Chris Brown’s career has been overshadowed by a certain incident in recent times, but reports indicate that he is heading back into the studio. With Rihanna apparently stepping out with a new man and caught up in a nude photo scandal, Brown has slipped out of the limelight and is trying to get his musical career back on track.

MTV is speculating that Brown may be considering a new country direction, with writer/producer Robert Allen suggesting that his collaboration with the singer may result in “an appearance from Carrie Underwood or someone like that.” Talking about the track “Trapped in a Dream,” Allen suggests that a country direction may be required as “it's that kind of song."

Allen neatly dodges any Rihanna questions during the interview, saying: "We just focus on music. We're just happy-go-lucky people who just get into the studio as much as possible." Rihanna fans may question Brown’s “happy-go-lucky” nature, although he has pleaded not guilty on one count of assault and one count of making criminal threats.

[MTV]