Tuesday 27 December 2016

The 2016 Reviews: 'Cosmic Hallelujah' - Kenny Chesney


Next in the firing line on our 2016 round-up is Kenny Chesney's Cosmic Hallelujah. As a long time Kenny Chesney fan, I couldn't wait to hear a new album from him. However, Cosmic Hallelujah would fall slightly short of my high expectations.
The album was supposed to be released in July with the title 'Some Town Somewhere'. As July drew closer, some game-changing announcements were made; The album would now feature a duet with P!nk, the title of the album would be Cosmic Hallelujah and the release date was pushed to Autumn. From there, it only went downhill.

Noise, the first single from this pretentiously named project hinted all the more that for this album would go against the grain of what we would usually expect from Kenny- as if news of a collaboration with a Punk rocker wasn't enough.
The production of Noise was taking a different direction, crossing over into pop music. Lyrically the song discuses the digital age and the negative impact technology has had on society. The lyrics came across a little generic and didn't quite have the power intended but I respected Kenny's decision to try to highlight a social issue in a genre that usually "plays it safe". For me what let the song down was the over produced arrangement, particularly the un-natural effects on his voice.

Next came the collaboration with P!nk, the gamechanger of the album. I tried to be open minded about this song. After all, I had been pleasantly surprised by Blake Shelton's duet with Gwen Stefani earlier in the year. For the first verse and chorus of Setting The World On Fire, the two voices work very well together. However, as it progresses, P!nk's voice comes through more and more and whilst I don't dislike her voice, her Punk-Rock ways become jarring against the Country lyrics and arrangement of the song.

The rest of the album is very similar to what we have come to expect from Kenny Chesney. Songs like Trip Around The Sun and Winnebago play on the usual Kenny Chesney theme of drinking and living in the moment. Meanwhile, other songs on the album strike me as recycled versions of songs from previous albums. The final song on the album, Coach, bears a striking resemblance to The Boy's Of Fall from his Hemingway's Whiskey album (my all time favourite album from him).

There are however, some very strong assets to the album. One of my favourites being Bucket, a retro-Country sounding anthem. Again this plays on the "carpe-diem" atmosphere of the album. This is done far more effectively than with other songs on the album, perhaps due to writing credits from Brett James and  Craig Wiseman alongside the more traditional Kenny Chesney sound - this song sounds like it could easily have featured on his Everywhere We Go album.
Another highlight for me from the album is All The Pretty Girls, a fun, upbeat song about small town boys longing after small town girls. Simple yet believable and nostalgic.

Perhaps the biggest drawback for this album was the direction (or lack of). Noise and Setting The World On Fire implied that Cosmic Hallelujah would be something new and interesting for the Country genre. However, this simply wasn't the case.
The album is very safe and plays on what has worked well on previous Kenny Chesney albums. Whilst I am a big fan of Kenny Chesney and the music he's released over his long career, these songs simply aren't up to the usual standards. I can't help but wonder if I'd have preferred the album if it had gone without the P!nk duet and remained 'Some Town Somewhere".

Best songs: Bucket; All The Pretty Girls

Worst Songs: Setting The World On Fire; Noise

Rating: 2/5

Tuesday 20 December 2016

The 2016 Reviews: 'Hero' - Maren Morris


2016 has been a fantastic year for Country music fans. We've heard some great new music from our long-time favourites, including Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. We've also welcomed some talented new faces to the Country scene, Maren Morris, Brother's Osborne and Old Dominion, to name a few.
To celebrate what a year it has been, I will be writing a series of reviews of my favourite (and least favourite) albums from this year. Enjoy!


Kicking things off with Nashville's favourite rising star, Maren Morris burst onto the scene this year with her debut Country album, Hero.
The album has already sold just short of 140,000 copies in the USA alone. This album has earned Maren not only a CMA award for new artist of the year but also an incredible Grammy nomination for best Country album. She has received praise from some of the biggest names in the business with critical acclaim from Rolling Stone and Billboard who both named it one of the best albums of the year. 

