BORN Country Predicts the 50th Annual ACM Awards!!!

With so many televised award shows these days, it's hard to tell which (if any) really matter. Tonight, the Academy of Country Music celebrates its 50th anniversary of their award presentation show. Personally, I enjoy watching these shows on TV because we get to see the artists a bit outside of their music. While the winners typically all give the same speech and thank the same people, once in awhile you'll witness a special moment, unexpectedly. On the other hand, we are treated to some special performances that can also steal the show. While Garth, Alan and George are all set to perform this evening, I'm willing to bet that the majority are more so excited about the reunion of Brooks & Dunn! I know I am!

During the ACM Award show this evening, the BORN Country Facebook page with be hosting a live comment/chat thread throughout the run of the show. We very much would like to see all of our readers joining in and sharing your thoughts with us! Love a performance? Disagree with a winning artist? Let's talk about it!!!

I thought it would be a fun starting point if I were to share my thoughts on not only who I think will win, but also who I think SHOULD win. In a lot of cases, I think we can all agree, these are two very differing things, ha! Of course, these are just one person's opinions. Tell me why you agree or disagree tonight during the show!

I almost feel as if none of these groups really had a spectacular past year. Sure, each one had their hits, but do they all deserve to be nominated for an award? I'm not so sure. The Band Perry put out a killer cover of the Glen Campbell classic, "Gentle On My Mind". Zac Brown Band released an EP produced by Dave Grohl and just recently hit the country AND rock charts with singles from their upcoming album (4/28/15). Little Big Town put the unnecessarily "controversial" song "Girl Crush" to radio, which was banned by radio stations all over the country due to listeners not understanding the song. Being that the ACM involves fan voting in the decision of its winners, LBT may have an upper hand after the strong support they received after the radio backlash.

Who Should Win: Zac Brown Band

Who Will Win: Little Big Town

Look at the nominees here. As far as radio play and fan support, there is no question that FGL is taking home this trophy. I would love to see some kind of freak voting and see anyone else win, but until Brooks & Dunn reunite outside of tonight's broadcast, no one stands a chance. Hopefully, some of the duos, Maddie & Tae in particular, have a strong 2015-16 year and take over.

Who Should Win: Maddie & Tae

Who Will Win: Florida Georgia Line

I am constantly baffled every year by this category. Rhett and Swindle have both been putting huge hits to country radio for at least 2+ years. At least Sam Hunt is "new" despite the fact that he doesn't actually make country music. If I had to pick one to win, I suppose I'd choose Thomas Rhett to take home the trophy. The new single is NOT winning me over though. I would LOVE to see next years nominees look like this: Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton, Whitey Morgan. A guy can dream, right?

Who Should Win: (I'm going rogue here - Sturgill Simpson)

Who Will Win: Thomas Rhett

Man. The Glen Campbell video is a heartbreaker. If the ACM's are awarded solely on fan votes, I'm afraid this one doesn't stand a chance. This is usually Brad Paisley's specialty. I would have assumed "River Bank" would've been all over the one. I have a blast watching the "Drunk On A Plane" video each time, but I think Kenny Chesney might have the edge here with "American Kids".

Who Should Win: "American Kids"

Who Will Win: "American Kids"

People ask me every year, what the difference is between "Single/Record" of the year vs "Song" of the year. The easiest way to explain it is this:  "Single" is awarded to the artist and record label, while "Song" is awarded to the song-writer. With that being said...

I think Florida Georgia Line surprised everyone here. "Dirt" is an incredible song! I had high expectations for the new album when it was released thinking that perhaps they had matured a little bit. No dice. "Drunk On A Plane" is very funny, and even more so along with the music video. "American Kids" saw Kenny Chesney move further away from the "island country" he has been making for years in a refreshing surprise. Lee Brice made a wedding song. I think Miranda takes the cake here with "Automatic" and deservingly so. 

