CountryChart #1 for Country Music Charts

Beauty, brains and talent collide on the breakthrough debut album "Goddess" from Shawna Russell. This Oklahoma native has been singing since age 7, and her professionalism and raw vocal skills are evident on every track of this sensational project. Good debut albums from female country artists are remarkably rare these days, and Shawna Russell has pulled out all the stops to craft an album that pulsates with passion and raw emotion. The track "The Only One" gives romantic hope to people who have been rejected by a lover, and the sincere and powerful vocal performance by Russell makes this song a winner. One of the best cuts on the album is "Shed A Tear." This military-inspired anthem, co-written by Shawna Russell, presents a compelling story about a female soldier going off to war. It is a highly successful track that should be of great comfort to soldiers and their families. The current single, "Should've Been Born With Wheels" is an...

Take a little Bonnie Raitt, throw in a heaping handful of Janis Joplin along with a dash of Wynonna Judd and you've got Carolyn Wonderland, the amazingly talented Austin, Texas-based singer who has created a country, rock, soul and blues masterpiece with "Miss Understood." Carolyn Wonderland is a musical genius. The powerful intensity of her vocal performance is without equal in the music business today, and her confident proficiency on the guitar is a revelation of musical bliss. To top it all off, Carolyn Wonderland has another unique talent - she can whistle with perfect pitch. Yes, Carolyn Wonderland aims to use every ounce of the musical talent God bestowed on her. The best song on "Miss Understood" is the passionate country ballad "Bad Girl Blues." It is here that Wonderland allows listeners to glimpse the deep feelings from her soul. Her vocal performance is flawless, and this song deserves to be a major country music chart hit. Moreover, ...

Terri Hendrix is no shrinking violet. She is a talent powerhouse and a mighty savvy businessperson as well. But in the end, it's all about the music. Thankfully, that's what Terri Hendrix does best, and her new album "Left Over Alls" is a testament to good country music vocals and skilled instrumentation. The 13 songs on the "Left Over Alls" collection are fully representative of the depths Terri Hendrix's soul and her passion for good music. This collection is so diverse for a reason: "Left Over Alls," as the title suggests, includes old and new songs Hendrix had been saving that had never made it onto one of her many albums. One of the most pleasing songs on "Left Over Alls" is the self-penned second cut, "Wallet" which perfectly blends her vocals with Henrix's always perfect instrumental skills. It must be said that Terri Hendrix is one of the best musicians working today. Her skill with the harmonica, acoustic gu...

Christen Lee Sawyer is a 20-year-old woman on a mission: She wants to become a country star. And Christen Lee Sawyer's new single, "Crazy," shows that she is well on her way. Christen, who writes many of her own songs and hails from Sugar Land, Texas, is a sophomore at Texas A&M majoring in economics. But her true passion is music. This passion took her to Nashville to record a 3-song EP titled "The Sampler" that includes the single she wrote titled "Crazy." Christen Lee Sawyer said her major musical influences are Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Eli Young Band, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and Faith Hill. Like her taste in music, Sawyer's style blends today's country with a little Texas country that makes her unique for new, country female artists. In her single "Crazy," Sawyer sings with a relaxed country tone combined with a little Miranda Lambert attitude. It's a good combination. And with the right songs and ca...

Bluegrass fans need to sit up and take notice: Nell Robinson's debut album was no fluke.This is conclusively proven by the fascinating talent on display in Robinson's sophomore release "Nell Robinson On The Brooklyn Road," which establishes the artist as a force to be reckoned with in roots music. The album begins with the first full track "Woe Is Me," which has a charming bluegrass flavor mixed with elements of gospel. However, it is the folk cut "Mayflies" where Robinson's talent truly shines. The biggest surprise on the album is the joyous sing-a-long song "Don't Light My Fire." This track has radio chart potential. The sincere "Wahatchee" has a cool Dolly Parton meets Loretta Lynn vibe that works. "Wahatchee" is by far the best song on the album, and Robinson's voice has never sounded better. The classic "I Saw The Light" is given a fresh coat of paint with Robinson's terrific inte...

