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Cassadee Pope, "Wasting All These Tears" - Single Review

2013-05-20T10:02:30-06:00

As Cassadee Pope's solo debut single, "Wasting All These Tears" is a sufficient offering, perfectly straddling the line between pop and Country.It samples the boisterous production of her contemporaries, namely Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and offers up a guitar-laden arrangement that will fit perfectly at radio, both Country and Top 40. There won't even be a need for a remix, honestly. The instrumentation skews to the extreme of pop-rock with a dash of down-home banjo.

With females (save for Taylor, Carrie and Miranda Lambert) struggling to find radioplay, Cassadee's future remains in limbo, even with this stellar pop affair. The hook is infectious and should lead the singer to at least gain traction with a Top 30 hit.

The song's intro takes notes from The Band Perry's similarly structured guitar plucking No. 1 hit "Better Dig Two" but quickly shifts into Avril Lavigne territory. That's not to say the track isn't fresh enough. It certainly is, at least in regards to what Country music is serving up right now. It's the love-child hybrid of Carrie and Taylor at their best, a singularly concocted anthem of a former flame. The song plods along, reading like a diary entry, quite like something Taylor could have written for 'Red.' The only difference is is that Cassadee has the vocal prowess and nuance to slowly build the story from the harrowing first verse to the mountainous crescendo towards the song's end, culminating in rich power notes. The song, a co-write with Caitlyn Smith and Rollie Gaalswyk, is rather vivid in its metaphors, a great way to introduce her to the general Country music listening crowd as a true singer-songwriter.

"I try to find you at the bottom of the bottle, lying down on the bathroom floor," she sings on the first verse. "My loneliness was wrattling the windows. You say you don't want me anymore."

Cassadee's vocals aren't particularly Country, which is perhaps her best assest. She interprets the honest lyrics from her own personal experience, allowing the song to speak for itself, without overdoing it. Each fist-pumping chorus builds upon the verses, laying down a glossed-sheen throughout the entire recording. I'm not completely sold on this song as "Country" per-se, but it's catchy enough to surely build momentum for the singer as she preps her Big Machine debut album this fall.

The hook is crafted around simple pop-confection (see: Kelly Clarkson circa "Breakaway"). It reads:

"Standing on the corner crying / Feeling like a fool for trying / I don't even remember why / I’m wasting all these tears on you."

Whether Country radio fully embraces the song remains to be seen. Can she have a major breakthrough with this offering? Possibly...if promoted correctly (aka if Scott Borchetta works his magic).

Overall Grade: B+

Love or hate this review? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter. Of course, you can also email me to continute the conversation.

Kellie Pickler ‘Someone Somewhere Tonight’ – Review

2013-05-20T07:00:00-06:00

‘Someone Somewhere Tonight’ is Kellie Pickler’s first single on Black River Entertainment, but it existed for some time before Kellie chose to record it. Previously performed by Kenny Rogers and Pam Tillis among others, to give Kellie the radio hit she so utterly needs and deserves they needed to update the song a bit musically.

And that is exactly what they have tried to do. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it doesn’t work. The song begins with delicate mandolin and acoustic guitar, with electric guitar beginning to make its appearance, with the occasional strum to build atmosphere. That’s all fine and good, but it continues to build and build, until the second verse sounds like a mess. It doesn’t help that the sound they’re using is quite a dirty, rough guitar sound, and it absolutely overpowers what should be a gentle, humble song. However, they’ve tried to make a sweet, thoughtful ballad into a big, powerful country rock ballad, and it’s just not one that can be belted vocally. That results in Kellie straining to be heard above the noise, and the other aspects of the production get totally lost.

It drops completely down for the second chorus, using fiddle to carry it, back to where it should have been in the first place, and it sounds much better. But then the solo (the biggest mistake I think), seems to hold a guitar-off, using too many pedals, too much distortion, too much overdrive, and too much tone. It shrieks unnecessarily in a song that should be a focus on the meaningful lyrics. These lyrics tell the stories of so many people all over the world, yet brings it back to the simple love felt between two people during the chorus. The third chorus is again trying to be big, and I can see why they would do that if they had chosen to make the rest of the song gentle, but that is not the case. Then yet again they drop it down to close, and it seems they simply couldn’t make up their mind what they wanted the song to be. Whilst trying to remain relevant, different and edgy they ruined a brilliant song that didn’t need to be over-done. It totally distracts from the premise of the song and erases any emotional effect it may have had.

