Articles by Joe Hansen on ArticleSnatch.com

Roseanne Cash, Her Father's Daughter

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:12:05 -0500

For Roseanne Cash, although she has already achieved so much in her own career with a string of albums featuring some of the best country music love songs (she has 11 number one singles in the US country charts tucked under her belt), she has also had to live her life being her father’s daughter. “People think you have it easy and they resent you. I had a brief moment when I thought I might use my grandmother's maiden name - Rivers. Then I realised that that's not who I am and it didn't feel very honest.” This was how Cash internalized her position as the daughter of the legendary Johnny Cash. With the release of her latest album, “The List,” she openly celebrates her roots by choosing to do a cover album not just of country music love songs but of ones that are part of the list handed to her by her father when she was just a teenager. According to CMT, a country music blog, Cash held on to this “list” for so long because she did not want people to think that she was trading on her father. **End Summary** Topics: country music love songs]]> country music blog]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country love songs , please visit country love songs

Taylor Swift: Grammy's Golden Child

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:11:09 -0500

If anything, the recent Grammy Awards ceremony held last January 31, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California proved the fact that a fresh-faced, twenty-something from Wyomissing, Pennsylvania has really dominated the scene with her brand of country love songs, marking off a new era in country music. With four major awards that she had won that night-edging out more experienced fellow country singers such as Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Womack, Keith Urban and the like, Taylor Swift proved that she is really Grammy’s golden child. Bursting into the scene in 2006 with her self-titled debut album, Swift steadily acquired a solid fan base as she continued to win fans’ and critics’ approval for her songs, which she mostly wrote herself. In her early days, Swift was initially likened to fellow country singers such as Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes. That is until late November of 2008, when Swift released her phenomenal studio album which debuted at the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, cementing her crossover appeal to both pop and country music fans and effectively stepping out of Underwood’s and Rimes’ shadows. **End Summary** Topics: country singers]]> country love songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country singers , please visit country love songs .

Radio Broadcasters Show Some Love for Brooks & Dunn

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:10:11 -0500

Early this year, Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® has announced their selection of a duo that has consistently served up new country songs year after year. The legendary country duo Brooks & Dunn was chosen as this year’s CRB Career Achievement Award winners, along with the announcement of Charlie Cook as the CRB President’s Award winner for this year. In an event which will serve as the unofficial kick-off to the annual Country Radio Seminar, the awardees will be feted during the Country Music DJ and Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards Ceremony, which will be held on Feb. 23, 2010, at the Renaissance Ballroom in Nashville. Charting off a successful path which began in 1991 when they released their single “Brand New Man,” Brooks & Dunn has has sold out tours, continuously creating new country songs year after year and releasing chart-topping singles for the next 20 years including “Only in America,” “My Next Broken Heart,” “Neon Moon,” “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You,” “Husbands and Wives,” and “Red Dirt Road.” Throughout their stellar career, Brooks & Dunn has been cited as one of the most successful country duos of all time. **End Summary** Topics: new country songs]]> new country songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about new country songs , please visit new country songs .

Ten Years of Sweet Country Music from Rascal Flatts

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:08:28 -0500

The year 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of one of this generation’s most successful country music acts, Rascal Flatts. Celebrating a decade of good country songs, a string of hit songs, sold out tours and endless awards, the country superband-consisting of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney-is kicking off the year on a high note, sending the country music blog scene into overdrive. From the 2000 release of their self-titled debut album and its first single, “Prayin’ For Daylight,” they have regularly dished out superb country songs, earning both critical and public acclaim for their subsequent releases. Now, Rascal Flatts has had 11 #1 singles and six studio albums Billboard’s Top 100 Country Albums of the Decade list—more than any of their contemporaries in this genre. Aside from dominating the charts for a decade, the band has also sold over 20 million albums and played over 700 dates, including sold out concerts at the Madison Square Garden and at Wrigley Field. As reported in various country music blogs, Rascal Flatts has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame from its humble beginnings. **End Summary** Topics: country music blog]]> country songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country music blog , please visit country songs

