Country Mike Blog

Chris Young - the new Keith Whitley?

Mike Sudhalter  |  July 12, 2011

Chris Young is one of the fastest rising
stars in country music

When Chris Young won Nashville Star in 2006 and didn't dominate the charts shortly thereafter, he was expected to be just another successful contestant on the show that struggled to put his footprint in Nashville.

Five years and three albums later, Young is knocking on the door of country stardom. He's traditional enough to draw in those fans, but he doesn't have the in-your-face, 'I'm from the country and if you're not, then go away' vibe that the Justin Moores of the world have.

His songs are usually about life and love, and his voice recalls the late Keith Whitley - at times.

Young's third album hit the market on Tuesday, and it should be fun to see one of country's newest (and classiest) stars rise up the charts.

You can't beat the title track from the album, "Neon." It name-checks cities from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Santa Fe, New Mexico, while serving as a homage to country bars and nightlife.

If there's another male country artist that can tackle a ballad better than Young, I want to hear it.

This guy is the real deal, and I'm glad to see that Nashville has finally taken notice.