CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #10 to #1

Here’s the Top 10 of 2008!

#10- “Back When I Knew It All” by Montgomery Gentry
CML: 1
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Right on

Overview: A good song about how our views on things change as we get older.  A well-deserved #1.

 

#9- “Roll With Me” by Montgomery Gentry
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This is my favorite Montgomery Gentry song of all time.  It was a very good song that encouraged people to “roll with” whatever may come and not let things pass you by.

 

#8- “Small Town Southern Man”
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Another Alan Jackson classic.  This was based on his father’s life and is more about his father than “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” was.  Great song.

 

#7- “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” by James Otto
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This song was James Otto’s first big hit and was still being played a lot after its chart climb was over.  That had a negative impact on “For You,” the follow up single, but that’s a growing trend in country music.

 

#6- “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Not too many saw this song for what it was–a tale appreciating everything in life.  It was a good debut single for a band in a time when you need one.

 

#5- “Our Song” by Taylor Swift
CML: 1 (3 weeks in 2008, 2 weeks in 2007)
Billboard: 1 (6 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Taylor’s first #1 has been her best song to date.  Spending 6 weeks at #1 is a great accomplishment, but that was helped by the fact she reached #1 at Christmastime 2007 and that carried over into the beginning of January 2008.

 

#4- “Cleaning This Gun (Come On In Boy)” by Rodney Atkins
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Rodney’s 4th straight multi-week #1 is one of the best father-daughter’s boyfriend themed song I have ever heard.

 

#3- “Do You Believe Me Now” by Jimmy Wayne
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Simply amazing.  Just a great “I told you so” song from a man’s perspective mixed with a little paranoia turned truth.  It took awhile to get to #1, but that just made it even sweeter.

 

#2- “Home” by Blake Shelton
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Blake’s decision to record this song and reissue his Pure BS album with three additional tracks (this being the lone single from those three) was the best decision he could’ve made.  The album was “radio weak” though it sounded really good.  By placing “Home” on the album, it made the album much better and gave Blake another #1 single.

 

#1- “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” by Darius Rucker
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: At first, I thought that Darius’ first venture into Country Music would probably only make the Top 20.  However, once this song grew on me, I came to realize that Darius has what it takes to succeed in country radio and that this song was just downright awesome.  It was a happy day when this song finally made #1 after a long climb.  It’s long climb allows it to capture the #1 song for 2008!

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #20 to #11

#20- “You Look Good In My Shirt” by Keith Urban
CML: 1
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Right on

Overview: In a rare move, Keith Urban pulled a song from an older album, recut it to give a more live sounding feeling, then released it to radio.  The thing is, this song was almost the 5th single off of Golden Road, but they opted to go with “Days Go By” to release his Be Here album.  Well, it got what it deserved, even though it was a few years late!

 

#19- “Should’ve Said No” by Taylor Swift
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This song proved that Taylor could sing an attitude song and sing it well.

 

#18- “I’m Still A Guy” by Brad Paisley
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (3 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Brad has a nack for songs that are out-of-the-box and funny.  This is one of the best that he has had and still gives me a little chuckle whenever I hear it.

 

#17- “Better As A Memory” by Kenny Chesney
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This is one of the most introspective songs Kenny has ever released to the radio.  Thing is, he didn’t write it.  It sure sounds like he did because it fits in with his personality and he connects with the lyric, making it a powerful song

 

#16- “Good Time” by Alan Jackson
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This song inspired people to have a good time and still does today.  After a long hard week at work, I’m sure a lot of people wanted to hear this song since it says what they feel.

 

#15- “Letter To Me” by Brad Paisley
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (4 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Out of all the songs Brad has written, this is one of the most brilliant ones he’s had.  I wouldn’t mind writing a letter to the 17-year-old version of myself to tell me that everything works out great.  Of course, I might give him a few more pieces of advice to change a few bumps in the road.

 

#14- “All-American Girl” by Carrie Underwood
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: A fun song about the life of a girl, from birth, to high school, to having her own child, and how she affects the men in her life (first her dad, then her boyfriend and eventual husband). 

