Taste of Country Staff hasn't taken a day off since he/she was born in December 2010. Staff is an avid fan of country music and country music only although he/she has a soft spot for artists like Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson. Other interests include live music, cold beer, pizza at midnight and photos of country music babies.
Taste of Country Staff
Jason Aldean, ‘Lights Come On’ [Listen]
Jason Aldean returns to a sound his longtime fans are familiar with on “Lights Come On,” the first single from his next studio album. There’s not a whiff of R&B influence to be found on this straightforward country rocker. It’s a song built for his live show.
7 Unforgettable Keith Urban Moments
What makes Keith Urban unforgettable? Start with his music, then move to his guitar skills ...
You Think You Know Reba McEntire?
Reba McEntire really is the hardest working woman in country music. The legend grew up in a rancher's household, meaning she often got more done before sunrise than some do in a week. There were some jobs that weren't for the squeamish ... OK, there's one job in particular that will make a city boy squirm, but during this episode of 'You Think You Know Country?' you'll see how holding a bucket led to holding several CMA and ACM Awards.
Kenny Chesney, ‘Noise’ [Listen]
Kenny Chesney says “Noise” is his first song with real social importance, and the timing couldn’t be better. Without being political, he takes on politics. Without sounding like a luddite, he challenges technology. Without smelling curmudgeonly, he recalls how things once were.
The Showdown: High Valley vs. Kenny Chesney
High Valley have scored a nice Showdown victory with their new single, but wow, are they going to have their hands full today and over the weekend. The sibling duo will square off against Kenny Chesney in a new challenge.
Craig Campbell, ‘Outskirts of Heaven’ [Listen]
Songs like Craig Campbell’s “Outskirts of Heaven” refocus a country genre that’s easily distracted. The singer’s picture of heaven is familiar and satisfying. His vocal performance is amongst the best of his career.
You Think You Know Kenny Chesney?
Kenny Chesney is one of country music's biggest stars, but do you know where he got his start in Nashville?
Scotty McCreery’s ‘Southern Belle’ Is No. 1 Yet Again on the Video Countdown
Scotty McCreery is victorious once again with his video for "Southern Belle." He's been battling it out with Home Free, whose "9 to 5" cover comes in at No. 2 this week.
Josh Kelley, ‘It’s Your Move’ [Listen]
Nine times out of 10, you find a female artist singing a song like Josh Kelley’s “It’s Your Move,” but that’s only part of what makes it a compelling listen.
The Showdown: Luke Bryan vs. A Thousand Horses
Luke Bryan seems like he might be well on his way to the Showdown Hall of Fame with his new single, but he'll face a tough challenge today and over the weekend from one of country's hottest up-and-coming acts.
Will Eric Paslay’s ‘High Class’ Video Climb High on Our Video Countdown?
Eric Paslay just released a music video for his latest single, "High Class," and it's a whole lot of fun! That video — along with Logan Brill's "Shuteye" — is now up for votes in our poll, but will either make the Top 10 Countdown?
A Thousand Horses, ‘Southernality’ [Listen]
A Thousand Horses tease what they do live with a dirty country-rocker called “Southernality,” the third single from the Southernality album. The band are at their best on stage, and one hears that immediately on this live-like recording.
Album Spotlight: Randy Houser, ‘Fired Up’
Comparisons between Luke Bryan and Randy Houser will become more convincing after one listens to the 17 songs on Fired Up, Houser's fifth studio album.
The Showdown: Luke Bryan vs. Kelsea Ballerini
Congratulations to Martina McBride, who has entered the Hall of Fame with her new single, "Reckless," after five straight Showdown victories. We're starting fresh with a face-off between Luke Bryan and Kelsea Ballerini today and over the weekend.
Scotty McCreery’s ‘Southern Belle’ Back at No. 1 on ToC Video Countdown
Scotty McCreery fans will be happy that "Southern Belle" is back on top of the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown, but they already knew that — they voted for it. McCreerians voted their singer back to No. 1 in a battle against Home Free.
Jennifer Nettles vs. Cassadee Pope: Country’s Top Vocalist of 2016?
The second matchup between female vocalists in this month-long competition to decide the best country vocalist of 2016 is between one singer with the most unique voice in country, and another with one of the most powerful.