Carrie Underwood | "Something In The Water"

Carrie Underwood kicks off her upcoming album, "Greatest Hits: Decade #1," due out December 9, with new Christian-country crossover hit, "Something in the Water," and although it's her first mainstream Christian release since her 2005 smash hit "Jesus Take the Wheel," the spiritual heartstring-tugger's music video has some praising the singer's spirited video which featuring dynamic, sensual dancing and others criticizing the choreography. The video is a gorgeous illustration of the song's lyrics, which speak to Underwood's strong Christian faith.
Underwood is known to throw in a Christian hymn here and there when performing live, but as for an original Christian tune "Something in the Water," which is presumably about the ordinance from Jesus Christ to be baptized, Underwood holds nothing back while showcasing her heavenly high vocal range. Despite the criticism the lyrics are overtly Christian. In the first verse the former American Idol is heard talking about tough times. "Wasting a life that the Good Lord gave me," she belted out the powerful ballad.
"Then somebody said what I'm saying to you/ Opened my eyes and told me the truth. They said, 'Just a little faith, it'll all get better.' So I followed that preacher man down to the river and now I'm changed, And now I'm stronger. There must've been something in the water," She continued. The song ends with the Oklahoma native triumphantly singing "Amazing Grace." Underwood certainly provides the listener with a heart felt and righteously powerful performance and the words of her last verse speak of the joy and peace that Jesus promises when someone opens their heart to Him.
An awe-inspiring choir and dance troupe join the country superstar in this spiritually drenched clip, directed by Raj Kapoor, features more than a few things in the custom-built tank of recycled water, including 12 dancers, three costume changes and 16 choir members. Everyone splashes around a flooded soundstage while Underwood stands in the middle, giving it up to God in a series of rotating outfits. Others think Underwood pushed the envelope too far with scenes in the video where she is laying down around a group of under dancers on top of each other.

Kenny Chesney Lets Loose with "American Kids"

Just in time for the 4th of July, Kenny Chesney has released the colorful video for his summery new song, "American Kids," the lead single from his upcoming studio album, "The Big Revival," due out September 23rd. The new video, is as fresh and innovative as the song itself, shows the Country superstar out in the Southern California desert having fun and playing music with an eclectic group of carefree youthful friends letting loose in a crazy fun psychedelic school bus 'Partridge Family' style, which sets the tone for a lighthearted and spirited music video - the perfect imagery for an upbeat song.
The feel-good song celebrates the energy and spirit of youth across America with lyrics that are certainly sympathetic to the crazy-fun energy of being young and eager to cut loose. "There is so much more to being alive than partying, tailgates and bonfires," said Chesney. "It's every single detail of being young, growing up, remembering when, laughing about how, but especially knowing you can still do all those things! American kids are so much more complicated, more fun, more real and if there's anything about this song, beyond the rhythms, the hooks and the playing, that I love, it's the fact that it captures all the little things that life really is made of."
The 46-year-old singer once again worked with longtime director Shaun Silva for the clip, which celebrates what makes America's youth unique by featuring a cast of characters from all walks of life. "If I could create a video where it wasn't so literal, but more about the state of mind and the freedom my fans embrace, then to me, that's the best way to capture the song on film," Chesney said. "Anyone, everyone who's ever been glad they're alive... they'll take one look at this and know." The sense of freedom in the video goes along with what the song is all about with a fun, colorful ride.
There's dancing, tambourines, singing and a whole lot of fun happening throughout. Chesney shows off his younger and wilder side as he strumming a guitar while a group of young folks kicks up sand dancing around a custom-painted old bus that looks like it might have traveled to Woodstock back in the day. It isn't a clip with a storyline, but rather, a playful tribute to being young in America and a spirit and it's exactly what the singer had in mind. "The spirit of this thing - the song, the bus, the idea of the kids riding around, having fun, playing music and just celebrating life - makes you want to get involved," Chesney told Entertainment News.

Miranda & Carrie find trouble in "Somethin' Bad"

The queens of Country music stars Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood amp up the sex appeal and wowed us with their stunningly dark appearances in their newest rowdy video for their first-ever girl-power duet, "Somethin' Bad," the second single off Lambert's newly released fifth studio album, "Platinum," which dropped June 3rd. The duo sport a variety of steaming looks including brunette hair as they team up to rob a bank, play high stakes poker and ultimately, get arrested.
"I'd wanted to record a song with Carrie for awhile but I just couldn't find the right one. 'Somethin' Bad' was originally written as a guy-girl duet but when I heard it I knew it was the perfect song. It's a meshing of our style," Lambert told Us Weekly of the hit, which is heating things up online, much as the single has done on country radio - not surprising given the individual firepower of the two country stars.
Lambert has said she pitched the song to Underwood by email, even though she was incredibly nervous about asking her to sing on it. No need to worry, though. Underwood readily agreed. In press materials for "Platinum," Lambert stated, "I'm a huge fan of Carrie Underwood. She's such a badass singer... To me, this song meshes our styles, you know? It gives her time to be 'Before He Cheats' Carrie, and it gives me time to take off running and jump to hit some of those high notes." It's been 9 years since Lambert set fire to her cheating boyfriend's house in "Kerosene," and it's been 8 years since Underwood swung a baseball bat at her boyfriend's car in "Before He Cheats." The country queens teamed up for "Somethin' Bad," and they're still causing trouble!
Set in a prison, the Trey Fanjoy-directed video sees Lambert, 30, plays Belle Boyd, and Underwood, 31, plays Priscilla Parker, a couple of jewel-thieving, poker-playing, motorcycle-riding troublemakers, as they go on a Thelma and Louise-like bad-girl escapade involving a bank caper, a high-stakes card game and a side-by-side motorcycle ride out of town. Throughout the 2:53-long music video, the blonds stand side by side wearing slightly different smoky eye looks, and model a variety of disguises to pull off the jewel heist.