5 Country Songs that will make Your Wedding Day Spectacular

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:06:12 -0500

Almost everyone has butterflies in their stomach when their big or their wedding day gets nearer. All their preparations and practices will now become reality. The people dear to the couple will be there to witness the solemnity of the exchanging of vows. Others would hire country singers to sing their chosen country music love songs in their wedding. This is the option couples have especially if both of them are fans of the country music genre. When you have to budget for this, go for it since you have to make your day a very special one. If you are considering playing country music love songs in your big day, why not consider these five songs and make your wedding day truly spectacular. 1. From This Moment On – Shania Twain and Brian White You can use this song when the bride and groom said their “I do’s” already. 2. It’s Your Love – Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Playing this song when the bride is walking down the aisle can make the moment even more serene. 3. **End Summary** Topics: country music love songs]]> country music blog]]> country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country music love songs , please visit country music blog .

10 of the Most Popular Country Singers of All Time

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:04:29 -0500

When it comes to the listing the top ten country singers, you are in for a herculean task. No one can really say that one singer is better than the other as this is a subjective thing. Everyone tries to come up with lists and hoping to seek the approval of the people who will be reading it. 1. Hank Williams – He is the one who introduced the honky tonk style to the country music world. Others dubbed him as one of the greatest country singer for all time. 2. George Jones – Just like the other country singers, Jones earned his spot in the country music industry by having a long list for his hit records. “No show Jones” was his nickname for his failure to show up in many performances. 3. Roy Acuff – This country singer is best known by his fans as the “King of Country Music.” He was the one who showed the world the “hoedown” format which eventually captured the international market. Acuff is the first living person to be inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame. 4. Johnny Cash – “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” is how he starts his concerts. **End Summary** Topics: country singers]]> country love songs]]> country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country singers , please visit country love songs .

The Hottest Country Music Songs on Charts Today

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:02:59 -0500

For country music enthusiasts, they always listen to their favorite radio stations to know what the new country songs are. When they like it, they usually search it on the internet or in record stores to purchase the CD of the artist. If they were unable to grab a copy of it, they would anxiously wait for the song to be played on the radio. Once they hear it, they record the song so that they can listen to it whenever they want to. On the radio and on the other music charts, the people determine which new country songs become included on this prestigious list. The basis of this is the sales of the album. It is safe to remember that when the album is selling like pancakes, then there is a bigger chance of the artist to hit the charts. Even though the person has been in the music business for quite some time, it does not guarantee him or him a slot on the list. Among the new country songs that has been hitting the airwaves are “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum, “Consider Me Gone” by Reba McEntire and “Do I” by Luke Bryan. **End Summary** Topics: new country songs]]> country music songs]]> country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about new country songs , please visit country music songs .

3 Reasons Why People Start Their Country Music Blog

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:00:47 -0500

Individuals want to know the latest thing in everything. If they are updated in the things that they like or are concerned with, they can easily relay the message to others. In addition, they too can get the information that they need by the social networking websites. People can update their status anytime they want and can write about anything under the sun. This is also the very reason why people start to create their own country music blog. For individuals who love listening to country music, they usually have their own country music blog. For the musically inclined, they lean on this blog because they can learn more about music. Even though everyone has his or her own taste in music, it still helps to have some knowledge about the other genre. As they say, it is better to know a little bit of everything rather than being very versed in one thing. More so, music has plenty of types. You may also want to listen to the others just for variation. Another reason why people start their own country music blog is to show their support to their favorite country singers. It does make sense does not it? **End Summary** Topics: country music blog]]> country songs]]> country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is a music expert, specialized in country songs reviews. For more tips and information about country songs , please visit country music blog .

Walk Down the Aisle with These Lovely Country Music Love Songs

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:13:56 -0500

Ask wedding planners and most of them would tell you that the country wedding theme is a big hit among many couples these days. It may be because of the unique ambience, rustic setting, creative decors, or the memorable and beautiful country wedding songs that could be played during the event. If you and your spouse have decided to tie the knot soon and you are considering this theme for your special day, you would be glad to read about below some excellent suggestions on country music love songs that you can use to make it even more unforgettable. Since the bride’s walk down the aisle is one of the biggest highlight of the event, you need to choose the perfect song for this part. Some wonderful ideas include “Look At You Girl” (Chris LeDoux), “I Can Love You” (Deryl Dodd), “Forever & Ever Amen” (Randy Travis), “I Could Not Ask for Anything More” (Sara Evans), “When Love Finds You” (Vince Gill), “From This Moment On” (Shania Twain and Brian White), “Yes” (Chad Brock), “Unanswered Prayers” (Garth Brooks), “My Valentine” (Martina McBride), or “It's Your Love” (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill). **End Summary** Topics: country music love songs]]> country music blog]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

