Diamond Rio

Diamond Rio is the only group to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1984 (others have made it solo), perhaps the strongest indication that these neo-traditionalists are as Nashville as Nashville gets. Judging by the assault of the Twains and the Hills and the Womacks on country radio in recent years, that's exactly what modern Nashville is looking to avoid. Rio, though, has overcome the invisible wall and done impressively well for itself. Its recent single "Beautiful Mess" hit the top of the country charts and reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a sensationally tight confessional, speared by banjo; spooky, twanging guitar; pretty harmonies; and lyrics like "I'm losing my mind, I swear/It might be the death of me/But I don't care." It's further proof that plain ol' good music can overcome any trend.