Danielle Bradbery escapes for 'Young In America'

Danielle Bradbery kicks up some dust in her brand new "Young In America" music video, a plucky, uptempo ditty perfect for rolling down the windows and jamming out with friends. Hailing from her self-titled debut album, the new single celebrates the vision of youth, freedom and fun, and the video is a great reflection of that, depicting "The Voice" season 4 champ, wears her red, white and blue, shows off her fun side, and just in time for summer. Her carefree spirit shines through in the nearly four-minute clip, which also features the 17-year-old Texas native and her friends taking a road trip across the country in a camper van in the middle of summer and a late-night playful gathering.
After a top 15 debut hit in "The Heart of Dixie," and some pleasantly surprised critics to boot, Bradbery is back with a perhaps more age-appropriate single "Young In America." While her debut release was praised for its tackling of a mature topic, the music video clearly revealed she was either too young to truly do justice to it visually, or that Big Machine weren't ready to let her be a grown up. Possibly a mixture of both. Either way, "Young In America" is both more "generic" and perhaps a better fit for her.
The video is a delightful summer romp, opens up on Bradbery wandering through a strikingly golden field and sings of youthful love and escape through the lines, "Let's crank up the truck, kick up some dust/ Leave it all behind, just me and you, baby," she sweet coos on the first verse, a playful smile toying at the corners of her mouth. "Don't look back, stomp on the gas, tear off the rear view. Let's go crazy." With a crisp, clean sound that favors bright notes, the production and performances are meant for all. This new tune exudes emotions of freedom and displays a far more youthful exuberance.
"Young In America" also keeps the strong Dixie Chicks-esque fiddle line that was present in "The Heart of Dixie," plus mandolin and acoustic guitar to keep things sweet, and a strong but broad drum line to encourage dancing. The melody is cheery and bounces off the occasional off-beat, enough for it to be fresh every time it happens. Overall, it's a good release for Bradbery, and I'm happy that they picked it, especially for the summer. A lot of the songs on her album are more straight pop and it's good they decided to go for one that has an injection of country in it, despite its heavy pop influence.

Kelleigh Bannen getting her revenge in "Famous"

Kelleigh Bannen is getting her revenge in her new vibrant video for her dynamic new single "Famous," after walking in on her boyfriend with another woman, she hits the road with the intentions of making him 'famous.' She wants everyone to know what he did. Back to 2012, Bannen released an interesting, well-written single called "Sorry On The Rocks" and it showcased the previously indie singer/songwriter's strong and powerful vocals in this catchy tune, as well as sense of melody, but for some reason the single failed to ignite with radio stations.
All of this should change with her new single "Famous," the lead single from Bannen's upcoming new debut album via EMI Records Nashville, is a good old-fashioned revenge song set to a very contemporary beat so catchy it might need a virus definition all of its own. The melody mixes a percussive beat and mandolins into an infectious bed that backs up strong lyrics which find Bannen singing about the various ways she's gonna make a guy famous in a small town for how horrible he treated her and about the lies and cheating ways he had. With her effervescent personality and country charm, Bannen might very well remind you of the girl-next-door.
Written by Sara Haze, Troy Verges and Gordie Sampson, "Famous" certainly is a 180 from the singer's previous material and that might get some 'traditionalist' fans who were behind her early self-released album to wonder if she's chasing 'trends,' but when a song's this good does it really matter? "What first attracted me to the single was the angle," explains Bannen. "You cheated on me, you hurt me – so I'm going to make you famous. It's not just revengeful, there's a little smile and wink to it – and I love that!"
Filmed in Palmdale, California, the visually stunning video was directed by London Alley's Hannah Lux Davis, showcases Bannen as the feisty heroine in the story alongside powerful performance footage from the up-and-coming star. While we've all seen the revenge plot played out in music videos before, director Hannah' adds an additional layer to "Famous" by focusing both on the revenge storyline and on the pain Bannen's boyfriend has caused her. It's always fun to see a cheater get what he deserves, but it makes a better story to reinforce the reason he deserves it, and Hannah does this all the way up to the very final moments of the video.

