The Album Collection

In April of 2008, a new country group by the name of Lady Antebellum made their country music introduction with their self-titled debut album. With both Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott sharing lead vocals, the group brought in a fresh new sound that captivated country fans. With singles like "Love Don't Live Here", "Lookin' For a Good Time", and "I Run To You", the group quickly became one of the hottest acts in country music.

On this week's episode, we tackled a recent music video by Brothers Osborne. Released in 2018, "I Don't Remember Me (Before You)" didn't have commercial success at radio, but the duo flexed their creative muscles with an engaging and captivating music video.

In the late 90s, country music was introduced to a new country singer from down under - Mr. Keith Urban. Urban made his debut in 1999 with his self-titled debut album. Urban's debut single "It's a Love Thing" peaked at #18 on the charts but it was the other singles on the album that really announced his entrance to country music. Songs like "Your Everything", "But for the Grace of God", and "Where the Blacktop Ends" all reached the Top 5 at country radio. Aaron and Emily discuss and debate whether or not the Keith Urban sound of this album holds up to his sound in 2020. Spoiler: There's not a consensus.

The music video for "You Save Me" is one of Kenny Chesney's more creative videos that stretched him outside of his comfort zone, by playing the lead actor. Emily and Aaron chat about the opening of this music video, making it more of a mini-movie as well as Kenny's acting chops and if he could've gone Hollywood.

Rascal Flatts released "Here Comes Goodbye" in 2009 and it became their 10th #1 song. While the song lyrics lead you to think the song is about a breakup, the music video goes in an entirely different direction. We talk about how this music video hits you right in the gut and how creative of an idea the concept for the video was.

It's one of the most iconic albums of all time, not just in country. Shania Twain's Come On Over album would become the 9th best selling album in U.S. history with over 17 million albums sold. Come On Over featured 16 songs, 11 of which charted Top 30 at radio including the crossover hits "From This Moment On" and "You're Still the One" and the karaoke and wedding favorite "Man I Feel Like a Woman." We chat about how large of an impact this album had on country music and what level of stardom Shania reached.

Tim McGraw's 8th studio album Live Like You Were Dying would go 4x Platinum while garnering 2 Grammy nominees. The title track "Live Like You Were Dying" would become one of Tim's signature songs of his career as it spent 7 weeks at #1 while winning both the ACM and CMA Awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year. But there's a lot more to the album as well. Four other songs were released all reaching Top 15, with "Back When" going to #1. Looking back, this album was crucial for Tim to bridge his success in the 90s to the mid 2000s and going forward.

Released in June of 2000, Travis Tritt's "Best of Intentions" would reach the top spot on the charts, becoming the last time he would have a #1 single. But let's get to the video. Always one to be creative with music video concepts, Travis Tritt once again stars in the lead role for the music video. We chat about the idea to place him as a prisoner, Tritt's ability to act, and read some "interesting" YouTube comments on the video.

Thomas Rhett is a bonafide super start in country music. With sell out tours, platinum albums, and award show hardware, it's wild to think he's only been in our lives for 7 years. In 2013, Rhett released his debut album It Goes Like This. While it featured three #1 singles with "It Goes Like This," "Get Me Some of That", and "Make Me Wanna", this album is quite different than what we're use to. This album has TR working with different producers and a more country-rock sound than one would expect. We discuss this, some of our hidden gems and songs we wish would stay hidden, and where this album ranks with the three others on this episode.

He's one of the greatest country artists of all time and on this week's episode, we breakdown Alan Jackson's 1995 "Tall, Tall Trees." The music video features Monica Potter, from Parenthood or Con Air, depending on your TV-watching preferences. The music video shows AJ's sly and often hidden humorous side of him. He saves the best for the end, with the clever way the video concludes.

It's one of the classic George Strait hits..."Check Yes or No." On this episode of Video Vault, Aaron and Emily chat about how much of a "feel good" music video this is and why it's George Strait through and through.

Dierks Bentley followed up his debut album with the successful sophomore album Modern Day Drifter in 2005. The album featured hits "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do" (#3), "Come a Little Closer" (#1), and "Settle for a Slowdown" (#1). While the album was successful from a singles and commercial standpoint, Aaron and Emily struggle with how to rate the rest of the album as they have a preference for his more recent music.

