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Darius Rucker - Come Back Song |
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 Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Darius Rucker grew up dreaming of being a singer. His first realization that his dream may come true was in 1986 while attending the University of South Carolina. His roommate heard him singing in the shower, and they formed a duo, eventually becoming a four-piece band known as “Hootie and the Blowfish.” They enjoyed huge success during the 1990s, recording several albums (including their debut album of 1994 titled, Cracked Rear View, which has certified platinum 19 times over).
He released a solo R&B album in 2002 titled, “Back To Then.” Then, in 2008 he decided to go country and released his debut album that same year titled, “Learn To Live.” His first three singles from that album all went to #1, and his latest release from that album is titled, “Come Back Song.” Showing real promise as it moves up the chart, it has a moderate tempo and a strong, catchy groove. The lyrics are about a guy who regrets letting the lady in his life leave, and he’s using a song on the radio to tell her how he feels and that he misses her. Will this become the fourth #1 for Darius? You can track his progress each weekend by tuning in to the Country Top 40! |
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Easton Corbin - Roll With It |
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 Easton Corbin has wanted to be a country singer for as long as he can remember. One of his earliest memories was when he was three or four, he was sitting between his parents in the car when Mel McDaniel’s “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” came on the radio, and he sang right along, using the gearshift as his microphone.
Hailing from Trenton, Florida, a lot of people think he sounds like George Strait, and no doubt he does. Easton will tell you, though, that he’s not trying to emulate him…it’s just how he sings. Although admittedly the king has always been one of his “heroes,” he also admires Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Keith Whitley, and believes there will “never be another one of (any of) those guys.” Easton’s very first single release titled A Little More Country Than That went all the way to #1. Recently his second single release titled Roll With It entered our countdown, and it has all the indicators of being another hit for him. Unmistakably country, it is an up-tempo song that “boot scooters” are sure to like. The singer speaks of grabbing the one he loves, leaving the stresses of daily living behind, and going where they can just relax and enjoy each other. Will it make it to #1? Track Easton’s progress each weekend with me, on the Country Top 40. |
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Dierks Bentley - Up on the Ridge |
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 Born in 1975 in Phoenix, Arizona, Dierks Bentley remains one of the hottest country acts on the market. He signed with Capitol Records in 2003 and released his self-titled, debut album that same year. Since then, he’s cut an additional four studio albums (including two certified platinum and one gold), and he’s seen seven of his singles reach number one. He’s also the recipient of several awards from CMA, ACM, and CMT, including “Top New Artist” in 2004, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2005.
Dierk’s latest tune to hit the charts is the title song from his new album, “Up On The Ridge.” The song is a blend of bluegrass and contemporary country music, and the lyrics speak of the allure of country living. With plenty of drive and energy, the dobro and banjo give it a decidedly bluegrass edge, and if you listen carefully… you’ll hear none other than Alison Krauss singing background vocals. Will this become Dierks’ 8th #1? Track his progress with the rest of the forty biggest by tuning in each week… to the Country Top 40! |
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Little Big Town - Little White Church |
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  First appearing on the music scene in 1998, Little Big Town began as a trio comprised of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, and Jimi Westbrook. Then, in 1999, they added the fourth party to the act, Phillip Sweet. That particular combination and blend of voices has remained unchanged to this day. Known for their tight harmonies, the four alternate singing lead, and Jimi and Phillip play guitar. In 2002, they released their self-titled, debut album on monument records. Since then, they’ve charted at least one single every year, and their 2005 album titled The Road To Here is certified platinum.
Their latest single release is the first out of their yet-to-be released album, The Reason Why. Titled “Little White Church,” it’s a hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’, yee-hawin’ blend of old-time country, southern gospel, and southern rock. Rich with harmonies that Little Big Town is renown for, the lyric speaks of a woman tired of being taken for granted and used. “Say you'll buy me a shiny ring, but your words don't mean a thing…take me down to the little white church.” It’s moving up in the countdown. How high will it go? Join me each weekend on the Country Top 40 to find out! |
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Randy Montana is the son of singer-songwriter and Grammy Award nominee Billy Montana, who had a hand in writing such hits as “Bring On The Rain,” a #1 hit sung by Jo Dee Messina with Tim McGraw; “Suds In The Bucket,” which hit #1 for Sara Evans; and “More Than A Memory,” a #1 hit by Garth Brooks.