>

Katie Armiger Honors First Responders in "Safe"

As part of her "Project Feel Safe" campaign, Katie Armiger dedicated an emotional music video for her new single "Safe," the third single and closing track taken from Country singer's latest fourth studio album "Fall Into Me," to our nation's first responders. Armiger's newest video honors these heros and gives a look into the sacrifices they make everyday while telling a story about falling in love and feeling safe with someone. Her video is poignant and it really tugs at the heartstrings. You may want to grab a tissue before you watch her emotional "Safe" video.
Armiger is known for her powerhouse voice and pipes, in "Safe" she is more reserved and delivers a subtle and delicate vocal performance that is melodic and soothing. Some of the best love stories begin when you're not even looking for love. The 22-year-old star closes her "Fall Into Me" album with this gentle acoustic ballad "Safe," where she tells the sweet story of an unexpected romance. The gorgeous and sweet ballad which perfectly captures the security of a love that feels just right. "I wrote 'Safe' with Mallary Hope, one of my favorite singer-songwriters in town, and she actually sang on the track, as well," Armiger told The Boot.
"It's the last song on the album, and we wanted the last track to be that song because, stripped down, it's really about the vocal and about being in that moment. It's the most tender moment on the album. It's about being with someone who makes you feel safe. That's the best feeling, that when you're beside that person, nothing can harm you." Directed by Justin Baldoni and features the long Beach Fire Department, the emotionally intense clip is a narrative based video (a rarity in country music) which depicts the sacrifices of not only first responders, but their families in honor of the brave men and women who keep us safe and the families who love them.
It starts out with a blazing fire and a mom in search of her 3-year-old son, amidst the blazes. A selfless fireman assures the distraught mother, The clip, which isn't set in chronological order, skips over to Armiger in the desert with a broken-down car. A handsome stranger comes to her rescue before the blazing fire scenes are back, and the fireman is desperately searching for the crying little boy. Armiger eventually falls in love with the stranger who rescued her, and they're seen in bed together before she leaves him a note with lyrics from her song. The reality of the fire once again sets in and the life-saving fireman, who's none other than Armiger's sweet stranger, is carried boy out from the fire and returned to his mother as Armiger watches and cries.

Lucy Hale gets flirty in "You Sound Good to Me"

Eighteen months after she signed a recording contract with Hollywood Records, Lucy Hale finally debuted the stunning new music video for her debut single, "You Sound Good to Me," during Tuesday night's broadcast of ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars" premiere and quickly hit the web. Directed by Taylor Swift and John Mayer collaborator Philip Andelman, the new video highlights a carefree and spontaneous day with friends. As if we weren't already itching for summer.
The 24-year-old 'Pretty Little Liars' starlet-turned-Hollywood Records signee participated in a Twitter Q&A to promote her currently untitled country album. Hale told MTV News to expect a "Taylor Swift/Carrie Underwood-ish hybrid" when it came to her musical style and when her debut album hit stores. "I'm going to do a country/pop album, and I couldn't be more excited," she said. "I grew up in Tennessee, so that's always been my heart and soul." The sweet, doll-eyed actress hopes listeners can put their preconceived notions about actors-turned-musicians aside and give her single a fair shot.
The rootsy pop-country track "You Sound Good To Me," written by Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey, but the song was written for Hale. In other words, this song suited Hale's hopeful voice with country splendor. With Shania Twain and Faith Hill as influences, it makes complete sense that Hale made her big step into music to go through the doors of country. The American Junior alum added that the "cool thing about music is that you can find inspiration from anyone." Hale said on Twitter, "I want to create music as long as the world will possibly let me. I want to tour, see every place possible."
That ethos is also captured in the video for "You Sound Good To Me," which is showing off her country roots as the pint-sized songstress gettin' all kinds of country in her cowboy boots and a bunch of well-groomed friends as they take a road trip and have a bonfire in a trailer park. The visual lends itself to the song's lyrics: Hale flirts with her love interest as the two enjoy a road trip through the country side with friends. After goofing around in what looks like a truck stop, they get more serious by nightfall as they sit around a campfire and eventually locking lips!

Sara Evans threaten to walk out "Slow Me Down"

Sara Evans is excited to be getting back in the thick of the music business with the release of a music video for her emotional new ballad "Slow Me Down," the lead-off single and title track from her forthcoming seventh studio album, which will be released on March 4. It's been almost three years since Evans released her last album, "Stronger," and she's more than ready to bring new music to her fans. "I am so excited to have some new music out. We're finishing the album up in October," the 42-year-old powerhouse songstress said.
"Slow Me Down" is a mid-tempo country ballad, backed by plucked strings and guitar. The song is sung from the perspective of a woman threatening to walk out on her man, finishing by saying that if he has something to say that he should "hurry up and slow [her] down." Speaking of the song with Billboard, Evans said: "There's definitely something about it. That's what we all felt when we heard it. When they pitched it to us, it was so emotional and the thought of 'Hurry Up and Slow Me Down' is one of the best lines I have heard in a song in so long. I'm very lucky they pitched it to me."
Evans also told The Boot that she was excited about the recording process: "I love songs that evoke emotion - it really is what connects people to the music. When we went into the studio to record ['Slow Me Down'] my main goal was to capture the desperation and passion in the song - to strike a balance between a strong vocal and the emotion that would pull in the listener." The song seems poised to follow in the long line of successful ballads for the singer, who gives the song all she's got, delivering a forceful performance of the chorus while rendering the song's title phrase with a plaintive trill.
Directed by Peter Zavadil, and was shot primarily at Club Anthem in Nashville, Tennessee last September, the angsty, emotional clip begins with Evans in a wedding dress before cutting to her and her significant other, played by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, arguing in their high rise. As the video continues, it's clear there is trouble in paradise. Edwards is glued to his phone while Evans vies for his attention before realizing she's fighting a losing battle. Does he convince her to stay or does she finally walk away? Watch the video below to find out!

