Sep

2011

Open Mic with Mike Thomas: Top 10 Underrated Artists of the 2000′s

It’s Thursday and that means it’s time for another “Open Mic with Mike Thomas.” This week, Mike discusses who he thinks are the most underrated artists in country music…

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in my office here at the radio station talking with CountryMusicIsLove about what else? Country music! When the word “underrated” came out when a particular artist was mentioned, I said “He’s fourth on my list of the most underrated artists of this decade.” CMIL challenged me to compile my definitive list of ten underrated artists of the 2000′s. Here are my criteria: airplay, fan review, exposure, and industry recognition.

#10… Phil Vassar - When I first played “Carlene” in the final months of 1999, like most country fans, I was completely hooked on Phil’s sound. I coined Phil ‘country’s Bruce Hornsby, minus the range.’ Like many new fans, I was shocked to learn that Phil was a songwriter in Nashville before getting his chance to make records. If you ever see Phil’s live show, be prepared to hear him sing “My Next Thirty Years.” It’s always interesting to hear a songwriter perform “their” song even though another artist made it a hit – you get a completely different feel of the song. From his “yummy” arms (that’s what my wife calls them) to his stint as a judge on “Nashville Star,” Phil continues to showcase his talents and personality with live shows packed with enough music to fill TWO greatest hits albums. Here’s what puts Phil at #10 on my list: we haven’t heard any new material from him since the failed release of “Bobby withan I” (his funny, cross-dressing, Bubba song) on the radio, and it’s not likely that we will any time soon now that he’s signed with a new, smaller label. Phil is that rare combination of a songwriter who can sing his own material and make it just as big of a hit as a top-tier artist can.

#9… David Nail - Does anyone remember David being one of the “new faces” of country music in 2002? Me neither. And that’s been David’s problem: trying to find a place in an over-crowded pool of young male talent. Watching David’s career the last few years has been like watching the sun try to break through the clouds after the rain. He’s had three releases that have all impacted the charts, one of those songs was co-written by Kenny Chesney, he’s opened for Jason Aldean, and yet this year he’s only received a GRAMMY award nomination for his song “Turning Home.” In a previous column (Why I Can’t Love Today’s Country Music), I sited David as an example of what’s wrong with Music Row right now: record companies lack the patience to develop and market talent. David Nail is a fan favorite in that, as fans, we won’t allow his career to go un-noticed as we promote his music.

#8… Craig Morgan - Almost nine years ago, I visited with Craig on his tour bus before he stepped out on the stage at a county fair. His song “Almost Home” had just broken through the Top 10 at radio, impressive considering that he did it as an independent label artist. In my book, next to Toby Keith, Craig is the most successful small label artist of the decade – yet none of his early success translated to award nominations, another problem for indie label artists.

#7… Billy Currington - I remember being extremely jealous of Billy after his duet performance with Shania Twain on “Party for Two.” Watching Billy swing next to her on the CMA Awards show that year is a highlight I’ll never forget. I’ve always felt that the problem facing Billy is that there already is a curly-haired, good looking hunk in country music: Dierks Bentley. Anyone who has gotten a chance to speak with Billy will tell you that he’s more than a sex symbol, there’s an artist mixed with one hell of a performer in that guy. I always wonder why Billy’s name isn’t mentioned in the conversations about up-and-coming artists. Billy has consistently delivered a solid hit single every year, lately he’s been getting nominations for song or video of the year, but there’s much more to this guy than just another pretty face.

#6… Gary Allan - Technically Gary isn’t a 2000′s artist; he’s a wildcard from the late 90s. When I pushed play on his first single, “Her Man,” in 1996, I knew country music had something special. His success started after the mid-90s boom at a time when the format was looking for artists with staying power on the charts. You can’t deny the fact that Gary’s voice, seasoned in smoky honky-tonks since the age of fifteen, captures your attention. The one song that never got airplay but defines Gary’s career, in my opinion, is “What Would Willie Do?” While part tribute, it’s also part history lesson on the life of Willie Nelson,whose contributions to ountry music, like Gary’s, were often overshadowed by more mainstream artists during his time.

#5… Justin Moore - You’d think that any artist with THREE top ten hits in two years would be an instant winner of the top awards in country music. Meet Justin Moore. Looking at the CMA “New Artist” category, I was shocked that Justin’s name wasn’t included in the mix with Chris Young, Eric Church, and Luke Bryan. How does this happen? Vocally, Justin Moore reminds me a lot of Tracy Lawrence. It took two top-albums for a young Tracy Lawrence to win the Top New Male Vocalist award on the ACMs. Hopefully history will repeat itself and 2011 will be Justin’s coming out party.

