Who would have thought "American Idol"'s mink would be a hit maker on country radio? Not Simon Cowell. Kellie Pickler has two Top 20 singles under her belt now, but she has not made it to the coveted Top 10. She tries again with "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind", a cute little ditty about the little things girls worry about. No need to quote the song, I'm sure most of you can imagine what guy's don't think about ("Red High Heels" for one). The song will be a country dance club hit, with a kickin' guitar riff and a up-tempo beat. The vocal take reminds me of something Lorrie Morgan or Deanna Carter would have recorded in the early 90s, not necessarily a bad thing. Kellie is the doll for young girls, and this song is for them.. cheers!

*** out of *****

'The only thing you've ever known is how to run/So you keep on runnin' into the sun.' Everybody does need somebody, and that's what this song is just about. Keith Urban chooses a mid-tempo number for the fourth single, and the song shows why Keith Urban is the major force he is. The song builds from the first note, with levels of guitar riffs (an Urban staple), a brisk-paced drum snare piece, and a string section with keys. But what really impresses me about this particular track is Keith's vocal take. He shows his chops off; the man does have a range that includes a beautiful, but simple, falsetto. The man can play, write, sing, and produce. He has yet to hit #1 with this album, and while this tune may not give him that, it's a nice ballad for guys to remind their girls to let down the walls and be loved. You can't live life alone, after all.

**** out of *****

With the third single from It Just Comes Natural, Mr. Strait will go for his 76th Top 10 Billboard hit and 43rd #1 hit. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" is just what you'd expect from Strait: clean-cut country. There's nothing extraordinary about the song, and somehow, that's what makes it good. The King sings, 'How 'bout them cowgirls/boys, ain't they something?' According to him, nothing America can offer compares to the beauty of women. Age hasn't effected Strait's voice in the least bit, and his musical stylings still hark back to a day when men and women wouldn't touch while dancing. The track isn't the strongest on the latest album, but chances are the debut single from George's new album (due in 2008) will be Top 10 single #78.

*** out of *****

After the smash album of Some Hearts, expectations are running higher than the clouds for Carrie's second album. It is, then, to be expected that some will be disappointed with "So Small". But just some. Carrie couldn't have delivered a better song for her debut song. If you had any reservations about this girl's vocal range, question no longer. The woman belts this one out! My only complaint is the song resembles a pop ballad that has strayed into Nashville. But somehow Ms. Underwood makes me forget that. This one was just smashed over the fence. In just three days of airplay, already almost 6 million people have heard it. Way to go, Carrie!

***** out of *****

Jason Aldean is solidifying his spot among the ranks of males in country music. The man is a wonderful performer, no doubt, and has been delivering hit single after hit single. He doesn't miss with this one either. A nostalgic song, "Laugh Until We Cried" will hit home with listeners. The song mentions Grandpa telling stories, drinking with friends, and living life to its fullest. And it helps that the song doesn't try to rock. The rhythm reminds me of Kenny Chesney's "Good Stuff". I predict another big hit for Mr. Aldean.

**** out of *****

What happened to the old Trace? This song is simply "Swing" meets "Ladies Love Country Boys" with a touch of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk". Mind you, I really enjoyed two of those three singles, but "Arlington" was a much better choice than either of the singles from Dangerous Man. The only positive note I can mention is the song is uptempo; it'll get your foot stomping. But this song most definitely will not have me running out to buy the album or single. Radio will probably eat this up, however..

** out of ****