Are Artist's Ripping Off Their Fans?

Well these artist are not the first to do it and won't be the last but Rascal Flatts, and Taylor Swift are the most recent to re-release albums as a Deluxe, Limited, Special or Platinum Editions. What do those editions make that album which has already been released and bought up by their fans mean? It means "oh we thought we would add a few new tracks that couldn't fit on the first one, (but for some strange reason they fit on these). People actually fall for it and go out and buy them. I personally think it is ripping your fans off, especially "in these tough economic times".

Rascal Flatts will release their "Limited Edition" version of their Greatest Hits: Volume 1 CD, will hit stores on Oct. 6th. What is special about this "Volume" compared to their Greatest Hits: Volume 1 released less then a year ago on October 28, 2008? Well not much the main track list is exactly the same then the PR for it is as follows "The special holiday Limited Edition 2-cd package includes four new bonus tracks – live concert recordings of "Take Me There," "Winner At A Losing Game," "Me And My Gang" and "Summer Nights" - along with a bonus interview and foldout poster of the band from their Unstoppable tour. The limited edition release is packaged in a special silver foil-embossed keepsake box". So four live songs and a special packaged box makes it a good "holiday" gift worth buying, I think not (rip off)!

Taylor Swift is a multiple offender of this, she already used this form of marketing manipulation with her first album "Taylor Swift" when she released "Taylor Swift - Deluxe Limited Edition" on November 06, 2007, over a year after it's original. The "Deluxe Limited Edition" added three new songs and a DVD. I ask, why not save the new songs for her second album and just release a DVD? The answer is very simple by releasing these special editions, the sales are contributed to the original album, not as an album of it's own. So Swift was just started to get her crossover appeal, in comes the "Deluxe Limited Edition" and her sales more then doubled from the original but it makes the original be called a 3x Platinum selling album.

Now she's going to do it yet again, just one year after "Taylor Swift - Deluxe Limited Edition" she released "Fearless" to astounding sales, bringing it currently to 4x platinum. One would find that an amazing feat in the day of digital music and to be good enough, but not for Swift and (or) her label. Less then one year after it's release, on November 11, 2008, we will see "Fearless Platinum Edition" on October 27, 2009. The PR for this goes "Taylor’s fans have an incredible appetite for her new music and her ongoing life experiences," says Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group. "There are six new songs, over 50 new photographs from the Fearless Tour 2009, a beautiful new collector cover, all of the videos from all of the hit singles and tons of new Taylor video footage."

Six new songs that's half of an album so why not put them on to a new third album? My theory is her label knows the rivalry between Swift and Carrie Underwood fans and they are going to capitalize on it. The announcement of this edition came two weeks after the release date of Nov. 3rd for "Play On", Underwood's third album was announced, hmmm coincidence, mmmmm I think not! It sounds like they are a little threatened by the highly anticipated Underwood album, which has a lot more buzz then Swift's original "Fearless" and the young woman who paved the way for Swift.

We'll have to wait and see what happens with "Princess" battling it out on the charts with the "Queen of Country"!

Miranda Lambert's T.V. Mania

Miranda Lambert will be everywhere on television, promoting her new album, "Revolution", set to be released on Tuesday (Sept. 29). She will appear on GMA and The Late Show With David Letterman on Tuesday, then off to Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on Thursday (Oct. 1), from there she headed to Hollywood for The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Oct. 5 (I bet Ellen will have fun with the feisty one, and The Bonnie Hunt Show on Oct. 7. Lambert's new video, "White Liar," will debut Friday (Oct. 2) on CMT, as part of the big video premiere weekend.

Lambert is up for Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards (Nov.11), she be fighting it out with Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood.

Carrie Underwood Fights Back And Leaked Video Is Removed

Carrie Underwoods new single Cowboy Casanova is now back in the mix for a video premire on CMT starting Friday. All of the leaked versions have been removed by either her label or maybe CMT since it was their idiotic mistake. Regardless I respectfully took mine down and will post the "Official Video" when it becomes availabe. Needless to say in the less then 15 hours it was up on youtube alone it already had several thousand views and who knows how many on the original CMT link.

