The album marks his debut for Blaster Records and is being backed by some of country’s biggest names.  It’s produced  by CMA’s reigning Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert (who had McCoy perform at their wedding), and renowned guitar-slinger, Brent Rowan.  Shelton and Lambert even contributed background vocals for the album’s lead single, “A-OK.”

“Neal is not only a friend of mine, but my hero,” commented Blake Shelton about working with McCoy on XII. “Our first priority with this album was that Neal only cut songs that he truly loved and was excited about.  That was very important to us.”  Miranda Lambert added, “It was a blast seeing Neal and Blake together…had the place laughing all the time. I think fans will hear three different artists coming together on this album with their individual takes on the music.”

Fans will also be hearing the writing styles of many well-known artists who were all eager to be part of McCoy’s XII.  Tom Douglas, Rivers Rutherford, Jamey Johnson, Allen Shamblin, Rhett Akins, and newcomers Luke Laird, Brett Eldredge, Geroge Terren and Barry Dean all made contributions.

“It’s like my shows, a little bit of everything that makes music special,” said McCoy. “XII has a little bit of church, a little bit of bar-room, a couple ballads that’ll encourage, and a real Texas thing about finding your groove in the midst of heartbreak with a cold beer and a good jukebox.” Blake and Miranda had definite ideas about what this should be – you almost couldn’t hold ‘em back.”

Here’s the track listing for XII (fittingly there are 12 of them!):

1.  A-OK

2.  Real Good Feel Good

3.  Judge A Man By The Woman

4.  Mouth

5.  Shotgun Rider

6.  That’s You

7.  Crazy Women

8.  Lucky Enough

9.  Every Fire

10.  That’s Just How She Gets

11.  Borderline Crazy

12.  Van Gogh

Related posts:

1. Neal McCoy Gives Fans New Video
2. Dierks Bentley Reveals Track Listing For New Album
3. Neal McCoy Releasing New Single Digitally Tomorrow

Garth was inducted by manager Bob Doyle and Hall of Fame songwriter and producer Allen Reynolds. Five of Garth’s songwriting buddies performed a medley of his hits including “The Thunder Rolls,” If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “We Shall Be Free,” “The River,” and, “When You Come Back To Me Again.”

Alan was inducted by Capitol Nashville boss Mike Dungan. The Wrights performed a medley of Alan’s greatest hits including “Good Time,” “Remember When,” “Chattahoochie,” “Don’t Rock The Jukebox,” and, “Here In The Real World.” Taylor Swift then took the stage to perform “Where Were You.”

John Bettis was inducted by songwriter Michael Clarke, with Brett James and Wayne Kirkpatrick performing a medley of his hit songs. Lynn Anderson joined the set with a performance of “Top Of The World.” Thom Schuyler was inducted by Don Schultz. Fred Knoblich, Tony Arata, and Jelly Roll Johnson performed Thom’s songs including “16th Avenue” performed by Lacy J Dalton. Allen Shamblin was inducted by songwriter Mike Reed, with Lionel Cartright performing a mix of Allen’s songs. Wynonna came onstage for the finale performance of the medley for Allen with “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”

The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” also received recognition at the ceremony, winning “Song Of The Year” honors for lead singer, and songwriter, Kimberly Perry. Chris DuBois was once again named “Songwriter of the year,” and Taylor Swift won “Songwriter/Artist Of The Year” for the fourth straight year.

The NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) also named its “10 songs I wish I had written” at the ceremony. Check them out below:

NSAI “10 Songs I Wish I Had Written” for 2011:

“American Honey” – Lady Antebellum (Carley Barlowe, Hillary Lindsey, Shane Stevens)
“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” – Thompson Square (Jim Collins, David Lee Murphy)
“Hello World” – Lady Antebellum (Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, David Lee)
“Homeboy” – Eric Church (Casey Beathard, Eric Church)
“Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton (Rhett Atkins, Ben Hayslip)
“If I Die Young” – The Band Perry (Kimberly Perry)
“Mean” – Taylor Swift (Taylor Swift)
“Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer” – Billy Currington (Troy Jones)
“The Boys Of Fall” – Kenny Chesney (Casey Beathard, Dave Turnbull)
“Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” – Blake Shelton (Earl Bud Lee, John Wiggins)

Related posts:

1. New Exhibit coming to Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012
2. Nominees For The Nashville Hall of Fame Announced!
3. Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony Set For November 10

The five inductees will be part of the ceremony at the 41st anniversary of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Dinner & Inductions Ceremony on Sunday, October 16th, 2011.

“These five very talented individuals are among an era of powerhouse writers and artists who propelled country music to unparalleled heights beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and also made substantial contributions to popular and rock music,” said JOHN VAN MOL, chairman of NaSHOF. “We look forward to a fantastic evening of recognition for our inductees, and great entertainment for all who attend.”

While usually it’s a maximum of three inductees each given year, the foundation decided to increase it to five inductees for 2011.

Tickets for the induction run at about $200 each but there are only a limited number available to the public.

Related posts:

1. Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony Set For November 10
2. Michelle Wright To Be Inducted Into Canadian Country Hall of Fame
3. Garth Brooks Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame