Some of these songs I reviewed in full, while others I did not have the opportunity to do so. But each of these will have a quick recap with my thoughts on the song and a 1-5 star grade.
"Stay" - Florida Georgia Line
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
Okay, this is Florida Georgia Line we're talking about here. They almost need their own scale in some cases. Arguably, up until "Dirt," this was their least bro-country song. It wasn't a great song, but honestly, in the hands of a more capable artist, it wouldn't have been a terrible song either. The annoying voice of the long-haired guy in the group made the song difficult to listen to, but lyrically speaking, this one could have been a whole lot worse.
2/5
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
Much like the previous entry, this song wasn't the worst offering from the artist. It actually featured some solid content, despite a deceptive title. And Luke actually shows some vocal talent in in this song, and shows that he's capable of some substance when he puts some effort in. If he released more songs like this, I might gain back a little bit of respect for him. "Might" being the operative word.
3.5/5
"Chillin' It" - Cole Swindell
Number One on Country Songs Chart
Not since "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line have I hated a debut single from an artist this much. Honestly, Swindell did nothing to endear himself to real country fans with this one, and his follow-up was no prize either. It was just a typical "hey let's have a party and drink" song, as if we didn't have enough of those already.
0.5/5
"Bottoms Up" - Brantley Gilbert
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
This was yet another offering of pure douchery from a mastery of that art. Honestly, of all the songs that hit number one on these charts during this year, this is the one I understand the least, even from fans of this modern crap that's called country. I suppose nothing should surprise me anymore, but Gilbert is such a pure asshole and there was absolutely nothing enjoyable about this song at all.
0/5
"This Is How We Roll" - Florida Georgia Line featuring Luke Bryan
Number One on Country Songs Chart
Any song that features a line like "singing every song on the radio" is bound to be crap, but also bound to appeal to the lowest common denominator or musical taste. If someone is truly "singing every song on the radio," it demonstrates indiscriminate taste from someone who simply likes whatever corporate radio is shoveling down their throat this week. Which again, describes your typical mainstream country fan, today. That's hardly the only thing wrong with this song, but it's one of those things that always bothered me that I've never seen mentioned.
0/5
"Play It Again" - Luke Bryan
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
Oh, boy, it's Luke Bryan's name again. It's almost as if his label is buying sponsored airtime for him and pushing his songs to number one. I'm sure that's not the case, but, hey, what do I know, right?
Do I even want to go into reviewing another song about a girl dancing on a truck to her *favorite ever* song...which probably changed a week later anyway.
1/5
"Somethin' Bad" - Miranda Lambert featuring Carrie Underwood
Number One on Country Songs Chart
I think I liked this song a bit more than some of my critical counterparts at other outlets. This song wasn't a traditional country song, and yeah, it definitely missed the mark in some ways, but I'll admit to liking it. To me, it was one of those "just fun" songs that I actually enjoyed. Call it a guilty pleasure. Critically speaking, it was nothing to write home about, but taste-wise, I enjoyed this one. Sue me.
3.5/5
"Beachin'" - Jake Owen
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
This song was so lackluster by itself, it needed a rap remix. Which ended up making it worse. Color me shocked on that one. A rap remix making a country song worse. Who would've thought?
0.5/5
"Dirt" - Florida Georgia Line
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart
The only song I ever had a real positive reaction to that came from Florida Georgia Line. It was well-produced, toned-down, featured some strong instrumentation, stronger vocals than I ever would have expected from these two.
And then the album came out and it was surrounded by exactly what we'd expect from these two, which in all honesty, dulled the impact this song had. Still, it can't be denied that it was a bright spot on the charts during the year.
4/5
"Burnin' It Down" - Jason Aldean
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart
Yep, this song is on this list. Yes, I am going to relive this atrocity by giving a quick recap of what I thought of it. Yes, Jason Aldean continues to make an ass out of himself. Yes, I hate this song. Yes, I hope I never have to hear it again.
0/5
"Leave the Night On" - Sam Hunt
Number One on both Country Songs Chart and Country Airplay Chart.
Blatant pop release for which I cannot fathom the reason for releasing this as country, even by industry standards.
0/5
"Something in the Water" - Carrie Underwood
Number One on Country Songs Chart
And the last song to date in 2014 to hit Number One on the Country Songs Chart is a bright spot. Underwood's vocals remain strong, and this was a great song to lead off her Greatest Hits album with. Strong vocals, substance, great musicianship and production.
4.5/5
Check back soon for Part Two!