The Band Perry unveils "Don't Let Me Be Lonely"

After the haunting tale of love gone crazy in "Better Dig Two" and the definitive statement that was "Done," country sibling trio The Band Perry, fronted by Kimberly Perry, and rounded out by her younger brothers Neil and Reid,  is shifting to a more reflective place and decided to soften things up with a new video for their latest power ballad "Don’t Let Me Be Lonely," the third single from country music group's platinum debut and gold sophomore album, "Pioneer," which debuted at No.1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No.2 All Genre.
Written by Sarah Buxton, Chris Tompkins and Rodney Clawson, "Don't Let Me Be Lonely" deftly balances country music's roots with a pop-leaning melody. It is fiddle-filled progressive Country music with introspective lyrics which find Kimberly singing of yearning to break free before it turns into a heartbreaking, and the loss of reckless abandonment of youth and how when we become adults, we often want to get the same feelings back, especially in our moment's of darkest despair. "When you're young, life's a dream, it's a beautiful and burning thing, we grow up and then it's gone, but the memory burns on..." says the bridge of the ballad and it finds a poetic, smart lyric.

The savvy ballad is lyrically deeper than its popish hooks suggest, showcasing how The Band Perry and their label were smart enough to record the song. Loss of youthful innocence is behind the lyrics. Kimberly is a talented vocalist capable of projecting a wide variety of emotions, but vulnerability may be what she does best. The romance angle is somewhat forced and never fully realized, leaving the overall message a little cloudy. Subtle obfuscation has served The Band Perry well. The sharper moments come describing the passage of time and tragedy of growing up: "Well the night rolls on like a long lost friend / 'Til the sunrise bleeds like the bitter end / Don't let me be lonely."
The Ben Krebs-directed video is warm and moving. It shows the three sibling bandmates are shown looking rather lonely traveling to various places and performing on different stages, thus giving their fans and audiences a look into their daily lives and what goes on behind-the-scenes. Ultimately, though, the song and the video open up into an invitation, transforming the melancholy moments into a celebratory mood that's bursting with emotion–and doing so accompanied by bright stage lights and a blistering guitar solo.

Brantley Gilbert got moonshine for "Bottoms Up"

2013 ACM Top New Male Artist Brantley Gilbert is finally back with a prohibition-themed music video for his new diarrhetic single "Bottoms Up," the first single from his upcoming third album "Just as I am." The video can be outlined in two key elements: moonshine and beautiful women that shows the Georgia singer and his accomplices decked out in vintage duds as they prepare to party and, if need be, rumble with the law. "Bottoms Up" is not a hard Southern rocker in the vein of previous Gilbert hits but even with a slower tempo and lower-key vocal melody, the song still exhibits a gritty, dark-edged tone.
With "Bottoms Up," Gilbert is finally delivering all-new music to fans. But does it stack-up to the rocking mid-tempos fans have come to expect from the self-made 'rebel?' This will all depend on what one thinks about the current sounds and lyrical tropes in mainstream Country music. Quite simply, "Bottoms Up" is a youthful party song where I hear parts of what's popular in the mainstream mixed with a GnR-like guitar solo and Mat Kearney-like elements and pop/rock vocal and production techniques. So, what it all boils down to is whether you like the sound of what Gilbert did before or where he' apparently heading as he evolves into a mainstream Country star.
The clip begins with a bunch of submissive prohibition-era flapper girls. Their glittering dresses and perfectly coiffed hair contrast nicely and doing all the heavy lifting-loading up rugged wooden boxes full of illegal moonshine into Gilbert's vintage car, while he also attired in 1930s apparel and orders them around, flexing his back muscles and showing off his water pistols for the camera. Yes, what a gentleman. Then what ensues is the most self-absorbed five minutes one can witness this side of masturbating to oneself in a mirror.
A group of armed bodyguards then follow behind as they drive to their destination: a Gatsby-inspired party at a mansion in the middle of nowhere. Inside, though, the scene transforms into a modern-day shindig with Gilbert dressed in his leather jacket and sporting numerous rings and chains, and is surrounded by women who are literally fawning over him and he doesn't seem to mind one bit. Eventually, the short film cuts to the outside of the mansion, where it's once again shifted back in time. The sheriff starts to walk up to the home, which is blaring music, but you'll have to watch to see what happens in the end. Let's just say one thing: you don't want to mess with this country-rocker, whether it's modern-day or 1930.