 

#13- “She Never Cried In Front of Me” by Toby Keith
CML: 1
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Right on

Overview: You could almost feel the pain in this song.  Showing his true feelings about something has never been a problem for Toby, and here he gets in touch with the painful feelings of seeing a loved one he hurt finally move on.

 

#12- “Just A Dream” by Carrie Underwood
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This is the best song Carrie has ever done.  It’s a shame that they waited to make it the 4th single on the album.  I was afraid they wouldn’t release it since they were on a roll with her co-written works.  However, they did finally release this song, avoiding a great injustice to country music fans.

 

#11- “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins
CML: 1 (4 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (3 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Definitely Trace’s best song of all time.  It was really cool how it got to #1 on the country charts the same week he was appearing in the finale of Celebrity Apprentice.  This song and that show made 2008 Trace’s best year and gave me a fresh view and opinion of him.  I saw him in concert 4 or 5 years ago, and now I want to see him again because of my that fresh view.

Coming Soon: #10 to #1!

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #30 to #21

Yes, it’s the second week of February and I’m talking about 2008, still.  Not too much longer and the entire Top 100 will be revealed!

#30- “Love Is A Beautiful Thing”
CML: 2
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: I loved the Paul Brandt version of this song from the late 90s and thought it should have gotten this high then.  Phil Vassar’s version updated the sound (and lyrics in one spot) to fit it into 2008 and got the success the song deserved.

 

#29- “Every Day” by Rascal Flatts
CML: 1
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: There were 29 songs that made it to #1 in 2008 (Brad Paisley’s duet with Keith Urban was #1 for two weeks in 2009 in addition to the final week of 2008, so it doesn’t count as a 2008 #1 for the purposes of the Top 100).  This was one of 3 songs that did not make it to #1 on Billboard, but the “math” for the CML Chart gave it the top spot.  Not that it didn’t deserve it, as it was a great song from Rascal Flatts.

#28- “Here” by Rascal Flatts
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: This song is the reason why my Top 100 had to wait until the end of January/beginning of February.  Reaching #1 in the next to last week of 2008, the song almost regained that spot a couple weeks into 2009 and held on long enough to gain enough points to pass “Every Day” for #28 overall.  This was another great song from Rascal Flatts, who, along with their “people” pulled “Bob That Head” in favor for this song.  That was the best move of 2008.

 

#27- “Watching Airplanes” by Gary Allan
CML: 1
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: I was rooting hard for this song to make it to #1 as I thought it was Gary’s best single ever (and still do).  Unfortunately, it got as close as you can without making it.  However, I did take a little consolation in the fact it did make it to #1 on the CML Chart.

 

#26- “Waitin’ On A Woman” by Brad Paisley
CML: 1
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Right on

Overview: I was really happy to see this song released as a single because I thought it was a surefire #1 when it was on Time Well Wasted.  Added to later presses of 5th Gear, this song continued Brad’s impressive streak of consecutive #1 singles (now at 9 in a row after “Start A Band”, a modern era record).

 

#25- “Stay” by Sugarland
CML: 1
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This song showed everyone how good Jennifer Nettles can sing.  Without much “backup,” Jennifer sang this song way up the charts and propelled Sugarland to superstar status.

 

#24- “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right On

Overview: This song spent 13 weeks on the CML Chart, making #1 in only its 9th week.  That’s wonderful, but the CML Top 100 is more about a long term impact, not a “flash in the pan” impact.  This was a great song and earned its status, but it’s down this far because it wasn’t on the charts long enough.

 

#23- “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven”
CML: 1 (2 weeks)
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: Another great song who’s Top 100 cred was hurt by a quick rise up the charts.  Kenny’s good at these laid back songs that relate to almost every music fan out there.

 

#22- “I Saw God Today” by George Strait
CML: 1
Billboard: 1 (2 weeks)
Opinion: Right on

Overview: A great song that gave George a legendary mark–the most #1’s by a country artist (includes #1’s on all US charts).

 

#21- “All I Want To Do” by Sugarland
CML: 1 (3 weeks)
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Right oOn

Overview: This song had a contagious melody that stuck in your head for hours after hearing it (and probably singing it along with the radio).  This song added to Sugarland’s newfound superstar status.

