Artists  //  Albums //  Music Videos  //  Songs

​

     Jake Owen’s song “Real Life,” written by Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne and Ross Copperman, is a remarkable example of versatility in country music. Jake Owen is known for his ‘beach life,’ but trailed far from that with this song, which is about reality. Though the song was never a hit and did not make it on his “American Love” album, the ability for Owen to branch out and do something different with his music is commendable.  He took a risk and proved that he is a real artist with more than one side.  

 

     Brad Paisley’s “Crushin’ It" video is the epitome of creativity in music. Paisley personally drew the scenes and characters portrayed in the music video, and did so because the original video idea might have been impossible and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to create. The published video features country stars as superheroes crushing robot beer cans to save the world, and what could be more creative than that? This display of creativity shows that Paisley is an artist by more than one definition. 

     

     A very controversial song in country music won Song of the Year at the 2014 CMA Awards. “Follow Your Arrow” is an upbeat tune composed by Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark. This song so relevant in today’s society because it tells listeners to do as they please with their life. The lyrics say to “kiss lots of boys, or kiss lots of girls – if that’s something your into.” The song even says to “roll up a joint, or don’t,” and Musgraves responds with an “I would” in the last chorus. I believe bold lyrics like this are what differentiate Musgraves from other artists in the industry.

​

     Country music duo Maddie and Tae became well known after the release of their of their first single “Girl in a Country Song,” in 2014. When they wrote the song the two had no idea it would become a hit, so they were brutally honest with their lyrics that challenge what has come to be known as ‘bro-country.’ Their ability to write the way they want with no reservations shows an admirable trait that I believe will continue to keep their career successful.  

​

      The video for Brett Eldredge and Ross Copperman’s “Wanna Be That Song”was shot on Wrigley Field in Eldredge’s home state of Illinois and focuses on a 1940’s baseball player, portrayed by Eldredge himself. With the help of many friends, Eldredge was able to create a video that collects dreams he had as a child, and a timeline is drawn as the singer rounds the bases on the field. However, the video is not what a listener would expect to see after hearing the song. Eldredge took the lyrics and created a story of life. The video allows listeners to paint personal images of the lyrics in their minds rather than viewing the life of strangers. This video is very powerful since it allows listeners to reflect on their own lives.