Dierks Bentley (Getty Images file photo )
January 19, 2012|By Emily Van Zandt, RedEye
So you've always been an "I like everything except country" person. We can respect that. But if you're already a fan of pop or rock, country isn't a big leap. Check out these artists, recommended by US 99.5 country radio program director Marci Braun, to get you started:
Like pop? Try …
Rascal Flatts
This country trio's latest album, "Nothing Like This," features "Easy" with British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield.
Taylor Swift
It's easy to forget this young superstar is a country artist. Songs like "Love Story" and "You Belong with Me" easily cross over to pop radio.
Martina McBride
She's been making music since the '90s but is still churning hits like last year's "Teenage Daughters."
Like rock? Try …
Jason Aldean
His album "My Kinda Party" features "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson, but for something a little sappy, try "Tattoos on This Town."
Eric Church
His 2011 album, "Chief," includes plenty of odes to a good Friday night, including "Drink In My Hand."
Dierks Bentley
His party anthem "Sideways" from 2009's "Feel That Fire" is still getting regular airtime.
evanzandt@tribune.com | @redeyedrinks