I started doing year-end Country Music countdowns back in 1980. Each time, I would produce a radio-style countdown program featuring my list of songs, along with many special surprises. Due to changes in country music over the last several years, I have temporarily stopped recording my shows. 2010 is the first time since 2005 that I have even bothered to put a list of songs together.
Finding ten songs from 2010 that I felt were worthy of being called "Real Country" was NOT an easy task. For the first twenty years that I did my countdown program, I would feature a top-thirty format. Forget about finding that many songs from last year. Somehow I managed to fill a list of ten songs that made an impact on Country Music AND that could be considered enduring. Can all of these songs be placed right up there with legendary recordings by Willie Nelson, The Judds, Reba McEntire, Merle Haggard, Alabama and others? Only time will tell. But as a life long fan and a thirty-plus year critic of Country Music, I think that these ten songs have the best chance of standing the test of time. Some of them may not have been the most popular of the year. Some of the acts may not go on to major stardom. But all of these songs were the best and most real of the Country songs I heard in 2010.
#10. "If I Die Young"
- The Band Perry
This is one of two debut songs by new acts on the countdown. I'm not sure how good or relevant this band is going to be. But the song and video are pretty good.
#9. "Anything Like Me
- Brad Paisley
The CMA's new "Entertainer of the Year" had several hits during the year. I almost picked "American Saturday Night" instead. But this song reminds me of Brad's big hit from a few years ago called "Letter To Me".
#8. "Temporary Home"
- Carrie Underwood
Carrie had three big songs in 2010. "Undo It" was a little too pop sounding. And "Mama's Song" came out too late for me to judge.
#7. "The Boys of Fall"
- Kenny Chesney
This is a great nostalgia song as only Kenny can do. And a perfect lead single from his new album, "Hemingway's Whiskey", which is one of Kenny's best albums to date.
#6. "The Man I Want To Be"
- Chris Young
The only successful winner from the reality show "Nashville Star" had a decent hit with this great song. His voice is Classic Country all the way.
#5. "Keep On Loving You"
- Reba McEntire
This is Reba's first REAL Country song in several years. It's a far cry from songs like "Rumor Has It" and "Fancy", but a million times better than "Turn On The Radio".
#4. "She Won't Be Lonely Long"
- Clay Walker
Clay has struggled to gain respect from country radio for years. He's part of a forgotten generation of stars that includes Tracy's Lawrence and Byrd, Trisha Yearwood and others. This great song was a bit of a comeback for him in 2010, from a terrific album.
#3. "The House That Built Me"
- Miranda Lambert
I think some people consider Miranda to be a little bit "too country", and she very well may wind up in the next forgotten generation. But right now she is collecting awards for great songs like this one. And best of all, she's a REAL Country artist without a pop bone in her body.
#2. "As She's Walking Away"
- Zac Brown Band featuring Alan Jackson
This is the song that made me like Zac Brown Band. Probably because of Alan Jackson being in it. This should go on to be a award winner for Vocal Event at the next CMA. Some will say it saved Alan's career. Those people are idiots. This song made Zac Brown Band relevant to those of us who appreciate REAL Country Music.
#1. "A Little More Country Than That"
- Easton Corbin
Easton Corbin entered Country Music at a time when we desperately needed a fresh, new, REAL Country Music voice. The fact that he reminds us of a young George Strait only makes him that much more appealing. And if he can last nearly as long as George, we will all be very fortunate and lucky. Easton Corbin could be the artist to save Country Music from itself, the same way George did back in the 80's. Judging by this awesome song (clearly the best of the year) and the amazing album it came from. There is hope for Country Music.
Please share your thoughts on my list by posting a comment to this blog entry.
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