What Kind of Country Will 2009 Bring?
Enough already. Enough looking back at what 2008 was all about, music-wise. The new year is three days away, so I think it's about time we started looking forward. And there is plenty to get excited about.
Jessica Andrews will be back on the radio, God willing, with her new single, "Everything." Lee Brice will have some new music, too. Jason Michael Carroll's "Where I'm From" will be up and running soon. Luke Bryan is working on a sophomore album, and has a song from it coming out in February. Jamie O'Neal's new label is going to try to make her new "Like a Woman" a big hit. Jason Aldean has an album due out in the spring. Jack Ingram's next album should be out in the early part of the year. And Eric Church's newest tune will be on the radio right around Jan. 12.
But it's not just newer artists who are pushing into 2009 with enthusiasm. Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Pat Green and Dierks Bentley are going to be releasing new albums pretty soon. Miranda Lambert and Gretchen Wilson are said to be working on new music, too. And in the collaboration of all collaborations, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift co-wrote the kiss-off girl-power anthem "The Best Days of Our Life" which will help Pickler get her new year off to a sweet start.
So on Wednesday night, raise a glass to Auld Lang Syne. And raise another one to all the good country music up ahead.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Samantha says:
yay! I am excited. I wish them all good luck in 2009=]
Caroline says:
Very excited about the new release from ERIC CHURCH. That man is such an under-rated talent. This next cd will change that! Others will finally see what many of us already discovered; Eric Church is amazing!
Gail says:
So looking forward to Keith Urban’s new Album!!
Brian says:
Request BEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE!!
Carol says:
Sara Evans is working on new music for a CD due out in 2009.
Can’t wait! All we have had from her is a Greatest Hits CD, in the last 3 years
Jan says:
Love Best Days. Kellie really rocked her CMA’s performance. I’m looking forward to the Best Days video to come out soon I hope.
Muzik says:
I’m really looking forward to Gretchen’s new album!
And a few of the others as well :)
Katie says:
Yay about Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley’s new album.
I can’t wait.
Vicki says:
Carrie is working on new music as well
Kris says:
Woo hoo! I am excited! I wish all the artist the best of luck in 2009! :)
Cathyjo says:
I can’t wait for some new material from Gretchen the songs i have heard from it ALL have been good
Miley says:
Carrie Underwood is releasing a new album in 2009. Interesting that the blog ignores Carrie as usual.
Michael says:
Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert are both releasing new albums in 2009. THAT is something to look forward to, as both ladies are very talented, unlike the terrible taylor.
Best Days of Your Life says:
Kellie and Taylor’s song is “Best Days of YOUR Life” and it ROCKS!!!! It should be #1 on radio - what’s the holdup???
David says:
Looks like 2009 will be a good year for music. I’ll have an ear (and look lol) at Kellie Pickler. She’s really an amazing entertainer. :)
toph says:
I’m most looking forward for Martina McBride’s new album.
Alison says:
I didn’t mention underwood because I was pulling from first quarter press releases. Sorry to disappoint you, strouble2.
Amy says:
I believe Josh Turner is hard at work on his new cd also due out later in 2009.
countrymuisclover says:
Why are we always bashing other artists? Enough already!
Darrell says:
I hope the new year will be very good for Kellie Pickler,she does not get enough creditfor her amazing voice. It is time for her to be in the spot light, and shine like the star she is.
Gladys says:
I can’t wait. This New Year is going to be a big one. I am so ready, I have never been ready for a new year like I am for this one.
I am going to raise my glass to Country Music, because has gotten me through many sticky days.
countryiscool says:
I hope Kellie gets MORE recognition and Taylor less. btw
Strouble2, there is a new Carrie blog, go sing Carrie’s praises over there, I got the first comment though. lol
I will look forward to new stuff from Miranda as well.
Daisy says:
I am so glad to see Jason Michael Carroll coming out with a new cd - I can’t wait!!! I love his new song - Where I’m From! His voice is amazing and he deserves every bit of his success.