Lonestar's 3rd studio album Lonely Grill would become a career changer for the group. With songs like "Amazed" and "What About Now" was certified platinum 3x and launched the group into crossover appeal. With a new producer in Dann Huff, Lonestar ushered in a new sound which led to four #1 hits. Emily and Aaron talk about the great hidden gems that are found on this album even if they disagree on one of them.

In 1993, Reba McEntire and Vince Gill teamed up on a duet with "The Heart Won't Lie." The song would reach the top of radio charts, making it a #1 single for the both of them. The video features Reba as a Navy Officer Candidate and Vince as her Marine Corps Drill Instructor. As Aaron and Emily break down this music video they learn that one of them isn't a fan of the music video and finds it rather cringeworthy. Listen to see where that conversation goes.

In 2000, Phil Vassar released his 2nd single in "Just Another Day in Paradise." The song would become his first of two #1 songs. The feel good song is brought to life in the music video as Phil plays the dad of a family in a house where everything is going wrong. Aaron and Emily talk about how clever the concept of the video is, the early 2000s fashion and design, as well as Phil's natural acting abilities as the everyday dad.

One of the most successful albums of the last decade, Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party not only changed his career but it changed country music and ushered in a new sound. With songs like "My Kinda Party", "Don't You Wanna Stay", and "Dirt Road Anthem" Aldean went from being a rising star to a bonafide super star in country music. We talk about the top hits, hidden gems, and the talented group of songwriters on this project that included names like Thomas Rhett and Brantley Gilbert.

In 1993, a new female voice in country music burst on to the scene. Faith Hill released her debut album Take Me As I Am. The lead single "Wild One" spent 4 weeks at #1 on the charts and then she followed it up with another #1 in "Piece of My Heart." At the time dubbed by the media as the next Reba, we discuss if that's accurate or not. Aaron and Emily differ on how good this album is and where it stacks up all-time for Faith.

In 1996, Brooks & Dunn released "My Maria" and it became an iconic song for the duo. The music video on the other hand is one that not many people associate with the song. Why is that? We discuss why that is and if a more identifiable video would've made the hit even bigger.

With his sixth studio album, Kenny Chesney went to the next level and began to transition the sound of his music from more of the traditional sounding to the more modern country with coastal influences. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems featured his biggest hit up until this point with "The Good Stuff." Other top hits on this album include party jams "Young" and "Big Star" and the title track that became the soundtrack for many summers with "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems." Emily and Aaron chat about what this album did for his sound going forward, the fifth single that they shouldn't have released, and if this album even belongs on the medal stand amongst Kenny's best albums ever.

"Ol' Red" is one of Blake Shelton's most well-known singles and helped put him on the path to become the artist he is today. While George Jones and Kenny Rogers each recorded the song prior, Blake took the song and made a music video that resembles something you'd see on the big screen. If there was ever a music video for Shawshank Redemption, "Ol' Red" just might be it. We tackled the 2002 video from Mr. Blake Shelton.

It's the song that launched Sara Evans into stardom and the music video played just as big of a role in promoting the single and Sara Evans overall. The Wizard of Oz-themed music video won the CMA Award for Video of the Year in 2001 and still to this day is one of the more recognizable videos in country music.

As one of the biggest country singers of the 90s, John Michael Montgomery's sophomore album Kickin' It Up just might be his best. Or is it? We debate that and many other things this episode including which artist today would be best suited to cover one of his songs? Names like Michael Ray and Jon Pardi were suggested including another 90s country artist. The album featured his biggest hit to date with "I Swear." Top hits "Be My Baby Tonight" and "If You've Got Love" reached the #1 spot on the charts while another Montgomery staple "Rope the Moon" went all the way to #4.

In 2000, Rascal Flatts bursted on to the scene with a fresh new sound and their self-titled debut album. The album featured four Top-10 songs but the album features additional songs that we think could've been just as successful. We then debate where the album stacks up all-time amongst the other Rascal Flatts albums.

In 2001, Martina McBride released her single "Concrete Angel" as well as the accompanying music video. It's often referred to as one of the saddest songs of country music and the video is no different. We talk about the importance of this music video in country music.

