My Top 10 (now 11) Musical Artists

Okay, so this is more of a light-hearted post than the one posted just a few minutes ago. As many of you know, I have a great love for sports. But, since football is 6 months away and the baseball season is just starting to roll (college and high school anyway, pros are still a month away), I figured I would switch to another love of mine, music. Since I love picking on the six-string and singing, I figured I would share some of my favorite artists with you guys. Feel free to add your opinions.

Note: This is in no particular order, and the time frame spans my whole life, not just what I am currently listening to.

1. Garth Brooks - Growing up, country was the only thing I listened. It was necessarily by choice, but because that's what Mom always had on. Still, it was easy to get hooked on Garth, arguably the greatest country music star of all time. Songs like "Friends In Low Places", "The Dance", and "Unanswered Prayers," are songs that transcend time. Favorite song: "To Make You Feel My Love" (though it is a cover of Bob Dylan)  Underrated Song: "Thicker Than Blood."

2. Eagles - I remember being in 4th grade and wanting to be a part of the Eagles. How could you not like Joe Walsh and Don Henley? The Eagles are what opened me up to classic rock. A whole new world that included Chicago, Kansas, Lynard Skynard, and many others were revealed to my impressionable mind. Favorite song; "Take It Easy"  Underrated Song: "Whole In the World"

3. Boyz II Men - Admittedly, I used to envision myself as the bass singer, romancing the girls with that silky smooth voice. You knew it was a Boyz II Men song when you heard the bass singer talk during the middle of the song. It was a trademark. The beats and their ridiculous harmonies are what drew me to these guys. I would listen to them sing a capella over any a capella group any day. They just have it. Favorite Song: "Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday"  Underrated Song: "Song For Momma" and "Thank You"

4. Chris Tomlin - I know you are thinking, "Why did it take you so long to get to a Christian artist?" Well, it's my list so back off. J/k. I told you this was no particular order, just what I thought of first. Chris Tomlin has written some of the greatest worship songs of our time. How Great Is Our God is probably the most popular praise and worship song of all. He has definitely shaped how I lead worship and what I play. Awesome guy. Favorite song: "I Will Rise"  Underrated Song: "King of Glory"

5. Hillsongs - I put the "s" on there because there are like 4 Hillsong bands that all play the same stuff. Along with Chris Tomlin, these guys have revolutionized praise and worship, and are another great influence in what I play and how I lead worship. If only I could have the raspy voice and the rugged good looks of Joel Houston. Favorite song: "From the Inside Out"  Underrated Song: "Tell The World"

6. Shane and Shane - Now, I know you are thinking, too many Christian bands! Well, tough. With Shane Barnard's sick double strum, and their amazing harmonies, Shane and Shane should be on everyone's list. There best work, to me, is when it is just them and a guitar. Favorite Song: "We Love You, Jesus"  Underrated Song: "Embracing Accusations"

7. Lifehouse - I have always been a fan, ever since I had "Hanging By A Moment." How can you not like Jason Wade and his smoker's voice? Plus, as a birthday gift to me, they released their newest CD "Smoke and Mirrors" on my birthday, March 2nd. That was really nice of them to do that for me. Favorite Song: "You and Me" and "Broken"  Underrated Song: "All in All"

8. Sister Hazel - Been around a long time, but not many people realize it. "All For You" is without a doubt the one song everyone knows. It is one of those, crowd sing-a-longs. These guys from Gainesville, FL are another acoustic rock group that blend their voices together beautifully. Favorite Song: "All For You"  Underrated Song: "This Kind of Love"

9. Dave Barnes - I know, I can't help that I am partial to that acoustic rock sound. Dave Barnes has been big on the college scene, and I have no doubt will continue to gain popularity. You should also check out the videos he makes and posts on YouTube. Ha-larious! Favorite Song: "On A Night Like This " Underrated Song: "Crazy About Ya"

10. GRITS - I am about as white as they come, but I love rap. Unfortunately, most rap is laced with filthy language, sexual themes, and drug references. GRITS is a Christian rap group that proves 
rap is not about sex and drugs, but is just another music channel in which people can communicate. I would also include another guy named FLAME with these guys. Favorite Song: "Ooh Ahh"  Underrated Song: "Believe"

11. Switchfoot/Jon Foreman - My good friend reminded me of Switchfoot, which I could not believe that I left them off. Thank you for catching this, Mike. How can you not like these guys from Cali? I include Jon Foreman (lead singer) because his solo stuff is awesome too. Check it out. Favorite Song: "This is Home" Underestimated Song: "Your Love is Strong"

Honorable Mention: Josh Damigo, Rascal Flatts, TobyMac, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Relient K,  Beatles, U2