Kellie’s vocals, however, are the song’s saving grace. Although more wavery than I’ve heard them before, there’s a vulnerability and a truth-telling in them, carrying the song and making some twists and turns without over-doing it. If it hadn’t have been for the over-production, I would have rated this song highly.

I was worried about the use of a ballad, and one that had been done many times before, to give Kellie the sales and radio boost that she was denied during her ‘100 Proof’ era. I was worried that it might come across as more “old-fashioned” and thus wouldn’t translate well with a young audience lapping up the likes of Florida Georgia Line and Hunter Hayes. However, clearly it would have been better off like that! I’m not sure how this song will fare, although I’ll tentatively make a prediction of top 20 on her fanbase alone. But as someone who had high expectations for new music from Kellie, I’m disappointed, and hoping for better when her album comes out.

You can watch the lyric video for ‘Someone Somewhere Tonight’ here:

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Big Machine & Outnumber Hunger Reach for Rewards..You CAN Help

2013-05-19T19:26:49-06:00

I may be behind in my things to do; but the work to support and erase hunger never stops. Since the inception in 2012 of the Outnumber Hunger program 6,825,375 meals have been secured, not too far from the goal of up to ten million that has been set. Can they meet and exceed such a large undertaking? I believe they can.

In April of this year the first ever Outnumber Hunger LIve concert event took place in Las Vegas on Friday night, during the 2013 Academy of Country Music weekend. The event brought awareness for the Outnumber Hunger Program in their quest to secure meals for its network of local food banks. This marks the second year that Big Machine Record Label is working alongside Feeding America, and General Mills to reach their goals. There is also no shortage of support from the label's roster of artists which include The Band Perry, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Cassadee Pope and Greg Bates who put on a wonderful night of music to kick off the 2013 campaign. There will also be other support from artists such as Rascal Flatts, Reba, the Eli Young Band, Thomas Rhett, Raelynn, The Mavericks and Ella Mae Bowen throughout the campaign.

But after all the glitz and glamour the work still continues. As part of the 42nd Annual CMA Fest taking place in Nashville June 6-9 country artist Thomas Rhett has invited fans to volunteer at the Second Harvest Food Bank for the 2nd consecutive year. Volunteers will be participating in helping sort and pack food alongside Thomas to help hungry Middle Tennesseans . This event filled up very quickly and it will give those involved a chance to learn more about hunger issues throughout Middle and West Tennessee followed by sorting food for Second Harvest's Emergency Food Box Program.

There is a misconception that hunger only relates to the very poor. This has led people to think it could not possibly be someone they know like a neighbor or a family in their church or childrens school. Yet it is true; it could be anyone you least expect. Please take the time to read these startling facts and dig deep into the ways you can help this program. It is so easy and totally affordable. You purchase certain products with the Outnumber Hunger banner on the front; find the code in the back of the packaging; go to the website; enter your code; follow the instructions and you are done. You will feel so good knowing you helped. http://www.outnumberhunger.com/hunger-in-america

There are many programs to help fight hunger which are very easy to work into your life. You don't have to be a big star to help; the bottom line is: JUST HELP DO WHAT YOU CAN...The rewards outweigh the awards.

(Pictures by Deb Sixta)

Taylor Swift's new neighbors really don't like her and the stalkers that come with her

2013-05-17T12:30:24-06:00

Sheesh. Looks like the rich folks that live near Taylor Swift's shiny new house on the beach in Rhode Island aren't digging their new famous neighbor.

After a crazed Taylor Swift fan decided to take a couple mile swim to Taylor's new pad at 2 in the morning earlier this week, one of Taylor's neighbors decided to write to CDAN to gripe.

"I want to remain completely anonymous, but as someone who lives where Taylor Swift just bought a summer home, it's already a circus. Apparently there has been a stalker scare so a section of the beach is roped off. We live here all year, pay taxes all year, to enjoy three months at the beach...and now that might be in jeopardy. I don't want to speak for everyone, but you're kinda not welcome."

Completely anonymous? Sounds like someone doesn't want to jeopardize an invite to any of Taylor's sure-to-be-amazing summer barbecues that I'm sure she'll be throwing.

Kree Harrison, "All Cried Out" - Single Review

2013-05-17T12:01:58-06:00

Kree Harrison is one heck of a vocalist.

