davidn87's Last.fm Journal

Taylor Swift : Speak Now

Wed, 3 Nov 2010 21:11:24 +0000

Taylor Swift : Speak Now / Speak Now (Target Deluxe Edition)

Mine 5/5
At first I didn't like this much, but over the months since it was released as the lead single it has definately grown on me. I feel the song represents an introduction to a post-teen Taylor, while still carrying on the Country tradition of her first two albums.

Sparks Fly 5/5
I could never quite decipher the lyrics from a live recording of this, so glad to have a studio cut at last. Love her voice on this as well as the fiddle.

Back To December 5/5
I don't know if it's the lyric or the melody, but something about this song reminds me of Christmases When You Were Mine. A song that totally blows away any confusion on whether she is Country or not. I relate.

Speak Now 5/5
The first time I heard this I thought of Kenny Chesney. I've no idea why. There's a slightly "beachy" feel about the arrangement. Another of my favourite vocals from Taylor here.

Dear John 3/5
I like this song, but it goes on a bit too long for me.

Mean 5/5
100% perfect production. Classic Country songwriting. I'd go so far as to say it's the best Country song of the year. The bridge is just utter genius. Haters be weeping.

The Story Of Us 5/5
A little Country-Rock. I relate.

Never Grow Up 5/5
I can't lie, I cried the first time I heard this. I relate on so many levels. You'll like this if you liked Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean/Lonestar.

Enchanted 4/5
Still growing on me.

Better Than Revenge 5/5
Rocking. Reminds me of Shania & The Dixie Chicks. I'd love to hear Kristy Lee Cook cover this.

Innocent 5/5
Another one I relate to, after a fashion. I know so many people like this, they're grown adults but throw silly childish tantrums. I do hope that this will bring the curtain down on the media created Taylor/Kanye riots.

Haunted 5/5
I think this track gives a hint of Taylor's live vocals here, she's got real power in her voice.

Last Kiss 4/5
I can imagine this being used in a movie.

Long Live 5/5
One for the fans I think, would be a highlight of any live show. Reminds me of that fantastic night at Wembley.

Ours 5/5
A nice bouncy little acoustic-ish arrangement.

If This Was A Movie 5/5
What can I say except I relate...Country at it's best. Reminiscent of Part Two by Brad Paisley.

Superman 5/5
One word : Tune.

Back To December (Acoustic) 5/5
Haunted (Acoustic) 5/5
These mixes let her vocals burst through.

Mine (Pop/UK Mix) 1/5
I LOATHE the Pop remixes that are forced upon us in the UK, which is why I bought the album (both the original & the Target edition) from the US.

George Strait : Legend

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 12:24:08 +0000

George Strait

I've just watched Live From The Astrodome for the first time in a while, and i've re-compiled an 'Uncut #1's' playlist for my iPod (includes #1's that weren't on 50 Number Ones).

As I start to work my way through all of George's chart toppers, from If You're Thinking You Want A Stranger (There's One Coming Home) right up to River Of Love i'm reminded why I fell in love with the great man and his music.

Sure, if you look at the credits you'll see he hasn't recorded enough for an album of original songs, but what he sings is always honest and true, a shining example of the very best in Country. The instrumentation has always stayed at the same excellent, professional Country standard through his over 30 years in the business.

What are your favourite Strait songs?

Katie Armiger : Confessions Of A Nice Girl

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:06:26 +0000

Katie Armiger : Confessions Of A Nice Girl

www.katiearmiger.com

Best Song Ever 5/5
A rocking opening, good one to blast in the car.

Kiss Me Now 5/5
Loved this since it came out, and I can relate big time. It's frustrating to be in love with someone who just can't see it.

That's Why 5/5
I relate.

Nice Girl 5/5
I know it's a cliché with me but the fiddle on this song really is to die for

Cry Cry Cry 5/5
The first song Katie wrote entirely on her own and it's fantastic.

Ain't Gonna Happen 5/5
Again, I relate. A really fun song.

I Will Be 5/5
A good track, topped off with some excellent steel guitar and banjo. I can see this being one of my favourites.

Scream 5/5
Solid production & a great vocal.