This last leak makes me think someone is trying to ruin the fun for everyone who are patiently waiting for everything to come out as announced. But I'm sure as it did with the single this short leak will only give the single another boost (not that it needed one) on the charts and sales!

Along with the premire of her new video Carrie will be turning the signiture backdrop at the Grand Ole Opry Pink on Friday. ABC's "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts, and breast cancer survivor will be there as a special guest announcer for the night's first show. Roberts will introduce acts as well as the Greater Nashville Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure 2009 Honorary Survivor of the Year Tracie Shelby. On each of the night's shows, Carrie Underwood will will be there in support of the groups Women Rock for the Cure and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

CMT to air the largest debut of videos!

Carrie Underwood "Cowboy Casanova

Tim McGraw "Southern Voice"


Kenny Chesney (ft. Dave Matthews)"I'm Alive"


Keith Urban "Hit the Ground Runnin'"

Sugarland "Keep You"


Reba "Consider Me Gone"

Miranda Lambert "White Liar"

Billy Currington "That's the Way Country Boys Roll"

Michelle Branch "Sooner or Later"

What's Happening In Country

Well Brooks & Dunn are going out with a bang. Their new album "#1's...And Then Some" debuted at #1, the album sold just over 55,000 copies its first week out according to Nielsen SoundScan. This is a good start to their year long departure set to start in 2010 with The Last Rodeo tour.

Jason Aldean's single "Big Green Tractor" spends a rare fourth week atop the country charts. Kudos to him.

New videos to watch, Kellie Pickler's emotional "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You?" It has Pickler showing off her sexy curves in a variety of steamy settings. Pickler told CMT Radio Live, “The first time I heard the song, I thought it would be cool to shoot this video on a beach or just some sort of exotic location.”, Pickler told CMT Radio Live, the video was shot in the Dominican Republic. This video is very rmeniscent of Shania Twain, the outfits, location and the sensual acting (but Shania is believable). It doesn't seem as though Pickler is connecting with what she is singing as much as she's connecting with her body language! Check it out...



There are some definite Country Chart Climbers this week, the biggest being Carrie Underwood's new single "Cowboy Casanova". In just two and a half weeks it has skyrocketing right over all other new singles in the past month and landed itself at #12 today, up from #24 a week ago, we got a hot one here. Then there is Taylor Swift with "Fifteen" which jumped 10 spots to #17 after almost five weeks. Last major jump was from Lady Antebellum wiht "Need You Now" which is up 9 spots to #16 in just four weeks on the charts.

Carrie Underwood's Star Shines Even Brighter Tonight

More Accolades for Underwood

There is no end in sight for this young starlet. How much more could she possibly achieve, right? Well it looks like a lot more with her recent CMA Award nominations, and with her new single "Cowboy Casanova" skyrocketing up the country charts, also a new album "Play On" due out Nov. 3rd.

Tonight she will be inducted into The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, which is considered a huge honor when so many great artists come out of that state, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Blake Shelton to name a few. She will be performing a full set which will most likely included some new material.

Underwood was quoted saying in a video to be shown tonight "Life is what you make of it.... And we're all dealt a different set of cards." I'm sure their are many people not only in her home state but around the globe that are very pleased with cards Carrie was dealt!

This honor will be added to her long list of acccomplishments which include over 50 industry awards, most recently she won ACM's Entertainer Of The Year, reigning 3x consecutive CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, 4x Grammy winner, and becomming the youngest artist to be inducted into The Grand Ole Opry. We can't leave out the fact that she holds the record for having the fastest selling debut country album in Nielsen SoundScan history, and "Some Hearts" is also the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. Underwood is also the first artist to have 10 consecutive singles go #1 on the strength of her first two albums.

I'm sure this is most definitely not where here star is going to stop, it will only keep getting brighter!