In 2007 Luke Bryan released his debut album called "I'll Stay Me." It stands out from the albums he released following as it has more of a traditional country sound to it. Those that aren't Luke fans today, will enjoy his first album. We chat about whether they made the right choice with the singles to radio, which single didn't get enough credit, and other songs on the album that we love.

Toby Keith is one of the artists that we think has some of the best music videos. They're often humorous in nature, but always memorable. Toby goes back in time 20 years ago to that crush that didn't want anything to do with him. This video kicked off Toby creating some of the most memorable country music videos of the early 2000s.

In 1998, Jo Dee Messina released her sophomore album "I'm Alright" which would become her best selling album to date. Featuring three #1s ("I'm Alright", "Bye-Bye", "Stand Beside Me") a #2 remake with Lesson In Leavin', and another Top 10 hit with "Because You Love Me" this album was an absolute monster success. We chat about what this album meant to Messina's legacy and the one other song we badly want someone else to cut and release to radio.

Collin Raye stars in his own music video playing a police officer who is also a single dad. The contrast of the bad things he sees on the job with the innocence of being a parent to a young girl is what makes this video captivating. The music video would win an award at the 1996 ACM's for Music Video of the Year. On this episode we talk about Raye's acting chops as well as alternative ideas and endings we came up with for this video.

Toby Keith released his sophomore album "Boomtown" in the fall of 1994. Named after the area Keith grew up in living in Oklahoma, "Boomtown" is one of our favorite album titles. After a successful debut album that featured songs like "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "A Little Less Talk and A Lot More Action" Keith had to keep the momentum rolling. Four singles were released from this album including #1 hit "Who's That Man" and #2 hit "You Ain't Much Fun." While it's not one of his more iconic albums, there are some great deep cuts on this album that Aaron and Emily argue about. Most importantly, this album kept the momentum going.

In 1992, Reba McEntire released "Is There Life Out There." The song would reach #1 on the charts but is most remembered for the iconic music video that accompanied the song. Reba showed off her early acting chops that became a staple in many of her future videos and eventually led to her acting career. The most interesting part about this music video? It came close to never being seen by the masses. We share why that was in this episode.

In 2003, Brad Paisley released "I'm Gonna Miss Her" and as good as that song is, the music video made it even better. With cameos from Dan Patrick and Jerry Springer, this music video transports us back to the early 2000s. We go a little bonkers on this episode as Stephen A. Smith's name gets tossed around a bit during our discussion.

On this episode of The Album Collection we take a closer look at Eric Church's debut album "Sinners Like Me." While none of the four singles he released charted into the Top 10, the album set him up to become the Eric Church we know today. In one of the most impressive debut albums from any artist, Eric Church crafts a unique and compelling story with each song. Where does it stack up all time with his other albums? That's what we tackle.

On this episode of Video Vault, Aaron Wagner and Emily Wagner travel all the way back to 1991 for Travis Tritt's smash hit "Anymore." The powerful and dramatic video stars Tritt ,playing a wounded Vietnam veteran as he ponders what his future looks like with the love of his life, while dealing with his new fate from the war.

In the debut episode of Video Vault, Aaron Wagner and Emily Wagner go back to 2000 when the Dixie Chicks released the music video for "Ready to Run." In 2004, CMT would place the music video 26th on its Top 100 Music Videos of All Time list. The video has the trio ditching their grooms at their wedding and running all over town as they try to escape from their big day.

On this episode of The Album Collection, Aaron Wagner and Emily dive into Carrie Underwood's 5th studio album Storyteller. With four Top-2 singles ("Dirty Laundry", "Church Bells", "Heartbeat", "Smoke Break") this album was nominated for CMA Album of the Year, losing out to Eric Church's Mr. Misunderstood. Everything from the key songwriters to hidden gems are discussed as well as where the album stacks up with the other great albums Underwood has released.

On the debut episode of The Album Collection, Aaron Wagner and Emily nerd out on Sara Evans' 3rd studio album Born to Fly. With hit singles "Born to Fly", "I Could Not Ask For More", and "I Keep Looking", Evans was nominated for 5 CMA Awards for her work on the album. Everything from the key songwriters to hidden gems are discussed as well as where the album stacks up all time for Evans.

It's been awhile since we chatted on a podcast. We caught up on the new Old Dominion album, all the new songs from the biggest names in country, and previewed a busy month of November for new albums.

