December 17th, 2009 at 1:01 PM

11 Country Artists to Watch in 2010

country_musicWith 2009 about to become nothing more than a memory, I thought I would give you my thoughts on country acts who I believe will make that big jump forward in the coming year. A couple of these are no-brainers, then a couple of artists, well, you might not have never heard of. Take a look, keep a scorecard, and tell me how I did in a year.

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1. Burns & Poe
With his experience playing with Trick Pony and her time spent backing up Dierks Bentley, this duo is more than ready for the big time as heard on the duo’s new single, “Don’t Get No Better Than That.”

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2. Easton Corbin
His debut single, “A Little More Country Than That,” has a lot of people in the format excited. A country singer who sings country songs: What a novel concept!

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3. Whitney Duncan
2009 was a great year for the Scotts Hill, TN native. However, with stability at her record company, Warner Bros., I truly think she is capable of making it to the next level. Voice…..Looks…..She’s got it all!

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4. Gloriana
Their win at the recent American Music Awards proved that this group is quickly making a mark. Longtime Nashville industry vet Rick Kelly has earned the right to tell me that he told me so on this one. They’re definitely on their way!

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5. Scott Lindsey
Fans of traditional country music, take heart. There’s a new star on the horizon that will impress you to no end. The Kentucky native has been impressing quite a few as the year comes to a close with his new single, “You Only Call Me When You’re Drunk.” Look for him to make lots of noise in ’10.

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6. Love And Theft
Their harmonies are nothing less than first-rate, and their material is strong. With Lyric Street firmly in their corner, I think the sky is the limit for this talented trio in 2010. They have made a mark in ’09, but I think things will only get better!

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7. SingleTree
I love this band, and have since their tender single “Is It Really Over Now” made a mark last winter. Their current single, “Ms. What’s Her Name,” will only bring them more fans to the party.

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8. Rachel Williams
There is no female vocalist in Nashville that deserves attention from the major labels like her. She’s got soul, depth, and she writes like nobody’s business. If there’s any justice, she’s going to make it.

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9. Ty Williams
His style takes a little getting used to, I admit. However, there is nobody out there with his style, and I think that difference is going to give him a leg up on the competition!

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10. Chris Young
The Murfreesboro, Tennessee native finally broke thru to where he should have been all along with “Gettin’ You Home.” With an album that includes even better material than that, look for Young to continue his chart climb in 2010.

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11. Due West
The act that is most likely to knock the doors down in 2010 is the trio Due West. Matt Lopez, Tim Gates, and Brad Hull are nothing short of amazing—live or on record. Speaking of which, isn’t it time for that album to come out? Their first single, “I Get That All The Time,” has been making an impact among fans since last spring. There’s no doubt in my mind that these guys are headed places.

By Chuck Dauphin

Filed under Featured Posts, List

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Comments

11

  1. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Heidi Vanderlee said:

    And Justin Townes Earle!

  2. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Shannon said:

    Rachel Williams – excellent!

  3. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Hannah said:

    Very excited to see Burns & Poe at #1!

  4. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Lisa said:

    I love Whitney Duncan & really hope 2010 is a big year for her. I like that she’s young but sounds older w/ her deep raspy voice & incredibly well-written songs.

  5. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Loretta said:

    I heard and met Rachel Williams at the Bluebird a couple of years ago. She has a very strong voice and is a beautiful person. A very talented songwriter to go along with everything else.

  6. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Cathy said:

    I have seen Rachel Williams perform live several times. She is amazing– connects with the audience. I am moved every time I see her.

  7. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Robin said:

    If Scott Lindsey’s “You Only Call Me When You’re Drunk” doesn’t get “Song Of The Year”, it would only be because he isn’t famous. This is, by far, is one of the best Country songs of the decade!!! The rest of the new CD is also fantastic. And Scott’s voice is also one of the best in Nashville! (And he’s not too hard to look at either!).

  8. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Wayne Moore said:

    Scott Lindsey’s “you only call me when you’re drunk” is my pick. Great song, and Scott sings it like it should be. He’s a real pro. Other great songs on there too.

  9. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Cody Clark said:

    Whitney Duncan is AMAZING!! i watched her on Nashville Star and fell in love with her Voice i saw her in Concert a few years ago before she got her Record Deal and it was AWESOME! if you haven’t picked up a copy of her first independent album “Whitney Duncan” you should go on iTunes and buy its awesome the best so on it is “Butterfly Sting” i love that song!!!!! Whitney 2010 belongs to you girl good luck!!!!!!!!

  10. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Wood Newton said:

    I like the Chris Young single, it sounds like a hit. I love Rachel Williams, she’s got it all there’s no stopping her.

  11. December 17th, 2009 at 1:57 PM { # }

    Doug Jackson said:

    Rachael Williams is the real deal. She performed on several of my demos and put so much into them she just made them her own. A truly amazing voice and personality to go with it. She has the fire to light it up hot and puts just the right touches, in just the right places. She deserves her break and soon… Best of luck Rachael. Go gettem girl…

March 19th, 2010 at 11:55 PM