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  Wade Bowen, one of Texas Country music's darlings, is back with a new single, "Car Ride Home."  The song is an introspective ballad that discusses the thoughts that run through the mind of a weary traveler driving home at night. Bowen croons about the things he's done right and wrong, the places he belongs in, and the people he's lost along the way. An introspective country ballad Bowen's voice is distinctively Texan, with a deep Waco drawl that lends an air of authenticity to "Car Ride Home." Though he's known for high-energy, upbeat songs, Bowen delivers a standout performance in this slow, melodic ballad. His voice sounds weary and emotive, bringing the emotions conveyed in the lyrics to the surface. The first verse of "Car Ride Home" sets the scene for the rest of the song. Bowen sings about stopping at a gas station to buy a single cigarette and some Gatorade. He's hungover from the night before but sings along with a Springs...

While change isn't always good, it is for Mark McKinney. That's because his new album "World In Between" is a passionate, powerhouse project that moves the Texas country music genre forward with thought provoking lyrics and refreshing musicality that more tightly infuses Red Dirt with the best elements of rock. The long-awaited new album from McKinney is a striking departure from the Texas country artist's previous four, full-length albums such as Middle America (which we loved - click here to read our review from 2009 ). And the album, which was produced by the artist and his brother Eric McKinney at Austin's Wonderland Studios, is not to be missed. It is probably no coincidence that the cover art for World In Between literally shows three sides of Mark McKinney (see photo below). This is a fitting image for an album which obviously took significant time to conceive and produce as it was the artist's first full album since 2013's Standing My G...

John Evans rocks. And his album "Lucky 13" proves it. This album is chock full of subtle and not-so-subtle hints of the music that shaped the life of John Evans. In one song, the influence of Carl Perkins, Elvis and Hank Williams permeates the music. While at other times, John Evans channels Robert Earl Keen mixed with a little Dwight Yoakum, and this rockin' country album expertly pulls off a diverse collection of influences. This makes "Lucky 13" a delightful surprise. John Evans moved to Houston, Texas as a child and was blessed with the city's rich musical heritage. He later moved to Pasadena, Texas where he was a star quarterback. Later, he became a professional football player and shifted his focus to music when his football career ended. Certainly, John Evans brings the passion of a champion football player to the stage and his musical intensity is a force of nature that is virtually unmatched by any Texas musician working today. The musicianship...

Plain and simple, Kyle Park can sing. This country boy's new album "Anywhere In Texas" is just as irreverent and powerful as his mischievous Texas grin and confident posture on the album's cover suggest it will be. Indeed, Park's second album "Anywhere In Texas" boldly announces a new Texas music star vying for dominance with the likes of Jason Boland, Randy Rogers and Stoney LaRue. That's good company. Kyle Park is first and foremost a brilliant songwriter, and he has written or co-written all 12 songs on the album. Park's tunes are universally melodic with bold, yet personal lyrics. Hard working men and country women can easily identify with his songs. For instance, "Cold In Colorado" shows Kyle Park in top form, and the chorus has a killer hook. Kyle Park's current Texas Music Chart hit single, "Don't Look," is a memorable song that deserves all of the accolades it has received. But the best song on the album...

You may not know the name Austin Cunningham, but you've certainly heard his music. Cunningham has been the writer or co-writer of songs recorded by his buddy Chris Knight, Big and Rich, Hank Williams, Jr, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and dozens of others. With his fourth album, "Made To Last," Austin Cunningham has produced 13 top-notch songs that cannot be ignored. As a singer-songwriter, Austin Cunningham is unique. He has an identifiable country voice that fully encapsulates the thoughts and feelings of everyday, working country men and women. The album's first cut, "This Town's On My Nerves" is illustrative of the frustration of many in these days of recession and job losses. Likewise, "Go Easy On Yourself" is a powerful anthem for people facing tough times. This song is a simple, but powerfully uplifting song that could be a country radio chart hit. The album's title track clearly shows the full range of Austin Cunnin...

The Mo Robson Band is one hard-working group of Dallas guys. For almost a decade, Mo and the boys have been crisscrossing America with their hard-driving brand of Texas country music. And the 16 songs on "Live At Adair's Saloon: Deep Ellum, Texas" fully capture the magic of the band's hugely popular live shows while delivering top-notch production and pitch-perfect vocals. The album starts strong with the traditional country songs "Walkin' In My Shoes" and "Jim Beam Whiskey." But the live album at Dallas' famed Adair's Saloon really begins to hit its stride with the third song, the terrific Red Dirt track "First One To Go." This is followed by the memorable Texas music cut "Even Angels Fall." The Mo Robson Band's third album also features the song "Rolling Down This Highway," which is a genuinely roadworthy, Texas music masterpiece. The diversity of the Mo Robson Band - or MRB as they are affectio...

