CountryChart #1 for Country Music Charts

In the world of Christian music, there is no group that can match the long and fabled history of the Imperials. The group began with Jake Hess, later performed with Elvis and then successfully morphed into a pioneering force in the burgeoning contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene. After all that, some of the most famous members joined together in 2010 to form The Classic Imperials" with the new album "Still Standing." Indeed, the 11 terrific songs prove that the Classic Imperials are rock solid and standing tall. The album begins with the bold anthem "Live My Life." The passionate vocal performance and instrumentation is a perfect package to reintroduce the Classic Imperials. However, the group really shines on the country track "No More Looking Over My Shoulder," which deserves radio airplay on both country and gospel radio. "Brighter Day" is a modern, upbeat praise and worship song that will manage to surprise both current fans and ...

The world's number one cowboy country singer is back with a new collection of songs that will thrill existing fans and bring in thousands of new ones, too. R.W. Hampton's "Austin To Boston" is a terrific example of an artist who is comfortable in his own skin and is not afraid to venture outside traditional country and western song selections. Every fan of cowboy country already knows that an R.W. Hampton album will have top notch production and stellar vocals, so the biggest surprise is the album's uniquely wonderful song choices. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was an inspired choice that Hampton dedicated to his wife and kids. Likewise, "Shortgrass" was written as a tribute to Hampton's son Cooper (and Cooper's best friend, Dawson) who decided to join the Marines while in high school. The two buddies have now traveled the world, and their service to the USA has been honored in perpetuity by R.W. Hampton's memorable song. R...

Chip Taylor and Carrie Rodriguez are one of the top 10 country duos of all time. When the partnership amiably disbanded, no one expected the two to ever record new music, but Taylor called Rodriguez about releasing a greatest hits record, and the pair decided to record four new songs for the album "The New Bye & Bye: The Best Of The Train Wreck Years 2002-2007." "Your Name Is On My Lips" is an especially fitting title for the first new song on the disbanded duo's album. On the cut, they both sing: "It is a good thing." They're only half right, because the song is better than good - it's great. Taylor's understated vocals are heartfelt, and Rodriguez has never sounded better. As usual, the instrumentation on the track is near perfect. The tender "On An Island" showcases the restrained musicianship of two master musicians. Another new song, "Play It Again Sam," offers powerful insight into human emotion and love....

Dave Caley loves good, old fashioned country music, and Caley's newest album is a sensational look into the mind and heart of a God-fearing country boy. Dave Caley's biggest hit to date is "God's Grand Ole Opry," which celebrates the traditional country greats of years gone by. However, Caley advances his own career with the new album that blends traditional country with cowboy country and gospel. Dave Caley's parents probably never imagined that their son would become a country musician when he was born in Blackpool, England. Caley claims Michigan as his home state, and he is in the Michigan Country Music Hall Of Fame. However, Caley and his wife, Christina, now call Kokomo, Indiana home. The album begins with the title track "Live This Life," which has a cool, retro vibe. The country quotient rises considerably on the gospel-tinged "Chosen One," but Caley's star really shines on the ballad "Hard To Be Honest." Cal...

Andy Meadows immediately surprises and impresses listeners from the very start of his terrific new album "Give Me The Microphone." You see, the album cover featuring the young and smiling Meadows does not give the slightest hint that this country boy possesses a deep, rich, Josh Turner-esque voice that bolts out of the speakers upon first listen. The album begins with "Forbidden Bliss" and is followed by the stellar title track "Give Me The Microphone." This cut proves that Andy Meadows has a distinctive country music sound that would be instantly recognizable on country radio. On "Inspiration," Andy Meadows successfully performs a beautiful country music ballad and proves that he's no one trick pony. However, it is on the next track "Jenna's Song" where Andy Meadows shows he has true star quality. Meadows' lyrics are honest and deeply personal when he confesses that the thought of Jenna is driving him insane. On his w...

The state of Alabama doesn't always get the musical respect it deserves, but up-and-coming country artists like Adam Holt prove that the Gulf Coast state is a hotbed of musical talent. On "The Sunday Troubadour," singer Adam Holt runs the musical gamut of rock 'n' roll, blues, soul and country. And it's darn good. Holt chose the right song to lead off the the album, because "Door #1" is a bold country anthem with a memorable melody that allows the artist to showcase his most positive country music credential: his golden country rock voice. "Door #1" deserves to be a Top 10 country radio hit, and "Sideways" has much of the same charm. The next cut "Big Girls" is another bold country cut that pays tribute to a large segment of country music fans who will eat this song up faster than free samples of bacon at the Piggly Wiggly. Holt channels his inner Darius Rucker on the next track "Cheaters Never Win," whic...

World champion bull rider Justin McBride knows how to work a ranch, and "Live At Billy Bob's Texas" proves that he can also work the crowd of the most famous stage in Texas country music. McBride is a natural and charismatic entertainer who has a big future in country music. McBride starts by saying "Hello, Texas" and immediately begins the song "Tonight Ain't The Day," which is a traditional country song that is performed with passion. The outlaw country track "That Was Us" showcases the best aspect of Justin McBride. As a former PBR champion bull rider, McBride has an instant cowboy tough guy appeal that will be massively popular with country music fans. "Don't Let Go" has much of the same charm and a memorable melody. The cut "Beer Drinkin' Songs" (featuring J.W. Hart) is especially appropriate at the world's largest honky tonk. At the same time, the bull riding champion saved the best track for la...