KCTR: We’re Montana’s Own » Song Review

Sarah Darling, 'Home to Me' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:30:24 +0000

Sarah Darling‘s new single, ‘Home to Me,’ is a sweet southern love song that just might break an artist who’s been working for a break since releasing ‘Jack of Hearts’ in 2009. The lyric has a girl-next-door feel, which is a good fit for the 30-year-old Darling. The singer’s voice is strong, but not unique [...]

Kacey Musgraves, 'Merry Go Round' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:00:35 +0000

The story goes like this: Texas teen auditions for 'Nashville Star,' doesn't win but uses the experience as motivation to sharpen her pen so that she can release her own melodic country music years later. The result strikes deep; right to the bone. It's uncomfortably close to reality for millions of Americans without offering much hope. Sound familiar?

High Valley, 'Love You for a Long Time' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:52 +0000

High Valley‘s tight harmonies and bluegrass influenced pop-country sound will be new to American audiences, but the sibling trio proves that their success in Canada wasn’t just a fluke. ‘Love You for a Long Time,’ the debut single on Eaglemont Entertainment, is a professional recording one usually doesn’t find from a baby act. This group is clearly a seasoned — but still exciting — voice to keep an eye on.

Darius Rucker, 'True Believers' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Darius Rucker takes a simple story of two lovers who defy odds and skeptics and places it gently on a cloud in the stratosphere — a place few others can reach. ‘True Believers’ begins as a mild and unremarkable pop-country song before clever production and Rucker’s unforgettable voice find one soaring in the euphoria.

Joanna Smith, 'We Can't Be Friends' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:00:32 +0000

If Joanna Smith‘s new single ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ was released 30 years ago, we might call it a classic in 2012. Since the singer is relatively new, however (the sexy single ‘Georgia Mud’ barely cracked the chart in 2011 ), we’ll restrain ourselves from over-selling this portrait of caged yearning. Smith is the perfect voice to tell the story.

Thomas Rhett, 'Beer With Jesus' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:00:08 +0000

No one is going to pull out the calendar, but if Thomas Rhett was legally old enough to enjoy a ‘Beer With Jesus’ when he recorded the song, it wasn’t by much. What matters is whether or not the Georgia born singer is polished enough to carry the poignant lyric.

Florida Georgia Line, 'Cruise' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 19:00:19 +0000

In just a few short seconds, Florida Georgia Line make a memorable impression on ‘Cruise,’ their debut single with Republic Nashville. The duo have been performing together since graduating from Belmont University, and their formal training shows in the tight execution of this lyric-heavy summer song. It’s Tyler Hubbard’s unique voice that stands out immediately.

Tyler Farr, 'Hello Goodbye' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 21:30:33 +0000

Tyler Farr offers a perspective on the breakup song that country fans haven’t heard in awhile. He’s the one walking away from the girl in ‘Hello Goodbye,’ as opposed to being the broken man trying to solve the puzzle of love gone wrong. While the story is painful (yet satisfying), it’s Farr’s voice that really surprises. Despite [...]

Heidi Newfield, 'Why'd You Have to Be So Good' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:30:30 +0000

A solo album every four or five years leaves Heidi Newfield sounding like a new woman with each lead single. Much like ‘Johnny and June’ in 2008, the former lead singer of Trick Pony throws every ounce of herself into ‘Why’d You Have to Be So Good,’ a heartbreakingly wonderful ballad.

Dierks Bentley, 'Tip It on Back' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:30:02 +0000

Dierks Bentley has done something interesting with his new single ‘Tip It on Back’ from the ‘Home’ album. The singer marries the spirit of songs like ‘Free and Easy’ — and more recently, ‘Am I the Only One’ — with the sexy pace of his most famous ballads (think ‘Come a Little Closer’ and ‘Feel That Fire’).

The Lost Trailers, 'American Beauty' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 22:00:52 +0000

The new single from the Lost Trailers continues down a singer-songwriter path the now-duo began to cut with ‘Underdog’ in 2011. While once a party band, their new sound is more Jason Mraz than Jason Aldean. The change fits.

Kelleigh Bannen, 'Sorry on the Rocks' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 19:30:14 +0000

Kelleigh Bannen‘s scorn is anything but manufactured on her debut single ‘Sorry on the Rocks.’ The country newcomer — who signed to EMI Nashville barely two months ago — introduces herself to country music fans as a strong female artist willing to take no mistreatment. Bannen’s deep voice exaggerates her presence while supporting the message [...]

Rachel Holder, 'In Your Arms' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 17:00:53 +0000

Rachel Holder’s new single ‘In Your Arms’ is a showcase for a singer who’s skilled vocally, but in need of life experience to carry such a majestic and cathartic love ballad. She’ll draw comparisons to Martina McBride and Shania Twain, but the 19-year-old doesn’t own the fragility of love like a more experienced singer might.

Toby Keith, 'I Like Girls That Drink Beer' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:30:56 +0000

Toby Keith has found a fast racecar, and he’s not getting out of it until it falls apart. ‘I Like Girls That Drink Beer’ is his 12th booze-fueled single in 20 years, including three recent ones in a row. The man sings what he knows, and it works… mostly.

Luke Bryan, 'Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:30:26 +0000

The four singles released from Luke Bryan‘s ‘Tailgates and Tanlines’ album provide an accurate script for a story about the life of a bachelor. It’s a life that can be a little wild and crazy, but mostly it’s filled with heartache, confusion and regret. ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’ provides the regret.

Bucky Covington, 'Drinking Side of Country' (Feat. Shooter Jennings) – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 22:30:45 +0000

Country outlaw Shooter Jennings and one-time ‘American Idol’ contestant Bucky Covington make an odd marriage, but on ‘Drinking Side of Country,’ their voices and styles compliment each other like bar stool buddies telling the same story. They may be too similar, in fact, as it’s difficult to tell who’s who during parts of the rowdy rolling cut from Covington’s upcoming album.

Sara Evans, 'Anywhere' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 16:00:50 +0000

Sara Evans returns to the sound that landed her No. 1 hits like ‘A Real Fine Place to Start’ and ‘Born to Fly’ (2005 and 2000 respectively) with her new song ‘Anywhere.’ The radio-ready single was co-written by Evans’ brother, Matt, and is included on her latest album ‘Stronger.’