   

Hero is an ambitious yet successful blend of old R&B, Soul, Gospel and of course, Country. 
First impressions are important they say. With that in mind, The first track on the album, Sugar, opens on a twangy acoustic guitar with Maren sing-rapping in the verses alongside an epic chorus with much more complex production value. Lyrically the song is very simple and accessible. Maren sings about having a crush on someone. It's sweet yet sassy, complete with the profanity rarely heard in Country Music-pretty bold for a debut! I would argue that although it's not a bad song by a long shot, it's certainly weaker in both the lyrics and somewhat forgettable melodies than some of the other songs on the album. As the first impression of the album, it certainly doesn't do it justice.
From here it's onwards and upwards. The second track on the album, Rich, is much catchier than the first. I wouldn't be surprised if Maren releases it as a single at some point in 2017. This song is sassy with a Kacey Musgrave's flavour of humour, "All the little lies, rolling on your lips is money falling from the sky, sh*t I'd be rich!" 

My Church, the first single from this album. With a flare of Gospel, Maren sings about how she is far from perfect, "I've cussed on a Sunday, I've cheated and I've lied". Again, we could expect similar themes of defiance from Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert or Brandy Clark. The song has sold over 800,000 copies in the USA and has been nominated for two Grammys. References to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams make this song even more timeless and accessible and with an addictive hook, it's certain to have you singing along.

The soulful tone and production of the music are ringing loud and clear in the songs Once, I Could Use a Love Song and I Wish I Was. The songs are filled with raw emotion and desperation sure to leave you with Goosebumps. Lyrically, these ballads are arguably the strongest on the album.

Drunk Girls Don't Cry and 80s Mercedes both have a certain pop quality to them. Drunk Girls Don't Cry brings us more of the sassy comedy we've heard in Rich. Whilst this matter-of-fact comedy is used across the album, it remains innovative and original and definitely doesn't get old the way it does in Kacey Musgraves' Pageant Material album (sorry, Kacey). 80s Mercedes is an upbeat millennial anthem with a strong pop atmosphere that you might expect from Kelsea Ballerini. Whilst the lyrics don't particularly have any hard-hitting substance, this track is sure to have you singing and dancing.


Overall, Hero is an innovative and daring album, particularly for a debut. It ambitiously blends a range of classic genres with a flare of up-to-date references and humour. However, I have no doubt that Maren pulled this off more than successfully.

Maren has writing credits on every track on the album which is impressive, particularly through the delivery of heartfelt songs such as Once. However, there are occasions where the songwriting falls flat e.g. "if I had a dime every time that your crossed my mind, well I'd be sitting on a big ass pile of dimes" (Rich).
In addition, one of the biggest let-downs with this album is that four of the songs, including two singles, were released just a few months earlier on her self-titled EP. My guess is that Maren's label saw the success of My Church and tried to hit the ground running by releasing an album as soon as possible.

Hero has become a Country fan favourite and received an extraordinary amount of critical acclaim and nominations- including nominations at the upcoming Grammy awards. These are all incredible feats to achieve, especially so early in Maren's career and I am excited to see what comes next from her.

Best Songs: Rich, My Church, I Could Use A Love Song

Worst Songs: Sugar, Second Wind

Rating: 4/5

Tuesday 13 December 2016

10 Country Songs for Your Christmas Playlist


It's less than two weeks until the big day! The shops are getting busier, Christmas parties are in full swing and we aren't sure how we're going to cope when Starbucks stop serving their gingerbread latte - or maybe that's just me.  In any case, I am marking the holiday season with a playlist of Country songs- be sure to mix them in with your usual Slade and Mariah this year.

1) Kacey Musgraves - Christmas Makes Me Cry




This year, our favourite Texan songwriter released her first Christmas Album. It's a great album with some original Christmas songs alongside covers of festive favourites. Christmas Makes Me Cry features writing credits from Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark - when those names are on a song, it's sure to be one to remember. The song talks about the sad parts of the holiday- watching family members getting older every year; missing loved ones who aren't there, it's an emotional, melancholy song. Worry not, though, A Very Kacey Christmas has many uplifting tracks on it too.