 

Coming Soon: #20 to #11

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #40 to #31

#40- “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” by Billy Ray Cyrus & Miley Cyrus
CML: 3
Billboard: 4
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  I thought the solo version done by Billy Ray was just as good as the Miley duet, but radio craved the duet version after they perfromed it on Dancing With The Stars.  It was nice to hear quality music from Billy Ray again.

 

#39- “What Do Ya Think About That” by Montgomery Gentry
CML: 3
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  This was a much better attitude song that the similarly themed “You Do Your Thing” and its Top 5 rating was well earned.

 

#38- “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls” by George Strait
CML: 3
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Another great song by George Strait!

 

#37- “I Still Miss You” by Keith Anderson
CML: 2
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Not good enough for a #1, but worthy of being just short.  Unfortunately, this might be Keith’s “one-hit wonder” song.

 

#36- “Last Name” by Carrie Underwood
CML: 2
Billboard: 1
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview: This song shows how overly zealous radio stations are about Carrie when, in my opinion, this was the lamest single she ever released.  Granted, I’m sure it’s happened to people before, but the whole got drunk and got married thing had already been done and this can be twisted to show that Carrie’s condoning this type of action (which I’m sure she isn’t, but it just gives some cynics an opportunity to be cynical).  This is also the rare song that was #1 on Billboard and not on the CML Chart.  A sudden leap to #1 on Billboard prior to the song receiving a 100 Impression score made this the one and only single for Carrie Underwood not to be a #1 on my chart.

 

#35- “Put A Girl In It” by Brooks & Dunn
CML: 2
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This song didn’t work for me at first, but after giving it a chance to grow on me, I was okay with it.  It’s definitely unique.

 

#34- “Picture to Burn” by Taylor Swift
CML: 2
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Taylor showed that she could sing with a lot of attitude and not overdo it.  While the album version was a little controversial, the changes they made to the single version made the song so much better.

 

#33- “What Kinda Gone” by Chris Cagle
CML: 2
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was Chris Cagle’s best single since he went #1 with “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out.”  Unfortunately, he followed it up with two less than stellar songs that leave you wondering if Chris is going to ever maintain success in this business.

 

#32- “Winner At A Losing Game” by Rascal Flatts
CML: 2
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  This is a true example of what Rascal Flatts is all about.  A great song with great vocals that splits the country fanbase into two groups–those who love the song and those who gag listening to it.

 

#31- “Let It Go” by Tim McGraw
CML: 2
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: The best decision Tim  and his people made in 2008 was to release the title track to his current album.  It followed one of the worst decisions that they had ever made in releasing “Kristofferson.”

 

Coming Soon: #30 to #21

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #50 to #41

Here comes the first of the upper half of the Top 100!

#50- “I’ll Walk” by Bucky Covington
CML: 6
Billboard: 10
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: This song could have easily been Bucky’s first #1 had it not taken so long to catch on.  Every single has a “shelf life” and when it takes a while for a song to catch on, it ultimately ends up short of its potential.  This song nearly made me cry the first time I heard it and always gave me goosebumps when it got to the third verse and chorus.

 

#49- “Everybody” by Keith Urban
CML: 6
Billboard: 5
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview:  To be honest, this song had a good enough sound and a broad enough appeal to be Top 10, but to squeak out a Top 5 was too much for it.  This song had some substance, but not enough to even scratch the surface of the Top 5 like it did.  If it had mMore substance in the chorus, then I’d agree with Top 5.

 

#48- “Trying To Stop Your Leaving” by Dierks Bentley
CML: 5
Billboard: 5
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This song didn’t really thrill me at first, but after a lot of listens, I was able to see why it was so appealing to people–it was well written, well sung, and unique.

 

#47- “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks
CML: 5
Billboard: 5
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  This was another song that I didn’t really get at first, but after many listens it showed the same qualities as I mentioned for Dierks’ song above.