Avicii honors sibling bond in "Hey Brother"

Following the breakout success of "Wake Me Up" single, the Swedish producer Avicii has released a heartstring-pulling and touching tribute to the troops video for his latest single, "Hey Brother," which features uncredited vocals from American bluegrass singer Dan Tyminski, is the third single from Avicii's debut studio album, "True." Avicii's success this year has been well documented, from the young Swede being deemed a "global marketing machine," in part due to high-profile endorsements from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Sony and Macy's.
Inspired by music from the 2000 movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" "Hey Brother" has the traditional Avicii feel and is not afraid to cross into a variety of musical genres. Avicii is gaining something a reputation for churning out epic videos, so the stakes are high for worldwide smash “Hey Brother”. Happily, it looks like Swede has struck gold again. At least if the patriotic military-themed preview is any indication. The "Hey Brother" video takes on a passionate and patriotic theme, and expresses a lot of emotional aspects and themes by being simple and focusing on the main character.
In order to create a genuine all-American scene in the video, director Jesse Sternbaum shot the clip in Bakersfield, California, with producers holding a casting call there back in November in order to populate the scenes with authenticity. Avicii's "Hey Brother" Video tells the beautiful story between two siblings described in the the lyrics and will tug on your heartstrings. It could be the Swedish DJ's most audacious clip yet. Unlike his blockbuster "Wake Me Up" and "You Make Me" visuals, this new effort has a strong narrative - showing the impact of war on a pair of siblings.
The mini movie follows a heartfelt narrative that juxtaposes images from the life of two young country brothers growing up in an American small town with nostalgic scenes in idyllic middle America catching fireflies and going camping, barbecues and sleepovers together. When the scene flashes forward, the older brother is sent to war, from which he does not return. The younger brother is then seen carrying a folded American flag to his brother's grave as he receives a military funeral. Their family tragedy packs an emotional punch and it's great to see Avicii make an unexpected last minute cameo.

Jamie Lynn Spears sings 'How Could I Want More'

Jamie Lynn Spears is making a comeback, and released the music video for her first country ballad, "How Could I Want More," was released last month and garnered good reviews, surprising critics with the tune's sophistication and bluesy feel. The 22-year-old country singer and younger sister of pop superstar Britney Spears surprised a lot of people with her gentle, wistful and embraces Nashville on her new single and channels her inner country girl in the new video, which features the former Zoey 101 star singing intimately in a recording studio.
While Britney has always opted for shiny pop tunes, her baby sister, Jamie Lynn, is taking a different musical path. The new track - full of acoustic guitar and Nashville flourishes - plays up Jamie Lynn's strong country vocals, which are reminiscent of Carrie Underwood. On the track, a tease for her forthcoming debut album, Jamie Lynn sings about being in a relationship with a guy who treats her like a princess and swears he loves her. And while she has some reservations, in the end, she realizes "how could I want more?" even if things aren't always perfect.
"How Could I Want More" is a traditional-style country music ballad that opens with an acoustic guitar riff, while a pedal steel guitar comes in as the song progresses, resulting in a distinctively country sound. Personal yet relatable lyrics carry a narrative about a seemingly-perfect relationship that still finds the narrator wanting more. The understated country gem is the polar opposite of what you would expect from Britney's little sister - putting the emphasis on vocal ability and lyrical content.
The video takes a similar no frills approach. It's basically Jamie Lynn in a room full of lightbulbs intercut with scenes from the studio. "Lying in the green grass underneath the blue sky," she sings. "Looking at a good man, you oughta be the right guy/that's got the kind of heart that any girl would die for/so how could I want more? How could I want more?" She owes a lot to her big sister, but Jamie Lynn surprised everyone when the burgeoning country music star gave a musical shout out to her superstar sibling Britney, and her performance as sweet and innocent yet powerful.

Jennifer Nettles is not wanting to be "That Girl"

Taking a break from Sugarland to work on her own, Jennifer Nettles released the video for her first solo single, "That Girl," her first solo single and the lead single and title track from her forthcoming debut solo album, which was inspired by motherhood, Rick Rubin, the visionary behind Johnny Cash's haunting, spare American recordings, '70s radio and more, the award-winning songwriter steps out on her own. As one of country music's finest vocalists, it was only a matter of time before the 39-year-old lead vocalist of the duo Sugarland would venture into a solo project. That time has finally come.
"That Girl," co-written by Nettles and longtime friend Butch Walker, is about 'the other woman' who is tricked into having relations with a man who did not reveal that he is already in a relationship. She contacts the man's wife and tells her that "I don't wanna be that girl." In particular, "That Girl" is a sultry and slinky response to "Jolene," the Dolly Parton classic about a woman pleading to another to not to "steal [her] man." The song is a mid-tempo country record with jazz and Flamenco elements. It features a fairly stripped-down production, driven by a percussion line, hand claps, and an acoustic guitar.
The story we get finds Nettles not wanting to be the other woman in anyone's life. It's simple.It's powerful. And mostly, it's unique in a land of songs about beer and rural field parties and paired with the jazzy, classic melody, it's too good to not suggest people seek out "That Girl" as soon as possible. Keeping true to her traditional roots, Nettles peppers in jazz, pop and even soul influences on the new track, balancing out what is commercially viable and what is true to country music: storytelling. While incorporating such modern production as hand-claps and a sleek shine, Nettles allows her voice and lyrics to reveal the story.
"That Girl" has a funky yet sultry feel, with confessional lyrics and a touch of danger. Better yet, the video does not disappoint in showing off the singer's remorseful side. Filmed in New York City, the Philip Andelman-directed video brings the song to life, and features Nettles portraying both female roles - her lover's "other woman" and his wife - in the song. It begins with Nettles lying on a hotel bed, singing to the "other woman" after finding out her handsome fellow wasn't just hers. She eventually comes to meet the man's 'real' squeeze, and she deliberates how to tell her she's not the only female in the situation. The video is the perfect visual portrayal of an affair that really wasn't supposed to be an affair at all.