Kira says:
I am looking forward to Kellie Pickler’s career really taking off in 2009! She is very under promoted and her voice is truly amazing and needs more in the spotlight! I hope to see and hear more of this darling country music rising star!
K says:
RF is supposed to release a new album on April 21, 2009. Hopefully it will be better than “Still Feels Good”
They are supposed to do some sort of announcement on the People’s Choice Awards regarding the new CD, but there are no details about what they are.
Carrie is also supposed to release a new album, but I’m pretty sure she is going to release another single from “Carnival Ride.” People are speculating her new album won’t be out until the fall of 2009, but we’ll know soon enough.
Kellie is not releasing a new album, she just released a self- tittled disc. Don’t know why she is mentioned.
Sandy says:
Looking forward to Gretchen Wilson’s new CD, I’ve heard some of the new material and love everything I’ve heard. Let’s hope she gets the backing from her record company and the radio stations that she deserves.
touchedbykellie says:
I hope 2009 brings Kellie Pickler a #1 with Best Days of Your Life! This is a great song, and Kellie is an amazing singer. She has such a pure voice, and I believe that she will shine in 2009!
Jim says:
K - Kellie was mentioned because she’s one of the best and biggest stars and people want to read about her. Did you even read the post? It’s about new albums and singles. The title is “What Kind of Country Will 2009 Bring?” not “What Kind of Country Albums Will 2009 Bring?” Best Days of Your Life hasn’t started moving on radio yet, therefore it will be new to most country fans in 2009. Maybe you and Alex just can’t stand to see Kellie get any attention. I’m going to watch her host the CMT Online Awards then watch her on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Wednesday! Yeah!!!!!!
vcp says:
Miranda, I really just want to see this woman sky rocket as she should have already.
The come back of the year and the person that will make 2009 tough for everyone specifically the women that are on top for the past three years is SHANIA TWAIN. I hope she come right back over to the country side with a big bang.
I want to see what the Dixie Chicks can do after their last Grammy smashing album, hopefully country radio will play them more with Bush gone, not that they need country radio.
I think Carrie’s 3rd album may bring some change for her, supposedly she is going to take her time with it. Doesn’t matter though whatever she releases turns to platinum.
Hopefull in 2009 says:
I’m really tired of the Blond Chick music!!
I’m hoping for way more Gretchen and Miranda!!
Give us all somee Country Music with some grit! :)
K says:
Jim: My comments questioning why Kellie was mentioned were in no way a bash against her or her talent. I guess I just was assuming she shouldn’t have been mentioned because most of the talk by posters was about new albums- not singles.
It was my mistake, and I assumed things too quickly. Kellie is very talented, and she deserves more attention. Hopefully 2009 will bring that for her!
K says:
Jim, I don’t think it was fair for you to say I “can’t stand for Kellie to get attention.” As I mentioned, the fact that this blog is about albums AND singles was my oversight, and Kellie does deserve to be mentioned. Please don’t assume I wish anything bad for Kellie because a simple erorr. I own her first album, and it is great!
Not trying to say this is just you, Jim, but It seems as if fans want to create “competition” between fans and call something bashing when it really isn’t. A fine example? The constant he said/she said between Carrie and Taylor fans. I can’t tell you how often I see something negative on Carrie, and a poster will soon follow with: It must just be a jealous Taylor fan bashing Carrie again!
Or, I see something negative on Taylor, and the following: That person is just a jealous Carrie fan.
No one needs to create competetion between favorites, much less call someone a basher because of a simple comment. I find it disrespectful how so many accusations are automatically put on certain fan bases.
smittybebad says:
I am more than ready to hear more of your new music. I cant hardly wait to tear that plastic wrap off that new CD. I have a strong feeling this CD will be my favorite. I have missed your music. Excited and Happy. Thanks Gretchen Wilson.
