase and it empowered a lot of people; and the melody is just too darn catchy.

BEST NEW ARTIST - Nominees

Iggy Azalea

Bastille

Brandy Clark

Haim

Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Haim
Who I think will win - Sam Smith

This category was a tough one to call because it crosses quite a few genres. Brandy Clark definitely has the country vote and there is no denying she could follow in the footsteps of Kacey Musgraves. Bastille created one of my favourite songs (Pompeii) and Sam Smith just exploded on to the scene this year. However I want Haim to win so bad, I saw them live this year and they were incredible, they are only going to get bigger with the 1989 Tour with Taylor. We have waited a while for a second album from them so hopefully this gives them the push to get it out.

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

All Of Me (Live)
John Legend

Chandelier
Sia

Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)
Sam Smith

Shake It Off
Taylor Swift

Happy (Live)
Pharrell Williams

Who I want to win - Sia
Who I think will win - Sia or John Legend

Sia has to win this one, her vocals are insane and on every live performance you can hear her straining her voice to reach the perfect note. I fell in love with song after the first listen purely because I am a sucker for an amazing powerful  strong vocal. I think John could be a contender because of the pure emotion that seeps out with every word. It is a love song sang by a man in love, there's no sweeter sound.

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE -  Nominees

Fancy
Iggy Azalea Featuring Charli XCX

A Sky Full Of Stars
Coldplay

Say Something
A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

Bang Bang
Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj

Dark Horse
Katy Perry Featuring Juicy J

Who I want to win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Who I think will win - A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera

This song is just simply stunning. It is sung with such an effortless that emotes every feeling the singers have when singing this song. It makes little children cry for God's sake. Christina doesn't Christina all over it because it didn't need it. Its a simple song with a depressing message - magic. It would be nice for Jessie J to win though, she deserves some recognition and celebration.

BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM - Nominees

Ghost Stories
Coldplay

Bangerz
Miley Cyrus

My Everything
Ariana Grande

Prism
Katy Perry

X
Ed Sheeran

In The Lonely Hour
Sam Smith

Who I want to win - Miley Cyrus
Who I think will win - Ed or Sam

I don't think it's an unfair statement to say that the British Boys ruled the music charts this year the world round. So it would be a fair assumption one of them will win this category. However I really want Miley to win, I don't know if it is because I was a Disney kid in my youth or the fact that I actually liked this album. It was a good mix of pop and hip hop and 90's nostalgia. She experimented and definitely set her own tone.

BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Give Me Back My Hometown
Eric Church

Invisible
Hunter Hayes

Automatic
Miranda Lambert

Something In The Water
Carrie Underwood

Cop Car
Keith Urban

Who I want to win - Carrie Underwood
Who I think will win - Miranda Lambert

I will feel like a winner either way because I love both these broads. I will never get over Miranda's albums, they are my go to choices. I just think Carrie may have beaten her to the punch with this song. Carrie's vocals are flawless. She nails every note and it seriously knocks me out. I do this weird thing where if a song hits me, or a note is perfect I will raise my arms in the air as if I am reaching for Jesus - I held my arms up for 4 minutes straight for 'Something in the Water'.

BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE - Nominees

Gentle On My Mind
The Band Perry

Somethin' Bad
Miranda Lambert With Carrie Underwood

Day Drinking
Little Big Town

Tim McGraw Featuring Faith Hill
Track from: Sundown Heaven Town

Raise 'Em Up
Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church

Who I want to win - Miranda and Carrie
Who I think will win - Little Big Town

I have mad love for all the nominees in this category but I have to give it to Miranda and Carrie. This song is a foot stomping, table slapping good time. It's country, it's rock, it is just balls to the wall fun. I do think Little Big Town will win this though, they got a lot of love from country award shows around America for it and it is such a good song, real chill and laid back.

BEST COUNTRY ALBUM -  Nominees

Riser
Dierks Bentley

The Outsiders
Eric Church

12 Stories
Brandy Clark

Platinum
Miranda Lambert

The Way I'm Livin'
Lee Ann Womack

Who I want to win - Miranda
Who I think will win -Miranda

There is no competition for me, she is the best country has to offer right now. The album is country perfection. Her story telling is unrivalled. Her voice is indisputable. Her skills are unmatched. Give her all the awards. Jeez I love Miranda.

