Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Curb Records) - With four number one singles under his belt, and a perfectly snug ball cap on his head, country star Rodney Atkins' made quite the mark on the country world with the release of his CD, If You're Going Through Hell. On March 31st, Atkins' highly anticipated third release on Curb Records, It's America, marks the next chapter in this chart-topper's career.
The title track and first single, "It's America" is a patriotic fist-pumper that he first shared with audiences on the 2008 CMA Awards and later for President George W. Bush on his return home to Midland, TX. Sitting at number 11 on the Mediabase chart and number 12 on the R & R chart, its feel good message couldn't come at a more appropriate time. Lyrics that are current, relatable and representative of the common man is what made two of Atkins' past singles become the most-played songs of the year - "If You're Going Through Hell [Before the Devil Even Knows]" in 2006 and "Watching You" in 2007.
Atkins makes that connection again on It's America. Just listen to the down-home philosophy of "Got It Good" and "Tell a Country Boy," the heartfelt balladry of "The River Knows" and much more from across the musical and emotional spectrum. "I try to sing songs with an honest view of ourselves, of myself, of the struggle, of the laughter," he says. "It's about being human."
In addition to firing up the radio charts, Atkins earned the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male Vocalist award, plus five other ACM nominations and two Country Music Association nominations. He has also had the opportunity to amass some amazing memories-from public moments like performing for a half-million people at the National Memorial Day concert in Washington, D.C., to private ones like getting to thank hero Garth Brooks for his inspiration. Even former President George W. Bush is a fan - and Rodney has met and performed for him multiple times.
He's toured with the superstar likes of Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride and ZZ Top while also holding his own as a national headliner.
It's experiences like these that might drive some artists to forget their roots and focus on the glitz and glam of the entertainment lifestyle - but not Atkins. Just as importantly, he's had the pleasure of helping the causes that mean a lot to him, such as the National Council for Adoption. Adopted as an infant from the Holston Children's Home in Greenville, Tennessee, Atkins continues his role as the National Spokesman and speaks and acts on behalf of the organization whenever possible.
His songs continue to strike a chord with his fan base, and while If You're Going Through Hell might be a tough act to follow, It's America certainly is up to the challenge.
"With this record, I knew I wanted to keep making songs that folks can sing along with and laugh at and pump their fists to," he says. "Sometimes it is the simple things in this great country that really make me appreciate it. When we share this sense of pride through music, you become friends with everybody listening. It's an honor to go out there and represent the everyday man, and to represent country music and what it's all about."
