Artist: Charlie Allen

Hometown: Bristol, Tenn.

Sounds Like: Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton

Current Single: 'No Welcome Home'
Listen to the song | Download it

Why We Dig Him: The country traditionalist describes his new album, 'That Was Then, This Is Now' as "my heart talking." His latest single certainly tugs at your heart strings, as it pays tribute to a special Vietnam War veteran who made a lasting impression on Charlie.
Download Charlie Allen Songs

Artist: Richard Jaymes

Hometown: Orlando, Fla.

Sounds Like: Gary Allan

Debut Single: 'Dollar and a Dream' [Watch the video after the jump.]
Download it

Why We Like Him: With the economic recession looming, it's prime time for a song about corporate greed, living beyond our means and the struggle to make the American dream come true. That's why Richard Jaymes' debut single is hitting home with fans and critics alike. This bluesy country crooner releases his debut album, also titled 'Dollar and a Dream,' today. It's an eclectic, country-rock mix on which he plays songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer.

Artist: Sarah Darling

Hometown: Mitchellville, Iowa

Sounds Like: Lee Ann Womack meets Fleetwood Mac

Debut Single: 'Jack of Hearts' [Watch the video after the jump.]

Why We Like Her: Unlike the mannequin she portrayed in Big & Rich's 'Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy' video, Sarah is vibrant and alive through her music. On her debut album, 'Every Monday Morning,' this 25-year old midwesterner writes songs she says are true stories of her life. "Most of what I wrote for the album comes out of the last three years and the things I've gone through after breaking up with my boyfriend. It's amazing what love can do," she says, adding, "After people hear my music they think they know me. When people listen to my record, they realize that my songs are open and honest, and they're able to relate."

When Toby Keith's daughter, Krystal, started to express interest in a music career several years ago, the country superstar had just one rule for his little girl: she had to finish college first. Well, Krystal graduates from the University of Oklahoma this month, so expect to hear new music from her soon!

Country Music Tattle Tale reports that Krystal will start working on an album next year. Her face and voice might already seem familiar, as she recorded a duet with her dad, 'Mockingbird,' on his 'Greatest Hits 2' album. The two sang it together on the 2004 CMA Awards. Watch their performance here.

Artist: The Lovell Sisters

Hometown: Calhoun, Ga.

Current Single: 'Time to Grow'
Listen to 'Time to Grow':


Why They're the Next Big Thing: Citing Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss as their biggest influences, the Lovell Sisters -- Rebecca, Jessica and Megan -- combine angelic harmonies with impressive guitar, mandolin, fiddle and dobro playing. The sisters are also accomplished songwriters, receiving the grand prize at the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their song, 'Distance.' Their current single and title track to their new album, 'Time to Grow,' was a finalist in the 2008 International Songwriting Competition.

Artist: Jessie James

Hometown: Warner Robins, Ga.

Sounds Like: LeAnn Rimes meets Kelly Clarkson

Current Single: 'Wanted' [Watch the video after the jump.]
Download on iTunes

Why We Dig Her: This pop-country firecracker started writing music when she was just nine years old -- with a plastic toy guitar! With powerful pipes to match her impressive songwriting skills, Jessie is destined to be Nashville's next big thing, with appeal that stretches far beyond Music City.

Artist: Jesse Lee

Sounds Like: Taylor Swift

New Song: 'It's a Girl Thing'
Download on iTunes [Watch the video, after the jump.]

Why We Dig Her: This 22 year-old Southern belle seems like she's seen it all in her short life. Singing since she was four, with a rock guitarist father and a torch singer mother, Jesse is stealing the spotlight with her edgy lyrics and youthful voice. Compared to artists like Patsy Cline and Taylor Swift, her unique fusion between classic and contemporary country has been catching the attention of critics and fans alike.