Taste of Country Staff
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New Artist of the Year – 2014 Taste of Country Awards
Eight new artists are competing for New Artist of the Year honors at the 2014 Taste of Country Awards. Three came from reality television, one came from scripted television, three made it the old-fashioned way and one came from out of nowhere to become one of the hottest concert tickets in country music. Who do you think should win the New Artist of the Year award?
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Rascal Flatts, ‘Rewind’ [Listen]
There’s a timeless quality to Rascal Flatts’ love songs, like their latest ‘Rewind.’ It’s a song that could appear on any of the group’s eight previous studio albums. Gary, Jay and Joe Don have a signature sound, and they’ve remained loyal to it for almost 15 years.
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Chuck Wicks, ‘Us Again’ [Listen]
'Us Again,' Chuck Wicks' debut single on Blaster Records, is a patient, orchestral ballad about yearning to get back together with the one you loved and lost. Wicks has always been a talented interpreter of songs. His pain comes through early on this track from an upcoming studio album.
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Headline of the Year – 2014 Taste of Country Awards
2013 was full of tragedy, surprises and celebration -- it seemed a new jaw-dropping news event took place just about every month in country music. Five events make the final cut as nominees for the Headline of the Year Award at the 2014 Taste of Country Awards. Which do you think should win?
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The Swon Brothers, ‘Later On’ [Listen]
The Swon Brothers are the first male contestants from 'The Voice' to try their hand at country radio with the release of their debut single, ‘Later On.’ To date, Danielle Bradbery and Cassadee Pope have been the show’s biggest successes, both releasing fairly mainstream pop-country songs. These Oklahoma boys show their rock roots early and often in this cut.
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Best Dressed Artist of the Year – 2014 Taste of Country Awards
For some, it comes naturally. For others, it comes with a little help and a $30 million necklace. OK, Carrie Underwood looked great at the Grammys even without the jewels, and her wardrobe choices in 2013 made her an easy pick for nomination in the Best Dressed category at the 2014 Taste of Country Awards. It's up to fans to decide who has the best style.
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Song of the Year – 2014 Taste of Country Awards
With Artist of the Year already decided, Song of the Year is the most distinguished honor at the 2014 Taste of Country Awards. Ten hits from 2013 make the ballot, including ACM, CMA and Grammy nominees. Combined, these tracks have sold over 11 million downloads, but which is worthy of this fan-decided honor?
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Eric Church, ‘Give Me Back My Hometown’ [Listen]
Eric Church’s new song ‘Give Me Back My Hometown’ seems to fill in the answer to a question proposed last month through a short series of cryptic videos. The first video promised: “One will rise , one will fall," and then another indicated the first wasn't meant as an attack on Taylor Swift. It's not clear why footage of Swift was used at all, although this new song does explore themes the 24-year-old is famous for singing about.
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ToC Encore: Favorite Interviews of 2013
There's an art to giving a great interview, and not every country star has mastered it. In fact, most fall somewhere between guarded and nervous when they pick up the phone or agree to talk about their lives and music face-to-face. That holds a singer back, but it's an obstacle that can be overcome, as Brantley Gilbert has proven.
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Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, ‘The Call’ [Listen]
The live version of 'The Call' from Garth Brooks' 'Live at the Wynn' performance is his first single since 2008. It's a duet with his wife Trisha Yearwood, but their happy marriage doesn't stand in the way of a heartbreaking performance.