Who Should Win: Miranda Lambert - Automatic

Who Will Win: Miranda Lambert - Automatic

This is a tough one for me. I enjoy all of the artists, and the songs in this category. Typically, that wouldn't matter, due to this award going to the songwriter, but 4 of the 6 nominees actually wrote their own! Eric and Dierks long deserving of an award, but I don' think this is the one for either. I would love to see Kacey take home a trophy, but with Miranda likely taking the "Single" trophy, this one won't be far out of her reach as well. Best case scenario for country music as a whole, in my opinion, would be Chris Stapleton being award this category for "Drink A Beer". Guys like Stapleton need to start being recognized more in order to even out the current product before it falls even deeper into the "Bro-Country" phase it is in today.

Who Should Win: Chris Stapleton & Jim Beavers - Drink A Beer

Who Will Win: Miranda Lambert - Automatic

I don't undertand the title of this category. Isn't it just the "Duet of the Year"? When I hear event, I think of a big concert/festival or something of the like. Anyways, that's how I will treat this award. While it would be cool to see The Cadillac Three take this trophy along with their cast of friends in "The South", I absolutely LOVED "Meanwhile Back At Mama's".  "Lonely Tonight" didn't do a whole lot for me, but I could also find joy in Ashley Monroe being awarded this evening.

Who Should Win: Tim McGraw & Faith Hill - "Meanwhile Back At Mama's"

Who Will Win: Florida Georgia Line & Luke Bryan - "This Is How We Roll"

Now THIS should be the category that Eric Church wins. I love every single track on "The Outsiders". Dirks Bentley's "Riser" is almost as equally strong. Considering more recent award shows, however, unless the "Church Choir" has put in their fair share of voting, This could easily go to Miranda. Where the heck is Brad Paisley's "Moonshine In The Trunk"?!

Who Should Win: Eric Church - The Outsiders

Who Will Win: Miranda Lambert - Platinum

Hell, Eric Church deserves this award as well. Aldean's last few singles have been very stale in my opinion. Luke has been doing the same thing for a few years now. He needs a new edge, I think. Despite putting out an awesome album within the past year, Brad seems to be in some kind of award slump. (Not necessarily a bad thing, apparently).  The fan vote likely goes to Luke, though Blake does have more support from the audience of The Voice...

Who Should Win: Eric Church

Who Will Win: Blake Shelton

Not that she isn't a great artist, but what is Martina doing here? Did I miss a new album or radio song? Curious!!! I would be thrilled to see her win, but I just don't know what it would be for. This is hands down going to Miranda, but how refreshing would it be to see Kacey win this one? Or even more, Brandy Clark?!! I really hope country radio starts showing more love to a wider group of female artists. Without major competition, artists will start getting lazier. We don't want to see that from Miranda or Carrie!

Who Should Win: Kacey Musgraves

Who Will Win: Miranda Lambert

How many artists can be away for 10+ years and then return to selling out ARENAS for nights in a row, in every city they visit? I have yet to see Garth perform live, but I've seen enough footage of his concerts to know exactly why these shows are selling out. Yeah, Luke and Jason have been selling out huge shows for a few years, but they have artists like FGL and Miranda opening for them. Garth sells out shows because it's GARTH. Yeah, Trisha Yearwood plays a few songs in between, but lets not kid ourselves. Unfortunately, I have a pretty good idea how this one is going to go tonight.

Who Should Win: Garth Brooks

Who Will Win: Florida Georgia Line OR Luke Bryan

That wraps up my predictions for tonight's ACM Awards show! Let me know what you think here below, or join in on the group chat/comments tonight during the show, starting just before 8PM EST!!! Hope to hear from all of you!!!

Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying the blog. Let your friends know about us! Copy and paste the following link to your Facebook page and help us spread the word!

http://www.facebook.com/BORNCountryBlog

-Arthur Born

Facebook: BORN Country 

Twitter: @BORNCountryBlog

E-Mail: borncountryblog@gmail.com

Countdown Part VIII: Songs #416-435 - HUGE 20 Song Edition!

What a week!!! Since the publishing of last week's countdown blog, the BORN Country Facebook page has grown from 215 "likes" to 400+!!! Thanks to everyone who has shared the page and please do not be afraid to continue to do so!