Danny McMahon has had himself a heck of a year. The artist has quickly become one of the faces of UK Country Music. He recently took home awards at the UK Country Awards for Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for "When I See You," and Artist of the Year. He's up for 3 more awards at the British Country Music Awards (BCMA's) which will take place on November 9th. Danny is in Nashville for a couple weeks and sat down with us to chat about the rollercoaster ride he's been on the last few years. We talk about the differences between UK Country Music and country music here in the states as well as the artists that influenced him to want to make country music for a living. Danny also takes us inside his songwriting process, specifically how important songwriting truly has become for him. This was a really fun one to record. Give it a listen but make sure you check out Danny's music and follow him on his socials to stay up to date with the latest happenings.

We're back!!! This week, we run through the list of the CMA Awards Nominees.

Instant reaction of the 2019 CMT Awards as well as chatting all things about Thomas Rhett's new album Center Point Road.

Our friend Kelsey joins us this week to chat about her experience at the Garth Brooks concert in the Twin Cities. Her and her sister originally had seats in the nosebleeds...but that's not where they ended up taking in the show. She tells the story that every country music fan would be jealous of.

We chat about the cool project Granger Smith is embarking on and how it might affect the country music industry. We share our thoughts on Brooks & Dunn's Reboot album, Reba's latest album, and just how great of a night the ACM Awards was earlier in the month.

It's ACMs weekend! We run through the list of nominees in each category, discuss the winners already announced, and predict which artists will have the biggest night.

On this week's podcast we are joined by our parents to talk about country music and a whole host of other things. Join us for laughs and candid responses to our questions about country music. Listen to hear their honest opinions on the likes of George Strait, Shania Twain, and especially Tim McGraw --- which they couldn't disagree more. This is a fun one.

JessLee appeared on Season 14 of The Voice as both Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton turned their chair for her. JessLee talks about her experience on the show and what she took away from it. While country is her roots and foundation of her music, she grabs aspects of punk, pop, and rock and infuses it in her music which she explains She shares what it's been like working with her awesome team on new music due out later this year. JessLee has such positive outlook on life and her career which you definitely get listening to her this episode. Take a listen but be sure to check her music out!

We recap our time at the Phil Vassar concert and how selfies and phones are ruining the overall concert experience. We rant and rave about new music from Smithfield, Thomas Rhett, and Dustin Lynch and then switch over to praise the new Maren Morris album GIRL. We wrap it up with new artists we are listening to and some throwback tracks, before Emily has Aaron narrow down his favorite Rascal Flatts song.

Emily is on her way Napa Valley, California to enjoy some wine and have fun for a long weekend. With that in mind, we thought it would be appropriate to chat about some of the country music artists that are from California such as Brett Young and Jon Pardi. Following that we go through the list of the recently announced ACM Award Nominees - the same award show that originated in California! As usual we share what music we can't get enough of at the moment, a throwback jam, and then finish with some trivia.

This episode we talk all things Devin Dawson and Jillian Jaqueline prior to their concert this weekend. Two of our favorite artists, both Devin and Jillian are truly unapologetic about their unique styles of country music. That's why we love them. We also talk about the new albums of 2019 from Randy Houser, Cody Johnson, and Cassadee Pope as well as a brief chat about the upcoming Grammys.

This episode we are joined by Taylor Acorn, an up and coming singer-songwriter who is one of our "Artists To Watch in 2019." She's definitely one we're betting on. Taylor recently made the move to Nashville and talks about what it has been like to be fully immersed in the Nashville environment. We talk about her writing style and how it continues to evolve with the new experiences in Nashville. She also shares which artists both in country and other genres shaped her into the artist she is today.

With our first episode of 2019 we preview the year in country music. We each share artists that you need to keep an eye on, the albums we're most looking forward to, and the songs from 2018 albums that will be hits this year.

Thanks to everyone who has listened to us this year since we started this podcast and site back in June. For the final episode of 2018 we hand out awards for favorite albums, songs, music videos, concerts we attended, as well as a few other fun ones.  In this episode:  Favorite concert we went to this year Biggest disappointment and what we want to leave behind in 2018 Favorite album of the year Favorite music video of the year Favorite new artist of the year Proud Parent Award (Artist we're especially proud of this year) Socialite Award (Favorite follows on social media) Favorite song of the year