Here are some others that I hope win

BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

BEST URBAN CONTEMPORARY ALBUM - 

Beyonce - Beyonce

BEST RAP/SUNG COLLABORATION - 

Eminem Feat. Rihanna

BEST COUNTRY SONG - 

Miranda Lambert - Automatic

BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

The Grand Budapest Hotel

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA - 

Let It Go -Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, songwriters (Idina Menzel)

BEST MUSIC VIDEO - 

Sia - Chandelier

There are 82 categories this year so hopefully I will be happy with some of them. Phew that was a big post, thanks for sticking around if you did. My main predictions will be that it will be a good night for Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, however Taylor Swift and Iggy Azaelia won't be taking any gold wear away with them unfortunately. But every one will have fun and isn't that what its all about?!

My Own Personal Top 10

What I am about to do is highly personal, some may say too personal. It is going to reveal a part of me that us, as a society, often don't want to show of ourselves. It is 'My Top 10 Most Played Songs'. You may be pulling a face that reads 'who cares', but let me ask you this, are you willing to share the songs that you and only you listen to over and over again? The music that you blast through those two little ear buds, secure in the knowledge no one else can hear and in the comfort of knowing that your own personal soundtrack is following you through life. We all have those guilty pleasures that we don't feel the need to tell people, but today I am taking a stand and breaking the boundaries that we have put ourselves behind. I am revealing my Top 10.

1. The Veronicas - You Ruin Me (Played 213 times)
This is the brand spanking new song from the aussie twins. I love it and when I love something I love it hard - playing it over 200 times in a matter of weeks. It is a heartbreaking song about been betrayed  by the one you love. I melt for a depressing song.

2. Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water (Played 190 times)
Country? Check. Gospel? Check. A choir? Check. Carrie's flawless vocals? Double check. I don't expect anything less than perfection from this county bumpkin. This song could quite possibly be my new miming-like-I-can-belt-a-song-out song. A song about finding God, not usually a topic for my music but this song hit me. Praise Jesus.

3. Glee Cast - How Will I Know (Played 154 times)
Yes, judge away - I like the music of Glee. This one is special as it was sung completely acapella in a tribute episode to the late, great Whitney Houston. Amazingly showcased the vocals of the four stars of the show. It is one of those special songs that I just really enjoy hearing.

4. Pistol Annies - Unhappily Married (Played 150 times)
I do enjoy a depressing song, but maybe just maybe I think I love an angry song even more. There is something about hearing bitterness and insults through music that just gets to me. This songs talks from the viewpoint of an unsatisfied wife, it is funny, witty and serious all in one.

5. Jessica Bassett - Lydia (Played 146 times)
I was shocked myself when I saw how many times I had played this song. I first heard it on an American Idol audition - I don't even watch the show! For some reason I clicked on this audition. At first I thought it was just the music they play over the auditionee when they are talking - turned out it was the audition. Her voice is so soothing and the song is a beautiful letter to her best friend.

6. Pistol Annies - I Feel a Sin coming on (Played 145 times)
These country cuties made the list again. This is the first song off their second album. Miranda Lambert opens the song with her flawless voice. Its a slow tempo song, mainly just finger clicking for the music. I can't tell you why I love it because I don't know. I just do goddamnit.

7. Colbie Caillat - Breakeven (Played 140 times)
This is the beautiful Colbie doing a cover of The Script's 'Breakeven'. And I am sorry to the Irish lads but I love this version so much more! A song about heartbreak after a break up. She mixes it with 'Fast Car' by Tracey Chapman just to knock the nail on the head. If I had to audition for a talent show (and could sing) this would be my choice.

8. Glee Cast - Season's Of Love (Played 139 times)
Another Glee song. I don't care. This was the opening song on the episode where we discovered Finn had died. Cried like a baby from the first second. Taken from the musical Rent and given the Glee treatment, with Amber Riley's perfect vocals it just sent shivers down my spine. It's so beautifully sad, made even worse by the fact that this cast was saying goodbye to an actual cast mate.

9. Beyonce - Heaven (Played 136 times)
Quite possibly one of the saddest songs in existence. I don't think we have ever had a confirmed explanation for this song - but I don't think we need one. That's the magic of music, we make our own stories to fit the songs. This a truly heartbreaking song about loss. I like sad music, so this is one of my go-to songs.

10. OneRepublic - Preacher (Played 132 times)
Another choir! God, I love them. I have a theory that I may have expressed before - every song sounds better with a choir. I fell in love with this song the second I heard it, so I never stopped listening to it. The whole album is amazing, but this is the jewel in the crown for me.

