CMT Blog: Archive

We see two world premiere videos as Darius Rucker goes introspective, Jason Aldean does a psychological study, Randy Houser keeps boogieing and so does Justin Moore in new clips the CMT New Video Evaluation Team considered.

Artist: Darius Rucker
Video: "History in the Making"
Director: Shane Drake

Darius Rucker brings another heartfelt love song, this one taking place in a secluded country house full of antiques. A young couple explores the house as well as their own stirrings of love.

Panelists' comments: "Why did the cop car show up at the end? "'Cause they're trespassing in an abandoned house." "Abandoned, but it's full of antiques?" "Well, it's a good song and a good video."

Artist: Randy Houser
Video: "Whistlin' Dixie"
Director: Chris Hicky

Randy Houser stays rowdy with this good-time good-ol'-boy tribute featuring shotguns and catfish and trailers and trucks and camo-wearing kids.

Panelists' comments: "Where's Jamey [Johnson]?" "That's rockin'." "He never backs off. Full speed ahead."

Artist: Jason Aldean
Video: "The Truth"
Director: Deaton Flanigen
Editor's note: This video will go online at CMT.com as a world premiere on Thursday (Nov. 12).

Jason Aldean sings and acts out a tale of quiet desperation, of a man apparently having a breakdown and going into seclusion. It's a pretty dark story but also pretty strong.

Panelists' comments: "That reminded me of the 'Relentless' video." "I like the way he walks slow here. That's different for Jason." "This story is not typical of Jason, but I think it's a good move."

Artist: Justin Moore
Video: "Backwoods"
Director: Kristin Barlowe

As a follow-up to his No. 1 hit "Small Town USA," Justin Moore takes his buddies and crew out to the woods to set up an instant club and party. Clueless cops circle in the woods with flashlights and dogs, trying to locate the noise.

Panelists' comments: "I like that camo Telecaster. Nice." "Next time you go to the woods, don't forget your generator and amps and speakers and mikes and lights." "We keep getting variations on this song and this video."

Consensus: Randy Houser's "Whistlin' Dixie" debuted Friday (Nov. 6) on CMT in hot shot rotation as a world premiere. Jason Aldean's "The Truth" will debut on Friday (Nov. 13) on CMT Top 20 Countdown and go into hot shot rotation. Darius Rucker's "History in the Making" debuted Tuesday (Nov. 10) in heavy rotation. Justin Moore's "Backwoods" debuted Monday (Nov. 9) in medium rotation.