#4… Eric Church - There are certain artists who you see perform early in their career and you wonder ‘will this guy make it?’ I was thinking that while Eric was doing a sound check at the world famous Bottle ‘N Cork in Dewey Beach, Delaware. His big hit at the time was “Two Pink Lines” and I really liked the gritty, raw sound his music had. Fast forward a few years and I’m watching him open for Toby Keith last week on the “Locked and Loaded” tour. While Eric was getting airplay before Luke Bryan and Chris Young, he’s unfortunately been grouped in the “New Artist” category for far too long. What Eric needs at this point in his career is one of two things: 1) a big moment (like Kenny Chesney’s infamous Buffalo-horse-stealing-incident with Tim McGraw) or 2) a smash hit (like Tim’s “Something Like That”) that propels him from being a “C” level act to a certified “B” level artist.

#3… Rodney Atkins - On paper, Rodney has laid out his career perfectly. A quiet first album release that had a top five hit. A few years later he’s back with a pair of monster hits, “If You’re Going Through Hell” and “Watching You,” that propel him from the new artist category to the “B” level act. The problem for Rodney now is that he’s hanging out in the shadows of the “A” level artists. He should be competing with Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban for Male Vocalist of the Year this year instead of being conspicuously left out of the contest. The funny thing about history is that it tends to repeat itself. Early in Tim McGraw’s career he was fortunate to be a part of the George Strait Country Music Festival which gave young acts the chance to tour on a BIG ticket. Rodney’s tour with Darius Rucker is great for fans, but it isn’t close to giving that much needed exposure that a mega-tour, like the Strait Festival, would provide.

#2… Dierks Bentley - It’s hard to believe that Dierks released his first album in 2003 and is now up to SEVEN albums. He’s toured with Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney, headlined his own tour, and for a couple years, was a perennial nominee in the Male Vocalist category. To be this high on my list there has to be a reason for using the term “underrated” and here’s how it applies to Dierks: two platinum albums, a greatest hits package, and a bluegrass project all before the age of 35 – yet, Dierks will be sitting in the crowd at the CMA’s this November watching Kenny, Brad, Keith, Blake Shelton, or Jason Aldean take home the trophies. Here’s a guy who was so hot at country radio that women debated if he was better with the long, curly hair or the buzz cut when he shaved his head for his “Long Trip Alone” video. This guy has a deep songwriting range, he’s an amazingly talented musician, and really is one of the coolest guys to hang out with backstage. I think his bluegrass project is what caused him to be out of the CMA conversation this fall and I look for Dierks to be back in the game this spring.

#1… Jason Aldean - The first time I met Jason I didn’t know what to think of him. Here’s this country singer wearing boots, Wranglers, a cowboy hat, and an earring in each ear. Although his music is just as loud as his get-up, when you sit down and talk to him, you’ll be surprised to learn how country this guy is. Personally, I appreciate that he’s incorporated the musical influences from his youth – classic country, rap, and rock – into his own sound. And so have his fans. Where Craig Morgan blazed the path of an indie label artist to get played on the radio, Jason has picked up the flag and ran with it. He’s quickly grown from a new artist to one of the shining new stars of our format. His resume backs it up: Platinum album, #1 hit songs, he’s even starting to sell out big events as a headliner. I will be completely disappointed with the CMA voters this fall if Jason doesn’t win the male vocalist award on November 9th.

We want to hear from YOU… do you agree with Mike’s picks? Who do you think are the most underrated artists of the last decade?

Mike Thomas is a country radio personality and has been entertaining listeners since his sophomore year of high school when his Mom had to drop him off at the radio station. Now he’s a successful morning show host and has met many of country’s biggest stars during his almost twenty years of broadcasting. He lives in upstate New York, enjoys football more than you can possibly imagine, and is currently rolling a 5-for-5 record against his wife for picking great movies to watch on the weekend.

Be sure to check back to CountryMusicIsLove each week for a new “Open Mic with Mike Thomas” column!

The opinions expressed are those of the author only. They do not necessarily represent the views of CountryMusicIsLove.

23 Comments »

Flora says

Not a single lady mentioned :( That’s really sad but symbolic of how country radio favors guys.

I’d choose Emily West and Ashley Monroe on my list. Little Big Town would be up there on my list too.