Stephanie Briggs "Birds Barely Know Us" is a uniquely wonderful, Texas folk-Americana album that never fails to surprise or impress from the first song to the last. Although the music of this New Braunfels, Texas native is difficult to categorize, Stephanie Briggs has more than her fair share of country fans, including Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed. "Don't Come Calling" is the album's most compelling track and has the feel of an indie-rock anthem with rock-solid vocals by Briggs in a song she wrote. The tough lyrics and passionate delivery combine to create a memorable musical experience. Briggs doesn't pull any punches: "Don't see me don't touch me / Don't act like you can fix this dear." One of the best tracks on the album is "Difficult Positions" which has a Tori Amos meets Bjork vibe that is refreshingly eclectic. Likewise, "Mix Tape" showcases Briggs as an artist wi...

Dean Seltzer describes his music as "high energy, obnoxious, redneck rock 'n roll." Well, he couldn't have said it better, because Seltzer's terrific new album titled "Lady Luck" is a hard-driving, rockin' amalgamation of Red Dirt and traditional country that is bound to make Dean Seltzer the biggest new Texas music star this year. Dean Seltzer's vocals pop with emotion and intensity on his new single titled "Anyway," which offers a memorable (and hummable) melody and catchy lyrics. This was the perfect choice for Seltzer's first single, as evidenced by the fast rise of "Anyway" on Texas country radio. The one thing you should know about Dean Seltzer is that he is honest to a fault. In his unofficial bio, Seltzer says: "Like any male musician on the planet, I started playing guitar and singing to pick up girls." And it is this no-holds-barred authenticity that makes this album so successful on tracks like ...

The Amarillo, Texas boys that make up the Tommy Gallagher Band are an easy-going group of guys who have managed to create an album that honors the tradition of Tommy's legendary grandfather (honky-tonk hero Tommy Allen) while still pushing the envelope of contemporary Texas country music. This is no easy feat. And that's why the Tommy Gallagher Band will probably soon join the ranks of the top Texas country acts, such as the Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue and Wade Bowen. The album, expertly produced by Mike McClure, starts strong with the title track "Always Something." And the Tommy Gallagher Band - or TGB as they are affectionately known by longtime fans - have crafted a unique sound on the title track that will make them instantly recognizable to country radio audiences. The song "Always Something" is the band's first single and is already a big hit on the Texas Music Chart. The track "Smile" is another laid-back, Texas country-style so...

The four members of The Cody Gill Band hit the bullseye with "King Of Your Hometown," the upbeat and confident sophomore release from one of the most talked about new bands on the red dirt music scene. And these small town, country boys from Stephenville, Texas deliver eleven terrific songs that are genuine, real-life narratives put to music. In 2007, The Cody Gill Band had a pretty good year. The band released its debut, full-length album, "Boxcars." Similarly, the single "Can't Let Her Go" was a fixture on the Texas charts and announced the band as a major force in Texas music. Formed in 2004, The Cody Gill Band started out playing at their local bar in Stephenville. Since then, they've criss-crossed America, and all of the band's hard work is more than evident on their stellar new album, "King Of Your Hometown." Nine of the eleven songs on "King Of Your Hometown" were written by band members. The Cody Gill Band...

Pat Green is a revered country music artist who helped launch a huge wave of excitement in the Texas music scene. While Pat Green has moved on to claim a huge fan base in the country world, "What I'm For" proves that Pat Green has not forgotten his Texas roots. "What I'm For" is a major achievement for Green, and is the best album of his long career. That's saying something, because Pat Green has a music catalog that any country musician would envy. "What I'm For" debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Country Chart, and the first single from the album, "Let Me," is already a big hit on country radio. "Let Me" is a reflective and heartfelt track with a great melody and tender lyrics that deserves the success on radio that it has achieved. The album "What I'm For" starts off strong with the cut "Footsteps Of Our Fathers," which is an anthem that urges listeners to embrace their family heritage. ...

T-Roy Miller and Candace Kunz-Miller make a memorable and important contribution to Texas country music with their stellar album "By Request." This instant cowboy classic features 12 original campfire songs expertly performed by T & C Miller. And this is one campfire jam that would make any country music lover drive the length of Texas to attend.T-Roy Miller is a country boy who was already successful when he met fellow country recording artist, Candace Kunz. Their love of music expanded to a love of each other, and the couple's marriage formed the country duo appropriately named T & C Miller. T-Roy and Candace are both top-notch country artists in their own right, and their professionalism and raw country talent are on full display. One of the best songs on the album is the track "Thanks For Putting Up With Me." This song features an understated and sincere performance by T-Roy who is singing a reflective song of thanks to his wife, Candace. She ans...

The debut album "Rich Man's Gold" by Texas native Bo Cox is a confident blend of Texas country, blues and Americana. Surprisingly, this bold album introduces a young singer and guitarist who has the skills of a veteran country act in his prime. In short, Bo Cox's "Rich Man's Gold" is a winner. Bo Cox's musical skills come naturally, because this country boy grew up in a family-owned, homegrown Opry House. While family connections can open a few doors in the music industry, it's a musician's talent and work ethic that produces a sustainable country career. So Bo Cox constantly honed his guitar and vocal skills as a young man. He sang and brought his guitar everywhere he found a microphone and even places without one, like living rooms and holiday social gatherings. The tenacity of Bo Cox paid off in a big way, and his hard work shows in each of the 11, self-penned tracks on "Rich Man's Gold." Produced by the legendary Mike M...

