In a music industry dominated by males, and a year dominated by bestselling male artists, American Idol discovery Carrie Underwood has carried six titles to the country music billboard charts. Hot on her heels are artists country music artists like Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Kenny Chesney.
It has been a sizzling year in country music, additionally, the re-release of classics like Johnny Cash, George Strait, and Garth Brooks have blended a mixture of old with new country. There are plenty of toe-tapping, moving on, and sentimental country songs for fans.
Choosing the best of country music artists of 2007 isn’t an easy task, but here’s a few of my favorites.
1. Carrie Underwood tops my list.
Her voice and spirit are indomitable. She is riding out the New Year on her 2007 Christmas recording release, Country Christmas and her earlier 2007 release, Carnival Ride. It has been a quick ride to the top for Carrie Underwood. Popular singles include “Before He Cheats” and “Inside Your Heaven.”
2. Rascal Flatts sing their way into our hearts.
Rascal Flatts most recent release, Still Feels Good, plays sentimental and head-bobbing favorites. “Still Feels Good” is also the title of Rascal Flatts current tour. The Flatts band is hotter than ever, pulling doe-eyed girls and manly men into their fan base. Rascal Flatts 2006 release, Me and My Gang, includes the country music single “What Hurts the Most.” Songs from previous years still warm the hearts of Rascal Flatts fans. God Bless the Broken Road” has become a popular wedding song, and was re-recorded as a Christian music single.
3. Kenny Chesney keeps the hearts of country music fans pumping.
Chesney has had ten country music chart topping titles this year. He brings enthusiasm and passion to the stage. His latest release September 11, 2007, Just Who I AM: Poets & Pirates builds on Kenny Chesney’s ever broadening knowledge and experience in country music. “How Forever Feels” remains a popular single. Chesney’s appeal as one of the top country artists is built on his gritty voice, combined with the new country music and rhythms. He sounds like a country boy, but acts like he’s from the city. Chesney engages his fans and may have one of the most loyal fan bases in country music.
4. Brad Paisley is a must mention.
I don’t care for Brad Paisley, but I’d be doing the country music artist and readers a disservice by not mentioning him among the top country artists of the year.
With twelve singles gaining recognition on Billboard’s charts, he deserves a nod for outstanding country music performance. His July 2007 release, 5th Gear, includes hit singles “Online” and “Ticks.” Paisley offers smooth vocals and has found his niche in new country. I can tolerate listening to him, but he looks like a little boy. His success as a country artist is deserved for talent, but, for me, he doesn’t fit the image of country, new or old.
5. Keith Urban has the look, voice, and the fan base to make any top country music list.
Urban’s style moves country music marginally toward pop, but the twang in his voice and his personal style keep him in the country music genre. Keith Urban: Greatest Hits was released November 20, 2007. It must have been easy to compile, because Keith Urban is a hit generator in country music. He is engaging, upbeat, and an extremely talented guitarist. Keith Urban has the ability to slip in under the radar and slide to the top of the country music charts before you realize it. He is a country music fan magnet; His looks don’t hurt his case at all.
The list of top country artists of 2007 could go on and on. Time McGraw, Sugarland, and Toby Keith always earn their way on the country charts. Time and space limit mention of all the best country music artists. Alan Jackson, an aging but no less influential country music artist, Martina McBride, Trace Adkins, and others also deserve a space in the spotlight.