Top 10 Country Singers of All Time

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:11:35 -0500

Trying to come up with the ten greatest country singers of all time can be as difficult as saying who your favorite child is. The country music industry is abundant with exceptional talents that it is really not that easy to determine which ones are the best of the best. The fact that music is subjective makes choosing even trickier. In this article, we attempt to come up with the list of the top country singers of all time. 1. Hank Williams – Popular for his charismatic appeal, Williams amazed music fans all over with his equally famous “Love Sick Blues.” Apart from his charisma, Williams is also widely known for his songwriting genius. 2. George Jones – Following the footsteps of his idol Hank Williams, Jones has also become an icon in this type of music in his own right. It was his powerful balladeer’s voice that earned him immense popularity. Some even dub him as the greatest country singer of all time. 3. Roy Acuff – While Jones is hailed by many as the greatest country singer, Acuff on the other hand had earned the nickname of the King of Country Music. **End Summary** Topics: country singers]]> country love songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

These New Country Songs will Make you Love Country Music Even More

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:07:09 -0500

Country music is great, no doubt about that especially for country music fans. This genre, just like other types of music, has an enormous share of fans out there. What is not to love about these tunes? They have pleasant and soulful melodies as well as meaningful and evocative lyrics that many people just cannot do without. Ever since its birth in the 1920s with artists like John Carson, Carl Sprague, and Jimmie Rodgers paving the way for this genre to proliferate in the music industry, country songs truly have gone a long way. Aside from the legendary songs that rocked the airwaves many years ago, new country songs continue to invade the industry, and you would be very glad to hear the latest ones that would surely make you fall in love with this genre a hundred times more. Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” is a wonderful fusion of country and pop driven by acoustic and electric guitars with some fantastic embellishments of piano in the background. Most vocals come from one of the group’s singers Hilary Scott, who is able to make a fantastic performance that is reserved and calm at the same time. **End Summary** Topics: new country songs]]> country music songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

3 Reasons Why Country Music Blogs Rock

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:58:24 -0500

We cannot deny the fact that country music has been one of the most popular genres of music of all time. In fact, this kind of tune has been with us for decades and since then, it has gone far in terms of acceptance and fame. This type of music, which can be characterized by its soft rhythms, pleasant melodies, and of course, the traditional American “twang” (which is not that common in modern country songs anymore), has been rocking the hit charts for as long as we can remember. Now, aside from the airwaves, this favorite genre has also invaded the online world with the proliferation of various country music blogs. Country music blogs rock for a number of reasons but here you will find the most common reasons why so many people are into this kind of blog. • A country music blog can keep you up-to-date. This blog is your daily source of news and current events about anything that is related to this topic. For example, you can keep yourself abreast with the latest happenings in the concert scene, new songs on the hit chart, gossips about your favorite artists, and so many more. **End Summary** Topics: country music blog]]> country music songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

What Makes Country Music 'country?'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:07:53 -0500

It has been around for decades, growing back in the 1920's with such artists as 'Eck" Robertson and Jimmie Rodgers, but this has come far since them, in leaps and bounds and has become unrecognizable to some and unpalatable to others. It can be hard to imagine how the two eras of Country Music could be so different yet the same. With such diversity among artist and sub genres such as Pop and Rock, just what makes Country Music Country? Instrumental Is it the instruments? Traditionally it had fiddles and even high spirited instrumentals, and later slow simple chords, but if that makes, then it definitely rules out almost all the top Country artists on today's top ten, and even many older artists. Lyrics Traditionally this Music had very recognizable lyrics. The song would tell a distinctive story, of loss, pain and life lessons, this set it aside from many other genres of music, but this 'old' style seems lost in today's modern world, and even the 'story telling' lyrics seem to be lost among more commercial type songs. Twang Has it truly lost its twang? Is it the twang that makes Country? **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music country]]> music country]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