Ain't So Sweet 5/5
A bit rocky, Miranda Lambert fans could be converted through this.

Can You Handle It 5/5
Another rocky track, co-written by Katrina Elam & Jessie James, and it shows. Would be a great one to hear live.

Leaving Home 5/5
Some say there's too many of these 'going to college' songs but I think this is an example of why they're so good. The emotion of it all really hits home, which is what Country is all about.

Can't Keep Myself From Loving You 5/5
I loved this song at the CD release party and it's great to have it on disc.

Strong Enough 5/5
A proper weepy.

Favourites from 1st listen : Best Song Ever, Nice Girl, Ain't Gonna Happen, Can't Keep Myself From Loving You, Strong Enough.

The best Country album this year. First class songwriting, excellent vocals and the instrumentation will please anyone who likes Country.

Overall : 5/5

My Milestones

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 11:37:28 +0000

David\'s Last.FM Milestones1000th track: (26 Apr 2006)
Brad Paisley - I'll Take You Back2000th track: (11 May 2006)
Garth Brooks - Cowgirl's Saddle3000th track: (28 May 2006)
LeAnn Rimes - And It Feels Like4000th track: (08 Jun 2006)
Gretchen Wilson - Salt on Your Glass5000th track: (20 Jun 2006)
Kenny Rogers - If I Knew Then (What I Know Now) (with Gladys Knight)6000th track: (04 Jul 2006)
Mark Chesnutt - As The Honky Tonk Turns7000th track: (20 Jul 2006)
Christina Aguilera - Welcome8000th track: (30 Jul 2006)
Catherine Britt - The Upside of Being Down9000th track: (14 Aug 2006)
Jewel - Good Day10000th track: (31 Aug 2006)
George Strait - My Infinite Love11000th track: (15 Sep 2006)
Jimmy Buffett - Bama Breeze12000th track: (28 Sep 2006)
Garth Brooks - Come Monday13000th track: (15 Oct 2006)
Dixie Chicks - Landslide (Urban Mix)14000th track: (03 Nov 2006)
George Strait - Amarillo By Morning15000th track: (20 Nov 2006)
Garth Brooks - The Red Strokes16000th track: (23 Dec 2006)
Rod Stewart - You Wear It Well17000th track: (04 Jan 2007)
George Jones - I Always Get Lucky WIth You18000th track: (16 Jan 2007)
Eagles - Tequila Sunrise19000th track: (30 Jan 2007)
Jace Everett - Bad Things20000th track: (14 Feb 2007)
Miranda Lambert - New Strings21000th track: (02 Mar 2007)
Dolly Parton - Me And Bobby Mcgee (Feat. Kris Kristofferson)22000th track: (18 Mar 2007)
Alan Jackson - Dallas23000th track: (08 Apr 2007)
Martina McBride - How Far24000th track: (04 May 2007)
Jace Everett - Half Of My Mistakes25000th track: (16 May 2007)
Miranda Lambert - Guilty in Here26000th track: (28 May 2007)
Roy Rogers - Home On The Range27000th track: (10 Jun 2007)
Merle Haggard & George Jones - The Window Up Above (Haggard)28000th track: (19 Jun 2007)
Carrie Underwood - Alone (acoustic)29000th track: (30 Jun 2007)
Toby Keith - Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)30000th track: (10 Jul 2007)
Elvis Presley - Love Me Tender31000th track: (17 Jul 2007)
Carrie Underwood - Wasted (Idol 08-03-07)32000th track: (01 Aug 2007)
Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette & Kitty Wells - It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels33000th track: (12 Aug 2007)
The Tannahill Weavers - Donald Mclean's Farewell To Oban/Dunrobin Castle/The Wise Maid/Iain's Jig34000th track: (23 Aug 2007)
Keith Urban - Stupid Boy35000th track: (07 Sep 2007)
Rascal Flatts - Take Me There36000th track: (04 Oct 2007)
Merle Haggard - The Fightin' Side Of Me37000th track: (22 Oct 2007)
Clay Walker - Fall38000th track: (02 Nov 2007)
Tex Ritter - Billy The Kid39000th track: (12 Nov 2007)
Three Hanks - Never Again Will I Knock On Your Door40000th track: (24 Nov 2007)
Ashley Monroe - Flat On The Floor41000th track: (05 Dec 2007)
Alan Jackson - Don't Rock The Jukebox42000th track: (16 Dec 2007)
Frankie Laine - Mule Train43000th track: (27 Dec 2007)
George Strait - Texas Cookin'44000th track: (06 Jan 2008)
Kevin Fowler - Don't Touch My Willie45000th track: (12 Jan 2008)
Miranda Lambert - I Wanna Die46000th track: (16 Jan 2008)
Carrie Underwood - Wasted47000th track: (22 Jan 2008)
Glen Campbell - The Impossible Dream48000th track: (28 Jan 2008)
Mindy Smith - You Just Forgot49000th track: (08 Feb 2008)
David Methven - Auld Lang Syne50000th track: (14 Feb 2008)
Dòchas - Neildh O'Boyle51000th track: (21 Feb 2008)
Bill Anderson - Slippin' Away featuring Vince Gill52000th track: (27 Feb 2008)
Jypsi - Love Is A Drug53000th track: (01 Mar 2008)
Brad Paisley - Spaghetti Western Swing (instrumental)54000th track: (05 Mar 2008)
Dolly Parton - Better Get To Livin'55000th track: (09 Mar 2008)
Chet Atkins - Save Your Money56000th track: (13 Mar 2008)
Carrie Underwood - Lessons Learned57000th track: (21 Mar 2008)
Julie Fowlis - Moladh Uibhist58000th track: (26 Mar 2008)
Mel Tillis - I Got The Hoss59000th track: (01 Apr 2008)
Little Big Town - Firebird Fly60000th track: (12 Apr 2008)
Lady Antebellum - Long Gone61000th track: (29 Apr 2008)
Carrie Underwood - Bless The Broken Road (With Rascal Flatts)62000th track: (18 May 2008)
Reba McEntire - The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia63000th track: (31 May 2008)
Doug Stone - Dancin' On Glass64000th track: (11 Jun 2008)
Dwight Yoakam - No Such Thing65000th track: (21 Jun 2008)
Taylor Swift - One Way Ticket66000th track: (14 Jul 2008)
Alabama - Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)67000th track: (30 Jul 2008)
George Strait - Check Yes Or No68000th track: (16 Aug 2008)
Carrie Underwood - You Won't Find This69000th track: (02 Sep 2008)
Alabama - Say I70000th track: (20 Sep 2008)
Johnny Cash - Big Iron71000th track: (11 Oct 2008)
Britney Spears - Everytime72000th track: (02 Nov 2008)
Little Jimmy Dickens - A-Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed73000th track: (20 Nov 2008)
Randy Travis - Chiseled in Stone74000th track: (05 Dec 2008)
Kacey Musgraves - Rainbow Connection75000th track: (17 Dec 2008)
Dixie Chicks - There's Your Trouble (Techno Remix)76000th track: (05 Jan 2009)
Siobhan Donaghy - There's A Place77000th track: (13 Jan 2009)