- This weekend, (4/18/15 to be exact) was Record Store Day. Did anyone go out to support their local record shops? What did you find? I had a pretty successful hunt, myself! I will post pictures of my "treasures" on the Facebook page soon!

- This past Tuesday night, there was a a pretty good lineup on the Grand Ole Opry broadcast. If you haven't downloaded the Opry or WSM650 apps, you absolutely must. Listening to the Opry on Tuesday/Thursday/Friday nights is always a blast. You never know who will show up! This evening, I heard Ray Stevens perform live for the first time ever! His Greatest Hits CD was the first of 2 I owned (along with Garth Brooks - The Hits) when I received my first Stereo/CD player for Christmas 20 years ago!

- Also, this past Tuesday night, 90's country rock mega band, Little Texas streamed a live performance in which they previewed songs from their latest album and also included a few past hits. I would love to see this becoming a trend! The live video feed included a chat window allowing fans to converse during the show. Very cool!

- Sunday night is the live broadcast of the 50th annual ACM Award ceremony. I will be posting a smaller blog with my ACM winner predictions prior to the show. We will also be hosting a live "chat/commentary" on the BORN Country Facebook page throughout the entire show, so please join us! Tell your friends! The show starts at 8PM EST. Hope to see you there!

Now, as promised, since all of you helped the BORN Country page blow far beyond the 300 "Like" goal that I set last week, this week's countdown will include 20 huge country hits from the 90's! I had planned on setting the next goal at 500 "Likes" but we are already on the way! Heck, why not? If we reach 500 by next Sunday, I will do ANOTHER 20 song edition of the countdown!

BORN Country's 505 Favorite Country Singles Of The 90's!!!

435. Alan Jackson - Pop A Top
Album: Under The Influence
Year: 1999

A lot of songs make their way through country music history with a handful of different artists recording them. Alan Jackson may be the king of taking a classic country song, re-recording it, and turning into a smash hit radio single decades after it's original release. Country legend Jim Ed Brown released "Pop A Top" back in 1967, in which it became a #3 hit single on the Billboard country chart. Jackson's cover peaked at #6.



434. Doug Stone - Why Didn't I Think Of That
Album: From The Heart
Year: 1993

Though Stone would continue to reach the Top 10 afterwards, "Why" was his 3rd and final #1 single of the 90's. Doug's last album was released in 2008. He has not charted since the late 90's, but continues to release solid country music.



433. Little Texas - What Might Have Been
Album: Big Time
Year: 1993

One of the most successful songs released by Little Texas, "What Might Have Been" charted at #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Chart. The band recently re-recorded this, along with "God Bless Texas" for the release of their newest studio album, "Young For A Long Time".



432. Martina McBride - Life #9
Album: The Way That I Am
Year: 1994

Last week we saw McBride's first song on our countdown and here comes #2! According to the Wikipedia page, Martina is quoted in saying that she didn't feel like this was her kind of song, in reference to the attitude and and melody. #9 was her fifth overall single released to radio and it peaked at #6 in 1994. Not bad!



431. Vince Gill - Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away
Album: I Still Believe In You
Year: 1992

The video for Gill's 2nd #1 single of the 90's features a handful of country (and otherwise) music icons. Reba, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Patty Loveless, Lee Roy Parnell, Carl Perkins, Pam Tillis, Leon Russell and more make appearances throughout!



430. Mindy McCready - A Girl's Gotta Do (What A Girl's Gotta Do)
Album: Ten Thousand Angels
Year: 1997

Mindy McCready had a strong entrance into the country music scene. Her first 4 singles performed strongly on the charts, including this single which peaked at #4. Mindy dealt with many personal demons following her country music success, including substance abuse, reality TV, a personal sex tape being released by Vivid Entertainment and more. Sadly, McCready took her own like at the age of 37 in 2013 .



429. Clint Black - The Shoes You're Wearin'
Album: Nothin' But The Taillights
Year: 1998

"Shoes" was the fourth and final single from Clint's "Nothin' But The Taillights" album in 1998. This song which followed the #1 charting title track, also went to the top of the charts. While very possibly Black's strongest album of the 90's, Clint was not done taking singles to the top of the country mountain for the decade just yet...



