A look at what I consider to be the best country songs from albums released in 2007.  

#1. "Don't Blink" - Kenny Chesney (from Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates, 2007). Kenny Chesney won the CMA award for Entertainer of the Year in 2007 (for the third time), and this huge hit proves why he's the leading man in Country Music. Dealing with big themes of life and family, "Don't Blink" is profound and moving, while at the same time catchy and not overly serious. In this song we have all the elements of today's best country music: a relevant and wholesome theme, brilliant lyrics, tight musicianship, and a great melody that listeners are sure to sing along.

Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10 Musical Appeal: 10

Score: 10

#2. "Proud of the House We Built" - Brooks & Dunn (from Cowboy Town, 2007). In what may be the best effort yet from Brooks & Dunn, "Proud of the House We Built" is a warm but realistic look back over the joys and trials during many years of marriage. Strong lyrics and Ronnie Dunn's classic vocals bring authenticity to the song's message that commitment and love are so much more important than material wealth.

Lyrics: 9.5 Vocals: 10 Musical Appeal: 9

Score: 9.5

#3. "Anyway" - Martina McBride (from Waking Up Laughing, 2007) - It's no surprise that this moving song became an instant hit. The lyrics are brilliant and really resonate with listeners; add McBride's legendary vocals - what more could you want?

Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 9.5 Musical Appeal: 8.5

Score: 9.3

#4. "So Small" - Carrie Underwood (from Carnival Ride, 2007) - this first single from Carrie Underwood's much-anticipated sophomore album shows just how much she's improved vocally in the past year. Underwood's vocals team with inspirational lyrics and a strong chorus to make this song a winner.

Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 9.5 Musical Appeal: 9

Score: 9.2

#5. "I Know You Won't" - Carrie Underwood (from Carnival Ride, 2007) - With this ballad, the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year proves she deserves the title. Underwood's voice soars in this exquisitely sad song about loving someone who keeps letting you down. Although it's not being played much on country radio yet, this song alone makes purchasing Carnival Ride worthwhile!

Lyrics: 8.5 Vocals: 10 Musical Appeal: 8.5

Score: 9

#6. "More than a Memory" - Garth Brooks (from The Ultimate Hits, 2007). One of four new songs included alongside a truckload of 15-year-old fan-favorites, "More than a Memory" is Brooks at his raw best. The song gets into your head and won't leave.

Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 9 Musical Appeal: 9

Score: 9

#7. "Online" - Brad Paisley (from 5^th Gear, 2007) - The witty lyrics we've come to love from Brad Paisley's "Celebrity" (from Mud on the Tires, 2003) and "Alcohol" (from Time Well Wasted, 2005) are back again in "Online", a hilarious song about a nerdy guy who remanufactures himself online to find love. As we'd expect from the reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Paisley's singing is excellent. Unfortunately the song's instrumental ending (humorously, a marching band) goes on too long. Lyrics: 9.5 Vocals: 9.5 Musical Appeal: 8

Score: 9

#8. "Because of You" - Reba McEntire with Kelly Clarkson (from Reba Duets, 2007) - Although I'm not a big fan of duets, I have to admit this is one heck of a song. Co-written and originally performed by award-winning pop/rock artist Kelly Clarkson (Breakaway, 2004) , McEntire's collaboration with Clarkson brings this brilliant song to a whole new audience.

Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 9 Musical Appeal: 8

Score: 9

 #9. "Love Me If You Can" - Toby Keith (from Big Dog Daddy, 2007) - "I sometimes think that war is necessary - but every night I pray for peace on earth" begins Keith in the opening lyrics of this simple but profound song which explores balanced views on difficult issues and makes a plea for people to come together instead of bickering over their differences.

Lyrics: 9.5 Vocals: 8 Musical Appeal: 8.5

Score: 8.7

#10. "Livin' Our Love Song" - Jason Michael Carroll (from Waitin' In the Country, 2007) - This classic country song celebrates love "between a back-woods boy and a fairy-tale princess". It's fun and sweet without being too sappy.

Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 8 Musical Appeal: 8.5

Score: 8.5