Maren Morris - Me & The Moon78000th track: (25 Jan 2009)
Dean Owens - Miss You CA79000th track: (06 Feb 2009)
Tom Thomson - If Tomorrow Never Comes80000th track: (14 Feb 2009)
Amy Macdonald - Let's Start A Band81000th track: (28 Feb 2009)
Jake Owen - Don't Think I Can't Love You82000th track: (10 Mar 2009)
Steve Martin - Words Unspoken83000th track: (24 Mar 2009)
Martina McBride - Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong84000th track: (05 Apr 2009)
Kate Rusby - No Names85000th track: (09 May 2009)
Jerry Goldsmith - Not Functioning86000th track: (21 May 2009)
Big & Rich - Fight For Your Right To Party87000th track: (28 May 2009)
Glen Campbell - My Prayer88000th track: (07 Jun 2009)
holy bible - Exodus 2389000th track: (21 Jun 2009)
Carrie Underwood - I Told You So90000th track: (09 Jul 2009)
Britney Spears - Circus91000th track: (20 Jul 2009)
Kellie Pickler - Best Days Of Your Life92000th track: (29 Jul 2009)
Ashley Monroe - Pain Pain93000th track: (09 Aug 2009)
George Jones - On The Other Hand94000th track: (16 Aug 2009)
Jerry Reed - East Bound And Down95000th track: (27 Aug 2009)
Katy Perry - Ur So Gay96000th track: (10 Sep 2009)
George Strait - Tell Me Something Bad About Tulsa97000th track: (23 Sep 2009)
Dierks Bentley - You Hold Me Together98000th track: (06 Oct 2009)
Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats99000th track: (25 Oct 2009)
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love100000th track: (02 Nov 2009)
Diana Vickers - Call Me101000th track: (11 Nov 2009)
Lucie Jones - My Funny Valentine102000th track: (29 Nov 2009)
Darryl Worley - Nothing But Money103000th track: (07 Dec 2009)
Brad Paisley - Kung Pao104000th track: (15 Dec 2009)
Taylor Swift - Santa Baby105000th track: (24 Dec 2009)
Toby Keith - I Wanna Talk About Me106000th track: (03 Jan 2010)
Chris Young - That Makes Me107000th track: (15 Jan 2010)
Whitney Duncan - First Cut Is the Deepest (Nashville Star, Season 5, Episode 3)108000th track: (29 Jan 2010)
Pixie Lott - In My Life109000th track: (07 Feb 2010)
Jessie James - Love Me110000th track: (14 Feb 2010)
Sugarland - It Happens111000th track: (24 Feb 2010)
Whitney Duncan - Fireflies112000th track: (04 Mar 2010)
Ke$ha - Dinosaur113000th track: (16 Mar 2010)
Amy Macdonald - Love Love114000th track: (29 Mar 2010)
BarlowGirl - Porcelain Heart116000th track: (26 Apr 2010)
Kenny Chesney - Out Last Night (Previously Unreleased)117000th track: (12 May 2010)
Hannah Montana - You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home (I3orje Remix.edit)118000th track: (28 May 2010)
Jessi Alexander - Honeysuckle Sweet119000th track: (12 Jun 2010)
Willie Nelson - For The Good Times120000th track: (26 Jun 2010)
Willie Nelson - Freight Train Boogie121000th track: (20 Jul 2010)
Kari Jobe - I'm Singing122000th track: (06 Aug 2010)
Queen - Forever123000th track: (17 Aug 2010)
Hannah Franklin - If Only124000th track: (03 Sep 2010)
Britt Nicole - Don't Worry Now125000th track: (16 Sep 2010)
Point Of Grace - HometownGenerated on 25 Sep 2010
Get yours here

