So 2014 has been a year of great music, there’s no doubt about it. I’m a huge music fan and I tend to get a little critical when it comes to it. I’m all about up and coming talent and newcomers so my list may include a bit of those as well as some Texas guys and then those that we all know and love. Alrighty, I’m ready to get this thing started so…
In no particular order:
Dance Her Home – Cody Johnson
You know I had to throw in some Texas Country on here. I love me some Cody Johnson, but since the song release in January until this date every time this song pops up on my phone I have to have it on full blast. He’s telling a story just like any good country song should. Cody has always been a great artist and this by far has shown how much he has grown, Not to mention it’s a catchy tune that makes you think “hey Cody you can dance me home any day.”
Gentle on My Mind – The Band Perry
This Glen Campbell remake could not have come at any more perfect of a time with a better band because this is what perfection looks like. Gentle on my mind has the old time feel with some banjos in the melody, something missing from modern country. It takes you back to the good ‘ol days where you had no worries. I’m usually very picky when it comes to covers but The Band Perry did an outstanding job.
Drinking Class – Lee Brice
A tribute to the working class…this song is definitely one that the second I heard it I knew it was gonna be a hit. Lee Brice’s follow to “I Don’t Dance” was one that was unexpected. “Drinking Class” is not your usual drinking song so don’t be fooled by the title and that’s something I truly enjoy. When I first saw the title I thought “oh great another party song” but it’s far from it. It’s a song that is truly appreciated for those of us who work our tails off day in and day out.
That Look – Aaron Watson
Have you ever listened to a song and just thought “AWW!!!” the entire time? This is what “That Look” was for me. Aaron Watson has easily been one of my favorites in the Texas Country scene from the start, but his music has grown so much. He’s still the same ol Honky Tonk Kid who’s head over heels for the woman in his life. “That Look” was written completely for his wife and is easily one of my favorite Aaron Watson songs…EVER.
Say You Do – Dierks Bentley
Riser is just an amazing album in general; one of my favorites of 2014. “Say You Do” is another heartfelt Dierks song that everyone can relate to at some point in their life. He’s talking to an old lover that may have done him wrong, but still holds her close to his heart. He’s practically begging her to come back and lead him on just so he can spend some time with her. I’m a sucker for a slow jam by Dierks Bentley especially one comin’ after a huge hit like “Drunk on a Plane.”
Mean To Me – Brett Eldredge
I’m a huge Brett fan, but “Mean To Me” has definitely been my favorite since I listened to the album so I was super excited when it was released as a single. “Don’t Ya” and “Beat of the Music” were so flirty in nature compared to this one. “Mean to Me” is a confession of a man’s love for a woman and shows his vulnerability. The fact that it’s a slow melody is perfect for the lyrics. Not to mention a beautiful man like Brett confessing his love in song will always make me melt.
She Don’t Love You – Eric Paslay
I’ve admitted to being an emotional person, but songs don’t make me cry easily. That all changed once I heard “She Don’t Love You.” It was a song originally written for George Strait and it’s easy to tell with the lyrics saying “too many cowboys rode away.” This song is a ballad and a beautiful one at that. It’s different than what is expected from the “Friday Night” hit maker, and I wasn’t expecting to cry like a baby. The amount of passion you can hear in his voice along with the lyrics makes this song one of the best out today.
Lay It On Me – Dylan Scott
Up and comer, Dylan Scott, definitely has the baritone voice of an angel. Now I could be a little bias but this boy is going places. His first single “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy” was definitely my favorite song of 2013 and he’s only grown since then. If you haven’t heard of him but are into new talent definitely give him a listen. “Lay It On Me” is his third single and was released to radio in October. It’s a catchy tune where you’ll definitely find yourself singing along to the lyrics. Dylan is looking to put out his first album in 2015 so look forward to that.
Trouble – Gloriana
I’ve never really been all that into Gloriana until I heard this track. Rachel’s vocals have gotten so strong since their start. Plus it’s definitely a girl power track and I’m all about that. Rachel’s throwing her own flair of Miranda with a bit of that “Baggage Claim” sound and straight up telling her beau that if he’s cheating he has it coming for him. I’m officially obsessed with this song. It’s just so sassy and like nothing they’ve put out before. The guys leave it all to Rachel and only harmonize letting Rachel have her moment of glory. She deserves it and this song has them going places.
Girl in a Country Song – Maddie & Tae
Alrighty so the fact that Maddie & Tae were brave enough to take a shot at “Bro-country” is the main reason they have made the list. It was a different point of view and I loved it. Sure they got a lot of criticism for it, but who cares. It was funny. Now I’m not saying I’m not a fan of Luke, Chris, Blake and the rest but hey anyone who has the guts to take a stab at another artist for objectifying women is good in my book.