Kenny Chesney Won't Be "Living In Fast Forward" Much Longer

Kenny's Slowing It Down!

It seems Kenny Chesney has been thinking a lot about one of the lines from his song "Don't Blink".

"So I've been tryin' ta slow it down,I've been tryin' ta take it in, In this here today, gone tomorrow world we're livin' in"

Kenny Chesney has announced that he will not be touring in the summer of 2010. His Indianapolis on Saturday will be the last big stadium show this year.

Chesney told Entertainment Weekly, “I’m not quitting!” Chesney told EW. “It’s just a short pause. The last couple of years I’ve been on an empty tank. And that’s gotta change.”

Chesney is the biggest ticket seller this decade, since 2004 he has been selling out stadiums annually. Every summer has included a huge production of a tour, which includes multiple acts, almost to the extent of every show being its own country fair. For dedicated followers who have come year after year it has become tradition, to partake in the tailgating, drinking making a whole day of the event, something to look forward to all year!

When ask do you see a band or an artist that could pick up your torch next summer? Who can step up? His response, "I do think that anybody who hasn’t gone to see Keith Urban is missing it. That’s my opinion."

"We'll be back. We're not going away forever. But to make it what I think it can be for the next chapter of my life, those parking lots have got to be empty, at least for my show, for one year," he says. "I just think I owe it to myself, I owe it to the fans, for our show to be the best it can possibly be. And sometimes that means getting away from it." says Chesney.

Well this news comes shortly after the announcement of the CMA Awards nominations which included one for Chesney to take home his fifth Entertainer of the Year award. Well this will open the door for other artist who'll being having big 2010 tours at next years awards show, especially for the big one!

Read the whole interview here; ew.com

What is Kenny giving up next year, what will Kenny fans be missing? Something like this!

Darius Rucker "History In The Making" Review

Darius Rucker - History in the Making

Well the title sure leaves the imagination open to the many possibilities of what this song is about, one being his transformation from being in a "pop" group to a solo country artist. But that is not the case...he seems to be taking a page from Taylor Swift's book, singing about first kisses, dancing in the moonlight, making lasting memories among many other things.

The steel guitar backing Rucker's voice makes it all that much more captivating. A much more sensual side of him, almost something you would hear from Dierks Bentley. This song will definitely make everyone reminisce upon their own first kiss, or your first that gave you those butterflies that he sings of.

I will take the chance at saying that the song will live up to the title and be yet more "History In The Making" for Rucker, and probably become his fourth straight #1 single off of his first album.

Grade - B+

Check it out...

Taylor Swift "Fifteen" Review

Taylor Swift - "Fifteen

Swift has some words of advice for all those teens heading to high school for the first time, and I'm sure they will listen.

"Fifteen" sounds as though it is coming from personal experience, and I'm sure it is. She mentions her best friend Abigail in it, how they met, and both of their first loves, and heartbreaks.

The song reminds teens that life goes on after the pain of being in high school, being an outsider, that there is love after your first. This is one of Swift's better written songs that will most definitely hit home with teens particularly the female ones. Although most of Swift's songs to date have been targeted to the more immature listeners and what life stories they will most likely endure, this one is a bit different. It carries the same theme as the rest of her singles, with the exemption that I think the adults can listen and it will bring you back to your younger years, the reminders that it brings with it can be helpful, in advising your own children.

This song as all of hers has a catchy melody that will make you want to sing along, but this one is also easier to listen to then some of her others where her vocals are not so strong. "Fifteen" has the type of tempo and melody that compliments the few strong points of her voice. As in "Tim McGraw", this is a softer song more of a Songbird than a Belter. Swift pulls this one off well

Grade - B

Check it out...

Tuesday Randoms

* Well the whole Internet community has manage to drown the Taylor Swift story into the ground, and I'm sure her label will capitalize.