2) Kenny Chesney - All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan


It's no secret that Knoxville native, Kenny Chesney, loves the tropics. Therefore, it's no surprise that the title track from his 2003 Christmas album is about wanting to escape the freezing temperatures that the holiday season brings with it. The song is a unique balance of festive yet warm. Talk of Pina Coladas, alongside maracas and ukulele, are guaranteed to make you forget all about the sub-zero temperatures, at least for a few minutes.

3) Taylor Swift - Last Christmas



Almost ten years ago, Country bumpkin Taylor Swift released an EP of Christmas music- original songs and covers. As Christmas projects go, this one felt slightly underrated and therefore I'm adding her Country cover of Last Christmas to this year's Christmas playlist. 

4) Luke Bryan - Run Run Rudolph 



This upbeat cover of the classic Rock n Roll, Christmas hit. is a must have for your playlist. Luke Bryan's Georgia boy accent is a great twist on a song you already know the words to. Turn up the volume and add it to your Christmas party playlist.

5) Sam Palladio - River



Next up on the list is this mellow cover of Joni Mitchell's song. In case you missed it, the cast of Nashville released a Christmas album, produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. The album features some brilliant covers by all your favourite Nashville voices, including Connie Britton and Hayden Panetierre. This cover from Sam Palladio (Gunnar) is perfect while you're relaxing after a busy day of Christmas Shopping.

6) Carrie Underwood - The First Noel



Carrie Underwood's rendition of this traditional hymn is a must for your iPod this Christmas. It is a very simple take on the song but her voice is perfect for it.


7) Lady Antebellum - Baby, It's Cold Outside



Back in 2012, Lady Antebellum released their platinum Christmas album, On This Winter's Night. However, before the Country superstars had even earned their first #1 hit, they released their rendition of Baby, It's Cold Outside. The undeniable chemistry between Charles Kelley and Hilary Scott's voices is perfect for this classic song.

8) Little Big Town - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas



From one Country supergroup to another, next on our list we have Little Big Town's rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. It's filled with the flawless harmonies that fans have come to love from the band. 

9) Faith Hill - Where Are You Christmas?



Written by the queen of Christmas and recorded by the queen of Country. Faith Hill performs Mariah Carey's beautiful Christmas tune, Where Are You Christmas? You might remember this one from the soundtrack of the timeless Christmas movie, How The Grinch Stole Christmas. 

10) Brad Paisley - Penguin, James Penguin



Last but certainly not least on the list is Brad Paisley's, Penguin, James Penguin. His 2006 Christmas album is a selection of covers and original songs, filled with the witty songwriting we have come to expect from him. Penguin, James Penguin tells the story of Santa's secret agent penguin who keeps tabs on who has been naughty and who has been nice. It's certain to put a smile on your face.


Merry Christmas!




Monday 14 November 2016

Concert Review: Thomas Rhett at the O2 Ritz, Manchester


There are those who argue that the UK doesn't have a significant Country music scene. However, after watching Thomas Rhett perform to a sold out crowd on a rainy Manchester evening, I am confident that the cynics are wrong. 1,500 Country fans from across the UK flocked to the O2 Ritz in Manchester on Sunday evening and I am certain that none of them left feeling disappointed.

The night began with a bang as Thomas Rhett's father, Rhett Akins took to the stage as his son's opening act. Rhett Akins has had a long and successful career in Country music. He has spent the past three decades earning songwriting credits on many hit  Country songs, including Blake Shelton's Boy's 'round Here and Luke Bryan's I Don't Want This Night To End. He has also recorded six studio albums of his own, with singles peaking in the top 10 of the US Country charts. 
He performed a selection of his favourite Country songs - both his own material and covers of songs he "wishes he'd written". 



His set was very intimate and humbling. Despite him performing as an opening act, it became clear that he was a star in his own right with many of his own fans in the audience. One fan had even prepared a large sign especially for him which read "Rhett, I'll be your lil Loretta if you'll be my Conway Twitty" - a sweet reference to his song, Honey Bee (famously recorded by Blake Shelton). He gratefully accepted the sign, joking that it would be difficult to take it on the plane back home.




