Kenny Chesney just keep rolling out those country hits. He’s at it again with “Wild Child” (Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville) and it’s so nice to see him back in fine form once again. That red hot A Thousand Horses appears to be the new darling of the format. Our music and program directors just can’t seem to get enough of their “Smoke” (Republic Nashville) single and for good reason.  Frankie Ballard has found his slot at Country radio and he’s not letting go. “Young & Crazy” (WB/WEA) is his latest and it’s yet another masterpiece from this new guy on the scene that seems to be doing everything just right.

Brad Paisley has also been on a role as of late and make no mistake about it. Now he’s taking the single “Crushin’ It” (Arista Nashville) out for a spin and many of our reporters are going along for the ride. The fabulous Zac Brown Band seem to be hotter than ever. They display the goods in “Homegrown” (Republic Nashville). Reba is back at the format and it’s always great to have her on the charts. Her new track entitled “Going Out Like That” (Nash Icon/Valory Music /Universal) is fSTast becoming a real favorite according to our music and program directors and the phones have started ringing again.

 It’s so great to see The Voice winner Craig Wayne Boyd make some big moves this early on. Blake Shelton did him right especially delivering him the song “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” (Dot). The entire team is thrilled with the response and it appears that this new artist in the right hands. From that same label comes another one from Maddie & Tae.  “Fly” (Dot/Big Machine/Republic Nashville) is the track that we’re talking about and this is another very clever and cute song from this dynamic duo. It appears that they’re both broken through the one hit wonder saga and are on their way to having another hit.  

Bobby Wills appears to be getting a lot of love at the format. It’s all thanks to the single “Never Didn’t Love You” (Willing Nashville) that many of you are into. Also getting some very impressive and early action is Mickey Guyton. The single “Better Than You Left Me”  (Ind) is fast becoming a real favorite here at New Music Weekly. Eileen Carey is back and that’s always a real good thing. Her new “Sweet Love” (RolleyCstr Music) is picking up steam and for good reason – it’s a great tune.  Macy Martin continues to win raves and support for the single “Back To Reality” (Go Time).  

Florida Georgia Line are moving towards the top of everybody’s list with “Sun Daze” (Republic Nashville). Newcomer Kelsea Ballerini is killing it with “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Black River). “Just Gettin’ Started” (Broken Bow/Sony) …Jason Aldean is another winner. Dustin Lynch is rocking Country strong with “Hell Of A Night” (Broken Bow) & New Music Weekly Award nominee Ariana Hodes continues to build her good fortunes as her red hot “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me”  from the  Ocala Records/Big Round Music Group continues to move up to higher ground.

 John Prine has a new single at Country that is gaining some traction. “Footprints In The Snow” (Dualtone) is the one that has some rather good potential. We’re also loving the new  Dennis Ledbetter single and it appears that his new “She Ain’t Blind And You Ain’t Braille” (Mallory) is on its way to higher ground.  Jorma Kaukonen is pulling in some action and it’s for a good cause. “Ain’t In No Hurry” (Red House) is the single that is taking off fast and furious.

 As you know this is our Nomination issue and many great artists, stations, programmers and industry pros are being singled out. I’d like to send a special shout out to the MTS Management Group who helped to get Hicks nominated for Best New Country Group & their Whiskey and Cigarettes, nominated as Favorite Internet Radio Station. Our congratulations goes out to all of the nominees for this year’s New Music Weekly Awards!