Lady Antebellum/Darius Rucker/Russell Dickerson

Lady Antebellum has all the makings of a great country group. With a strong female vocalist, carefully-selected songs and a pop-infused flare, the band’s rise to success was no surprise. “Need You Now,” the band’s breakthrough hit, is the perfect country song. Lead singer Hillary Scott’s vocals are complimented by the backup singing that feels more like a feature, even owning its own verse. This duet-style recording is not uncommon for the band and is another thing that gives them a leg up. The alcohol-infused missing an ex-lover tale is a cliché, but this one hits the nail on the head with innovative ideas like the faded voicemail that opens the song and the strong execution of talented guitar playing. Darius Rucker, who shares the bill, is known for his fan-favorite cover of “Wagon Wheel” and his role as the lead singer in ’90s rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. It’s no accident that Rucker succeeded in becoming extremely visible in two entirely different genres. This is a skilled musician and a clever songwriter that has landed himself an irreplaceable spot in the music industry. (Halle Weber)