Janet says:
Hope to hear less of the flavors of the month like Carrie, Rascal Flatts, Taylor, Kellie and such and more real country muisc for a change and not ROCK music from Keith either.
dtisme says:
I’m excited about most of the new cd releases.. but I very excited for Gretchen Wilson’s new CD. I’ve heard a lot of her songs on it already and they are AWESOME!! Again, let’s hope country radio gives her the playtime she deserves.
Jim says:
K - Thanks and I know your comments were not a bash. I actually said MAYBE you and Alex just can’t stand to see Kellie get any attention. It was a guess, not a definite statement or assumption. Alex’s post is gone so apparently I’m not the only one who thought something was up.
There’s no need for me to try to create a competition between fans since I’m a Kellie and Carrie fan as well as a fan of all great country music.
John says:
Well the song you are talking about Best Days Of Your Life–I will predict it want go to high–And in an interview somewhere awhile back Taylor took credit for that song–she gave Kellie none. But that doesn’t surprise me. I bet Kellie Fans thought they would get help from the Swifty Crew–LOL.
bikerchick85 says:
I am patiently anticipating Gretchen’s New CD.
kuntrygurl2 says:
Jason Aldean and GRETCHEN! Its gonna be a great year everyone.
queenofmyheart says:
All I can say is “I Got Your Country Right Here”
BRING IT ON
sarah says:
Country music is changing, whether you like it or not. Talents like Miranda, Taylor, Kellie, Gretchen, Keith, Tim and Carrie are going to be around for a while. If you don’t like it, switch to an oldies station.
Cherry says:
Well this Kellie fan doesn’t think she needs help from Taylor or anyone else. Kellie is a gifted, talented artist and she will be there for a long time. She didn’t need to win Idol or need daddy’s money to get her contract. Wonder what fan base John is from.
Luvncountry says:
I just watched Kellie & Taylor on GAC Top 50 countdown or something and they sure seemed chummy there. I don’t think Kellie pays much attention to who gets what in terms of attention- she doesn’t need to. Kellie’s the secure one, Taylor is not, she has to bring attention to herself every chance she gets. It’s pretty bad though when you don’t credit your co-writer & friend.
cs says:
Looking forward to lots of good country music in 2009. I sincerely hope Kellie Pickler’s new single goes right to the top! The girl is great!
Glenda says:
I am so excited for Eric’s new song and albumn!!!!
Jim says:
John - I predict Best Days of Your Life will go as high as the label promotion and radio listeners want it to. Since all of Taylor’s singles can make #1, why not Kellie’s and especially the one they co-wrote? Listeners usually love Kellie’s songs and she needs a lot more promotion. For Kellie’s songs to make #1 her label needs to give her the same amount of promotion Taylor gets.
Since you didn’t give the location and date of this supposed Taylor interview I don’t believe you because in every one of the many interviews I’ve seen about Best Days of Your Life, Kellie and Taylor gave each other more than sufficient credit. Go to Taylor’s new CD on Amazon and watch the interview video. They also credited each other in the notes of their CDs and Taylor said “Kellie Pickler, you’re the sister I never had.”
I’ve never heard of the Swifty Crew. The only help Kellie’s fans are hoping for is more promotion from Kellie’s label and more spins, Swiftly. :) Some fans have said they are tired of hoping and waiting and are now hoping Kellie moves to a label that will promote her more.
GretchenRocks says:
Gretchen Wilson rocks… I can’t wait for her CD to be released!! She is as good as it gets.. GO GIRL!!!
Love ya… Redneck Woman
carrie4life says:
Carrie you are good but Gretchen you are better!! I heard Gretchens new CD is awesome, can’t wait to hear her new songs!
Florent Dufour (FACM) says:
I really like Jason Michael Carroll and Jessica Andrews, but Tim Mc Graw too, and Keith Urban too, and John Rich too. Whoo !! 2009 will be great!
photogmaniac says:
Charlie Daniels Carolina The Devil Went Down to Georgia nothin could be finer. Midnight Rider Alman Brothers band………… I Got Your Country Right Here!
