Country radio plays the same old songs over and over again. Now, do not think I hate country music. I love it and it is without a doubt, 99% of the music that I listen to. However, I love the songs that I come across and fly under the radar. These are the ones that I find and that hardly ever make it to the top of the charts, but to me, are some of the best ones and that I listen to on a regular basis. Let the countdown begin...
10. "Yes" - Chad Brock
Chad Brock just happened to be a professional wrestler, before an injury forced him to end his career. Well, for him, that may have been the best thing for him to do as he became a country music singer and gave me one of my favorite songs. "Yes" is an upbeat song that captures the love story of a relationship, all the way from meeting someone to ultimately them saying "yes". This song spent a short three weeks at the number one spot in the United States before falling down.
9. "Down To This" - Pat Cooper
Pat Cooper is a small artist...for now. He grew up in Georgia and he displayed his southern roots while at the University of South Carolina, singing on karaoke night and realized his passion for country music. "Down To This" is a song for the rough relationships. Those of you struggling, listen to this and ask yourself "is it really worth, trying to save?" An admire of Garth Brooks, Pat Cooper has been one of my favorites for awhile and I expect big things out of him soon.
8. "Bronco" - Canaan Smith
"Love You Like That", "We Got Us" and "Hole in a Bottle". Yes, it's Canaan Smith. However, my favorite is one of those that is hidden by his popular ones and is the most personal one. He released Bronco in the summer of 2015,which is the title track of his album. He wrote this song for his brother, who passed away at 16, due to a car accident. His brother drove a Bronco and he said it's the first image that comes to his mind when he thinks of him. Listen to it once and you won't stop as this may be Canaan's best song ever recorded.
7. "This Is Me" - Bryan Mayer
Bryan Mayer is a fellow North Carolinian and for anyone that wants a song to hit home, this is the one for you. This song is his autobiography about who he is and who he wants to be. Press play, because I promise you won't be disappointed.
6. "Clean Hands" - Kyle Douglas
If you want an anthem to start your 2017 off with, then here it is. Be free and clean yourself of everything. Go on the straight path to what you want and Douglas shows that in his song. Douglas spent years around substance abuse and by writing this song, he threw everything away in his past. Do you have something to throw away?
5. "Little Bitty Dreams" - Will Hoge
4. "New Hometown" - Mike Ryan
A song that speaks to so many men about getting away from someone who wrecked their world. This song talks about a man trying to find a new hometown because of a certain person bringing him down. Recently released, this is a song off his forthcoming album, which I'm sure will include many more great hits by Mr. Ryan.
3. "Memories Are Made Of" - Luke Combs
If you find yourself ever driving for awhile, flip on Luke Combs. A rising superstar in country music, his music always finds a way to relate to you and will leave you wanting more. A talented songwriter, Combs' song, "Memories Are Mad Of" finds a way of taking you back to a younger age and making you remember all the good times that you thought you'd never lose.
2. "Monterey" - Dean Brody
Just like the one above, this time, it's Dean Brody that sends you back to your younger years. Imagine what you miss and think about it while listening, and you'll be overcome by memories and replay it over and over again. Think long and hard about what your "Monterey" is and put this one on your playlist for the New Years.
1. "The Red Strokes" - Garth Brooks
Number one on the list is a song that is over 20 years old. This song is one of my favorites from arguably one of the greatest in the business, Garth Brooks. This love piece brings artwork and love together to combine for a passionate song. This song was popular in the United Kingdom, more than it was in the United States and I'm here to tell you that this should be number one on your list entering 2017 because it is one that you cannot forget.
These ten songs are all different in their own way and even though they aren't chart toppers, doesn't take away from how great they are. So sit back, take a drive and go for a run and listen to gold run through your ears.