 

#46- “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
CML: 4
Billboard: 4
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview: I never thought this song would make it out of the Top 50, but then all of a sudden it caught on at a lot of radio stations.  The station I listen to saw right through this song and, as far as I know, never played it.  The only time I hear it on the radio (a country station that is) was on a syndicated show on a different radio station.  There, the “funny things” was omitted.  The only reason why this song did so well on the CML Chart was because I couldn’t deny what it was–the only true summer song on the radio this summer.  It seems that everybody else went with mainstream songs instead of trying to cash in on the summer feeling.  The closest to a true summer song was “Sounds So Good” by Ashton Shepherd, but that wasn’t truly a summer song.  So, I allowed this song to get that high for that purpose only (I’d never have let it go to #1…now that people vote for moving up an Impression score, I have less control over songs).

 

#45- “Shiftwork” by Kenny Chesney & George Strait
CML: 4
Billboard: 2
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview: This song’s only good quality is the fact that Kenny and George sound good together.  The chorus didn’t have much substance so it got to #2 on star power alone.  It should’ve been Top 10, no better.

 

#44- “All I Ever Wanted” by Chuck Wicks
CML: 4
Billboard: 14
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: This song should’ve been Chuck’s second Top 5, but it fell to the previously mentioned “shelf life” phenomenon.

 

#43- “Laughed Until We Cried” by Jason Aldean
CML: 4
Billboard: 6
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: A great song with a long shelf life, it should’ve made it to the Top 5, but just missed out.

 

#42- “Love Don’t Live Here” by Lady Antebellum
CML: 4
Billboard: 3
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was a really good song to launch their career as it was unique sounding and allowed people to get a liking for them.  It paved the way for them to get “Lookin’ For A Good Time” and “I Run To You” on the radio, both solid songs with the shared lead vocals.

 

#41- “Gunpowder and Lead” by Miranda Lambert
CML: 3
Billboard: 7
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: This is by far Miranda’s best single.  It’s unique sound and “touchy subject” handled in Miranda’s attitude made this an awesome song, that should’ve been her first Top 5, not her first Top 10.

Coming Soon: #40 to #31

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #60 to #51

#60- “International Harvester” by Craig Morgan
CML: 10
Billboard: 10
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was a fun song that help to add to Craig Morgan’s growing reputation as one of today’s most talented and diverse singers. 

 

#59- “Holler Back” by The Lost Trailers
CML: 10
Billboard: 9
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: The Lost Trailers’ breakthrough hit was a fun take on a phrase that most people who live in the country never use.  It had a great sound and definitly deserved all the attention it got.

 

#58- “Suspicions” by Tim McGraw
CML: 8
Billboard: 12
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: I absolutely loved this song and was shocked to see it suddenly disappear from the charts.  Many people wonder why he released this as a single.  I’m not one of them.  I loved hearing it every time!

 

#57- “Another Try” by Josh Turner with Trisha Yearwood
CML: 8
Billboard: 15
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  I love Josh Turner’s sound, being a guy with a semi-deep singing voice.  This song blended his leads and Trisha’s background vocals wonderfully.  I was sorely disappointed to see this song not make the Top 5.

 

#56- “We Weren’t Crazy” by Josh Gracin
CML: 8
Billboard: 10
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: A good song to choose as the title trick to his long overdue sophomore album.  While people question the singles released before and after this one, there’s no doubt he did right with this one.

 

#55- “Love Remembers” by Craig Morgan
CML: 8
Billboard: 9
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was the most unique sounding single of Craig’s career, and showed that he was able to mix up his sound and still produce solid music.

 

#54- “In Color” by Jamey Johnson
CML: 7
Billboard: 9
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  At first, I wasn’t too fond of this song.  However, while it spent about 40 weeks climbing the charts, I grew to enjoy this well written and well sung song that became Jamey’s first Top 10.

 

#53- “It’s Good To Be Us” by Bucky Covington
CML: 6
Billboard: 11
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: Bucky’s second single was a fun song to listen to and always brightened my day when I heard it.  However, it just fell short of the Top 10, where it so right belonged.

 

#52- “Country Man” by Luke Bryan
CML: 6
Billboard: 10
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  This was a solid single that gave Luke two songs that everyone liked and could relate to.  Hopefully, he’ll have success with his sophomore album and we can hear more quality songs like this one.