Come On Gretchen Cant wait for the new CD… Man 2009 sure is lookin up for our girl. Awesome tour schedule.
I like many artists but Gretchen is my absolute Fave.
rebelyell says:
Gretchen Wilson all the way. I sure hope Radio treats Gretchen better in 2009. I love her music. It will be nice to hear something new. So tired of the same ole crap. You go Gretchen Wilson!!
PlayMoreGretchen says:
I couldn’t agree more, I Got Your Country Right Here, is a AWESOME song. I can’t wait for Gretchen’s next single to be released to radio.
2009 will be the year for Gretchen Wilson…. if radio and her record label promote her for once!~
K says:
In my opinion, the fact that y’all are trying to say Taylor is a publicity hog who steals attention from Kellie need to start paying attention. It is very obvious to many that Kellie and Taylor are very close- Taylor says Kellie is the “sister I never had,” and Kellie refers to Taylor’s mom as “mom,” since she has a bad relationship with her biological mother.
I don’t own Kellie’s new album, but I’ve looked in several spots on the internet, and where the writers are listed Taylor is mentioned. There are several spots where Kellie is mentioned as the artist; Taylor’s name is nowhere around. From what I’ve seen, Taylor got songwriting credit because it was deserved.
And, I think it’s sad how some of you are saying money bought Taylor fame. She works very hard to treat her fans like royality, be a role model, and write and sing songs that are relatable to her and her age demograpic. I doubt any of you know her personally, leave her alone. She has success by fault of the millions who love her.
cj5 says:
I am so excited and waiting for all the new albums coming out. I think a lot of really good stars have been pushed aside. I pray they all come out and take country music back to be what it use to be. Gretchen is way overdue. Kellie is very underrated. I can not wait for Carries new album. I also like Julianne Hough I love her voice and I think it will be hard for her because of DWTS. She will have to work that much harder which is sad. I loved seeing Martina, Carrie and Julianne on opry. I think Julianne held her own with the 2 other artists. I hope everyone has a blessed New Year.
Rugeruby says:
I think that Carrie’s last single from Carnival Ride should be “You Won’t Find This”. I think that would be a good hit before releasing a new album.
Rugeruby says:
I hope that “Don’t Do Me No Good” will be on Gretchen’s new album:) I’m also glad to see that Jamie O’Neal is trying to make a comeback.
gloss1972 says:
CANT WAIT FOR GRETCHENS NEW CD AND I HOPE HER SONGS ARE PLAYED ALOT!I LOVE THE NEW SONGS I HEARD, THEIR SOOO AWESOME!!!
As for my daughter she loves Taylor Swift
and her new cd that she got for her birthday.She plays and sings along to her cd everyday.We also sing the Sing Star Country game with Gretchen and Taylor on it.Its fun!!
CT country girl says:
Can’t wait for this new year of music!!!
So Exciting thanks for the Blog Alison & Happy New Year xxo
i<3Dierks :)
trukdrivngurl says:
I totally agree Gretchen needs more coverage than she has gotten in the past. She isnt getting the promotion she deserves.
Looking forward to the new music she is putting out on her new CD early this year. All the songs I have heard in concert are great like…..Work Hard Play Harder, Dont Do Me No Good, I Got Your Country Right Here, and one that most others havent heard Hillbillies & Rednecks.
Give us more Gretchen.
smittybebad says:
I second that Hillbillies and Rednecks. Ive heard the song and it is another great one by Gretchen..
Gretchen’s new CD is going to be a very good one yall.
countryiscool says:
Uh Hopefull in 2009, in case you didn’t notice, Miranda is ALSO blonde. That contradicts your comment about being tired of the blond chicks.
Jason says:
Look for Justin Moore’s new single “Small Town U.S.A.” in early January.
elsie kitzman says:
Tonight’s airing of the JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE was a farce as far as I am concerned. I am a big fan of Johnny and I think instead of butchering his songs they should have atleast tried to sing them to the tempo and beat that he did them in, or as origanilly as he did