Life isn't fair. That's what competing female country singers must think when they see and hear Shelly Rann perform for the first time. The talented singer-songwriter has a pure country voice that other singers can only dream about, and she puts her talent on full display with the new album "Afterwords." The first cut "Lotta Love" is both sultry and smooth and showcases Rann's amazing voice. However, the title track "Afterwords" is even better, and the ballad is a beautiful representation of contemporary country music that can be enjoyed by hardcore country fans and mainstream audiences as well. The upbeat "I'm All Over That" may be Rann's best chance for country radio chart hit, and the melodic chorus is both memorable and hummable. By far the best song on the album is the pleading "Unloved," which offers an authentic vocal performance by Shelly Rann and is later revisited at the end of the album. The traditi...

The nature-loving San Gabriel, California country girl named Gwendolyn is best described by one simple word: refreshing. With the current crop of over-produced country music fare, it is exhilarating and indeed comforting to hear an artist like Gwendolyn, who lets her voice be the star of the show on her stimulating new album "Bright Light." Much of Gwendolyn's charm is derived from her pure country voice that has an air of innocence. "Bright Light" begins with the appropriately titled "Discover Me." However, it is the stunning vocal performance on the title track "Bright Light" that will begin to truly entice listeners to yearn for more. The catchy-melodic track is perfectly produced by Ethan Allen (Patty Griffin). The country quotient rises considerably with the interestingly-titled "Tater Tots And Whiskey Shots," a song that would make legends of country proud. The next cut "Shake A Leg" may be the album's best...

If Taylor Swift had a talented cousin, she could definitely be named Katie Quick. The artist's new album "Valley Between Love" could easily find crossover success, such as the kind enjoyed by the female vocalists of Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. Indeed, "quick" might soon prove to be the operative word as she could have a meteoric rise on the country charts. The meaty 14 song, almost 56-minute album begins with the pop country anthem "On My Own" and is followed by the country track "Valley Between Love," which offers elements of traditional country and country gospel. "Best In Me" is a soaring cut that shows Quick's beautiful vocal gift, and it could be a major hit with some slight production adjustments. The biggest surprise on the album is "Chicago Summer Nights" which is by far the best song of the entire album. The song is sung with a quiet confidence that will tug at the heart. "Make You Mine...

Singer-songwriter Susan Gibson may be a name that is unfamiliar, but you have definitely heard her music ("Wide Open Spaces" performed by the Dixie Chicks). However, Gibson makes the job of music critic very difficult on her terrific new album "Tightrope," which is a surprisingly heartfelt trip through the life of Susan Gibson. The album begins with the beautiful "Evergreen" that is performed with a quiet intensity by Gibson and sparse instrumentation that perfectly suits the track. The chorus of "Hope Diamond" hits the musical sweet spot, and "It's Raining Outside Today, Horray!" shows a more soulful side of Gibson. However, Gibson's true talent shines through most on songs like the title track "Tightrope," which is performed with confidence and ease. The song's lyrics are both thought provoking and accessible. No easy feat. The best song on the album is "Lonely When You Cry" which mixes nuanced...

New Zealand native Jackie Bristow has a uniquely wonderful country music voice, and her album "Freedom" proves that while she was not born in her new home of Austin, Texas - she definitely belongs in the Lone Star state. The title track "Freedom" leads off the album with a superb vocal performance by Bristow. However, the backing vocals get a bit tiresome with the background singers' too loud and seemingly endless chant of "freedom." The passionate "Running" showcases the best elements of Jackie Bristow with the song's sultry chorus and instrumentation. "Pray For Love" slightly more effectively uses background vocals in a track that has all the elements for a radio chart hit. However, it is the quiet "River" which provides Bristow's best musical moment and is the album's best song. Everything about it is perfect - except for the slightly too prominent backing vocals that distract from Bristow's clea...