September 15th, 2011

Dylan M says

I feel that we have way more females that need some recognition. Kellie Pickler was a finalist on American Idol and has earned a spot on the country music charts. Her voice is pure and she has the perfect attitude. She is a great role model and really doesn’t get the airplay she deserves. Emily West is an amazing singer who also needs more airplay. She hasn’t released an album yet but the single she has need to be played. Women in the country music business don’t seem to get the respect that the male’s do. If I was on a radio I would play an equal amount. I also think that Shania Twain’s new song Today is Your Day is not played at all and it should be. That is the best song of her career. I also love the duo Bomshel! They are amazing and you never hear about them! Whitney Duncan who is now on Survivor isn’t played enough. Again I say women need to get played more and get more nominees for award shows.

September 15th, 2011

Pat says

Pretty great list, I would say….Jason Aldean, #1…he really needs to win some awards…very underrated, politics I beleive….Think Dieks and Rodney will continue to struggle… Eric Church has arrived, being noticed, if he can hold on..Justin Moore/David Nail too new yet…Gary Allan is an oldie, doesnt get noticed much….poor Billy, hes had lots of ups and downs, but he certainly is “in” with some of the biggest names in songwriting…Craig Morgan is stuck in a time warp!! Beleive the time has passed for Phil!

September 15th, 2011

Melanie says

I agree with his picks and I think the great artist are over looked because of fan favorites and not due to music.Just sayin..

September 15th, 2011

Ashley says

Well, i say this every day but Keith Urban is actually very underrated. Here is someone who has been consistantly been nominated for Entertainer of the Year for nearly a decade and he’s only one ONE time, and that was 6 years ago. If you’ve ever seen him live, you will know what i am talking about. That man puts on the best show in country music, he puts his heart and soul into every note he songs (and plays!) and he connects with the fans like no other! I hear so many people leaving his shows saying that they do not understand how this man doesn’t get the credit he deserves, and it is very true!! Not to mention, his overall contribution to country music, and he’s still not a member of the Opry! Some of this stuff just amazes me! What more does one have to do?

September 15th, 2011

Kalyn Jacobs says

Decent list though there are a lot missing like:

Little Big Town, Brantley Gilbert, Jake Owen, Chuck Wicks, Jason Michael Carroll, Ashleay Gearing, Eric Durrance, Lee Brice, LoCash Cowboys, Mallary Hope, Sarah Darling, Walker Hayes, Bomshel

September 15th, 2011

Joy says

I have never understood why Gary Allan fails to get airplay. He would be at the very top of my most underrated artists

September 15th, 2011

lorendasue says

My observation on the lack of women on this list is this: There has been a definite shift in the way artists rotate in and out of the top spots. There was a time when it was almost a given that getting nominations for awards would last about five years. Now, we have three or four male artists who have stayed in the nominee position for ten, fifteen, twenty years. Without those men moving on to a occasionally-nominated, or no-longer-nominated status, there’s no room for new guys. I heard someone say that Billy Currington had several #1 singles in a row – I think it was six. Six. In. A. Row. And he can’t get a male vocalist nomination? With the smaller numbers of women in the field, you can introduce a new name in the mix and not really be missing anyone. But when an artist is nominated for a CMA award that I have NEVER heard of (The Civil Wars in Duo), there’s obviously more politics than merit being considered.

September 15th, 2011

Ryan Roberts says

couple of names i’d add are Chris Cagle and even Montgomery Gentry . Both are making comebacks to radio right now.

September 15th, 2011

Brad says

Do not think Craig Morgan or Rodney belong. Rodney Atkins for Male Vocalist?? Sorry, his voice is nowhere near that good. And Craig Morgan just likes to yell and sing songs about nonsense, like bonfires. Justin Moore needs to get over his “Im A Redneck” phase before he can be seriously considered for any industry awards. But he has that great Hank Jr. feeling. I would say Randy House is the MOST underrated guy in Nashville. Last years album They Call Me Cadillac should have been nominated for a Grammy. And what about Jamey Johnson? The most TALENTED guy in Nashville. Yeah he didn’t breakthrough until 2008, but he was writing songs way before that. I would add Dale Watson to that list too, along with Lee Ann Womack, Joe Nichols (did anyone listen to his Real Things albums in 2007??) and Sara Evans. Hey what can I say, I am a traditionalist

September 15th, 2011

Jackie says

I think he pretty much nailed it! Those artists are definitely on my list of favorites & I think they deserve more recognition.

September 15th, 2011

Granna says

I agree with Brad… Rodney Atkins sang on an award show once and it was horrible and he hasn’t been asked back again. Craig Morgan does scream every song he sings. I also agree with his comment about Justin Moore. His songs are ok, but his redneck voice turns me off. I agree too with Ashley concerning Keith Urban. Politics have kept him and so many others from getting a lot of credit. Some can’t stop praising Chesney and Paisley long enough to see anybody else. Not everything they do is that great.