The intimate atmosphere he created through his humble attitude, lyrics and storytelling was similar to that of the CMA Songwriter's Series events. It was the perfect start to the night.

Next up, the star of the evening, Thomas Rhett took to the stage. He opened his set with Anthem, an upbeat song from his sophomore album, Tangled Up. The pop-rock melodies of the song were perfect for setting the atmosphere, particularly after a mellow set from Rhett Akins. The energy the venue skyrocketed as fans danced, sang and cheered along.

He went on to perform Tangled, which he mashed up with DNCE's Cake By The Ocean. This combination worked surprisingly better than expected as fans enthusiastically sang along.
Rhett performed a number of fan favourites and hit singles, including his latest single, Star Of The Show. The audience sang along with every word, despite the song being released only a few weeks ago, proving that there definitely is a significant Country following in the UK. 




He brought his infectious energy and charisma off-stage and into the crowd as he performed I Feel Good. Fans screamed in excitement whilst he starred in their selfies and sang with them. 




There were also a few covers on the setlist, including Round Here - a song he co-wrote with Country Duo, Florida Georgia Line.
He played the classic Garth Brook's hit, Friends In Low Places, bringing one lucky fan onstage to sing it with him. 




Much of his set was filled with fun, upbeat, high energy songs which perfectly matched his confident stage presence. However, he also stripped down his set for an intimate performance of his CMA winning Country love song, Die A Happy Man, which he dedicated to his wife. Fans listened intently, shining the lights from their phones in the air. He also performed his 2012 single, Beer With Jesus, an honest and simple song which he wrote whilst studying at college.




He then brought the energy back up with his Country-Pop singles Crash And Burn and Get Me Some Of That. Thomas Rhett, like many crossover Country artists, has received criticism for falling into the "Bro-Country" category, particularly for lyrics such as "You're shaking that money maker like a heartbreaker like your college major was twistin' and tearin' up friday night...". However, the enthusiastic reception at the Ritz has proven that fans love and enjoy his music regardless.

Thomas Rhett ended the night with Vacation, perhaps a brave choice for an encore song as it isn't a single but everyone sang and cheered anyway. He brought his dad onstage for the final song - a heartwarming ending to a fantastic performance.



Fans poured out of the venue into the rainy, Manchester evening, many still humming their favourite songs from the night.
Thomas Rhett brought an energetic, natural yet charismatic stage presence accompanied by flawless vocals and great guitar playing.
I have no doubt that there will be demand from fans for him to come back to the UK again very soon.

Monday 31 October 2016

50th CMA Awards: My Predictions


With just a few days to go until the annual CMA Awards, music lovers everywhere are anxiously waiting to see what the CMA have in store to mark this half a century milestone of the annual event. We are expecting some great performances from artists from across the decades with tributes to some of the most well-loved songs of all time. If Forever Country is anything to go by, the 50th CMA awards will go down in music history. It's a night you won't want to miss out on.

To celebrate the run-up to Wednesday evening, I'm sharing a list of some of the nominees I hope to see taking home an award on Wednesday night.

Song of the Year & Single of the Year: "Humble and Kind" - Tim McGraw



This song, featured on Tim McGraw's Damn Country Music album, was written by the wonderful Lori McKenna. She wrote the song for her children but this song speaks volumes to so many people from all walks of life. It's easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of life and Humble and Kind serves as a gentle reminder that we should cherish and value the most important things in life.

Album of the Year: "Hero" - Maren Morris



This may be Maren Morris' first CMA rodeo but I have no doubt that she will be victorious at this year's ceremony.
Her album, Hero is one of my favourite albums of the past few years. It combines timeless Country songwriting with a flare of soul. It's innovative yet catchy. Whether she takes home this award or not, Maren Morris is certainly an artist to watch, she has a long and successful career ahead of her.

Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert



This year's female vocalist category is stronger than ever and I will be cheering no matter who takes home the award. However, my prediction is that this year's female vocalist award will go to it's reigning queen. In addition to a successful headline world tour and opening stadiums for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert has been hard at work writing and recording a brand new double album. The first single from Miranda Lambert's upcoming album, Vice, was very well received and I can't wait to hear the rest of the album. I hope to see Miranda Lambert's hard work pay off at this year's ceremony.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Tim McGraw



Tim McGraw has been one of the biggest names in Country music for decades so the timing would be perfect for him to take home the 50th male vocalist award.
His album Damn Country Music and his single, Humble and Kind have achieved phenomenal success. Damn Country Music is one of my personal favourite albums of all time and as someone who has been listening to Tim McGraw since I was a little girl, I would love to see him take home this award.

New Artist of the Year: Maren Morris



With less than a year since the release of her self-titled EP, Maren Morris has quickly captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world and risen to Country Music success.
She has performed on the main stage of the CMA festival and travelled across the atlantic to London to play in front of 20,000 fans. Her album Hero, reached #1 in the US Country charts and sold over 100,000 copies in the US alone. These are all incredible achievements for any artist and to achieve all of this in less than a year makes her more than deserving of the best new artist title.

Vocal Duo of the year: Joey and Rory



This is another category in which there are some very strong contenders.
I recently bought the debut album from Brothers Osborne, Pawn Shop. I love it and  have no doubt that this duo will go on to achieve great things, probably including a future CMA for the same award. However, I believe this year's duo of the year title deserves to go to Joey and Rory. Whilst I knew very little about this duo's music, it can't be denied that they were incredibly talented Country artists. The news of Joey's passing sent tremors through the Country industry as fans and musicians alike mourned a great loss.
They were great musicians and had a huge impact on the Country music genre. They will forever be a part of our history and I think it would be truly touching for them to receive this year's Duo of the Year award.

Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town



This is yet another category in which it really is anyone's award. All of these bands are well-loved by Country fans. Lady Antebellum are one of my favourite bands. I look forward to their return and hope to see them take home the award for vocal Group of the year in the future. However, I think the award this year will go to Little Big Town. Whilst their Wanderlust project with Pharell Williams received mixed reviews, their new single Better Man is being very well received. Girl Crush is still immensely popular and I'm sure it will be remembered as a "classic" for decades to come. They are a very hard working group - in addition to recording new music, they have toured internationally this year and have opened for Luke Bryan across the USA. Therefore, I hope to see them take home this year's vocal group of the year award.

Entertainer of the Year: Carrie Underwood



This one's the big one. The entertainer of the year award goes to someone who has had an outstanding contribution to the genre and represents the Country music values. Carrie Underwood has more than fulfilled this role. She is a fantastic role model within the genre, displaying the perfect balance of classy and reserved yet feisty and strong. With more than a decade of international success as a Country artist, I believe the 50th CMA Awards ceremony is the perfect time for her to take home the Entertainer of the Year award.

I hope you've enjoyed my run down of predictions for this year's CMA Awards.
No matter who wins, it's going to be an incredible night for the Country industry to remember for a long time.
Let us know in the comments who you hope to see take home an award on Wednesday night.

Sunday 30 October 2016

10 Country Songs for your Halloween Playlist

It's that time of year again! Whatever your plans are this Halloween, you will want these songs on your playlist to truly embrace the spirit of the holiday.

1) "Two Black Cadillacs" - Carrie Underwood
 


We're starting Halloween with this hit from Carrie Underwood's 2012 Blown Away album. With songwriting contributions from Hilary Lindsey (Girl Crush) and Josh Kear (Before He Cheats), Two Black Cadillacs tells the chilling tale of two women who discover that they are in relationships with the same man. They decide to work together to murder him (obviously). This alongside the chilling instrumentation of the song are perfect for the holiday.

 2) "Goodbye Earl" - Dixie Chicks


Up next on our list is another murder ballad- leave it to Country music to tell these cheerful stories. Since 1999, Goodbye Earl has been a staple amongst Country fans. It's the go-to song for karaoke, hoedowns or even just driving to work. It's great to dance and sing along to, making it ideal for your Halloween party.

