Photo: Jon KopaloffJennifer Nettles apparently has been enjoying an unusually productive maternity leave. The Sugarland singer, who has been (seemingly) laying low since the birth of her son in December, has announced she'll be releasing a solo album with a target date of Fall 2013.

But wait, there's more--Nettles will be working with famed producer Rick Rubin for the new project. Rubin has helmed releases by a score of storied artists, including Johnny Cash, the Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, and many others.

"I am absolutely thrilled and wholly proud to be working with Rick Rubin on my new solo album," Nettles stated on Friday. "“If you ask any musician who is on their producer 'bucket list’, Rick would be on each and every one."

Lauderdale and Miller react to being nominated for best duo for the 2013 Americana Honors [Photo by Chris Willman]It’s been a great season for alt-country duets records, as evidenced by three pairs of singers who just got nominated for favorite duo at the Americana Awards: Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris, Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison, and Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale. All these recorded pairings have been in the makings for decades, and it’s just a coincidence of timing—maybe overseen by the Louvin Brothers from up above—that these projects all finally came to fruition in the last six months.

The Buddy and Jim album is a particular delight, bringing together two of roots-rock’s most celebrated journeymen at last. It’s not as if they hadn’t already spent seemingly half their lives together, but somehow, getting those three joint days in the studio to cut an LP proved tougher than touring together for years, as backing cats or co-headliners. We can thank SiriusXM for half-forcing the collaboration by signing Miller and Lauderdale up to do a weekly satellite show on the Outlaw Country channel.

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Dakota BradleyCountry newcomer Dakota Bradley may have the perfect pedigree for Nashville success--he's just 18 years old and already has an insanely catchy debut single co-produced by none less than Tim McGraw--but this is one musician who learned his chops in a totally different genre.

"When I was 12, I picked up my first guitar," Bradley explains. The first song he learned how to play? "Stranglehold, by Ted Nugent."

Bradley's breakout single "Somethin' Like Somethin'" doesn't sound a whole lot like the Motor City Madman. In fact, the summery, upbeat tune sounds like something McGraw himself might record. But just so you know where this kid's roots lie…!

George Strait (photo: Ethan Miller)George Strait may have set the country music world reeling last September when he announced he'd be retiring from the road. However, he did assure fans that he was by no means retiring from the recording studio--and he's made good on that promise with his new album, Love Is Everything.

Although this marks his 40th (!) studio full-length, Strait insists that he's still out to create the very best album of his life every time he steps into the studio.

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, who gave birth to her first child in December, has been generous with funny new-mom chatter on Twitter--musing about nipple cream, postpartum dieting, and other baby-related subjects. What she has been a little stingy with, however, is photos of her new arrival.

So, what better day than Mother's Day to debut an absolutely adorable shot of her baby son Magnus?

Jennifer Nettles/Twitter

"So much love and joy on my first Mother's Day! A very Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas," tweeted the proud mom.

Everyone knows that America's sweetheart, Taylor Swift, can play the good-girl role to a tee. But who knew she could also rock a startlingly grown-up, almost naughty side as well? The singer showed off both of these dueling devil-angel styles during her Sunday night show in Washington D.C.

"Bad" Taylor took the stage dressed in an outfit quite divergent from her usual floaty, ethereal costumes--a black bra-style top and satin hotpants, accessorized with knee-high boots and wildly tousled hair. Appropriately, a troupe of masked male dancers fell at her feet.

Photo: AKM-GSI

Photo: AKM-GSI

Photo: Sara KaussPutting out a sophomore release after a critically acclaimed debut can be a nerve-wracking experience for most artists, but Craig Campbell has little to worry about. First of all, he wisely prepared himself by naming his second album Never Regret, a philosophy he lives by--and also, more concretely, the set is already receiving glowing reviews from both fans and critics alike.

Campbell--who won hearts in 2010 with the adorable video for "Family Man" starring his own young daughter--keeps up the traditional country sound on Never Regret, as well as the focus on family. He collaborates with his wife, singer-songwriter Mindy Ellis, on one track...and daughter Preslee makes a welcome return singing a precious intro on another. Fans of Campbell's debut will doubtlessly be charmed by his new material, which expands on his style without compromising its solidly country roots.

We at Our Country had the opportunity to chat with Campbell about the new album, as well as a few other things he's been brewing under his cowboy hat these days. Enjoy!

Photo: Gary MillerCountless male football fans were disappointed last month when Faith Hill made the announcement she'd be retiring as the sexy opening number for NBC's "Sunday Night Football." However, they'll no doubt perk right up again when they hear who her replacement is--it's yet another country-music beauty, Carrie Underwood.

The six-time Grammy Award winner and "American Idol," who was officially named the new "SNF" opener on Tuesday, says she's "thrilled" and "honored" that NBC chose her as Hill's replacement.

"I have always loved football season," she said. "It is so exciting to now become part of it every Sunday night!"

"Sunday Night Football" producer Fred Gaudelli confirmed that Underwood was their first--"and only"--choice to replace Hill. "She's one of America's most popular entertainers and the perfect fit for our show," he noted. Gaudelli revealed in a conference call today that Underwood was also included the original line-up of considerations in 2006 when the show debuted.