I love music. I wish I could make a living just listening to, playing, or reviewing music. That would be the life! And, I love COUNTRY music. So, naturally I jumped at a chance to review a new CD being released by Stadium Entertainment. They are releasing a compilation CD, featuring HUGE hits from today’s Country artists called My Country: Smash Hits. The best part is that a portion of the proceeds from the album will be donated to Fisher House Foundation. You’re probably familiar with Fisher House, but in case you’re not, they offer “comfort homes” for military personnel and their families when their loved ones are hospitalized, injured, etc. There is NO CHARGE for a family to stay at Fisher House and there is at least one Fisher House on every major medical military center.

The CD comes out on the 24th and will be available wherever music is sold. It is a compilation of hits from a superstar line-up which includes Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins, Jypsi, Randy Houser, Big & Rich and Montgomery Gentry. The project is a multiple CD series with each annual volume benefiting the Fisher House Foundation. EVERY YEAR you get to buy a new one AND support a great non-profit!

I loved every minute of this CD, from the opening track by Blake Shelton called “Home”. Many of the songs are patriotic themed like Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town” and Trace Adkins’ “‘Til the Last Shot’s Fired”. Most are just great country songs that you may love. Brad Paisley’s “We Danced” and Lady Antebellum’s “Love Don’t Live Here” are songs I love listening to over and over. The CD also contains artists I’ve never heard of like Jypsi and Randy Houser, but the music deserves to be present with all the powerhouses on the compilation. Houser’s “Boot’s On” is a great dance tune that has quickly become a favorite of mine.

Fisher House Chairman, Ken Fisher had this to say about the project:

“We appreciate the support of each artist and I am grateful that they chose to participate in this remarkable project by sharing their music. Fisher House is humbled to be the beneficiary of “My Country” and to have Stadium Entertainment and EMI partner with us in supporting military families has been phenomenal. Fisher House serves as a tangible symbol of our support for our military, and when someone walks through the doors of a Fisher House, we want them to know that there are others who care about them in their time of need – and when you purchase this CD, you’re showing them that you not only have great taste in music, but that you care. That’s my country!”

The Fisher House Foundation provides housing for the military, both active and retired as well as the families of military personnel who are receiving treatment at a military medical center. Fisher House Foundation has a network of 50 comfort homes in the United States. Each facility is 5,000 to 16,000 square feet, with as many as 21 suites, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs by the Fisher House Foundation. There is NO FEE to stay at these homes.

A special message from President George W. Bush is included in the all-star compilation. President Bush graciously agreed to participate in this project. “Fisher House Foundation is among the finest examples of the compassionate spirit of our great Nation. The families of our wounded military personnel sacrifice so much for our country, without expecting anything in return. Fisher House Foundations helps ease the burden on these selfless patriots. As President, I had the honor of visiting many Fisher Houses. Each time, I encountered top-rate facilities, hard-working staff, and families joined in a common mission to care for a loved one. I applaud the work of Fisher House Foundation, and I encourage my fellow Americans to support this fine organization,” said President George W. Bush.

Legendary Doonesbury creator, cartoonist, Garry Trudeau has graciously donated a special cartoon and designed the cover of MY COUNTRY: SMASH HITS.

“The generosity and commitment of the Nashville music community to our country and its military is what has made this project possible. The artists, record company executives and many corporate partners have all come to the table to insure success and support for the Fisher House Foundation says,” Camille Barbone, Stadium Entertainment.

You can pre-order a copy of the album HERE or text the word “HERO” to 40579 to donate $10 through your phone bill.

Track List:
Blake Shelton – Home
Big & Rich – Lost In This Moment
Montgomery Gentry – My Town
Rascal Flatts – He Ain’t The Leavin Kind
Rodney Atkins – The River Just Knows
Jypsi – Anything At All
Reba McEntire – I’ll Be
Lady Antebellum – Love Don’t Live Here
Darius Rucker – If I Had Wings
Brad Paisley – We Danced
Keith Urban – Better Life
Dierks Bentley – My Last Name
Randy Houser – Boots On
Trace Adkins – ‘Til The Last Shot’s Fired