 

#51- “Troubadour” by George Strait
CML: 6
Billboard: 7
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This wasn’t the greatest song of George’s career, but it was definitely a solid single.  It was partly autobiographical (unintentionally) and George made it work on the radio.

Coming soon: #50 to #41

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #70 to #61

#70- “Bob That Head” by Rascal Flatts
CML: 14
Billboard: 15
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  This was not a very popular song from a lot of critics, mostly because it didn’t appeal to a broad enough part of the audience.  I’m sure the 1% of country fans who like to pimp out their cars and blast country music all weekend long would relate, but I know I sure didn’t.  Beyond that, it didn’t sound as good as their good music that seems to always make the Top 10, so it is no surprise that they yanked it short of the Top 10 to release “Here.”

 

#69- “Every Other Weekend” by Reba McEntire & Kenny Chesney/Skip Ewing
CML: 13
Billboard: 15
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  Some radio stations played the Skip Ewing version of this song, which was by far the weaker version.  I would have to point to that if asked why I think this song was underplayed.  The Kenny Chesney version was amazing and good enough to be a Top 5 single. 

 

#68- “Til I Was A Daddy Too” by Tracy Lawrence
CML: 13
Billboard: 32
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: Tracy Lawrence is my favorite artist and I feel that people are not giving him enough of a chance.  “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” didn’t start flying up the charts until he released the album in January ‘07, allowing radio stations to play the version with his buddies Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw.  This song was “pulled” from radio, then re-released in January ‘08 (it was receiving airplay still on some stations, so it was showing up on the Mediabase charts in between).  You can see from the difference between the two charts how my Impression of a song can really cause it to outperform the real charts.  This probably will not happen again unless I quit allowing people to vote on the chart.

 

#67- “You Can Let Go” by Crystal Shawanda
CML: 12
Billboard: 21
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: Crystal Shawanda’s debut effort was on the charts for a long time and steadily climbed them as more and more people got to hear the song.  Eventually, this song started to stumble, and then completely disappeared as soon as the similarly-themed “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” was released by Brooks & Dunn.

 

#66- “Stronger Woman” by Jewel
CML: 12
Billboard: 13
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Jewel’s first country effort was a decent sounding song, but it just didn’t seem to stick with enough people to make the Top 10 or to pick up a lot of recurrent airplay.  This song gave a glimpse of what Jewel can do as a country artist, but her subsequent follow-ups were not well received, so we may not hear anymore music on country radio from her.

 

#65- “Something About A Woman” by Jake Owen
CML: 11
Billboard: 15
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: The third single from Jake Owen’s debut single had one thing in common with the first two–it spent a long time climbing the charts.  Unfortunately for this song, it didn’t get the airplay it deserved, falling short of the Top 10 status I felt it should get.

 

#64- “God Must Be Busy” by Brooks & Dunn
CML: 11
Billboard: 11
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: It’s rare, but sometimes Brooks & Dunn releases a single that should never make it further than the middle of the Top 20 (#14-#18).  This song was not one of them.  It was well written and well sung and should’ve been a Top 10 song, no doubt.  Unfortunately, it feel one spot short of that lofty status, and will only be known as a Top 20 (or Top 15 if people really want to consider that).

 

#63- “Learning How To Bend” by Gary Allan
CML: 11
Billboard: 13
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  Here’s another song that just missed out on the lofty status it deserves.  “Learning How To Bend” was a great follow up to “Watching Airplanes” and sounded just as good.  Unfortunately, it sputtered out and never got over the hump.

 

#62- “She’s A Hottie” by Toby Keith
CML: 11
Billboard: 13
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview: In retrospect, this song just was a terrible idea for a single.  There really wasn’t much substance to it, so I’m not sorry not to hear it on the radio much anymore, if at all.  It got to where it was on the charts because it was Toby Keith.  Anyone else releases this as a single and it probably doesn’t chart.

 

#61- “Relentless” by Jason Aldean
CML: 10
Billboard: 15
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Although it made the CML Top 10, it may not be the most popular Top 10 on that chart.  This was a song that had some substance, but you had to think too much to understand its meaning.  Ultimately, that’s a big reason why it became Jason’s first single not to make the Top 10.

