Country Music Predictions For 2014 – How Did Eric Do

At the beginning of this year, I made my predictions for the world of country music for 2014.  Time to see how close I actually was.

The Prediction: The Tailgate, Moonlight, Cutoff Songs Continue

It was one of the most talked about elements of country music in 2013.  Zac Brown dogged Luke Bryan about it.  Even, Tom Petty weighed in on it.  And this recap video was made to ridicule it.

Bottom line is, songs with the field party, bonfire, pickup, pretty girl, cold beer, summer theme have ruled the charts and many fans seem to love them.  I think we're a long way from seeing them go away.  I say we'll see at least 17 number ones that fit this mold in 2014.

The Report Card: It wasn't 17, but it was more than half of the number ones with about 12.  The 'Bro' in Bro-Country held firm though, with ZERO solo females reaching number one this year!  More on that to come!

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The Prediction: But, Not So Fast

There will be a select group of artists fighting to keep country's roots alive in the next year.  Alan Jackson has made his opinions known as has Gary Allan, and these two along with newer traditionalists like Brad Paisley, Justin Moore, and Chris Young may just lead the charge to bring back a sense of respect and tradition.  I think there will be enough support to give it some steam too, it just remains to be seen.

The Report Card: It may not have been the artists I mentioned above doing the traditional stuff, but the movement is definitely there with folks like Randy Houser, Eric Paslay, and even Jake Owen showing they can Country as well as they can Bro!

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The Prediction; Country Bros

The term 'Bro Country' has been tossed around quite a bit lately, and has paved the way for a new type of artist.  I expect more to become successful in the next year including guys like Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett and Chase Rice, while masters of this genre like Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Jake Owen continue to dominate.

Report Card: Boy, was I dead on with this one!  Cole, Thomas, and Chase had a killer year, and FGL and Luke continue to be the top dogs!  Add Sam Hunt to the mix and it pretty much sums up the year.

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The Prediction: Where are the girls?

I expect even less involvement from the solo females of country this year.  Only Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Taylor Swift have really broken through the male-dominated charts lately, and I expect all three to be ghosts for a while with maybe a couple songs a piece this year.  Of course that could also lead to another new female to breakout.  My money would be on Cassadee Pope, Danielle Bradbery, or Maggie Rose.

Report Card: 'Ghosts' is an understatement when it comes to the girls on country radio this year.  Miranda came close to number one with 'Automatic' and amazingly only cracked top ten with Carrie on 'Something Bad.'  Carrie's just now getting back to the top slot with her first solo single in over a year.  And Taylor has jumped ship to pop, so that leaves only Raelynn as a new female to reach the top 30.  Sad times.

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The Prediction: An Outsider Tops The Charts

With all the crossover sound, and major collaborations, like FGL and Nelly's 'Cruise,' I expect a duet featuring one of country's superstars and an artist from outside the format to top the country charts this year.  I'm shooting for Justin Timberlake or Bruce Springsteen.

Report Card: Not even close on this one.  Justin did recently cover Garth in concert though.

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The Prediction: Garth Is No Dummy, He'll get Chummy

While Garth Brooks himself is a huge draw on his own, I wonder if he doesn't realize the young country trend that is happening.  You know, his music isn't on the radio as much as it used to, meaning some younger fans may not be buying tickets when he comes back.  Could the 'biggest undertaking' he's planning be a festival type show with some of today's new acts as support?  It wouldn't be a bad idea.

Report Card: I should realize by now, Garth doesn't need help to sell out.  He's done it over 50 times already.  Turns out the big undertaking was Ghost Tunes, which actually includes albums from younger artists, so there's that!

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The Prediction: Breakout Stars of 2014

It's so hard to predict the future, especially in music, but here's who I'm predicting to have a breakout year:

Cassadee Pope, Cole Swindell, Swon Brothers, Dan + Shay, and once again I think the stars will only shine brighter for Thomas Rhett.

Report card: I hit this one pretty well, but I would add Maddie and Tae, Sam Hunt, and Frankie Ballard to this list as well!