Seth Walker has had a red-hot blues career for a little while now, but the new album "Leap Of Faith" changes everything. This album is burning up with potential hits and should send the talented musician's career into the stratosphere. Seth Walker was born to classically trained musicians who lived on a commune in North Carolina. Walker first took up the cello but he soon discovered his love of the guitar. And Walker hasn't looked back since. Likewise, his stellar new album "Leap Of Faith" is a fitting tribute to his musical heroes like T-Bone Walker, B.B. King and Snooks Eaglin. On "Leap Of Faith," Seth Walker has never sounded so good. The artist's amazing passion and musicality are presented in a new and fresh way. Producer Gary Nicholson brings out the very best in Seth Walker, including the title track, "Leap Of Faith." According to Walker, this album was recorded at a difficult time. He said: "The idea of a leap of fai...

Fans of New Braunfels, Texas band Zack Walther And The Cronkites are fired up, and they have every reason to be. ZWC's new album "Ambition" fully lives up to its lofty title. This is one Texas country band whose star is on the rise. "Ambition" puts all the top Texas music band's on notice: Step up your game or move over for Zack Walther And The Cronkites. ZWC's current single "Georgia Cane" is a Texas music triumph that slowly builds momentum leading into the powerful chorus. "Georgia Cane" boasts memorable lyrics and a confident vocal performance by Zack Walther. It is followed by the equally pleasing "Tumbleweed" which blends traditional country melodies with Texas music themes. Zack Walther And The Cronkites are unique in the Texas music marketplace. The band is essentially a combination of Red Dirt and southern rock. This is a winning formula for success in both the Texas country and mainstream country markets. Ind...

Over the last 10 years, Roger Creager has established himself as one of the top acts in Texas country music by consistently providing talked-about live shows, popular radio chart hits and some great albums. With "Here It Is," Roger Creager has reached a career milestone with an album that is his best yet. Roger Creager is known for his full, rich country voice that will warm the coldest of hearts. Creager's vocal talent is brilliantly displayed on the melancholy ballad "I Loved You When." This is followed by the excellent "Tangle Me In You" with a memorable and melodic chorus along with superb instrumentation. Crowds love Roger Creager's live shows because they're a lot of fun. The #1 Texas radio hit "I'm From The Beer Joint" showcases Roger Creager's playful side most convincingly . This huge hit has helped draw new fans to Creager who later discover a more thoughtful side of his personality with songs like "A Good...

Growing up in Bandera , Texas gave Bruce Robison a perspective that shaped his views on the world, life and love. These small-town, southern values permeate every word of every song written by Bruce Robison , and "His Greatest" shows why this country troubadour is an American musical treasure and one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. Robison's songs are widely sought after by the top artists of the day, and "His Greatest" includes newly recorded versions of #1 Hits Robison wrote that were recorded by others. These include: "Wrapped" (George Strait), the stellar " Travelin ' Soldier" (Dixie Chicks) and "Angry All The Time" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill). Bruce Robison's vocals are unique in country music, because he has a knack for conveying an almost understated intensity that focuses listeners' minds on his always outstanding lyrics. It is Robison's everyman persona that endears him to his lar...

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...

He has the mysterious persona of Roy Orbison, a voice reminiscent of Hank Williams mixed with a little Billy Joe Shaver and music that is old-time, classic country. His name is Mike Runnels, and he's not out reinvent the wheel. You see, Mike Runnels' goal on "Jukebox Boulevard" is to showcase traditional country music. By the way, he's good at it. When you first listen to Mike Runnels, one word comes to mind: purity. His pure heart, pure emotion (as evidenced by his brilliant lyrics) and his pure, unadulterated love of his craft. With today's country music being inundated with "country pop" and bubble-gum lyrics, the traditional styling provided by "Jukebox Boulevard" is a breath of fresh air. On "Jukebox Boulevard," Runnels'  provides a wonderful tapestry of old-fashioned country aimed at country purists who love George Jones and Merle Haggard. One of the best songs on the album is "Just Kiss Me Again" which is ...

What is the best Texas country album of the last six months? The answer is definitely "Naive," which is the hard rocking, 12-track country music masterpiece by Micky & The Motorcars. This album has the perfect mixture of great lyrics, fine production quality and authentic country vocals. "Naive" is a worthy follow-up to the band's previous albums "Careless" and "Ain't In It For The Money." With "Naive," Micky & The Motorcars strike a confident tone from start to finish and, therefore, cement their status as leaders of the Texas country music movement. Burning up the country music charts has become commonplace for Micky & The Motorcars, and "Naive" is filled with hits. The band also add a few elements to their trademark style. The hardest rocking cut on the album is "Bloodshot," which is followed by the excellent, traditional Texas country song titled "Seashell." The best song on...