Coming Soon: #60 to #51

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #80 to #71

This is the second one today, since I was efficient with my time today.

#80- “Sounds So Good” by Ashton Shepherd
CML: 19
Billboard: 21
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: A song about having a good time in the country, “Sounds So Good” was a great second single for Ashton.  What I think a lot of people associated with this song was “summer,” so as fall progressed, more and more people seemed to drift from this song.  It was definitely more about loving country life than being a summer song, so I think it was given up on way too soon.

 

#79- “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful” by Kellie Pickler
CML: 19
Billboard: 21
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: Kellie’s lead single of her second album was an inspirational song to the teens that have started to flock to country music thanks to Taylor Swift.  That was it’s only weakness, which was enough to keep it from making the Top 10 like I think it should have.

 

#78- “Takin’ Off This Pain” by Ashton Shepherd
CML: 18
Billboard: 20
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  This is one of the best debut singles that have reached radio recently.  From its 90s country feel to its amazing vocals, Ashton Shepherd should of had a debut Top 10.  Instead, too many people seemed to pass over this song because it wasn’t country/pop enough.

 

#77- “I Can Sleep When I’m Dead” by Jason Michael Carroll
CML: 18
Billboard: 21
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  At just about the time I started to really get into this song, its chart run started to stall, eventually coming to an end just short of where it should’ve been (Top 20).

 

#76- “Workin’ For A Livin’” by Garth Brooks & Huey Lewis
CML: 18
Billboard: 19
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: There was no need for Garth to release this song to the radio.  He could’ve just left us with the good feelings that “More Than A Memory” gave us about his music.  Instead, he releases a duet with Huey Lewis, that despite hitting where I feel it should’ve on the charts, was just a train wreck from beginning to end.  It was a better choice than “Midnight Cowboy” was, but when this ended its chart run last February ‘08, that should’ve been it for Garth.

 

#75- “Come On Over” by Jessica Simpson
CML: 17
Billboard: 18
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: When this song was first released, I figured that it’d end up in the Top 20.  While Jessica Simpson’s move to country was a smart move since she sounds better that way, her song choices seemed to be a little week.  She may not have another country Top 20 again unless she tries to be a little Texas sounding and less New York City.

 

#74- “It Ain’t No Crime” by Joe Nichols
CML: 17
Billboard: 16
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This song annoyed me at first, but eventually I came to tolerate it enough that I had no problem with it being a Top 20.

 

#73- “That Song In My Head” by Julianne Hough
CML: 15
Billboard: 18
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: It was a decent debut effort from the multi-talented Julianne Hough, but it didn’t do much to distinguish herself from the other women in country music who have a hard time getting established.

 

#72- “Things That Never Cross A Man’s Mind” by Kellie Pickler
CML: 15
Billboard: 16
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: This was a great song that should’ve been Kellie’s first Top 10, but I think the novelty wore off as the song spent a long time on the charts.

 

#71- “Get My Drink On” by Toby Keith
CML: 15
Billboard: 11
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was a decent song from Toby, but it really didn’t do much for me.  It was what it was, a song that wasn’t good enough to go to the Top 10, but good enough to just miss.

Coming Soon: #70 to #61

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #90 to #81

I’m going to try to get these out as quickly as possible so this doesn’t drag out for too long.

#90- “Rollin’ With The Flow” by Mark Chesnutt
CML: 25
Billboard: 25
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  Mark Chesnutt’s version of this Charlie Rich classic was almost as good as the original.  Mark’s version sounded like a perfect fit on today’s radio, but was hurt by the fact that Mark is not as popular as he once used to be.  It’s hard to regain popularity once other artists have come along and gotten their own footing in the business.  While this song was good, it wasn’t good enough to regain Mark’s old standing in the business.

 

#89- “Maybe She’ll Get Lonely” by Jack Ingram
CML: 25
Billboard: 24
Opinion: Just about right

Overview:  I wasn’t a big fan of this song.  I think it didn’t stand out enough to make much more of an impact.  Couple that with the fact that Jack Ingram isn’t a household name yet, and you get a song that misses out on the Top 20.

