Zac Brown, lead vocalist/guitarist for ACM award-winning the Zac Brown Band, is this week's guest blogger for AOL Radio. For a band that rocked a cover of 'Devil Went Down to Georgia' at the CMA Awards and reminds us of our favorite lifestyle of "Chicken Fried" and "A cold beer on a Friday night," we can't wait to reveal Brown's list of his 10 (well, um actually 11) favorite songs -- covering reggae, alternative, soul, folk rock, western and more!
11) Bob Marley & the Wailers: 'Could You Be Loved'
One of my all time favorite songs. We come from different worlds, but I hear him knocking. 'Legend' makes you feel good.
10) Dan Fogelberg: 'Leader of the Band'
I wish I had written this song for my Dad. It's my song to him for sure. A masterpiece of melody and lyrics.
9) Crosby, Stills & Nash: 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes'
I love the acoustic guitar tone, the harmonies. This song shows there are no rules. The boundaries are invisible, they can be crossed.
8) James Taylor: 'Fire and Rain'
I had to replace his 'Greatest Hits' twice on tape, blaring it my ears on my walkman at school all day. JT knew what time it was. Melodic, got his own thing. He has an incredible way of phrasing the guitar parts just as genius as his lyrics. My biggest influence.
7) Gladys Knight and the Pips: 'Midnight Train to Georgia'
What a voice, and an incredible sacrifice for a woman. Real deal lyricism laying her heart on the line.
6) Shawn Mullins: 'Shimmer'
When I was 14-15 years old, [I was] watching him play in coffee houses channeling heart and soul. He did it the hard way, trying to find anyone that would listen. Shawn is my biggest influence outside of James Taylor. 'Soul's Core' helped me get through the some tough years.
5) Hank Williams: 'Jambalaya'
Cajun hideaway song. Soaking up the creole culture, it's a compliment to the whole lifestyle -- food and music. Two of my favorite things....
4) Ryan Adams: 'Oh My Sweet Carolina'
Every verse has its own little twist. It's all about missing home and the struggles. Home is calling you and you miss it but you are still out there trying to do whatever you can to get by. He is a hero. Emmylou [Harris] singing background is good stuff.
3) Jeff Buckley: 'Last Goodbye'
Very short lived, bright flame. This song for me symbolizes the whole record 'Grace.' It's tortured freedom, raw emotion with no formula that captured his soul.
2) Willie Neslon and Ray Charles: 'Seven Spanish Angels'
What an amazing collaboration. Their music transcends every style and every generation. They have dedicated their whole life to music. It's like watching an old Spanish western movie set up with a giant love story where they both get gunned down.
1) Del Amitri: 'Driving with the Brakes On'
Damn fine song and damn fine example of building a great song. It really got through to me. The bridge says everything it needs to say. Even if we don't go anywhere, I'm going to stick by her side.
Listen to Zac Brown Band on Top Country Radio