428. Tracy Byrd - Walkin' To Jerusalem
Album: Love Lessons
Year: 1995

In the mid-late 90's, I was constantly mixing up Tracy Byrd, Tracy Lawrence and Trace Adkins. All 3 were consistently cranking out huge hits. Today, they all sound so differently from each other, so I imagine it was just the names that had me all mixed up! This Tracy BYRD hit charted at #15.



427. John Michael Montgomery - If You've Got Love
Album: Kickin' It Up
Year: 1994

This isn't directly a memory I have of this particular song, but here's a little story. When "I Swear" by Montgomery was climbing the charts, it was huge among my 5th grade classmates. Well... the All-4-One version was huge anyways. I knew the JMM version, haha. Anyhow, I thought that I had brilliant plan in which I could obtain the entire "Kickin' It Up" album by requesting songs at radio and recording them to tape. However, I didn't understand the "radio single: concept, nor did I actually know any other song titles, so I called and asked WOBL 1320AM to play "Kickin' It Up" by JMM. To my surprise, they had never heard of it, because it wasn't sent to them for radio play. Spoiled my plans!



426. George Strait - I Just Want To Dance With You
Album: One Night At A Time
Year: 1998

Like Alan Jackson above, George Strait recorded this song, which was previously written and recorded by John Prine, and took it to #1. Prine released "Dance" on his 1986 album, "German Afternoons".



425. Garth Brooks - Somewhere Other Than The Night
Album: The Chase
Year: 1992

Well isn't this just a star studded list this week?! While "Somewhere" tends to be a lesser celebrated single from early in Garth's career, after 20 weeks on the charts, it became his 10th #1 single on the Billboard Hot Country chart in 1992.

*Unfortunately, as Garth does not allow his music videos to be uploaded on YouTune or likewise, I was unable to find a proper link for this song. My apologies!!!

424. Trisha Yearwood (Featuring Don Henley) - Walkaway Joe
Album: Hearts In Armor
Year: 1992

You know you've had a strong start in your country music career when Don Henley of The Eagles, Emmylou Harris and Raul Malo of the Mavericks want to help you out on your 2nd album! The video for Yearwood's #2 charting song stars a young Matthew McConaughey.



423. Clay Walker - Then What?
Album: Rumor Has It
Year: 1998

Well before Kenny Chesney when "Island Country", there was Clay Walker's "Then What?" This song is an absolute blast to sing along to. I remember receiving the "Rumor Has It" CD from BMG back in the late 90s and just constantly listening to this song. 7th grade me would be so confused by this song not being in the top 10 of this list, ha!



422. Alan Jackson - Gone Crazy
Album: High Mileage
Year: 1999

Well, this is a first so far on our countdown list! Two songs by the same artist on one list! Of course, it's only fitting that this goes to the always incredible, Alan Jackson. Near the time of this album and song release, Jackson had been split from his wife and then reconnected with her after a period of time. It's only fitting that he would write an incredible song about losing love as it was happening to him in real life. "Gone Crazy" peaked at #4 on the Hot Country chart.



421. Shania Twain (Featuring Bryan White) - From This Moment On
Album: Come On Over
Year: 1998

"From This Moment" was a high school dance staple during the early 2000's. I don't imagine that it still is, but I could be very wrong. Originally recorded by a solo Shania, it was decided that this would be best as a duet. Twain's first choice was Sir Elton John, but after being unable to obtain his services, 90's country star, Bryan White stepped up to the plate an nailed it! White is easily another artist that should be getting far more credit than he has, but we'll get to him later...

*The only official video for this song is for the Shania solo recording. Being that the duet is the version I chose for this list, I had to find a fan made video. This is the best I could do!



420. Toby Keith - Getcha Some
Album: Greatest Hits: Volume One
Year: 1998

Not one of Toby's most successfully charting songs, (well, in comparison to most Toby songs at least.) "Getcha Some" peaked at #18 as the lead single from his first Greatest Hits compilation.