I feel bad for what he did but it happened, the news covered it, apology happened, move on to other news! CMT on overloading with Swift

* Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw have recently taped intimate episodes for CMT Invitation Only. They both previewed some new stuff from their upcoming albums and played some of their fan favs. There was also Q&A session. When Carrie was asked which of her new songs is her favorite, she chose "Temporary Home," saying "It was inspired by the book Purpose Driven Life. I feel like I was supposed to write and sing this song."

Carrie Underwood's episode will debut on the Dish Network on November 3, with the CMT debut taking place in December.

Tim McGraw's episode doesn't have a date yet.

* Luke Bryan is scheduled to launch his first headlining tour in late October.

* Jason Aldean has taken his "Big Green Tractor," to the No. 1 spot for a very impressive four weeks straight.

This is the first song to do so since Brad Paisley’s "Letter To Me" occupied the No. 1 slot for four weeks in February 2008.

Kayne "Tries" To Steal Taylor Swift's Thunder...But Beyonce Gives It Back

Kayne West made and huge A** of himself last night at the VMA's!!! He thought that it would be okay to get up out his seat step on stage rip the microphone out of Taylor Swift's hand after she was just awarded the Female Video of the Year Award, and speak is mind. Basically he had to tell everyone that he thought Beyonce should have won, Beyonce looked mortified as West made his comments, and boos flooded the arena.

A very excited Swift was just at the beginning of her acceptance speech when it all went down, the video speaks for itself.



Obviously a stunned Taylor had no words when given back the mic, and West left the stage like it was all good, but it wasn't. Swift didn't finish her speech and was ushered off stage.

Probably what will be one of the most unclassy moments at an awards show, quickly turned very classy when Beyonce stepped on the stage to accept the big award of the night Video of the Year, and she opted to give up her time to bring Swift back on stage to "have her moment". Swift returned to a cheering, standing ovation. Here's a look at some class;



Many artist have voiced their thoughts on the night and let's just say most cannot be repeated hear but they all fealt for Taylor and are on her side.

In the wake of the incident, Taylor has been invited to perform two songs on ABC's The View tomorrow Tuesday, September 15th, and yes Kanye is still scheduled to be on the New "Jay Leno Show" tonight!!! We'll have to see what happens on both.

So since the night was quit the roller coaster for Swift I guess I'll let her off for arriving in a white horse drawn carriage, and admitting "I have a castle complex".

Taylor Swift CMA Entertainer Nomination? Is It A Joke?

Entertainer of the Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

Yes your eys are reading correctly and if they are like mine they are confused!! How I wish explanations came with all the nominations, cause there are a few that are questionalble.

I realize that her album has gone 4x platinum and that she is a teenage phenom but really Entertainer of the Year, that does not make her. Let's look at the criteria again;

This award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image. Award to artist.

I'll give her the recorded part because computers help, I'll give her the staging cause she does use a lot of props and runs around head banging to her non-country music (if you like that sort of thing), she even has half of the public acceptance, the half being under the age of 21 (majority).

But she is not good for the Country Music image when she is prancing around putting out pop remixes of her songs, that also does not give any leadership to other artist.
Most of all she can't sing live at all.

Now she has only put on about 30 of her own headlining shows in the eligbility period, which is not a lot compared to others that should have been nominated, can you say Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, or Rascal Flatts!

The CMA members really screwed up the image of this award for this year.

*side note - George Strait should not have been nominated either, despite how good he is, it has become obligatory for him to get the nomination, in this and many categories

CMA Nominations Are Out

CMA Nominations were announced on GMA this morning, so let's see where everyone stands and if and of my predictions were close! I'll put my winner predictions in italics.

