August 12, 2008 at 3:51 pm (Versus)
Tags: country music, music, Versus
Artist: Deana Carter
Song: Strawberry Wine
Album: Did I Shave My Legs For This?
Writers: Matraca Berg / Gary Harrison
Video:
This song was Deana Carter’s debut single. It was her first of three #1’s and scored her a handful of nominations, including a win at the 1997 CMA’s. It remains to be her signature song.
Vocals: 5 – Deana introduced us to her unique vocals with this song which remains one of her better performances.
Production: 4 – It’s distinctive right from the get-go and it doesn’t get in the way of the vocals but doesn’t hide behind them either.
Originality: 5 – When Matraca Berg is one of the writers you know your getting originality.
Artist: Sarah Buxton
Song: Innocence
Album: Almost My Record
Writers: Couldn’t Find
Video:
This was also Sarah’s debut single and while it didn’t enjoy the success that “Strawberry Wine”, it was often compared to Deana’s song. The song sadly peaked outside the Top 30.
Vocals: 3 – Out of everything Sarah’s done this is her most polished vocals, this is a good or bad thing depending on your tastes.
Production: 3 – The production on this is nothing special but it gets the job done.
Originality: 3 – Back when Deana recorded a song with this topic it was original, now not so much.
Well this one went to Deana Carter or I’d like to think it went more to Matraca and Gary for writing such a good song. “Strawberry Wine” launched Deana Carter and for that alone it should win. Sarah’s “Innocence” is a good song but it was the wrong choice to try to launch her, her personality doesn’t come through as much as in other songs she has recorded. (It’s still in my top 100 most played songs on my iPod though)
Next Time: Songs Of Another Day
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July 12, 2008 at 6:00 am (Versus)
Tags: country music, music, Versus
Artist: Jason Aldean
Song: Hicktown
Album: Jason Aldean
Writers: Big Kenny, Vicky, McGeheeJohn Rich
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IufJ19mL8c
This song was Jason Aldean’s debut single. It was his first top ten and is his signature song. The song peaked at #10 on the country charts and started off a run of 5 consecutive top ten hits.
Vocals: 3 – Jason showed he had a good voice but he never does anything interesting with it in this song.
Production: 2 – It’s a little bland, by the time this song came out the Big & Rich sound was already being over used.
Originality: 2 – Nothing about the lyric is original, it’s all been heard before.
Artist: Little Big Town
Song: Boondocks
Album: The Road To Here
Writers: Karen Fairchild, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Kimberly Roads, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VisLpVgY26w
While not their debut single like “Hicktown” was for Jason, “Boondocks” was their break through hit, and first top ten. It is also similar to “Hicktown” because it became their signature song. Also both songs charted around the same time.
Vocals: 4 – This song is what introduced most people to the sound of Little Big Town.
Production: 4 – The sound of this song still sounds unique today, back when it was charting it stood out in a good way.
Originality: 3 – It’s more original than “Hicktown” but the topic has been done too many times.
Overall I think “Boondocks” wins this battle. It has a more distinct sound and was something that helped define what Little Big Town is all about. “Hicktown” was a throw away song that helped launch Jason’s career. The song on a whole was bland.
Next Time: Songs Of Innocence
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July 12, 2008 at 5:34 am (Versus)
Tags: country music, Versus
So the last time I tried to start a feature I had to hold off on it, because I didn’t have the time to work on it. This feature however isn’t as complicated. In this feature I will post two songs that are either similar in theme or are linked in some other way. Then for those who wish, they can rate the songs. I will have already rated them, and I’ll add your points to mine and will get an average. I will try to pick songs that are a little more well known, but I will try to post links to videos.
The songs will be scored from 1 to 5 in three categories, with five being the highest score.
The Categories are: 1. Vocal Performance 2. Production 3. Originality
I hope people will be objective as possible.
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