Kellie Pickler | "Someone Somewhere Tonight"

In between foxtrots, rumbas, sambas and waltzes, the country singer and former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler has found time to record and release new music. While enjoying her recent "Dancing With the Stars" victory, Pickler has released a new video for her pining ballad, "Someone Somewhere Tonight," the lead-off single from her upcoming fourth studio album, "The Woman I Am," which she promises will be "Kellie Country," due out November 12th. Hopefully, she'll still pull her dancing shoes on from time to time, since she's obviously gifted at both singing and dancing.
The track, finds Pickler singing about the power of love and redemption, was previously recorded by Kenny Rogers on his 2006 album "Water & Bridges" and Pam Tillis on her 2007 album, "RhineStoned," though neither version was a single. The song's lyrics contemplate what different things people in the world are experiencing at the same time, contrasting between good and bad scenarios (such as someone tasting their first kiss versus someone suffering with alcoholism). It is performed from the perspective of a narrator singing to their significant other, and requesting in the chorus that they just lie down together and be still.
The poetic lyrics are lovingly performed over a burning, emotive melody with Pickler showcasing why she's such an engaging vocalist, the kind of vocalist who was born to sing songs like "Someone Somewhere Tonight," a widescreen power ballad with the kind of lyrics. The 27-year-olf country music artist's performance is just short of the magical tear-jerking performance one feels coming from the first note, but still amongst the best and most genuine of her career. It's refreshing to hear her sing from a place of love as opposed to a place of pain as she did early in her career with ballads like "I Wonder."
The Roman White-directed video reunited Pickler with her Dancing With the Stars partner Derek Hough as we see the pair dancing a choreographed routine to the song around an empty house. It was incredibly intimate and overtly sensual, with lots of gorgeous natural light and suggestive dancing, but according to Pickler recalled to Rolling Stone, that the real reason the ballad's video seemed so personal actually had to do with another video playing in the background - her wedding video.

Florida Georgia Line show their angst in "Stay"

Florida Georgia Line released the music Video for the passion-fueled "Stay," the fourth single from the ACM award-winning duo's debut studio album, "Here's to the Good Times." Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard delves into more serious and somber topics in "Stay," which revolves around a breakup, where the woman has walked out and the guy is left pleading with her to come back. Appropriately, the clip takes things a few steps further by adding a new level of drama–and darkness–to the situation and showcases those feelings, and the duo shows their angst in this newest offering.
Shot outside of Nashville, the video features vivid imagery of a couple whose fiery emotions reach a boiling point, causing each to struggle with their next move in the relationship. Director Peter Zavadil reinforces the raw scenes with flashes of country rock duo performing the powerful song. It kicks off in a trailer park, with a woman looking sadly sitting desolate and dazed amidst charred remains of what was once burned-out trailer. Her dog paws through the rubble, eventually sniffs out a burnt cellphone and brings it to her mouth. Her shoulders drop, and she flashes back to right before the fire.
Apparently, her boyfriend lived in that trailer. And right before the fire, she decided to leave him, packing up in her car with her dog in the front seat, as her former love stood helplessly at the door. The band is interspersed throughout the footage, singing this dark, sad song as the story unfolds, but they aren't the main focus. The storyline is the star in this video. Throughout the "Stay" video, the girl's phone flashes with text messages from her boyfriend pleading, "I guess I know what it feels like to be alone... I need you just to carry on." But when those text messages aren't acknowledged with a response, the video takes a dark turn and it looks like the boyfriend is going nuts without her.
He has a crazed, desperate look in his eyes, and it's clear he's planning something - something bad. After throwing chairs, lamps, his television and other household items out onto the lawn, he texts her again: "I can't go another day without you." The girl, on the other hand, buys a ticket to go anywhere but there, and soon lands at a hotel, exhausted and emotional. She stares at her phone and in the meantime, he lights a match. But it's not for a simple front yard campfire. He intends to burn all of his items and succeeds, adding his phone and a photo of the happy couple to the flames. Although she returns to his home right as the fire trucks arrive, it's a little too late.