Entertainer of the Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
George Strait
Taylor Swift (OMG)
Keith Urban

New Artist Of The Year

Randy Houser
Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen
Darius Rucker
Zac Brown Band

Female Vocalist of the Year

Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Darius Rucker
George Strait
Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year

Eagles
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

Big & Rich
Brooks & Dunn
Joey + Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Sugarland

Album of the Year

American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley
Defying Gravity - Keith Urban
Fearless - Taylor Swift
Love On The Inside - Sugarland
That Lonesome Song - Jamey Johnson

Single of the Year

Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band
I Run To You – Lady Antebellum
In Color – Jamey Johnson
People Are Crazy – Billy Currington
Then – Brad Paisley

Song of the Year

Chicken Fried - Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette
I Told You So - Randy Travis
In Color - Jamey Johnson/Lee Thomas Miller/James Otto
People Are Crazy - Bobby Braddock/Troy Jones
Then - Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley

Musical Event of the Year

Cowgirls Don’t Cry – Brooks & Dunn featuring Reba McEntire
Down The Road – Kenny Chesney (with Mac McAnally)
Everything But Quits – Lee Ann Womack (duet with George Strait)
“I Told You So – Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis
Old Enough” – The Raconteurs featuring Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe

Music Video of the Year

Boots On – Randy Houser
Love Story – Taylor Swift
People Are Crazy – Billy Currington
“Start A Band – Brad Paisley (duet with Keith Urban)
Troubadour – George Strait

Tuesday's Music Review

Brooks & Dunn's new album "#1's...and then some" drops today and it looks good for the big B&D fans. It is a double disc which features their finest and two new cuts. Now to come is one LONG goodbye, with their "Last Rodeo Tour" starting in 2010 and lasting prety much the whole year. The album is essentially their third Greatest Hits album, but it is an album that sums up their 20 year run.


Reba McEntire's "Keep On Loving You" took the the top spot as the #1 country album, while Jason Aldean's "Big Green Tractor" was the #1 song.

CMA Awards Predictions; Entertainer of the Year

CMA Awards Predictions; Entertainer of the Year
This award is for the act displaying the greatest competence in all aspects of the entertainment field. Voter should give consideration not only to recorded performance, but also to the in-person performance, staging, public acceptance, attitude, leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image. Award to artist.

Carrie Underwood - When considering this year’s eligibility period runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, it includes the better half of Carrie's year of touring, the half in which she only headlined, there was no co-headlining with Keith Urban, it just wasn't necessary anymore. She had learned the ropes and was ready to take off running, and that is exactly what she did, as her Carnival Ride tour came to a close she was the top selling country female touring artist of 2008,with fan attendance close to 1.2 million. Even though since finishing her tour she has been pretty much out of the lime light, she was never far away. She won three People's Choice Awards, and won her fourth Grammy, displaying her public acceptance. She also captured the ACM Entertainer of the Year. She continues her constant presence at The Grand Ole Opry. She is also no where near being done breaking records, as per the recorded performance criteria she ended 2008 as the Most Heard Artist on Country Radio. "I Told You So” marked her 10th #1 Single, which made her the first country artist in history ever to achieve 10 #1 singles on the strength of their first two albums. All of the above displays her leadership and overall contribution to the Country Music image. She really has become a true ambassador for Country Music!

But seeing as most people remember the most current part of the eligibility period I can see them overlooking Underwood which they shouldn't, considering most think she was snubbed for the nomination last year. So if this were to be the case I would have to go with Brad Paisley or Sugarland. I have seen both acts and both put on great shows. Besides consistent singles do they have the leadership, and overall contribution to the Country Music image that Underwood possesses? I think not.

Possible Contenders - Kenny Chesney, or Keith Urban.

CMA Awards Predictions; Female Vocalist of the Year

Female Vocalist of the Year
This award is based on individual musical performance on records or in person. Award to artist.


Carrie Underwood - Kevin J. Coyne says "Does she deserve to join the illustrious ranks of four-time winners in this category? You betcha. Given that Underwood’s a happy medium between Reba McEntire’s country-pop and Martina McBride’s power balladeering, she seems to fit in perfectly.

Oh, and if it seems too soon for Underwood to be in the same league as McEntire, remember that Reba wasn’t a superstar when she won those four trophies. She didn’t even earn a platinum album until two years after her winning streak ended."