419. Sammy Kershaw - Love Of My Life
Album: Labor Of Love
Year: 1997

The video for Sammy's country music hit picks off right where the video for his #5 charting single, "Meant To Be" left us off in 1996. "Love Of My Life" peaked two spots higher at #3 on the Hot Country chart.



418. Tracy Lawrence - Lessons Learned
Album: Lessons Learned
Year: 1999

"Lessons" was the final single released to country radio by Tracy Lawrence in the 90's. Ending the decade on a strong note, Lawrence took the song to #3 on the Hot Country chart. I've got high hopes to finally see Tracy Lawrence perform live this year! I'm looking at you, county fairs!



417. Bryan White - Look At Me Now
Album: Bryan White
Year: 1994

Not necessarily related to this song, but I have a very clear memory of one of my childhood neighbors being so excited that she was going to see Bryan White live! I had no clue who he was at the time, but she had a huge crush on him. I recall her being so thrilled afterwards, because she caught his towel that he threw out into the crowd when the show ended. I remember thinking it was weird that she wanted his sweat, ha! If she reads this, she'll know who she is!



416. Diamond Rio - Bubba Hyde
Album: Love A Little Stronger
Year: 1995

Being in 5th or 6th grade at the time of this Diamond Rio hit's release, I strangely made my the decision that "Bubba Hyde" and the upcoming Eddie Murphy remake of "The Nutty Professor" were somehow related. When the song was NOT included in the movie, I was absolutely dumbfounded by the obvious missed opportunity. What an imagination I had, ha!




Phew! And here we are after a huge 20 song update! We only have 10 songs left to go in the first 100 on the list! We are just flying right through, aren't we? Don't worry, there is so much great country music from the 90's to come! Hopefully, these songs have brought back a few memories, helped you rediscover an artist, or heck, brought something to your attention that is completely new to you!

Once again, don't forget to join us TONIGHT on our Facebook page for a live chat/comment session during the entire run of the ACM Award ceremony. We will be looking forward to everyone's input!

Thanks for reading!
-Arthur


Facebook: BORNCountryBlog
Twitter: @BORNCountryBlog
E-Mail: borncountryblog@gmail.com

Countdown Part VI: Songs #446-455

Happy Easter to all of my readers out there!!! After 2 big meals, a load of candy and 1 nap, I am ready to get this entry of our countdown rolling right along! What did everyone think of last weeks songs? We are starting to get a little deeper into the more popular stuff the further we go along!

Before the first song on this weekend's list, I want to let everyone know that I intend to host a running comment/chat on our Facebook page during the Academy of Country Music Awards show coming up on the 19th of April! I'm hoping that everyone will join in and open up our FB comments to a wider range of readers! Let us know what you think about the blog, the Facebook page, our songs of the day, and country music in general! We love hearing from everyone here at BORN Country!

Links to our Facebook page, Twitter and email with be posted below. Don't be afraid to use them!

BORN Country's 505 Favorite Country Singles Of The 90's!

455. Sammy Kershaw - Don't Go Near The Water
Album: Don't Go Near The Water
Year: 1992

I have to admit, that as I grew up on country music of the 90's there are a handful of artists that didn't really "catch" me at the time. I knew a couple Sammy Kershaw songs, but there is a large portion of his back catalog that I hadn't really known all of that well until recently. THIS however, is not one of those songs that passed me by!



454. Wynonna - Tell Me Why
Album: Tell Me Why
Year: 1993

Wynonna is easily one of the most iconic women in country music, whether it be in duet form with Naomi or on here own throughout the 90's. How many other artists can go by their first name only and still be known to all in country music, other than Reba? None that I can think of! Wynonna took "Why Not Me" to #3 on the Hot Country Songs Chart.