As her potential debut single (it has not been confirmed, but she did tell MTV News that she wants it to be), "All Cried Out" is a knock-out punch of emotions. Coming from a place of unabashed honesty, Kree pours her pain and soul into the song's stirring lyrics. The tune was co-written by Katrina Elam, Gordie Sampsonand Steve McEwan -- the songwriters behind such hits for Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Eli Young Band, Hunter Hayes, Reba McEntire and newcomer Lauren Alaina.

At first listen, I got chills. That doesn't happen often, but when it does, I know I'm listening to something really special.

Some might be turned off by the sappy lyrics, but it is Kree's conviction that elevates a song that could be rather bland if performed by another artist. It channels Carrie Underwood ("Just a Dream," "Temporary Home") and Trisha Yearwood ("This is Me You're Talking To") at their finest, while bringing a freshness and fervent drive to the storytelling.

Even the instrumentation and arrangement harkens back to more rootsy and traditional influences rather than the current trend of Country-pop or -rock in the mainstream.

"They say when the last tear comes, you can tell by the way it falls. It’s like seeing everything for the first time again. It’s not like the pain is gone, just hurts a little bit less. You know you’re going to cross that line, who knows what you’re going to find. It’s only a matter of time in the end," she tenderly caresses on the first verse.

A little backstory (in case you are not aware): Kree and her sister Laci lost both parents rather early on. Kree, at age 12, lost her father in plane crash. At 19, her mother died in a car accident. Talk about a tragic twist of fate. During her recent Top 3 hometown visit to Woodville, Texas, producers filmed an emotional segment with Kree and Laci returning to their childhood home.

From that vastly deep well to draw upon, Kree is able to craft a poignant performance, not holding back as the song ebbs and flows in time. While it clearly isn't made for summer (as radio seems obsessed with head-bobbing and fist-pumping beats), it would be a travesty if this song did not land on every DJ's playlist across the country.

Thematically, the song pulls in the listener on a simple hook and a rather broad idea. I think we've all reached that point where we are "all cried out," when it comes to an experience, whether that be death, or some other tragedy. It's relatable and fits perfectly with many of Country music's most iconic songs.

If you listen to this song and aren't moved in some way, you don't have a heart.

Overall Grade: A+

Bonus: While Kree did not write this single, she previously penned a song called "You Would've Wanted It That Way," which she co-wrote with hit-makers Natalie Hemby ("Pontoon") and Trent Dabbs ("Undermine" from ABC's Nashville), to honor her parents.

"Left all the flowers in the living room; shook every hand I didn't know; stacked all the cards I'll read to you when I get alone," she sweetly sings in the first verse. "I made the bed hung your favorite dress, mailed all the letters that you saved, broke the news over every call that you couldn't make."

Listen:

If I was grading the second song, I would give it an A+, as well. It needs to find its place on her debut album.

Did you like this review? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter. Also, feel free to email me to continue the conversation.

Jennifer Nettles releasing solo album

2013-05-17T10:34:39-06:00

Jennifer Nettles and Rick Rubin via Rolling Stone

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles is going solo!

At least temporarily.

According to Rolling Stone, Jennifer will be releasing a solo album this fall with the help of Rick Rubin, former co-president of Columbia Records and founder of Def Jam Records.

"I am absolutely thrilled and wholly proud to be working with Rick", Jennifer says. "If you ask any musician who is on their producer 'bucket list', Rick would be on each and every one."

As for what sort of music will be on the as-of-yet untitled album, it sounds like it will be ecclectic ... just what you'd expect from Nettles.

Rubin says. "There's country, but also blues, jazz, island rhythms, great classic rock moments, and a lot of soul. The organizing principle is Jennifer's voice and tastes. There's a lot of styles, but it all sounds like her."

Adds Nettles, "It's a celebration of my roots, and where I am today. I'm a different version of myself than what people might have known before – not only in my songwriting and performance, but even in the sounds on this album. It reflects a more soulful, grittier life. A lot has been lived in the time between the last record I made and now, and you can hear that."

Jennifer's solo album isn't really a surprise at all since both Jennifer and Sugarland partner, Kristian Bush, have said they're interested in doing things on their own as well as together.

I don't know about you but I'm kind of excited to hear what funky music Jennifer will be gifting to the world.

This chiropractor video is uncomfortably fascinating (not country but umm...)

2013-05-17T10:21:25-06:00

My husband goes to the chiropractor every couple of months. I've never went with him but now I'm sort of wishing I had. It looks so entertaining.

I'm sorry but this video made me laugh in a slightly uncomfortable way.

{via Jezebel/Ryan Lee Chiropractic}