Summary
Can't forget country Editor's note: Since we didn't have any country music fans on hand, we asked WJOD Program Director Ken Peiffer to pick his favorite country songs of the decade. 1. "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning," Alan Jackson (2001). This song came out about a month after the terrorist attacks. It said what everyone was thinking and feeling at the time. I believe it truly helped the country heal. 2. "Don't Blink," Kenny Chesney (2007) A very well written song talking about the different stages of a person's life and just how quickly time goes by. The older you are, the more you can relate personally to the lyrics. 3. "Our Song," Taylor Swift (2007) Who knew how big this teenage sensation was going to be? When this song was released, everyone from age 5 to 55 could be found singing along. It crossed several formats and truly put Swift on the map. 4. "Ticks," Brad Paisley (2007) Paisley is one of the funniest, most talented guys in the music business. This song is so cleverly written that you can practically picture the butterfly tattoo on the girl in the song ... and imagine yourself "checking' her for ticks. Saying the song title on the radio was kind of fun., too ... you just had to be sure to enunciate it clearly 5. "Who Says You Can't Go Home," Jennifer Nettles Of Sugarland (with Jon Bon Jovi) (2006) A true example of "rock" meets "country." Great combination of talent from both worlds. Nettles holds her own next to this rock legend. See country, Page 4D 6. "As Good As I Once Was," Toby Keith (2005) Now that I'm in my 40s, this song has become an anthem. It reminds us that our glory days might be behind us, but there's still a few good ones left. 7. "Watching You," Rodney Atkins (2006) Being a dad, this song about the relationship between a dad and his son really hit home. Kids really do learn by seeing what adults do -- both the good and the bad. Well written and well performed. 8. "If You're Reading This," Tim Mcgraw (2007) During the Academy of Country Music Awards 2007, McGraw performed the song live for the first time and included on stage family members who had lost loved ones in the line of duty. It is sung from the perspective of a soldier in the military who didn't make it home alive; gives you goosebumps. 9. "Jesus Take The Wheel," Carrie Underwood (2005) Another song that makes you think and reflect on who you are and how you live your life. This former American Idol winner showed why she won the competition. It was her first of 10 straight No. 1 songs. 10. "Good Time," Alan Jackson (2008) For me, this song stands out because, after several hit songs and successful albums, Alan sort of disappeared for a while. Then this sing-along, line-danceable song comes out and BOOM, Jackson is back! 11. "It Happens," Sugarland (2008) Cleverly written, this toe- tapper brings a smile to your face after just one listen. Lead singer Jennifer Nettles sounds like she's having a ball singing about the little issues in life. Don't tell anyone, SHHHH ... it happens! 12. "Big Green Tractor," Jason Aldean (2009) My Dad worked at the John Deere Company in Dubuque for nearly 30 years and this song reminds me of him. It's a simple song that reminds us that the simple things in life are the best, picnics, friends and a John Deere tractor. 13. "What Was I Thinkin'", Dierks Bentley (2003) This song is for every guy who ever did something stupid, crazy or even illegal just to impress a girl. Not sure if any of the crazy stuff we did actually worked, but this song sums it up. Might have led to an increase in sales of "little white tank tops." 14. "All Summer Long," Kid Rock (2007) Not since the crossover success of Bobby McFarren's "Don't Worry Be Happy," has a song transcended all formats -- country, pop, rock and adult contemporary -- all at the same time. 15. "Only In America," Brooks & Dunn (2001) Country music has always been about being patriotic and Brooks and Dunn hit the nail on the head with this one. It was released shortly after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, which only helped to solidify this song's place in history. 16. "My Town," Montgomery Gentry (2002) This was not the first release from this country super duo, but it was by far one of the biggest. It came out the same year Gentry played the Dubuque County Fair. It proved to be the biggest country concert of the decade for the fairgrounds. 17. "Beer For My Horses," Toby Keith & Willie Nelson (2004) Two super talents, an incredible song that brings the Wild West into the 21st century. It was such a big hit, it spawned a movie. It also was released jsut before a sold- out Willie Nelson conert at Five Flags -- the first country concert to sell out there since the early 1990s. 18. "My Front Porch Looking In," Lonestar (2003) When most people count their blessings they look to their cars, boats, land and more. This song reminded us that the things to be truly thankful for are not things you buy, but thing you can't put a price on -- yur family. 19. "Redneck Woman," Gretchen Wilson (2004) What I liked most about this song is it doesn't apologize for being a "redneck." In fact, this song embraced it. Having coming from a small town in Illinois, Gretchen was very believable in singing about saying "Hey Ya'll" and "Yee Haw" and leaving her Christmas lights up all year. 20. "Babygirl," Sugarland (2004) Had to include this song in my top 20. I met Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland shortly after this song come out. She was fun to talk to, and her Southern drawl just sort of drew you into whatever she was saying. Many times a song doesn't live of the pre-release "hype," but this one did. Honorable mentions: "Redneck Yacht Club," Craig Morgan (2005); "Mr. Mom," Lonestar (2004); "One More Day With You," Diamond Rio (2001); "Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy," Big & Rich (2004).
Anyone's Top 40 songs of a decade will be very subjective. Even high-paid music critics, though they might not admit it, like certain types of songs better than others.See the full content of this document
Extract
We Loved Songs of All Kinds
I believe music in the 1960s and 1970s was better and more fun to listen to than that in the '80s and '90s. But I must admit, the 2000s have provided some fantastic songs and groups.
And, I'm proud to say that music lovers of almost all ages and styles will find something in this list to ...See the full content of this document
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