Top 5 Damn Country Songs Of 2011

2011 was a banner year for country music, as tours sold out all over the nation, and America-centric music got a big boost from the death of bin Laden and the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  People wanted to hear the good ol' boys sing about their lives, farms, and, of course, drinkin'.  Girls swooned over pretty country love songs.  Basically, as more and more people moved into cities and urban areas, more and more people wanted to pretend they lived in the country, and the best way to do it was to listen to country music.  So, what were the highlights from this big-time year for country?  Let's take a look.

5. Brad Paisley feat. Alabama- "Old Alabama":

This is basically the 2011 country version of "Sweet Home Alabama."  Less politically charged, though.  The video is great- who knew Jeff Gordon was a Brad Paisley fan!  Actually, in the NASCAR part of the country, everyone probably knows that.  But I sure didn't.

4. The Band Perry- "All Your Life":

This is a pretty girly song, I guess.  But the key word there is pretty, not girly.  For that reason, it makes the list at number 4.  The lead singer (Wikipedia tells me it's Kimberly Perry) has a truly fantastic voice; she does things vocally that are rather difficult to do and still sound good.  So, maybe I'm giving them this spot out of respect for their technical chops.  Not cause I like pretty, girly songs.  No way.

3. Toby Keith- "Made In America":

This should join the pantheon of "America" songs, like "Proud To Be An American," "Courtesy Of The Red, White, and Blue," or "American Soldier."  Wait, those last two were also Toby Keith.  Guess he's kinda got the market cornered already.  And get this- apparently Toby Keith is actually a Democrat (albeit one who occasionally donates to people like Rick Perry)?  Well, if this is true, then consider him the type of Democrat I aspire to be- one who isn't afraid to wave a flag, and fire hatred at enemies who wholeheartedly deserve it.  Anyway, this video is pure Americana, so enjoy it!

2. Blake Shelton- "Honey Bee":

Girls love Blake Shelton.  Too bad he's taken.  But hey, if you'll be his soft and sweet, maybe, just maybe, he'll ditch Miranda and be your strong and steady.  Or better yet, if you'll be his Little Loretta, he'll be your Conway Twitty.

1. Eli Young Band- "Crazy Girl":

If you read my Best of 2011- Billboard Edition, this should come as no surprise.  But yes, "Crazy Girl" was the best country song of 2011.  Again, let's just chalk it up to, uh, impressive vocals from a clearly talented lead singer.  Cool?  Cool!