"The best country artist in the last decade"

[johnnyger]

What would your pick be? I'll go with Dale Watson. His music was probably my favorite of the 90's, and I think that he best represents the kind of music I grew up on. I hope his new CD is as good as hist first four (the three Hightones and the Truckin' sessions), because they were among my favorite CD's of the decade (and of all-time).

[bayoubum]

I also have to go with Dale, no contest here...the voice, the presence and the SONGS, it's all there - plus he's a pretty hot picker, too...however, I sure wouldn't mind a straight honky tonk album for a change It's been a four years since last played here in Finland - he'll tour in Europe next August so there's a slight chance he'll make it here again ..

[Busgaljan]

Not much argument here.
Although the early BR549 stuff holds up well.

[tcb]

Well I wasn't a convert to Dale's music til 2000 -- but if I look back over the 1990's in terms of consistent quality output he'd be on my list....Looking back on the 90's it sure makes it obvious how many artists became very inconsistent trying to keep up with the times.....

[swizzle-stick]

Jack Ingram sounds like the freshest and most complete artist to come along within the last ten years. I've only recently discovered his music and I am already fascinated with his songwriting. It's honest, assuming, confrontational, edgy, and very contemporary. I like how Jack is so confident and literate with expressing his ideas/beliefs. His songs are like sweeping comments of American society based on his very real experiences. For example, the song "Hey You" is a playful, personal plea in the first 2 minutes, then in the last verse he goes 3rd person with "Everybody wants to be heard/Everybody's gotta know why/Everybody's gotta have the last word/and it's always gotta be good bye". He makes his sentiments clear without getting too wordy or self-righteous. Anyway, I'm rambling here, so yeah, I think Jack is my pick for artist of the last decade!

[hardcountry]

dale's my pick. i've known he was the real deal since the first time i heard him on dave nemo's "road gang" radio show, and seeing him in concert and meeting him afterwards only confirmed that. i just wonder, how is it that the best country artist from the last decade has never been heard by probably more than 99 percent of country fans? nobody with that much talent and personality deserves to be an unknown. maybe one day when the industry rights itself dale will be a superstar, but for now i'll just keep listening to his music and spread the word to as many folks as i can.

[eraylsteel]

Now that is interesting that all of you agree on Dale Watson.
My imediate thought when I read that question went to
Alan Jackson.

[WallabyTed]

eraylsteel said:

My imediate thought when I read that question went to Alan Jackson.

So did mine and it still is.

[johnnyger]

I really like Alan, and he is probably the best of the last decade of the artists who are having chart success. He still plays it a little too safe for me, and lately he's doing a little too much of the "redneck, simple guy" kind of stuff for my tastes (and Jimmy Buffett?!). Overall, he is a good all-around artist, and he does have musical integrety, which is hard to find these days.

[mike]

hi y'all... i like allan and dale. perhaps they'll do a duet ,someday. who knows? but the last decade is full of great singers. after dale's movie. ;D
that is a very good question..... have to think on that one. but i hear miss justmy sings..... but i haven't heard her of late. mike.

[tcb]

I wouldn't hold your breath for an Alan and Dale duet

Nope - must be another Miss Justmy This one here can't carry a tune in a bucket - which is why I write about the music rather than sing it....

[pwdennis]

I'd pick Justin Trevino as the best new artist of the last decade and I don't regard it as being particularly a close call

runners up:
Dale Watson
Brad Paisley
Jack Ingram
Sara Evans