Carrie Underwood is back with another Country hit. “Little Toy Guns” (19 Recordings Limited/Arista Nashville) is the one she’s taking out for a spin and we can bet that the powers that be over at American Idol are hoping for great things just as their new season is getting started. Kip Moore has a new single on his hands that is getting raves from our panel of music and program directors. “I’m To Blame” (MCA Nashville) is the track that is keeping Kip at the top of his game. We’ll see how this play out for him in the coming weeks but if I’m a betting man the odds are in his favor big time.

Brad Paisley keeps the Country hits rolling and moving strong. His new single “Crushin’ It” (Arista Nashville) is pulling in the calls and emails and there’s a big buzz on social media for this one.  Kenny Chesney is back at the top of his game and make no mistake about that. His new “Wild Child” (Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville) is pulling in powerful numbers from coast to coast.  Tim McGraw has teamed up with Catherine Dunn for a winning combination. “Diamond Rings And Barstools” (Big Machine/Universal) is the one to watch for. Better yet just put this in a very high rotation out of the box.

Easton Corbin has one great record out at the format. “Baby Be My love Song” (Mercury Nashville) is such a strong song and radio should pick up the pace on this one before it disappears. Keith Urban has teamed up with Eric Church and what a pairing this is. Together they are bringing “Raise ‘Em Up” (Capitol Nashville) to radio and our programmers are all over this gem.  Recording artist Steve Garris is getting some well-deserved action on our country charts. “A Taste Of The Wind” (Rose Feather) is the one that is opening doors for this promising artist.

Mickey Guyton seems to have the right stuff for Country radio. So much so that the single entitled “Better Than You Left Me” (Capitol Nashville) continues to build spins and adds in leaps and bounds. We’ll see how it all plays out in the coming weeks but so far it’s not too shabby. Matt Farris has been making quite the name for himself. I have to admit that I’ve loved most of what I’ve heard from him so far. Now he’s taking the track “She’s Done” (Skytone) out for a spin and it seems to be working for him.

Frankie Ballard has become a solid name to reckon with. His new “Young & Crazy” (WB/WEA) is keeping pace with the best of him and we have to give him a big pat on the hat for what he’s already accomplished so far, A Thousand Horses are on fire and make no mistake about that my friends. “Smoke” (Republic Nashville) is their latest and greatest and this one is moving to the top of many playlists here and around the USA. Rascal Flatts are keeping the fires going strong. “Riot” (Big Machine/Universal) is just another step for this multi-talented outfit and it’s all moving in the right direction.

Cole Swindell is on the march and that is a very good thing. “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” (WB/WEA) got a bit of a slow start but seems to be finding its footing at Country radio. I’m not sure why that happens from time to time but if he stays on course (and his label too) it should all work out just fine in the long run. Sam Austin is fast becoming the new darling of the format. “It Looks Like Rain” (Plateau) is all that was needed to build a fast moving story. Miranda Lambert is red hot and make no mistake about that. She really rocks it strong with “Little Red Wagon” (RCA Nashville) and from the sound of this record she might just become a heavy rocker crossover babe.

As you know we still have nomination’s out there. Strong votes are coming in for Andrew Heller, Hicks and many power-house independent and major label artists. Winners will be announced right after we come back from CRS so keep the votes going strong.