The Re-view

HUNTER HAYES BECOMES THE YOUNGEST MALE TO TOP THE US COUNTRY CHART. IS HE THE NEXT TAYLOR SWIFT?

He’s one of the country music industry’s biggest stars around at the moment and he is still only 21. This this week though Hunter Hayes made history becoming the youngest ever male solo artist to top the US Country chart.

Taken from the self-titled debut album that he co-wrote, co-produced and played instruments on, ‘Wanted’ has already sold over 1m copies in the US since its release in March this year and it is only the second single of his career; the first being the lovely ‘Storm Warning’.

Naturally comparisons have been made to America’s other young famous singer songwriter-come-international superstar Taylor Swift who is currently releasing a buzz track each week in advance of her forthcoming ‘Red’ album release, and scoring Top 40 UK singles without any promotion at all.

With the genre continuing to break down international barriers, also thanks to the recent transatlantic commercial successes of albums from Lady Antebellum and Carrie Underwood (who Hunter recently supported on her ‘Blown Away’ tour), and the growing influence of country music in popular music (Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Stronger’ album hosting more than several flirtations with her Southern side), the 21 year old lad from Louisiana may just be in the right place at the right time.

Regular readers will know that I love country music and it would be great to see some of America’s male stars match the UK success of their female counterparts. Perhaps Hunter Hayes could be the one who turns the corner and leads the revolution, introducing Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean, for example, to the British mainstream?

Whatever happens, Hunter Hayes has the looks, the songs and, most importantly, the talent to guarantee he won’t be disappearing anytime soon.

Plus, the next single ‘Somebody’s Heartbreak’ is out next week.