Billy Dukes

There is comedy in Blake Shelton singing with Pistol Annies, as he does on his new single 'Boys 'Round Here.' One imagines a country Hugh Hefner surrounded by his beauties. In real life, the Annies likely (very likely) don't attend to his every need and agree with him at all costs, but they do on this song, and it's absolutely charming. 

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The best songs on Thompson Square's new album 'Just Feels Good' sound like a conversation between the two married lovers. Early on, their back-and-forth is light and playful. Later ballads take a more somber tone, but all that find the 'If I Didn't Have You' singers sharing lead are highlights from the duo's sophomore project.

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In recent years, Kenny Chesney has began to reveal layers of his personal life through his music. Songs from 'Hemingway's Whiskey,' 'Welcome to the Fishbowl' and 'Life on a Rock' are his most personal and introspective to date, but he's still somewhat of a private person, one who shuns social media in favor of retreats to the islands. There are plenty of things even a superfan of the 'Pirate Flag' singer might not know. 

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Kellie Pickler and Wynonna Judd danced to keep dancing on Monday night (March 25) during the second episode of the new season of 'Dancing With the Stars.' Tuesday's results show could send one of the two country singers home, but if the judges' critiques and scores are an indication of what America is thinking, neither should be too worried. 

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'X Factor' winner Tate Stevens is a two-night champion after topping the latest from Tracy Lawrence on Monday night. The deep-voiced country "newcomer" is impressing fans, readers and listeners of Taste of Country Nights radio with his new song 'Power of a Love Song.' It will be a battle of contrasting styles on today's and tonight's Showdown. 

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Women who already think Blake Shelton singing is the sexiest thing since Johnny Castle pulled Baby from the corner may want to take the rest of the week off. The best moments on 'Based on a True Story ...' sizzle, and not in that ironic "bow-chicka-wow-wow" sort of way that's occasionally implied with this singer's sense of humor. Songs like 'Mine Would Be You' are safe to put on any red wine and candles soundtrack. Guys, you can thank Shelton via his Twitter account, if you'd like.

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Three of four coaches were fought to win the attention of 16-year-old country singer Danielle Bradbery on 'The Voice' on Monday night. The Cypress, Texas teen performed Taylor Swift's 'Mean,' a song that holds personal meaning for her. 

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It's difficult to label Tate Stevens' Friday Showdown win over Justin Moore's new song an upset. After all, the 'X Factor' winner proved he's a fan-favorite by winning the singing competition. The response to 'Power of a Love Song' is still impressive, however. Behind the strength of strong phone call voting, Stevens' debut single survived to find a new challenge today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio. 

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Get ready to be broke by April 30. No fewer than three superstars are releasing new country music albums in April 2013, and that's before you get to projects from LeAnn Rimes and 'X Factor' winner Tate Stevens. The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney are just a few of the names releasing new music.

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Taste of Country's March Bandness competition is down to the final four. Zac Brown Band, Charlie Daniels Band, Alabama and Diamond Rio remain -- only one of these bands will be declared as the greatest country band of all time. It's up to fans and ToC readers to decide who will move on to next week's finals in this bracket style competition. 

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The most popular country music festivals -- like Taste of Country's own -- last up to five days and include dozens of artists. It's a big commitment to try to take it all in, and you'll want to do so in a way that allows you to be presentable at work on Monday morning. By following this list of 10 Country Music Festival Survival Ti

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James Wesley has a real feel for the life and struggles of the blue-collar American. His new song 'Thank a Farmer' is similar to his previous Top 30 hit 'Real' in its honest, no-nonsense approach. The worst thing a singer can do with a song like either of these is come off as contrived. Wesley is a long way away from being accused of that. 

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