Billy Dukes

Get ready to be broke by April 30. No fewer than three superstars are releasing new country music albums in April 2013, and that's before you get to projects from LeAnn Rimes and 'X Factor' winner Tate Stevens. The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Willie Nelson and Kenny Chesney are just a few of the names releasing new music.

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The best songs on Thompson Square's new album 'Just Feels Good' sound like a conversation between the two married lovers. Early on, their back-and-forth is light and playful. Later ballads take a more somber tone, but all that find the 'If I Didn't Have You' singers sharing lead are highlights from the duo's sophomore project.

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In recent years, Kenny Chesney has began to reveal layers of his personal life through his music. Songs from 'Hemingway's Whiskey,' 'Welcome to the Fishbowl' and 'Life on a Rock' are his most personal and introspective to date, but he's still somewhat of a private person, one who shuns social media in favor of retreats to the islands. There are plenty of things even a superfan of the 'Pirate Flag' singer might not know. 

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Women who already think Blake Shelton singing is the sexiest thing since Johnny Castle pulled Baby from the corner may want to take the rest of the week off. The best moments on 'Based on a True Story ...' sizzle, and not in that ironic "bow-chicka-wow-wow" sort of way that's occasionally implied with this singer's sense of humor. Songs like 'Mine Would Be You' are safe to put on any red wine and candles soundtrack. Guys, you can thank Shelton via his Twitter account, if you'd like.

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James Wesley has a real feel for the life and struggles of the blue-collar American. His new song 'Thank a Farmer' is similar to his previous Top 30 hit 'Real' in its honest, no-nonsense approach. The worst thing a singer can do with a song like either of these is come off as contrived. Wesley is a long way away from being accused of that. 

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No lead is safe on the ToC Showdown. Jon Pardi was ahead late into the night last night before Justin Moore fans attacked with heavy online and phone call voting at Taste of Country Nights radio. The result: 'Point at You' is the new Showdown champion. The singer will need support from his fans once again -- perhaps a little earlier -- to knock off 'X Factor' winner Tate Stevens. 

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The most popular country music festivals -- like Taste of Country's own -- last up to five days and include dozens of artists. It's a big commitment to try to take it all in, and you'll want to do so in a way that allows you to be presentable at work on Monday morning. By following this list of 10 Country Music Festival Survival Ti

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Two country superstars clashed at the top of the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown this week, with fans of Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood going vote for vote for new videos 'Hope on the Rocks' and 'Two Black Cadillacs.' Did Underwood hang on to repeat at No. 1? 

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The magic of many of the songs on Kacey Musgraves' debut album -- including her new single 'Blowin' Smoke' -- is in the little details. 'Merry Go 'Round' thrived in efficient specificity. The follow-up is equally effective in its portrayal of a life waiting tables.

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Fans of the Zac Brown Band are standing up for 'Jump Right In,' the new single from 'Uncaged.' Last night the song ousted Katie Armiger's latest on the Showdown, making two wins in a row for the Georgia group. Today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio, the new track will face off against the latest from Jon Pardi. 

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Zac Brown Band fans blew up the phone lines on Taste of Country Nights radio last night, pushing the group's new single past the latest from Casey James in this daily song battle. 'Jump Right In' will need a stronger online effort on Tuesday to make it back-to-back wins, and fans of Katie Armiger have proven in the past that they're up for any challenge. 

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Maggie Rose is set to release her debut album 'Cut to Impress' next Tuesday (March 26), but you don't have to wait that long to listen. Taste of Country has teamed up with Rose and RPM Entertainment to stream all 10 songs for your listening pleasure until it's made available for download on iTunes.

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