Two years ago, we examined how many local artists were in Lightning 100’s top 100 for 2009. This past year they only published the top 50 most-played songs of the year – with six of those being from Nashville-based artists.
#10 – Back Down South, by the Kings of Leon
The Nashville natives released their 5th studio album, Come Around Sundown, in late 2010. They released several singles off the album, but Back Down South got the most play here in Music City.
#11 – Barton Hollow, by The Civil Wars
The Civil Wars have to be Nashville’s breakout success story of the year – and we can say we “knew them when…” The lead single off their first full-length album did well here and around the country, and the album made many “Best of 2011” lists. The debut also garnered The Civil Wars two Grammy nominations this year, for Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
#14 – Hey Mama, by Mat Kearney
Mat Kearney released the very poppy and very peppy album Young Love in 2011, and got everyone’s attention with the catchy lead single, Hey Mama.
#31 – Lonely Boy, by The Black Keys
The Black Keys just moved to Nashville this past summer, but Music City will gladly claim them. In an interview with Billboard magazine, Dan Auerbach stated, “I've got a lot of friends in the community. I know that I'm going to be doing a lot of business there, making a lot of music there."
#40 – My Favorite, by Gabe Dixon
Local favorite Gabe Dixon struck out from his band with his first solo album, One Spark, in 2011. The lead single, My Favorite, highlights his knack for good melodies and positive, feel-good lyrics.
#47 – Fire and Dynamite, by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors released their latest album, Chasing Someday, in February, 2011. The lead single, Fire and Dynamite, was already familiar to local fans – but putting it on the album helped the song reach new fans this time around.
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