 

#88- “Invisibly Shaken” by Rodney Atkins
CML: 24
Billboard: 41
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: I predicted this song to be Rodney’s 5th #1 off his If You’re Going Through Hell album, only to have my prediction miss by 40 spots.  The best overall song on the album fell prey to the fact that radio was still playing the four previous big hits a lot and must’ve not wanted a slow song to add to his playlist.  Had this song come 2nd or 3rd, it’d probably have been a different story.

 

#87- “When It Rains” by Eli Young Band
CML: 24
Billboard: 34
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: After spending nearly a year on and off of the charts, “When It Rains” landed far short of what I felt it should be.  I really like the unique sound, the great lyrics, and the great vocals.  Unfortunately, radio didn’t like it enough.

 

#86- “Crazy Days” by Adam Gregory
CML: 24
Billboard: 33
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: Adam Gregory’s first US effort, while it lacked the ability to stick out from the rest of the songs on the radio at the time, it was left a little underplayed.  I felt that it was a good enough sounding song to push its way to the Top 30, but be a little short of the Top 20.

 

#85- “How Long” by The Eagles
CML: 21
Billboard: 23
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: The Eagles first country effort was played a lot at first, but eventually wore on radio and fell short of the coveted Top 20.  It should’ve made it as it was a great sounding song, but ultimately it couldn’t get going again after Christmas ‘07, stumbling to its peak in January ‘08.

 

#84- “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield
CML: 21
Billboard: 11
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview: Way too many people were fascinated with this song.  The fact that it got to #11 was on the strength of the lyrics, not on the vocals.  Apparently, people were so infatiuated with a love song about Johnny and June Carter Cash, that they ignored the vocal deficiencies of Heidi Newfield.  This song was out of her “good” register, as the verses sound like she’s singing from her nose in parts.  Another issue I had was the fact that this was an attempt to launch a solo career by going onto hallowed ground–a semi-tribute song to a music legend or megastar that is not a namedropper (Taylor Swift’s “Tim McGraw” was just a namedropper as his name could’ve been replaced with any three or four syllable name of a male country singer).  With song titles mentioned, this was a tribute to the Cash’s love and how the singer wanted to have a love like that.  Had this song been sung by Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, or even Carrie Underwood, it would’ve been a near instant Top 10, not a song that people have completely forgotten about now that it’s fallen from the charts.

 

#83- “Muddy Water” by Trace Adkins
CML: 20
Billboard: 22
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  So, Trace Adkins releases a single that he sings outstandingly well with great vocals and a connection, and it doesn’t go #1?  How can the second best single of his career do so relatively poor?  If you know the answer to this, I’d love to hear it.

 

#82- “This Is Me Your Talking To” by Trisha Yearwood
CML: 19
Billboard: 25
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: As with Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood had a great single that didn’t get the play it deserved.  This was arguably one of the best vocals of her career, yet it was left well below what it deserved.  A few of the songs on this segment on the Top 100 for 2008 seem to have this description.

 

#81- “Kristofferson” by Tim McGraw
CML: 19
Billboard: 16
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Tim McGraw is better than this.  Did you know that since his breatkout hit “Indian Outlaw” (the first single off his second album, Not A Moment Too Soon), this was the lowest charting official single he has had (“Tiny Dancer” was not released to the country charts, but made #49 on unsolicited airplay).  This song proves my next point: Tim McGraw can sing any song and it would deserve to be a Top 20 hit.  There were better songs on the album he could’ve released (and two of them have followed this with good success), but they went with this one.  Trust me, I wasn’t upset when this song quit being played on the radio.

 

Coming Soon: #80 to #71

CML Chart Top 100 for 2008: #100 to #91

Things have finally gotten finalized on the CML Chart for 2008, so I can now start to share what the Top 100 for 2008 is. Reminder, these are songs that peaked in 2008, even if they spent the majority of their chart time in another year. 

#100- “For These Times” by Martina McBride
CML Chart Peak: 32
Billboard Peak: 35
Opinion- Just about right

Overview- “For These Times” was an attempt by Martina as another encouraging song, but I felt the arrangement lacked enough energy to keep this song from being a big hit.  I really do think that the radio stations gave this song the right amount of airplay.