Country fans and haters

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:03:15 +0000

Well, last night wasn’t anything to be proud of was it? Truly the worst reaction to an awards show i’ve ever seen, and it came from fans in all camps. Before the show was even over I was ashamed to be a Country fan.

Let me first say I am all for freedom of speech, you have the right to say whatever you want and express your opinion. But come on, is there any need to lace that opinion with a side of hate & venom?

There’s artists I don’t like, and there’s artists I do like that don’t win when I wish they would. But do I take it out on whoever won? Or when my favourites do win, I don’t sink to the level where I celebrate someone else NOT getting it. That is just downright pathetic and sad.

There was absolutely no need for the things being said on sites like Twitter last night about the CMTs. As well as hating on the artists fans were also the target of hate. Why do people need to do that?

All of this only reflects badly back onto the artist who’s “fans” are doing these things, and perhaps even more badly on the Country music community as a whole. I am sometimes embarrassed to be associated with fellow Country fans when some of them behave like that all the time.

Can you imagine what the singers thing when they see this stuff? There they are accepting awards and saying how great the fans are, and look what you all are doing!

People can say i’m “not a real fan”, swear at me, call me names, whatever, for saying this but come on people, let’s share a little more love and stop the hating – TRY A LITTLE KINDNESS!

Willie Nelson, Glasgow 2010 - An experience i'll never forget

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 22:05:13 +0000

Tue 8 Jun – Willie Nelson

Willie came on stage just after 8 oclock and as the Texas flag unfurled he launched straight into Whiskey River and Still Is Still Moving To Me. He was on for about 1 hour 45 minutes playiing nearly non stop throughout. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground was dedicated to a fan in the audience.
I was in absolute awe of his guitar skills - why he isn't in any guitarist hall of fame absolutely baffles me! This was my 3rd time seeing him and yet again I kept thinking how good he sounds live, even better than on record.
As usual all his best known songs were they, the medley of Funny How Time Slips Away/Crazy/Night Life, If You've Got The Money, a few Hank Williams numbers (Move In Over, Hey Good Lookin' & I Saw The Light) as well as We Don't Run, Georgia On My Mind, Good Hearted Woman (for Waylon Jennings), Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys. Yesterday's Wine was there too.
I really enjoyed his take on Tom T. Hall's Shoeshine Man as well. There were a few instrumental tracks from the album Night And Day, and 'sister Bobbie' took lead on Down Yonder.
After On The Road Again appeared somewhere in the middle of the night, there was a sprinkling of Gospel in Will The Circle Be Unbroken and I'll Fly Away.
I believe the last song was The Party's Over, after which there was a reprise of I Saw The Light. Willie hung up his guitar and moved forward as dozens surrounded the stage where he signed autographs. This led to the highlight of the night for me whe I was lucky enough to shake the great man's hand, a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life.
Hurry back to Glasgow Willie, we love you!

My photos - http://www.facebook.com/davidn87#!/album.php?aid=185047&id=689125810&ref=mf

12 Songs Which Say A Lot About You

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:07:53 +0000

you're putting together a CD to give to someone who knows NOTHING about you.
So - you choose 12 tracks, from the Country Music you've loved down the years, in order to convey what YOU'RE ALL ABOUT - as a Person, and where you're coming from.
Different phases of your Life, different times, circumstances, places, people, moods and emotions etc...

My list :

1) When I Said I Would - Whitney Duncan
"makes me wonder how long you would have let me be your fool"
I've had to live through this, unfortunately.

2) That's The Way I Remember It - Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines
I'm forever looking back on the past

3) The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert
Never have been truly happy in our current house

4) Twang - George Strait
5) State Of Mind - Clint Black
6) Sounds So Good - Ashton Shepherd
Represents why I love Country so much

7) So Small - Carrie Underwood
Don't Let The Bastards Get You Down - Kris Kristofferson
Those 3 songs always remind me no matter how much crap I get thrown at me, things will get better in time and it's worth going through it all for what i'll get in the end.

9) Away - Whitney Duncan
Had people in my life that I loved dearly but that just weren't any good for me, but I just couldn't let go of them.

10) The Climb - Miley Cyrus
11) Standing Outside The Fire
I always strive to do the best I can in everything I do.

12) Dance The Night Away - The Mavericks
First Country song I ever loved.

Cruel Boy, Pretty Girl

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:50:13 +0000

This is a new song I wrote tonight called Cruel Boy, Pretty Girl. It's not like a finished version but just wanted to see what people think of it. It's about someone I knew who got involved with someone on the internet.

