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Brad Paisley’s latest single “Letter to Me” pushes right to the top of the Billboard country music song charts this week followed by Rascal Flatts’ “Winner at a Losing Game,” Montgomery Gentry’s “What Do Ya Think About That,” Sugarland’s “Stay” and Swift’s mighty “Our Song” rounding out the top 5.

The songs making their first appearance on the charts are Jewel’s “Stronger Woman” (No. 50), Sara Evans’ “Some Things Never Change” (No. 54), the Reba McEntire- Kenny Chesney duet, “Every Other Weekend” (No. 58), Clay Walker’s “She Likes It in the Morning” (No. 59) and the Drew Davis Band’s “Back There All the Time” (No. 60).

Anne Murray has the highest-debuting album, Duets: Friends & Legends, which bows at No. 8. The other newbies are Trisha Yearwood’s Love Songs (a collection from her MCA days) at No. 35, followed by the multi-artist package, I Will Always Love You: 17 Inspirational Love Songs, at No. 44 and Kenny Rogers’ A Love Song Collection (No. 53). Suppose anyone’s marketing music toward Valentine Day shoppers?

The remaining Top 5 albums, in descending order, are Garth Brooks‘ The Ultimate Hits, the Eagles‘ Long Road Out of Eden, Sugarland’s Enjoy the Ride and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss’ Raising Sand.

There are no returning albums to this week’s chart, but there is one comeback song, the Road Hammers’ “I Don’t Know When to Quit,” popping in at No. 51.

I can’t say I’m a supporter of this latest career move. Just because someone let you throw on a pair of daisy dukes doesn’t mean you’re the next heart of the southland! Billboard reports that this Texas pop princess is really just a country girl at heart:

“I am a country girl,” says Jessica Simpson. “I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to. I always wanted to make a country album, but I wanted to wait until the time was right.”

“I think there is a strength in female country artists,” Simpson adds, citing Martina McBride, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Reba McEntire as some of her inspirations.

Asked what has surprised her most since starting the follow-up to 2006’s “A Public Affair,” Simpson says, “Nashville is a very warm city. The people are friendly and kind. There is a sense of community, which thrives on music. There is no animosity … only respect for one another’s talent.”

Well Jessica, may you find much respect, and hopefully a little talent in your new endeavor. Her newest project is due out of Capitol Nashville later this year.
~WC~