 

#99- “In My Next Life” by Terri Clark
CML: 31
Billboard: 36
Opinion: Overplayed

Overview:  You could tell that Terri Clark’s success in the US had come to an end when she wasn’t able to get the radio to play her music.  Of course, the quality of music she put out seemed to diminish as her sound became a thing of the past in the US.  “In My Next Life” was just a different way at looking at things compared to “I Wanna Do It All.”  This song went #1 in Canada, so I wish her luck at finding success in her home country.

 

#98- “Somebody Said A Prayer” by Billy Ray Cyrus
CML: 31
Billboard: 33
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  This song should still be climbing the charts as we speak.  However, it seems that Billy Ray without Miley is not what most country radio stations are looking for.  This song was vastly underplayed and was the best sounding “Billy Ray sans Miley” song he has had out in a long time.  I just hope that people give “Back To Tennessee” (single and album) a chance.

 

#97- “Busy Being Fabulous” by The Eagles
CML: 30
Billboard: 28
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview: The Eagles’ second country single from their Long Road To Eden was a great sounding song, but it wasn’t appreciated enough.  The Eagles sound in the 70s fits into today’s country, and this had a lot of the elements of it, but I think the novelty of an Eagles country single was worn off before this song hit the radio.

 

#96- “If You Didn’t Love Me” by Phil Stacey
CML: 30
Billboard: 28
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: There were as many weaknessess with this song as Phil showed during his stint on American Idol.  This was definitely not the sound that Phil should’ve been going for, and ultimately it left him right about where he should’ve been on the charts with the song.  I had a chance to hear a few of his songs on MySpace, and he had some really good sounding songs that would’ve been better for the radio than this.  However, this was the only single off the album.  Now, Phil is going to record a Christian album (see his page on wikipedia).  I wish him luck!  He can sing, I just think he didn’t get the right guidance in country music.

 

#95- “The Strong One” by Clint Black
CML: 29
Billboard: 37
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  The biggest problem I had with this song is that is was too similar to Craig Morgan’s “Tough” to be released really soon after that one was out.  It sounded good and Clint sang it well.  Unfortunately, Clint’s career as a singer has been in decline since 2000 (he’s had one Top 20 since his Top 5 duet with Steve Wariner).  I was happy it made it to the Top 30 on my chart, but felt that it had a chance at the Top 20.

 

#94- “Fifteen Minutes of Shame” by Kristy Lee Cook
CML: 27
Billboard: 28
Opinion: Underplayed

Overview:  As quickly as Kristy Lee Cook got a record deal, a single, and an album released, she was back to looking for each.  “Fifteen Minutes of Shame” was definitely underplayed.  I truly think that she sang it well enough to take it to the Top 20, which would’ve guaranteed a second single, but it didn’t make it (probably because the label didn’t promote it enough).  I’m not sure she would have a long, successful career, but at this single was a good song.

 

#93- “Some Things Never Change” by Sara Evans
CML: 27
Billboard: 26
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: This was not one of Sara’s better singles. It didn’t really stick with people and was not any better than its chart position warrants.  It was a disappointing follow up to “As If,” one of her better singles (it too was underplayed).

 

#92- “I Would” by Phil Vassar
CML: 25
Billboard: 26
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: After a big hit with “Love Is A Beautiful Thing,” Phil released a semi-mediocre follow up with “I Would.”  “I Would” was more of the classic Phil sound, with “Love…” wasn’t, but it was one of the weaker singles he’s ever released.  Fortunately for Phil, this won’t ruin his decent career he’s had.  I’m sure he’ll be back to singing and writing Top 10’s soon enough.

 

#91- “You Still Own Me” by Emerson Drive
CML: 25
Billboard: 22
Opinion: Just about right

Overview: Despite following their biggest hit “Moments,” Emerson Drive nearly cracked the Top 20 with this song.  A recent trend, radio stations playing a song so much in “recurrent” that the follow up never really gets off the ground, really didn’t apply here.  The song wasn’t strong enough to build from the success of “Moments,” but wasn’t so bad as to not earn what it got.

 

Coming Soon: #90 to #81