Brand New Country Songs For The Summer: Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith

"TWO BLACK CADILLACS"   CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Sounding like the follow-up to "Before He Cheats", this new song has MAJOR hit potential.  Carrie's theme of vengeance for cheating gets doubled when a man's wife and mistress meet at his grave.  "It was the first and last time they saw each other face to face, they shared a crimson smile and just walked away".

"NO HURRY"   ZAC BROWN BAND

July 10th is the scheduled release date for the new Zac Brown Band CD, "Uncaged".    I've been loving this band for years before they hit it big and look forward to see what direction they're heading with the new material.  The lead single is this perfect laid-back summer song.   "Heaven knows I ain't perfect, I've raised a little cain, and I plan to raise a whole lot more before I hear the angels sing".

"SING 'EM GOOD MY FRIEND"  KENNY CHESNEY
Early running for my favorite CD of 2012 is the new Kenny Chesney CD, Life In A Fishbowl.   "Sing Em Good My Friend" is INCREDIBLE!   It's a contender for the greatest song Kenny has recorded.  The "do do do" intro reminds me of Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side".   The lyrics remind me of "Don't Blink" and "I Go Back", tender words about cherished memories of the love of your life.  Some funerals turn into festive parties of the great memories, this song conjures up those images.
                                                                                  

"HER LIFE'S A SONG"  ALAN JACKSON

Traditional country will never go out style while artists like Alan Jackson are still around.  "Her Life's A Song" is 1990's AJ with a style similar to his biggest hits "Gone Country" and "Chattahoochee".    The new song is about a woman who loves great music whether it's hip hop, country, rock, or tunes that make her dance all night long.    

"BEERS AGO"   TOBY KEITH

Another great summer jam, Toby's back with a fast paced rocker.   "Beers Ago" is from his Clancy's Tavern CD and it's the perfect country song to crank up the volume, roll down the windows, and get the party started!   "Had me a hand me down ride painted rattle can red, second hand tires with poor boy tread" going to get his girl "the second runner up in the 4H pageant"!     FUN summer jam!

A Trio Of Sexy Hidden Treasure Songs: Toby Keith, Foreigner,

"I GOT IT FOR YOU"    TOBY KEITH

One of the sexiest country songs ever!  This comes from Toby's 2011 CD, I love the rock guitar solo prior to the last chorus.  Great visual lyrics: 

Come on baby lay back down
You don’t have to leave right now
Anything you got downtown can wait

I love those high heeled shoes
Everything looks good on you
You make it look brand new everyday

Chorus:
I got it, in a bad way
I wanna kiss your sweet face
And lay like this forever
I need you to need me
Complete my world
I got it for you, girl

Baby, I can hear your breath
Whisper softly on my chest
I can feel your sweat all over me
Sheets stuck to your skin
Give me that 'want to' grin
Baby, I 'want to' again

"GIRL ON THE MOON"    FOREIGNER

From the landmark LP, Foreigner 4, comes this often overlooked gem.   Look past the big hits: "Urgent", "Juke Box Hero", "Waiting For A Girl Like You".....there's track 4:  "Girl On The Moon".  You'll find yourself in a trance as takes your mind drifting to the past, visions of ecstacy, the start of new love, and memories that will never die.

"IN MY EYES"    STEVIE B.

The King Of Freestyle and the Miami dance scene in the late 80's/early 90's, Stevie B was known for his uptempo party anthems.  He changed his image with "In My Eyes" one of his first blends of slow jam R&B lyrics with a soft bouncy beat.    This was released in 1988 and filled club dance floors with partygoers looking for something more intimate.

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not: Toby Keith, Thompson Square, Waylon Jennings

"CRYIN' FOR ME (WAYMAN'S SONG)"     TOBY KEITH

Toby Keith is known for his over the top videos, his patriotic views, and his mega-hits that dominate the country music charts.   But this song has special meaning to him and anyone who's lost someone special.   Wayman Tisdale was one of the best college basketball players ever from Oklahoma (Toby's home state).   In fact, the College Basketball award for the Freshman of the Year is named after Wayman.  Besides his basketball prowess, he was an outstanding jazz bass player who released 8 CDs.   At the age of 44, Wayman lost his leg to cancer and died a year later.   Toby Keith dedicated and wrote this brilliant tribute song to his friend and hero to many.  Who isn't moved by these lyrics?


I got up and dialed your number
And your voice came on the line
That old familiar message
I heard a thousand times it just said
Sorry that I missed you
Leave a message and god bless
I know you think I’m crazy
But I had to hear your voice I guess

"ARE YOU GONNA KISS ME OR NOT"     THOMPSON SQUARE

#1 hit from 2011 by a husband and wife duo which got them nominated for this year's Grammy Awards and earned them CMT Awards for Breakthrough Video of the Year.    Love the lyrics, that point of the date where you're not sure if she's into you, should you take the chance.........


We were sittin' up there on your momma's roof
Talkin' 'bout everything under the moon
With the smell of honeysuckle and your perfume
All I could think about was my next move


Oh, but you were so shy, so was I
Maybe that's why it was so hard to believe
When you smiled and said to me
"Are you gonna kiss me or not?


Are we gonna do this or what?
I think you know I like you a lot
But you're 'bout to miss your shot
Are you gonna kiss me or not?"

"ARE YOU SURE HANK DONE IT THIS WAY"    WAYLON JENNINGS

My dad's love of country music influenced me.   I remember hearing him play 8-tracks of Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard growing up.    To me, the outlaw country image of these guys made them seem "cooler" and I liked their rebel style.   Incidentally, Waylon Jennings was scheduled to fly on the plane that killed Buddy Holly, but he bumped from the flight at the last minute.    This tribute song to Hank Williams SR has a lot of attitude and some great guitar picking.