Danielle Bradbery debuts "The Heart of Dixie"

Danielle Bradbery has released the first official music video for her debut single, "The Heart of Dixie," after being crowned the winner of the fourth season of NBC's American Talent Show 'The Voice' this year, becoming the youngest contestant to come in first place. With fields of flowers and butterflies, a cozy cabin and a weekend of art classes, Bradbery's storyline of the video is simple but sweet and very fitting for "The Heart of Dixie" lyrics and Bradbery’s youthful style.
Hailing from the Houston suburb of Cypress, Bradbery had never had a vocal lesson or sang in front of a big crowd before entering the competition. The 17-year-old Texan nabbed 'The Voice' crown on June 18 and signed with Big Machine Label Group  the following day, so she moved quickly into the first phase of her post-'Voice' professional career, striking while the iron is hot and while her name is fresh in people's minds and on their tongues. One of the main criticisms of reality singing shows is that the winners wait too long after their big wins to release albums and Bradbery is avoiding that trap.
Bradbery has been in the studio with songwriter Brett James, who has worked with Kip Moore. James co-wrote the track with fellow songwriters Troy Verges and Caitlyn Smith. The trio penned the song in the studio that Verges and James share on 19th in Nashville. "Brett and I have been writing together since the very beginning, and we've both been working with Caitlyn for a few years now, too," Verges told Roughstock: "We started the song working from the title and the intro/turnaround lick and wrote it pretty fast. We wanted to write a song that had hope and empowerment in it, but to do it in a way that didn't come off as preachy, so we decided to make 'Dixie' a character and write it as a third-person song."
In the rustic clip, Bradbery tells the empowering story of "Dixie," but unbeknownst to her, she later cross paths with the woman as Bradbery singing the empowering tune in the rustic fields of a quiet inn. The storyline jumps back and forth between the 1960s and modern day to tell the story of Dixie, a woman who possessed an inner strength nobody knew about when she jumped into her car and started a new life. Directed by Shane Drake, the whimsical video was filmed at Butterfly Hollow, a butterfly farm an hour outside of Nashville that offers the perfect setting for the young singer's whimsical imagery.

Kacey Musgraves wasn’t just "Blowin' Smoke"

Kacey Musgraves performed her current single, "Blowin’ Smoke" on 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' last Friday. The second single from the fast-rising singer-songwriter's debut album, "Same Trailer Different Park," describes a group of waitresses talking trash while on a smoke break from work. It is the follow-up to her career-launching hit "Merry Go Round," which helped propel the 24-year-old's debut album into the No.1 spot on Billboard Top Country Albums chart upon its release in March. It's just extremely hard to break out on a major label with a record that sounds gleefully as independent.
"Blowin’ Smoke," is an interesting story about how we all say we're gonna do things and change our lives but we end up not doing it. It's honest, real and effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables, unlike so much of Today's music. Musgraves penned this portrait of the dead end life of a small town waitresses with big dreams and big mouths with top Nashville songwriters Shane McAnally and Luke Laird. "We were just sitting there trying to picture these waitresses just sitting around talking about people and smoking and waiting on customers to come in," she told Radio.com.
Musgraves added that she is not poking fun at anyone in particular, but the protagonist Brenda is a character from her imagination. "We always like to put characters in the song like Brenda, ol' Brenda," she explained with a smile. "Well, Brenda she's given up smokes, but now she's eating cake a lot." The rhythmic Country-Blues track credits Waffle House for diner noise. Musgraves told Radio.com that they wanted what the listener is hearing to lineup with the greasy spoon diner she's singing about. The country newcomer sings with more than a hint of her character's jealous contempt, and she plays the part of a bored diner waitress, trapped in a mundane job in her slice-of-life "Blowin' Smoke" video.
Directed by Honey, and filmed in Los Angeles at a local diner, the clip sees Musgraves and her fellow waitresses appear to break out of their boring, low tipping gig in this smoky, side-of-the-road restaurant, coming to life in a scene that feels like a fantasy. She passes the time smoking out back with her equally disgruntled co-workers, in between delivering blue plate specials to patrons and refilling coffee mugs and scrubbing tables. They want to change their life for the better, but all of her aspirations are only "blowin' smoke." They are working hard for a few tips while making plans on which they'll never follow through.

Luke Bryan issues invitation to "Crash My Party"

