Now & Then: January 8, 2011 and 1995

On this edition of "Now & Then", I'm comparing this week's Top 5 Country Singles with the Top 5 from the same week in 1995.  Two of this week's artists were also on the chart sixteen years ago.  With the way the music industry has turned its back on the legends (or those who have been around since before 2000), it is surprising to see that Tim, Kenny and Reba are on the charts at all, let alone in this week's top five.  

To show the difference between today's pop-country and the more believable country from 1995, one only need listen to how some artists have been forced to change their style in order to stay relevant.  In this case, I would suggest that some artists have sold-out in order to stay on the charts, or (more importantly) to get radio airplay.  My advice to Tim McGraw is look at what happened to your wife's career after she went pop.   And to Reba I say, I know there's a country singer in there.  Please un-re-invent yourself and go back to your roots.

What do you think" Pleas watch the now and then YouTube clips and judge for yourself.

January 8, 2011

#1 "Felt Good On My Lips" - Tim McGraw

#2 "My Kinda Party" - Jason Aldean

#3 "Mama's Song" - Carrie Underwood

#4 "Somewhere With You" - Kenny Chesney

#5 "Turn On The Radio" - Reba McEntire

January 7, 1995

#1 "Pickup Man" - Joe Diffie

#2 "Not A Moment Too Soon" - Tim McGraw

#3 "Goin' Through The Big D" - Mark Chesnutt

#4 "Gone Country" - Alan Jackson

#5 "Till You Love Me" - Reba McEntire