The Top 5 Modern Country Singers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:05:35 -0500

Modern Country Music is often regarded as not country at all, lacking the fundamental principles of traditional. Such are the changing times where Pop meets Country and is regarded as Country. So whether good or bad, who are the top modern Country Singers? 5: Zac Brown Band Zac Brown Band is an award winning band from Atlanta, Georgia. They have released four albums, the first in 2004, and three singles, with two number ones "Chicken Fried" and "Toes," and a number two "Whatever it is." With a good steady start, they are growing in popularity and slowly becoming recognized as a good Country Music band to rival other new and very popular bands, such as Lady Antebellum. 4: Toby Keith Toby Keith was born July 8, 1961 and rose to fame when he released his first four albums in the 90's: "Toby Keith," "Boomtown," "Blue Moon" and "Dream Walkin'" and a single "Should've Been a Cowboy," which was one of the most well known Country songs of the 90s. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> modern country]]> country singers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

The Top 5 Best Country Love Songs

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:44 -0500

It is all about pain and frequently about love, whether it's loss of love, or unrequited love, just like many pop songs, but the Country songs tell a story, and the heartfelt words are often enough to bring a tear to even the strongest eye. But with all the Country Love songs you can listen to, which are the best and which ones should you choose to listen to. 5: "I Fall to Pieces" Patsy Cline Patsy Cline was born September 8th 1932 and enjoyed success as a Country Music singer, crossing over into Pop, and is considered one of the most successful artists. "I Fall to Pieces," was released in 1961, and climbed to number 1 in the Country charts. 4: I can't help it (If I'm still in love with you) Hank Williams Hank Williams Hank was born Hiram King in 1923, and is considered one of the best if not the best C. Music singer, his legendary status was only reinforced when he died at only 29. He released "I can't help it" in 1951 with Howling at the moon. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> love songs]]> country love songs]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

How to Write Country Music Lyrics

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:05 -0500

If you've ever sat, tapping your feet to the distinctive sounds of Country Music, marveling at the beat, the guitar chords and above all else - the lyrics, then maybe you've sat there and thought, "I could write better lyrics than that," or "how hard can it be to write a song?" Surprisingly you don't have to be a creative genius to write a truly heartfelt Country song. Country is all about the journey, every song tells a deeply personal and more often than not, extraordinarily sad story, so pick up a pencil, and think of the "story of your life" the one story that always makes you cry, the worst time in your life, tap into your inner pain. What can you write about? If it hurts, it will work well as a Country Song, if it's painful to discuss, then it's perfect, here are some ideas: *Lost Love *Death *Unrequited Love *Drugs and Addiction *Alcoholism *Life Lessons *Depression *Prison *Cowboys What if you have no pain? **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country song]]> write country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

How to Dress For a Country Music Festival

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:56:41 -0500

If you love Country Music, and want to go to a festival or a concert, but you are not even a little bit country, or worse not even from America at all, it can be hard to get the Country Music look, without overdoing it and standing out like a beginner. So, here's how to get that look right and dress like a pro. Hat You don't have to actually buy a cowboy hat to look country, it's really up to you, , But it is traditional to wear a hat and there are many different styles you can buy in many different fabrics, in felt or straw, with wide rims, or with huge tops. If you want to go for the authentic cowboy look, then a Stetson hat is a must, just make sure it doesn't look too new, and keep to a regular color like cream or black. Hair For women the hair should either be worn down, and full of volume, or traditionally braids and ribbons, a look that can be hard to pull off on a grown woman, but if done right can look very Country. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music look]]> look country]]> country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

How to Become a Country Music Singer

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:49:29 -0500

With the ever growing popularity of Country Music and their inevitable subgenres spanning out across the globe, the desire to break into the music business as a Country Music singer has become a popular ambition. But breaking into the music business is hard in any genre, so how do you ensure your success? Talent: Talent can not be overrated in Country Music, you need to be able to sing, because more often than not the backing track is a single guitar playing simple chords, unlike other genres, where the back track is loud and overpowering instrumentals and the voices are hardly heard at all. In Country Music, your voice will make or break the song, if it is less than perfect, consider another career. Instrument: You will need to be able to play an instrument yourself, Country Music fans will expect you to be able to pluck a few chords on some stringed instrument as you sing, so work hard learning to play, it will show the world just how dedicated you are to becoming a true Music Singer. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music singer]]> country music songs]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