Why Country isn't mainstream in the UK

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:05:41 +0000

There's a reason why Country Music isn't "big" or "mainstream" in the UK. "What is that reason?" you ask. Well, i'll tell you.
For years I have been telling anyone who will listen that the main barrier to Country breaking through in the UK is that radio and tv refuse to promote the music. Aside from a few ‘token’ interviews with such Country stars as Taylor Swift, Alison Krauss, etc and now and then a station throwing it’s weight behind a new artists latest single, we really don’t get a lot of coverage in the UK media. Oh you could point out the many “articles” written about Taylor in the past year, but too often these totally ignore the music and focus on her private life, or the incident with Kanye West. Her massive achievements (multiple #1 hits, countless awards, a successful worldwide tour) are ignored.
But this isn’t what I wanted to write about here (I may write another article on the subject in the future). What I want to address here is the group that wants to keep Country music firmly in the past, connected to things that have nothing at all to do with the music.
I of course refer to the Cowboy Clubs. Groups of mostly older people gather on a regular basis, dressed as extras from a John Wayne film (cowboy gear, spurs, hat, plastic cap gun in a holster, American Indian dresses, complete with papoose dolls – you get the idea).
Most of the “artists” who “perform” (i’m going to use quotes a LOT in this) at these venues are karaoke superstars, singing to a karaoke cd. And there’s the unique phenomenon of people from these shores taking on an American accent when they sing Country songs. Why? You’re not American. Some of these people do actually have an instrument, but have little idea on how to play it, and certainly cannot tune whatever they’re playing.
After a few “45 minute sets” (apparently you can’t just do a full concert with no breaks, or maybe just one), the entire club will gather round the dance floor (i’m not even going to get started on that!), all in their Cowboys & Indians getups, and proceed to re-enact the American Civil War. They shoot each other with their toy cap guns, rolling around on the floor feigning pain. And then, inevitably, they make peace. They walk towards each other crying genuine real tears, and hug each other. A Confederate flag (most often the one that’s been hanging at the back of the stage all night) is then folded in the style of the American military funeral, while a cd recording of An American Trilogy is played.
I ask you, what does any of that have to do with Country music? Americans are completely baffled at us Brits playing dress up and taking it all seriously – and are further bemused at how we connect it to the music we love.
Getting back to the issue of the “bands”. These people think very highly of themselves, despite being what any good music fan will tell you is an extremely third rate performance. They talk of having written songs with real Country legends from the USA, of being their bestest buddies after having met them in an autograph line after the show.....oh and by the way, these UK boys are the BEST ever. Bar none. They pass off classic Hank Wiliams songs as their own. And for some reason, despite how popular they say they are, how happy people that come to see them are, they absolutely refuse to tour properly. That is to say, they do not perform outside of these little clubs.
I know I said I wouldn’t get into the line dancing thing, but I have to in order to discuss this next point.
These people are less loony than the John Wayne brigade, but a touch odd nonetheless. They go to these clubs solely to dance in front of the stage, “staring at their feet” as someone once put it, totally ignoring the band. They aren’t there for the music at all.
They also play a vital role in holding Country back from going mainstream in the UK. When the average Joe thinks of Country, line dancing is one of the first things that springs to their minds. I don’t pretend to understand the history of the movement, but it is another thing which I feel has little connection to Country. It was a fad of the 90’s as far as i’m concerned. If you want to dance to Country music, just get down to it. Or learn square dancing or somesuch, which does have a connection to the music.
The sort of people who attend the Cowboy clubs are desperate to stop the music progressing, seemingly hating 99% of modern Country. They much prefer to hear amateur, poor quality karaoke Cowboys belting out the same songs they’ve been listening to for 50-odd years.
Now i’ve nothing against older Country. I am a MASSIVE fan of Bill Anderson, Eddy Arnold, Charley Pride, Dolly Parton, and hundreds more I don’t have space to list. But for God’s sake, stop holding back the music we love from having a chance at being accepted into the mainstream in our country. Throw your weight behind new artists who are touring here like Taylor Swift, as well as more established artists such as Suzy Bogguss, and of course the legends like Willie & Dolly.
Don’t restrict yourselves to these Cowboy clubs, get out there and go to a few concerts. Buy the cds (or mp3s). And to the bands – write more of your own songs, drop the American accents and go on tour. Hell, maybe try going to a record label and see what happens?

My Top Albums Of The 2000's

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 14:04:11 +0000

Country Top Ten in no order -
George Strait - The Road Less Traveled
Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
Clint Black - Drinkin' Songs and Other Logic
Maren Morris - All That It Takes
Kenny Chesney - Just Who I Am (Poets & Pirates)
Kellie Pickler - Small Town Girl
Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts
Ashton Shepherd - Sounds So Good
Miranda Lambert - Kerosene
Garth Brooks - Scarecrow
------
From outside Country i'd say -
The Eagles - Long Road Out of Eden
Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway
Miley Cyrus - Time Of Our Lives
Colbie Caillat - Coco
Britney Spears - Blackout
Amy Macdonald - This Is The Life
Sandi Thom - Smile...It Confuses People
Girls Aloud - Out Of Control
Demi Lovato - Here We Go Again
Paris Hilton - Paris
Brooke White - High Hopes & Heartbreaks
Avril Lavigne - Under My Skin

Tried to keep a decent male/female balance there but couldn't think of any male non-Country albums I really liked lol