3) "Trouble My Heart (Oh Harriet)" - The Orphan Brigade


Nothing says Halloween like a love song written for a ghost. In 2015, The Orphan Brigade (featuring Ben Glover and Gretchen Peters) brought us Soundtrack to a Ghost Story, a selection of songs written and recorded in one of the USA's most haunted houses. This particular song was written for the former lady of the house. It's a great concept for an album and I recommend listening to the whole project but for now, this song is my personal favourite track.

 4) "Better Dig Two" - The Band Perry


This track from The Band Perry was released in 2012. The song is written from the perspective of a "psycho girlfriend" character who claims she simply can't live without her husband - "If divorce or death ever do us part, the coroner will call it a broken heart"
Better Dig Two delves into Bluegrass and Rock; This in addition to the desperation in Kimberly Perry's vocals and the song's minor key signature* make it the ultimate combination of unsettling and catchy - exactly what you need this time of year.
  *The song is in the key of A minor with a raised sixth note - for any musicians out there.


 5) "Midnight in Montgomery" - Alan Jackson


Another ghost story on our list. Alan Jackson's 1992 hit, tells us the story of a man who visits the grave of Hank Williams on the anniversary of his death and encounters the ghost of Hank Williams. The ghost thanks him and disappears. The storytelling in this song is slightly more heart-warming and nostalgic than some of the others on our playlist but the picking on the acoustic guitar creates an eerie Halloween atmosphere.

6) "Creepin'" - Eric Church


This 2012 Country Rock song discusses memories of the narrator's ex-girlfriend "creepin'" up on him. The electric guitar and kick drum alongside the various effects on Eric Church's voice, make this song unsettling but also easy to dance to - another one that would be perfect for your Halloween party.

7) "Blackbirds" - Gretchen Peters


 Next up on our spooky playlist is this 2015 track by Gretchen Peters. Co-written with Ben Glover, this song tells the story of a woman who has killed someone who hurt her. The song features some very strong imagery and powerful, haunting metaphors - "there's shadows in the shadows, there's trouble in the cane, there's things you do that you just can't explain". This accompanied by a distorted guitar and bassline creates a truly chilling atmosphere.

8) "Somewhere With You" - Kenny Chesney


Kenny Chesney's 2010 hit tells the story of someone who is trying to move on from a broken relationship. Whilst the lyrics in this song are significantly less unsettling than some of the other songs on our list, the melodies in this song bring a sense of desperation and darkness which we wouldn't usually expect from the artist who brought us "She Thinks my Tractor's Sexy".
This song crosses over into the Pop/Rock genres making it accessible, easy to dance to and a must have for your party playlist.


9) "You Are My Sunshine" - The Civil Wars


The song was first recorded in 1939 and has since been covered countless times. However, don't be fooled by the innocent and familiar title of this track. For their rendition, The Civil Wars have completely turned the song upside down. By performing it in a minor key, the once cheerful, uplifting tune is now dark and unnerving yet undoubtedly beautiful.

10) If I Didn't Know Better - Nashville Cast


Last but not least on our Halloween playlist is this classic from the first season of Nashville. This is another song on our list where it is the melodies which give the lyrics their spooky flare. The slow, meandering guitar riff alongside some dangerously high vocals from Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen provides one last chilling track for your playlist.

You can listen to all of these songs below. Let us know what your favourite spooky Country songs are. Happy Halloween, everyone!



Monday 24 October 2016

Country to Country 2017: Line Up announcement

Howdy!
This evening, the first batch of artists were announced for next year's Country 2 Country (C2C). Like many Country fans across the UK, I waited excitedly, like a child on Christmas eve for the announcement.
However, after fantasising since March about my perfect line up for next year, I think it's fair to say I have mixed emotions about the artists that have been announced.
The first headline acts announced at the launch event were Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band.