453. Brooks & Dunn - How Long Gone
Album: If You See Her
Year: 1998

So, I don't believe I even have to ask, but who is excited for the Brooks & Dunn reunion at the ACM Awards show on April 19th?! I was lucky enough to see their last Cleveland area performance after rushing through a college final a few years back. Whatever grade I ended up with, was worth speeding through in order to make sure that I made it to the last show before they would disband. Now, it's only a matter of time before they tour again, but just incase, I wouldn't dare miss the performance in a few weeks! Don't forget to follow our Facebook page for the live comment/chat feed during the show!



452. George Strait - We Really Shouldn't Be Doing This
Album: One Step At A Time
Year: 1998

Unlike Brooks & Dunn above, I never had the chance to see "King George" live before he took to retirement from touring this past year. I waited out his tour schedule thinking he couldn't possibly pass up the Cleveland area, but the show was never added and I was too late to grab tickets to anything else. Fingers crossed that one day he decides that the cowboy has one more last rodeo in him!



451. Keith Urban - It's A Love Thing
Album: Keith Urban
Year: 1999

Keith Urban on a 90's list?!!! That's right! Keith barely sneaks into eligibility for our list, releasing his first U.S. single in the summer of 1999. Urban would certainly move on to much better material, including his current single with Eric Church "Raise Em Up" that's climbing the charts, but this catchy single will forever be a one of his most memorable.



450. Clay Walker - Watch This
Album: Rumor Has It
Year: 1997

Clay Walker's 14th single is one song that I remember truly thinking I was able to sing well while driving around in my 1992 Ford Explorer when I was 16. Walker's "Greatest Hits" album was one of the staple CDs in my vehicle from the day I started driving (Legally, ha!). To this day, every song on the "Hits" release is forever ingrained on my memory. Clay is a prime example of an artist who deserves far more recognition than he has ever received.



449. Deana Carter - How Do I Get There
Album: Did I Shave My Legs For This?
Year: 1997

Did you know Deana Carter was discovered by Willie Nelson in 1994? How cool is that?! "How Do I Get There" was Carter's 3rd and final #1 single in her career (so far. Fingers crossed!) Deana later scored CMA and Grammy nominations as a song writer when country mega star Kenny Chesney covered her song "You & Tequila" as a duet with Grace Potter.



448. Alan Jackson - Who's Cheatin' Who
Album: Everything I Love
Year: 1997

Alan Jackson truly loves the history of country music. By no means is this a definite fact, but when it comes to covering classic country songs, Jackson has to have done in most in any recent generation. Not only does he keep said classics alive, his versions get released to radio! Often! "Cheatin'" was originally recorded and released in 1980 by Charly McClain. While not quite taking it to #1 on the country charts as McCalin did, Alan hit the #2 spot in 1997.



447. Lonestar - Everything's Changed
Album: Crazy Nights
Year: 1998

This was the final single released by Lonestar before then bass guitar player, John Rich, was fired from the band, leading to his partnership with Big Kenny in Big & Rich. The version I am most familiar with was released on the album "Lonely Grill" as a piano/acoustic recording, but this is the version that was released to radio and climbed to #2 on the Hot Country Songs chart.



446. Billy Ray Cyrus - In The Heart Of A Woman
Album: It Won't Be The Last
Year: 1993

Another strong hit from Billy Ray, "Heart" was the first single from his second album. I had never seen the video to this track before I started tonight's blog, and I've gotta say, this may be the most majestic display of possibly the most famous mullet of all time. Amy also pointed out to me, that this may also be the only rare appearance of a pair of British Knights in a country music video. I've been a big fan of Cyrus since his first release and this song has stuck with me strongly for the last 22 years. Good stuff!




There we have it! Another week of 90's classics in the books! I hope you've enjoyed all, or at least most of the songs as much as I have so far. Below I will include a link to our playlist on Spotify so you can take the countdown with you, on-the-go!

Don't forget to check us out on Twitter, PLEASE "Like" us on Facebook in order to keep up to date with BORN Country on a daily basis and we will look forward to everyone joining in on the ACM chat this coming April 19th! Thanks for reading!

-Arthur Born
Facebook.com/BORNCountryBlog
Twitter: @BORNCountryBlog
Spotify: BORN Country on Spotify