Full of life, confidence, and country charm is the best way to describe Buffalo, New York native Amanda Nagurney on her sophomore album "So Full Of Country." And this is one country girl who knows how to market her music after having opened for Sara Evans, Gretchen Wilson, Jason Michael Carroll, Travis Tritt and Justin Moore all in the space of 12 months. "So Full Of Country" was actually released in early 2010, but the album is getting a renewed push because of the attention the aspiring country star has recently received, and the project begins with the Sara Evans-esque "Just Me & The Road." Nagurney has raw vocal talent, and the melody is sung with ease. "Gone Fishin'" showcases the best elements of  Amanda Nagurney, and her powerful vocals are well-suited for the hummable melody, but the biggest surprise is the synth-styling found on "White Dress." Nagurney has a powerful musical moment on this track that mixes pop and...

The closing track of Anne McCue's stellar new album explains the artist in a nutshell: "Rock N' Roll Outlaw." But that seemingly simplistic title doesn't completely do justice to McCue's new, 10 track album, "Broken Promise Land." That's because she shows vulnerability and musical passion in a hard-edge package that is irresistible to the ears. In short, Anne McCue deserves to be a roots rock superstar. The first track "Don't Go To Texas (Without Me)" is a radio friendly gem that glides as naturally as your favorite pair of sneakers. "Ol' Black Sky" ventures into a darker, more ethereal place reminiscent of the best music of Alannah Myles. "Cruisin' Paradise (Tenerife)" and "God's Home Number" are also bluesy pleasure points. McCue's roots rock edge returns with "Lonesome Child." The instrumentation and lyrics on the track deserve special mention for setting the perfect m...

To call Tori Sparks sultry is a bit of an understatement, because Sparks is a beautiful musical firecracker that is bursting with raw, alt-country energy that is on full display with her new release "The Scorpion In The Story." The album begins with the roots-infused "Tall Flowers," which has a great Lucinda Williams meets Shania Twain vibe. But the best song on the album is "Leaving Side Of Love." Tori Sparks sings the lyrics with passionate intensity and sincerity. "The Scorpion In The Story" was conceived as a concept album, and Tori Sparks created a collection of experiences from her travels across North America and Europe. "Penny On A Rail" is the biggest surprise on the album, and it showcases the playful style of Tori Sparks. "Merry Go-Round" is the song which offers the most fun, and Tori Sparks takes the listener on a ride they won't soon forget with a glorious vocal performance. "Little Wrecking Ball...

Pamela Danzy is an Austin-based country singer who loves to perform, and her passionate delivery and strong country voice on "Let Me Be Me" have brought her many fans in Texas and beyond. The album begins with John Hiatt's "Lovers Will." Danzy offers confident vocals and a passionate delivery. "Cryin' Days" is a Texas country-style song that delivers, but the best song on the album is "Save Me." This slow melodic gem shows the true caliber of Danzy's vocal talents. "Your Love Stays With Me" showcases the crossover potential of Danzy. Country stars like Taylor Swift, LeAnn Rimes and Shania Twain have had success in both pop and country markets with tracks like "Your Love Stays With Me." The biggest surprise on the album is "One Less Monkey," and it's a blues-infused musical treat, but the album ends with the terrific "When The Day Is Done." Pamela Danzy is at her best with slow, ballad...

Drew Tichnell is a beautiful blonde country singer in her early twenties. While these qualities may seem like a winning formula for country music success, Nashville is littered with attractive women who've tried and failed to land a big break. However, Drew Tichnell is different. This East Texas native is one of the few up-and-coming female country vocalists that could boast a catalog of more than 100 songs before the age of 21. Tichnell, who released the album "Within My Soul" in 2008, is a loving mother to identical twin daughters, and she's been performing in the Austin area for several years with her five-piece band. Most importantly, Drew Tichnell has a unique voice that can best be described as southern rock meets Texas country. With a surprisingly rich, country rock voice and immense songwriting talent, Drew Tichnell could be the next big thing in country music. Tichnell is in pre-production for her new album, which will probably be released sometime in 201...