I am a big fan of Brad Paisley and would love the opportunity to see him live. Thousands of UK fans were left disappointed when his London and Dublin concerts were cancelled earlier this year so the news of a headline slot at C2C provides a perfect alternative - great job C2C!



Zac Brown Band are also a great choice and have a history of success in the UK. Their headline performance at Wembley Arena in 2015 was a huge success. In addition to this, they are C2C alumni after headlining alongside Brad Paisley in 2014. At this point, it is clear the British fans love this band and will no doubt, pack out the O2 Arena in 2017 to see them.


Other artists who have been announced so far:


Brother's Osborne
If I'm honest, I didn't know very much at all about this duo prior to this years C2C announcement. I had heard them on Chris Country radio before but that was the extent of my knowledge of them. After the announcement, I have listened to their debut album, Pawn Shop and I must say, I am impressed. They are one of the new faces in 2017's C2C crowd but with two CMA award nominations less than a year after releasing their debut album, I have no doubt that they will be fantastic.

                                          Dan+Shay
I was somewhat expecting this duo to be included in the line-up after their recent success on tour here in the UK. They will put on a very good set of good Country songs. However, I feel that this news comes a little too soon after their UK tour. Many UK fans have had the opportunity to see this band and personally, I would have preferred someone new or someone who the UK hasn't hosted for a while.


Hunter Hayes
I went to see Hunter Hayes in October 2015 and he was great! His eclectic range of upbeat Country-Pop and heartfelt ballads is absolutely perfect for the C2C atmosphere.



Maren Morris
I have been a huge fan of Maren Morris since I heard her self-titled EP towards the end of 2015. I was lucky enough to see her perform on the Yamaha stage at C2C 2016 and with her album on repeat, have been anticipating her return to the UK. I would love to see her play a longer set as at C2C this year, she only had time for a few songs. Perhaps my favourite artist on the 2017 line-up!

Cam
Cam was high on my list of predictions for C2C 2017. Her single, Burning House took the Country community by storm and now with two CMA nominations under her belt, including best song, she's sure to be a strong asset to the 2017 festival.


Chris Young
Another artist on the bill, preparing to make his return to C2C after performing alongside Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band in 2014. Again I would personally have preferred to see someone new but I appreciate that Chris Young has the essential star quality to create a buzz for this year's festival. In addition, it will give anyone who didn't see him four years ago at C2C, the opportunity to see him this time.


Darius Rucker
The news that Darius Rucker would be on the line-up came as a surprise to me. I hadn't heard anything of him since his 2013 smash hit, Wagon Wheel. Though perhaps this is due to him not getting the promotion he deserves, or just my own ignorance. Either way, as a Country fan, despite him being a very talented artist, I personally feel that Darius doesn't have the star quality of previous C2C artists.


Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is another artist who I was surprised to hear was featured on the bill. I wouldn't class myself as a fan of her music and would again argue that the name Jennifer Nettles simply doesn't generate the same buzz as names from previous years such as Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride and Little Big Town.

To conclude, I don't think that the 2017 line-up so far is necessarily a bad line-up. However, it simply doesn't compare with the high standards of previous years. 2015 for example, saw Country royalty, Lee Ann Womack as an opener to the CMA Entertainer of the year, Luke Bryan.
I love C2C because it provides British fans with the opportunity to see their favourite artists. Artists who fans otherwise wouldn't be able to see live without travelling to the USA. This year, the majority of artists on the bill, are artists who the UK has hosted before. I would very much prefer to see something new- especially considering the price of tickets.
However, it is important to keep in mind that many more artists, including another headliner, are still to be announced and I will continue to dream about who that might be. I would love to see Tim and Faith bring their Soul2Soul tour to London - it is a "world" tour after all.
I also am incredibly excited about the prospect of another CMA Songwriters Series which is always my favourite part of the festival.
Finally, I would like to add that Country 2 Country would not be the magical experience that it is without the 20,000 Country fans who make the annual pilgrimage to the O2 Arena to sing along to their favourite songs. I have been to a lot of concerts and nothing compares to the atmosphere at the O2 during C2C.