September 15th, 2011

Haley says

Randy Houser is at the top of my list! He is one of the most genuine guys that I have ever met and puts on an amazing show. In my opinion he’s the most underated. The man is a true talent and solid in his performances. Everyone should really take the time to look up his performance of “In God’s Time,” from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Simply Amazing.

September 15th, 2011

harriett says

agree with the gary allen and david nail picks. and could not agree more with the dierks bentley pick. the bluegrass project was, imo, the best album produced last year and possibly the most “country.” got tons of moninations, but should have gotten a grammy. he is also incredible live. draw me a map was a beautiful song that went nowhere, while remind me(a watered-down and lyrically dumbed-down version of that song) has done well. obviously, tastes are certainly different, but i do think some artists can put anything out and have it do well while others have to really work at it.

September 15th, 2011

janet says

i still stand by Tracy Lawrence

September 15th, 2011

Ronna says

Could NOT agree more with Dierks Bentley–although he should be #1 on this list. It kills me that Jason Aldean is actually getting all this recognition and he doesn’t even write many of his songs. Dierks–on the other hand–is a stellar writer–and that voice gets me every time. I agree–Up On The Ridge was THE best album and should have won every award last year–it was #1 on the bluegrass charts for 20+ consecutive weeks! 8 number ones…THE best live show–full of energy and fan connection…I could go on and on. Now how do we get the CMA, ACM and Grammy’s to agree with us?

September 15th, 2011

Betty says

Gary Allan would be the #1 on my list. He deserves so much more than he’s gotten!!Not sure I agree with Jason, only because I think this will be his year! I also agree with Billy and Dierks. Some of the others may still get noticed yet!

September 15th, 2011

Mary Katherine says

Gary Allan has been #1 on my underrated artists for a decade, and sadly it doesn’t look like that is going to change any time soon now that some stations are deciding he’s been around ‘too long’ to play his music anymore in favor of new ‘artists’ with mindless cliche-ridden “feel good” fluff. I have far more respect for the artists who bring their life experiences into their music and tell it honestly, good and bad, instead of just always trying to get the maximum play and money by making as many people happy as insanely possible.
I also agree with including Dierks Bentley and Eric Church (maybe his stunning #1 album debut with minimal advertising will be his breakthrough event to get people to pay more attention to him). Randy Houser is growing as a talent too. I think Jerrod Neiman is another artistis that the political powers of Music Row rather be ignored but has too much potential to be dismissed so readily.
Rodney, Phil, Craig, and Justin Moore would not be on my list at this time, but I’m not sure who else I would put in their place. Two years ago I’d agree with Jason Aldean being on this list–although he is not a favorite of mine–but by 2010 and 2011, his star power skyrocketed and I don’t consider him to be so underrated now.
A name I did not see in this piece or the comments that surprised me by his absense is Trace Adkins–although his last couple albums have declined in quality somewhat, and he needs some creative recharging (and to get as far as away from klitshy junk like those new Country Music Awards that are more circus than serious).
Thanks for provoking thoughts and discussion with a good piece!

September 16th, 2011

Your Name says

The two best female voices in Nashville are always overlooked – Julie Roberts and Emily West. Julie Roberts’ new album is outstanding! As for other artists on my underrated list:
Ray Scott
Randy Houser
Jeff Bates
Ashton Shepherd
Jamey Johnson
Heidi Newfield
Sunny Sweeney

I agree with the writer that David Nail is underrated.

September 16th, 2011

Dawn says

I agree with Ronna. Dierks is number one on my list too!! He puts together great albums. Pushes the charts and never receives anything for his hard work, except from his fans.

September 16th, 2011

Adam K says

I agree with everybody except Jason Aldean. Honestly I’d like to see some of the real country artists up there like Moore, Houser, Gilbert, Church. Some real singers AND songwriters deserve more credit at award shows not just some pretty boy Pop singers playin’ other people’s songs just to make money. I’d like to see more original talent! Some good ol’ boys!

September 16th, 2011

Abbi says

Can’t understand why Jake Owen hasn’t been recognized. He was voted by the fans for new artist for the ACMs. His new album rocks. Hope next year will be his year!!!

September 17th, 2011

Sandra says

I totally agree with the #2 pick – Dierks Bentley. He is the best. He has so many talents and he does so much for charity. He’s great to his fans too. He always has time for them wherever he is.

September 18th, 2011

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