Normally I would say enough said, but it isn't. She is the most consistent female we got today, not to mention her vocals are perfection whether it be recorded or live, she never faulters. Carrie has a string of firsts but a very impressive one for this category is that she became the first artist to have her first 10 releases go to #1 and all came from her first, two albums.

I would put money on this one this year and years to come!

Possible Contenders - Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, or Patty Loveless.

CMA Awards Predictions; Vocal Duo/Group of the Year

Vocal Duo of the Year
A duo is defined as an act composed of two people, both of whom normally perform together and neither of whom is known primarily as an individual performing artist. This award is based on the musical performance of the duo as a unit, either on records or in person. Award to duo.



Sugarland - They stole the show from Brooks & Dunn, two years ago and it doesn't look like they will be letting up anytime soon. I think Sugarland is just hitting the top of there game and there is more to come from them.

But if there was anyone to put up a real fight it would have to be Montgomery Gentry. They are and have been for some time very consistant hit makers.

Possible Contenders - Joey + Rory, Brooks & Dunn,


Vocal Group of the Year
A group is defined as an act, composed of three (3) or more people, all of whom normally perform together and none of whom is known primarily as an individual performing artist. This award is based on the musical performance of the group as a unit, either on records or in person. Award to group.


Rascal Flatts - They have been an "Unstoppable" force for many years now. Many people have mix feelings with them, if they truly belong in country music. There music has really started to all sound the same, regardless they are hits.

Or


Lady Antebellum - Their single did take a while to climb the charts but they did, and they scored their first #1 with "I Run To You". They are very popular with the younger country crowd, and seem to be growing on everyone. They just might be able to take over the throne this year.

Potential Contenders - Zac Brown Band, Little Big Town, or Eli Young Band

CMA Awards Predictions; Male Vocalist of the Year

Male Vocalist of the Year
This award is based on individual musical performance on records or in person. Award to artist.


Brad Paisley - Two time reigning champ is the most consistant hit maker out of the men. This year he scored his 10th straigh #1 single. Also in the eligibility period he release and instrumental album and his current #1 album American Saturday Night, which is probably one of his best to date. His songs range from humor and love to make the perfect combination when releasing singles. I think this is safe to say three peat for Brad.

Possible Contenders - George Straigt, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney or Darius Rucker.

Carrie Underwood's New Single Cover Shot...Wheeew!

The Official Cover for the new hit single Cowboy Cassanova from Miss Carrie Underwood, is out now and it's goooood!

The look of the cover certainly matches the "I'm warning you", sassiness of the song. All of this Carrie business today is making it really hard to wait for the album.

Carrie Underwood's New Single Is Out In A Big Way!!!

Well the long awaited new single from country queen Carrie Underwood in finally here. The song dropped last night on a few stations across the US. Some stations were playing it an astounding three and four times in a row only to follow that up with playing it every half or full hour, and the listener feedback, is in and it is great. This looks like it will most definitely be Carrie's 11th #1 single, keeping her illustrious streak alive.

It was inevitable that the first single would be an upbeat song, and that it is. It captivates you right from the beginning, then leaves you wondering why the first voices you hear are male ones. Then there she is in full fierce force. The beat is infectious and somewhat Shania(ish). By the sound of this first single Carrie means some serious business with her third album!

Have yourself a listen and see whatcha think;


Cowboy CassanovaCarrie Underwood Official YouTube page.

Some thoughts so far include;