So this list was quite revealing in a couple of ways. It definitely revealed me as lover of depressing and angsty songs. I don't know what the pull is there but I truly enjoy them more than any other type of song. Also the numbers were quite a lot higher than I imagined they would be, I may need to venture out in to new music, getting stuck in my ways. I am willing to take suggestions.

New Obsessions

My life seems to be one obsession after another, I quickly get bored and move on. New things come into my life and I suck them dry for all their worth. I am pretty sure by the end of this post I will have a new obsession I move on that quick. However for now (May 26th) I will talk about some things that are rocking my world.

The Office US

I have mentioned this show in a previous post, I am in love with it. In the space of discovering it a few months ago I have watched every episode at least 3 times. I never thought I would love a show as much as I love this again. My favourite characters are Jim and Pam for reasons I have previously mentioned, but with such an eclectic group of characters I am constantly entertained.

RuPaul's Drag Race - Season 6

I am in love with this show, it basically encapsulates everything I love in a reality show. This season did not disappoint, it may have even upped the stakes a touch. Never before have I struggled with picking a favourite, normally there is a stand out who I support all the way. With this season out of the final three I didn't mind who won. I was so happy for Bianca and I know we will see a lot more from Adore and Courtney. I do have a bit of a crush on Adore so I will be keeping an eye out for her.

Veep
Julia Louis-Dreyfus never disappoints, she can't do any wrong in my eyes; in real life as with her character choices. This show doesn't sound like something I would normally like - its about American politics. I barely know what is happening with British politics (shamefully). However I decided to watch this because of Julia and boy am I glad I did. It is absolutely hilarious, Julia plays Vice President Selina Meyers. Selina never wanted to be Veep and has her eyes firmly set on the Presidents chair. With her not giving a shit attitude and amazing supporting cast I am hooked.

Frasier
It was a slow afternoon one day so I went to my bestie (Netflix) and looked for something to do and their it was; Frasier. I remember this show from my youth and always had a chuckle so I thought why not watch it from the beginning again. Beyond happy I did, its like a whole new sitcom has been released for me. I don't remember anything really from the first time round so its all new jokes and scenarios. I am in love with Frasier and Nile's eccentricities, Daphne's naivety and Roz's quick wit. I feel all grown up watching this show now, I think I am finally appreciating adult comedy.

Big Brother Canada 2
I can't begin to tell you how much better this setup is better than the British equivalent. Yes we have the amazing and beautiful Emma Willis to present ours, but thats the only part we are winning in (not to put down the Canadian presenter, its just I have a big love for Emma). The housemates were all great, love them or hate them. With their setup its 100% more of a game, its all strategy. You will hear '... for my game' endlessly, and you have to respect it - it is a literal competition. When it came to winning I wanted Neda to win, but she got bested by her partner in crime - but John was a very deserving winner.

Music
Sia - Chandelier
Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover
Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood - Something Bad
Lady Antebellum - Bartender
The Fault in Our Stars Soundtrack
Lily Allen - Sheezus

Just a Country Boy

I love country music. There I said it. I am not ashamed. In England the country fan is hard to find, well at least one that is willing to admit it. Unfortunately country music is not considered 'cool'. I do not know why. When I tell people that I like country its as if I told them I like knitting little wool friends. 

The beauty I find in country music is that every song is like a story. There is an emotion that is pushed through that connects you to the song. Okay that might have been a bit deep for a description of a music genre, but I don't know how to describe it. I am a huge fan of depressing music and country is all over it like white on rice. There is a certain twang that country singers have and I love it and often try to copy, pretty sure I'm close to nailing it. 

Some of my favourite country songs are :

Miranda Lambert - Over You

Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels

Hunter Hayes - I Want Crazy

Lady Antebellum - Wanted You More

Carrie Underwood - Too many to mention (2 Black Cadillacs, Temporary Home, Before He Cheats)

Sugarland - Stay

Kellie Pickler - I Wonder

Kacey Musgraves - Blowing Smoke

The Band Perry - Better Dig Two

Dixie Chicks - Not Ready To Make Nice

Taylor Swift - Any song she has ever sang

Martina McBride - Concrete Angel (Prepare to sob)

Rascall Flatts - Stand, What Hurts the Most

Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman

Dolly Parton - 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colours

Fleetwood Mac - Songbird, Landslide

Give them a listen, I'm not saying its the definitive list but they are some of my favourites and some of the more current ones. If you are unfortunate to have the stereotype of country music listeners in your mind, I'll just let you know now - I don't own any cowboy boots.