How to Appreciate Country Music

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:46:53 -0500

It can be hard to listen to, some people call it annoying, others common, but it is the backbone of America, and an essential part of the music industry. Learning to appreciate it for what it is a process; Country music has a long and varied history and evolved in the 1920's and has developed a distinctive sound that can be easily recognized. This is all about the story, when you are listened to the music, remember to listen to the words - the words are far more important than the music, the words tell a story. In many other genres of music, it can be hard to determine the meaning behind the songs, with Country it is as easy as listening to the words. The message of Country Music songs can often be a little depressing - death, loss, drugs, prison, and even the devil. It isn't one to offer false hopes and optimism, but it will share your misery and offer you a shoulder to cry on. Remember, the words of Country are full of pain, but listen to them, and you will appreciate the creativity needed to write the songs. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music songs]]> appreciate country music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

Essential Country Music Listening For Beginners

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:37:37 -0500

If you are just starting out listening to Country Music, you may not know where to start, or who to listen to, choose the wrong artist and risk being put off country forever. And with the diverse genre that is Country Music, it's best to start with the best. So here's a list of some essential c. music to aid a smooth initiation into the country genre. Enjoy. Hank Williams Start with a bit of traditional. Country how you would expect it to be - Hank Williams: Hank is considered to be the backbone of country and the pioneer of Honky-tonk a subgenre of country. Hank was born Hiram King in 1923 and tragically died in 1953 at just 29. He recorded greats such as "Your Cheatin' Heart," and "Hey Good Looking," he had 11 number 1 hits and his influence on this genre was widespread and is still felt even today. Johnny Cash Johnny Cash was a well known and well loved country music artist, his work is frequently seen to be very commercial in comparison to some other singers and he managed to live a long and lucrative career. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music listening]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

Cross Country - Why Country Music Isn't Just Country Music

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:00 -0500

Once upon a time, Country was Country, it was easily discernable for other genres and it did not cross openly into other genres, or so Music Purists like to believe. Today it is not unusual to see several "cross-genres" of Country Music, bringing in elements of pop, rock and folk, but then again it is not easy to forget that Music has its roots in folk, gospel and has often crossed the genre lines throughout its history. So here are some subgenres you might see. Pop To some this is the ultimate blasphemy, after all 'pop' is all about upbeat tunes and positive lyrics, the opposite of Country, how then can they be crossed? It is hard to define Pop as there are no 'rules' as to what makes a Pop artist. It has its roots in the 1960s, with some artists introducing more 'popular' music into their songs to sell more music and to get into the charts. Example artists are Shania Twain, Oliver-Newton John, John Denver, with mixed results and causing great controversy among purists of either side. True singers of this music were troubled by this trend of cross-genre artists, preferring to stick to their traditions; **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> cross country]]> country pop singers]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.

Country Music's Earliest Pioneers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:17:07 -0500

Country Music as we know it has been around for decades, with the 1920's seen as the 'era' of Country; with thousands of faces, some well-known, some fading into obscurity lining the Hall of Fame, who are the important figureheads in the history of Country Music? Who pioneered it, we know and love today? Here are some of the founders: A.C Robertson Alexander (known as Eck) Robertson recorded the first commercial Country Music song in 1922! He was born in 1887 and lived in Texas, growing up learning to play the fiddle, he eventually found himself with a recording contract. In 1922 Eck recorded the now famous track "Sally Gooden." It never made it big, and it didn't sell many copies, but he began the industry we know today. As the first ever recorded artist, Eck Robertson certainly deserves to be considered a pioneer. Vernon Dalhart Vernon Dalhart had the first Country Singer to have a nationwide hit in 1924 -just 2 years after Eck Robertson sang, with "Wreck of the Old '97." Vernon was born in 1883 as Marion try Slaughter, he took his name from two towns were he worked. **End Summary** Topics: country music]]> country music song]]> country musics]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Joe Hansen is an expert in country music and also reports on the latest news and events in the country music world.