Tim McGraw made a smart move taking his wife Faith Hill out for dinner and a duet. Together they make beautiful music as “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” (Big Machine/Universal) pulls in stellar numbers. Watch this gem move the #1 in record time. Brad Paisley has another gem on his hands. The master guitar player/vocalist is taking his new “River Bank” (Arista Nashville) out for a spin and the results are amazing. Blake Shelton could take a lesson from Tim McGraw about taking your wife in for a duet. Instead Blake teams up with Gwen Sebastian for “My Eyes” (Warner Music Nashville). She does a decent job when you can actually hear her in the mix. This single should also find a place at #1 any time now. Josh Thompson is off and running and radio is loving his action big time. “Wanted Me Gone” (Show Dog/Universal) is the tale that many of our music and program directors just can’t seem to get enough of. Dustin Lynch is fast becoming a real favorite here at NMW. The single “Where It’s At” (Ind) is all that good and more. Those Brothers Osborne are at it again and the results are magical. “Rum” (EMI) is the tasty cocktail they are out and about with and it’s getting some great reaction from our panel. Chase Rice is also getting raves for his latest release. “Ready Set Roll” (Columbia Nashville) is being added to Country playlists from coast to coast and we are tracking his action which at this point is extremely impressive. Kacey Musgraves is becoming one of our favorite Country gals. Not only has she penned hits for others, she keeps one for herself in “Keep It To Yourself” (Mercury Nashville) and that suits us all just fine. Easton Corbin keep pulling in the votes and calls for his latest and greatest. “Clockwork” (Mercury Nashville) is the one that’s keeping him at the top of the pack. Clinton Gregory has teamed up with Collin Raye to make some music history. “Some Real Good People” (Melody Roundup) is so good that you’ll have to throw some extra spins in for this hot track just because we said so. Cole Swindell is also making some of the bet music out there these days. His new “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” (Warner Music Nashville) is pulling past many others and watch it blast to the top very soon. Chris Young has got it all going and he keeps building his castle. “Who I Am With You” (RCA Nashville) is another one to add to his already strong list of hits. Our good pal Lee Brice seems to be on a good patch that keeps getting stronger. “I Don’t Dance” (Curb) is his latest and greatest and many of you out there in Country music land know just what I’m talking about. The Band Perry keep the heat on just about everybody as their brilliant and strong “Chainsaw” (Republic Nashville) takes bigger and bolder moves. This is our special Independent Music Issue so let the spotlight shine on some of those artists. Natalie Stovall is getting a strong buzz at Country radio. It’s all thanks to her “Baby Come On With It” single that is pretty strong. Michelle Cupit is basking in the spotlight. She can credit her “She’s A Trainwreck” (Cupit) for all of the recent activity. There should be smooth sailing ahead for this strong recording artist. Marianne Allison is rocking strong with a new track. “Til It Breaks My Heart” lets us know that the indie movement is alive and well. Juanita Rose is also getting a strong buzz with a masterful little song called “The King Of Country Music” (Sims). Ocala and Big Round Music bring us Ariana Hodes and radio is set for a thrill. “Brand New Key” is her release and with the brilliant Mike Borchetta running the program you know that big things are set to happen. I’ll have more on the best of Country music next time right here.