Luke Bryan crashed The Today Show to premiere the music video for his summer-friendly tune, "Crash My Party," the lead single and title track from Bryan's upcoming fourth studio album, "Crash My Party," is scheduled to be released on August 13. "I think in the same way fans will definitely hear some surprises on my new album. It still reflects my sound but you will get to hear a little bit deeper, different side to me musically as well," says Bryan.
Written by Rodney Clawson and Ashley Gorley, the song title may sound like a party anthem, but "Crash My Party" is actually a sweet charming love song about a guy who's so infatuated with the girl he just met. The mid-tempo ballad is a continuation of themes introduced with "I Don't Want This Night to End" and "Drunk on You," two No.1 hits for the ACM Entertainer of the Year, a man at the top of his game. This is a hopeful love song, but the chord structure and tone trigger some sadness that is never justified.
It's difficult to become excited about a song that's so familiar. The 36-year-old country superstar keeps delivering the kind of song that's helped make him the superstar he rightfully is. Catchy arena-ready choruses, earnest verses and a melody that pulls from other genres. Vocally he's a little stiff, but plenty genuine and passionate as he almost begs this girl to come his way. The hook of Bryan's "Crash My Party" is between the lyrics, in the way he indicates that his love may not be reciprocated. "Call me, call me, call me." That's the subtle message that will likely become more obvious with time and several dozen listens.
The Shaun Silva-directed video has a heavy storyline that kicks off with a conversation between two friends - one girl inviting the other to come to party that evening. The other girl isn't sure - she doesn't want to run into the guy who hurt her, but she goes anyway. As the music starts, Bryan singing in the middle of a crossroad while driving up to an old run-down house where he picks wildflowers and sets a table for dinner in the middle of a field. Meanwhile, the girls are setting up a field party of their own. The girl and her ex-boyfriend reconcile during a fireworks display while Bryan surprises his lady.

Carrie Underwood pays tribute in 'See you again'

Carrie Underwood paying tribute to the victims of the recent deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma in the new video which exclusively on ABC's "Good Morning America" Wednesday for her latest tearjerker single, "See You Again," the fourth single and one consistent fan-favorite from Underwood's fourth studio album, "Blown Away." The 30-year-old singer also appeared on the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday night in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and performed "See You Again," recasting it as a somber memorial and she says the song is just right for these times. It's got us curled up in a ball of emotion.
Underwood wrote this power ballad about reuniting with a loved one in heaven with Nashville songwriter Hillary Lindsey and former Evanescence member David Hodges. "See You Again" tells the story of moving onwards after experiencing the death of a loved one in life. The lyrics provide hope and promise through Underwood's strong Christian faith that one will reunite with every fallen loved one in the afterlife. The song's opening consists of a solo piano, followed by a backing chorus and band kicking in shortly after. The song to be truly a taste of heaven, carries a hope-filled, inspirational message about a love that lasts forever, and, that's a sentiment she thinks people can really use.
The lyrics hold a simple ‘death is not the end' message but suffer from a lack of context; it is a flaw that given the song's origin I can overlook. The song isn't looking to tell a story, but rather just trying to describe a feeling. What is mostly in the way of doing that is the 1990's power pop production with vocal delays and big choruses. Underwood's voice has always been most effective when left unadorned, as she promptly demonstrates in the well-executed breakdown. What pulls it over the line however, and presumably why it has become a fan-favorite, is its sincerity in wishing to bring comfort and Underwood’s confident performance.
The emotional clip builds on the faith-based message of the song that runs through vaguely inspirational footage and tugs at heartstrings with several emotional shots, including soldiers saying goodbye to their families and dedications to the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut and the tornadoes in Oklahoma, while the country-crooner belts out her inspirational lyrics and looking luminous in a gauzy white dress in a gauzy white room, all blonde and gauzy and pretty and bathed in heavenly light. Nothing illustrates this more than the adorable little girl running to her dad, who has returned from war. Lots of patriotism here in true Underwood fashion!

Little Big Town sleeping on 'Your Side of the Bed'

Little Big Town embraces sadness with a brand-new video for their unusually subtle power ballad, "Your Side Of The Bed," the third single from group's fifth studio album, "Tornado." The unabashedly sad new song that's about just what the title implies–that feeling when partners in a romantic relationship drift apart. Little Big Town's compelling new ballad boasts all the ingredients of a country classic, sizzles with emotional tension, and deliver performances that capture the loneliness and angst of a couple wrestling with the growing distance in their relationship.
The Little Big Town quartet share co-writing credits with Lori McKenna on this yearning Country ballad, which performed in duet form between married lead vocals from Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook. "I love that this lyric is so brutally honest," said Fairchild. "There are times in a relationship when you allow things to come between you, so much so that it feels like an incredibly long way back to each other. It's a lonely place to be especially when you're lying right next to someone you love."
The emphatic ballad strikes a pitch that resonates deep within any couple that's been married long enough to outrun the honeymoon period. It's almost uncomfortably familiar. The soft acoustic and haunting electric guitar intro mirrors the atmosphere of a bedroom weighted down by discontent. It's the chorus that announces the volume of thoughts sealed by pursed lips. The couple shares lead on the emotional track, their personal connection only adding to an already intimate performance. Perhaps the only flaw is that "Your Side of the Bed" will strike too deep with some fans, making it difficult to finish. The song details classic country lonesomeness with lines like, "Are you sleeping with your own regret on your side of the bed?"
The heart wrenching video for the song was shot last month by Becky Fluke and takes place at the historic Tennessee Theater and The Oliver Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee and captures a look into one night, highlighting the tension and honesty in the song's lyrics. Like the song, the video is painfully familiar to anyone whose marriage has gone through a period of distance and discontent. It is a fictional look inside the marriage and its plot focuses on the two in their real-life roles as co-performers who are also together in life, playing on their onstage chemistry and contrasting that with the uncomfortable, awkward silence when they're off it.