When we hear about Casanova, then we will remember how big the hit is. I do not deny it, and there is no body denying this statement. Carrie Underwood “Cowboy Casanova” was combined with familiar melodic theme, however, Carrie Underwood sings this song with rapid fire precision and absolutely make a big different to the theme. I dare to say that this song will impress you even you do not like pop-country songs especially when you hear the lyrics, “only comes out at nigh” and seeks to find a girl and “tell you anything you wanna hear” as a way to take her to your home at night. The lyrics tells us about the teenagers life where Carrie’s girlfriend are going out to find a good guy just being roped in by the “Cowboy Casanova”.
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Love it! I think after releasing so many power country-pop ballads it was time for her to switch it up and come out with a bang, and this definitely does that. The chorus is really punchy and it gets stuck in your head the second you hear it. It has a pop edge so it can crossover, but it's still very country so it should appeal to both markets. I can also hear some 80's influences which I love. It's also great to hear Carrie's trademark sangin' in full effect and I'm glad she hasn't lost her country twang. I can definitely see this as being a huge hit for her, and it's about time to because I am sick & tired of Taylor Swift!. (My thoughts lol at that last comment)
The Prophet Blog

CMA Awards Predictions; Album of the Year

Album of the Year
This award is for an album as a whole unit. The album should be judged on all aspects including, but not limited to, artist's performance, musical background, engineering, packaging, design, art, layout, and liner notes. At least 60% of the product in the album must have been first mastered or released domestically during the eligibility period. Award to artist and producer(s).


Brad Paisley "American Saturday Night" - The late arrival of this album could or couldn't work for him, it could be too new which could make it fresh for voters or not known enough. Regardless of the timing this I believe is Brad's best work to date. It displays how he has matured but still holds true to his comedic persona. It has followed suit and debuted at #1 as did it's first single "Then". Definitely an album that will have longevity.

Or


Sugarland "Love On The Inside" - This too shows the growth of the artist, and it really brought Sugarland to that next level. Landing at #2 on the Billboard 100 in and achievement in itself. The album itself in very infectious, I'll admit some of the songs when first heard are like "I can't stand it", then with in a few more listens you want to hear it over and over. Love has many gems on it and is also one of highest selling albums of the eligibility period.

Possible Contenders - Jamey Johnson "That Lonesome Song", Taylor Swift "Fearless", Zac Brown Band “The Foundation”, Toby Keith "That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy", or Keith Urban "Defying Gravity".

CMA Awards Predictions; Music Video of the Year

Music Video of the Year:
This award is for an original music video not more than ten (10) minutes in length featuring the performance of not more than one (1) song or medley. The video must have been first released domestically for exhibition or broadcast during the eligibility period. The video should be judged on all audio and video elements including, but not limited to, the artist's performance, video concept and production. Award to artist and director.


Carrie Underwood Just A Dream - She received many praises for her performance and it stayed at the top of the video charts for months. Who knew Carrie could be such a convincing actress, we do now. It is amazing that she could make those feelings of lose come through with every tear that matched every lyric perfectly.

Or


George Strait Troubadour - Displaying his life's work on screen plays the perfect match to the song.



Possible Contenders - Taylor Swift "Love Story", Lee Ann Womack “Last Call”,Brad Paisley & Keith Urban “Start A Band”, Blake Shelton “She Wouldn’t Be Gone”, or Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”.

Keith Urban to put on Country Concert of the Year

Keith Urban has assembled a slue of top notch acts, including himself, Brad Paisley, Faith Hill and Vince Gill for a concert that will raise money for the Country Music Hall of Fame.

"The All For The Hall" show, is to be held at Nashville’s Sommet Center on Oct. 13, will also feature Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Taylor Swift with other stars likely to be added. Tickets will be as little as $25 apiece, with most,if not all, of the money to be donated to the Hall of Fame.

Urban said during the official announcement Monday morning at the Hall’s Ford Theater accompanied by Vince Gill, the creator of "All For The Hall". "Right now particularly it’s hard times for a lot of folks in this country — in some cases, some of the hardest they’ve ever known in their generation. So we tried to make this as affordable as we possibly could. We want it full." Urban said.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. CT through Ticketmaster outlets and through the Sommet Center box office.

If you have never visited the Country Music Hall Of Fame, I suggest you do. I went this past June, and it was amazing, the nostalgia, and historic information is intriguing.

My hopes for some additional acts include, Carrie Underwood, Martina Mcbride, Sugarland, and Montogomery Gentry, maybe even throw in some Gloriana for the future of country!