mackenzie-porter-debut-album

MacKenzie Porter: ‘Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart’ – Debut Album Review

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MacKenzie Porter shares her new debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new tracks here.

With a slew of #1 hits already under her belt in Canada, MacKenzie Porter is poised to make a name for herself in the states. On her debut full length with Big Loud Records, the singer-songwriter promises that Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.

Produced by Joey Moi, the nineteen track collection is sure to take listeners on a journey. Porter co-wrote on nine of the album’s tracks, enlisting Music Row heavyweights like Hillary Lindsey, Tofer Brown, Emily Weisband, Parker Welling, and more to contribute.

Best known for duet with Dustin Lynch on the #1 hit, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” Porter is thrilled to get these new songs to her fans. “Nobody’s born with a broken heart. We all start with the naivety and innocence of youth, but then life happens. There are so many circumstances and events in a lifetime that can slowly chip away at your heart, and in the end you’re this beautiful, imperfect, cracked, mess. But isn’t that what living really is? If you didn’t have the grit, would you really know the grace?” She wrote on Instagram. “That is what this record is about. These songs are those moments in my life. I hope they maybe heal a couple of those moments in yours.”

Despite being happily married with a new baby, much of the album revolves around the universal theme of heartbreak. “Every time I tell people that [the album is about heartbreak], they’re like, ‘well, you’re in a relationship and you’re happy.’ I am, of course, but there’s a lot of different elements of heartbreak in life.” 

The album opens with one of those such songs, “Easy to Miss,” a perfect slice of R&B tinted country pop that’s the perfect album kick off. The project was built around this track, allowing Porter to stretch herself vocally, lyrically, and stylistically.

Other songs centered around heartbreak include “Young at Heart,” “Confession,” and “Pay Me Back in Change.” On “Young,” Porter channels her inner “Picture to Burn”-era Taylor Swift, admitting that she can’t quite be mature in the aftermath of a breakup. On the powerful “Confession,” she’s more vulnerable, admitting she’s still in love with her ex, voice laced with sadness. Lastly, “Pay Me Back in Change” is lyrical brilliance, Porter imploring a guy to change in order to be a man who’s worthy of her. 

“You can’t pay me back in sorry // Can’t pay me back with what you say // All those pretty words lose meaning // If I’m still lonely the next day // Can’t pay me back with breakfast in bed // Or a Sunday matinee // The only thing that’ll settle this debt// Is if you pay me back in change”

Likewise “Strong Things” finds her drowning her sorrows in the bottle, while “Foreclosure” cleverly compares the end of a relationship to losing a house. “Sucker Punch” leaves her breathless after an infidelity, remembering both the good and bad moments that managed to take her breath away.

“Thought we were the champions// Thought we were the type// To never throw the towel in// Never lose a fight// Didn’t hear the train// ‘Til it hit me from behind// Feeling like a fool now// ‘Cause it caught me by surprise// When you laid it on me all at once//It hit me like a sucker punch”

On “Bet You Break My Heart,” the Canada native finds herself swooning over a guy who she knows isn’t good for her, while “Wrong One Yet” is a bit more optimistic, finding hope in a new relationship. Over airy music, her heart is aflutter as she muses, “I ain’t saying he’s the right one, but hell, he ain’t the wrong one yet.”

Porter is truly content on tracks like “Coming Home to You” and “Less is More,” both which find her achieving solace in simplicity. On the latter, she admits, “They say that we got nothing, but nothing here is everything.” LIkewise, “Coming Home” is a sweet midtempo which finds her soothing lilt soaring above strumming acoustic guitars and light percussion to achieve a whimsical and airy feel. Here, she loves what she has, and realizes that the grass isn’t always greener.

“There’s always gonna be bigger houses // Longer driveways with nicer cars // There’s always gonna be whiter fences // Redder roses, in a greener yard // Most people would kill for a // Higher up hill looking down on a better view // But I don’t want no bigger house if I ain’t coming home to you”

Porter puts her own spin on truck songs with “Along Those Lines” and “Pickup,”  with “Pickup” finding her wondering who’s riding shotgun now. With the catchy TikTok-able soundbite, she asks “Who’s that pickup picking up now?”

There are some  country bangers here in the form of “Walk Away” and “Rough Ride for a Cowboy.” Both find her putting a cowboy in his place, with “Rough Ride” settling into a wild west, horserace musical vibe. It’s uber catchy as she proclaims, “Now he’s ‘bout to learn what lonely looks like // When I cut him loose but his hands are tied // Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride // When he ain’t got the reigns on goodbye // That’s a rough ride for a cowboy.”

Other pieces of earwormy pop-country include “Have Your Beer,” a kiss off track that finds her toying with the old adage that one can’t have his cake and eat it too, musing “You can’t have your beer and drink it too.” Likewise, “Chasing Tornadoes” sounds like early 2000’s-inspired country in the best way possible, finding Porter flexing sounds that could best be compared to Some Hearts-era Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, or Gloriana.

Porter is as sensitive as she is tough, evidenced on songs like “Nightingale” and  the title track, “Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.” “Nightingale” is a poignant letter of encouragement to her current self to be more like her younger self. “The song is about just being the girl that I was when I moved to Nashville, who literally thought that anything was possible and that I was going to be on the radio and a star,” She reveals. “I wanted to think like her again.”

The album concludes with its stunning title track about the innocence of youth, inspired by her own young daughter. “My little girl is gonna come into this world with no negative thoughts or preconceived notions, and she’s going to have relationships and experience heartbreak,” She reveals. “And I hope she does, because that’s what shows that you loved and that you lived.” 

“I learned the hard way that growing up is hard // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Love’s a blade and God it’s sharp // Smooth as steel but leaves a mark // Proof of life is dying with scar // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Yeah nobody’s born with a broken heart.”

While heartbreak may be a prevalent theme on Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart, MacKenzie Porter possesses a vulnerable honesty seen by the likes of early Kelsea Ballerini or Taylor Swift, sure to win over a whole legion of new fans.

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart Track List:

  1. Easy To Miss (Hillary Lindsey, Emily Warren, Will Weatherly)*
  2. Young At Heart (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband)
  3. Bet You Break My Heart (Mark Holman, Chris Tompkins, Travis Wood)
  4. Pay Me Back In Change (Emma Klein)
  5. Rough Ride For A Cowboy (MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Hungate, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan)
  6. Coming Home To You (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, Emily Weisband)
  7. Strong Things (MacKenzie Porter, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Lauren LaRue)
  8. Confession (MacKenzie Porter, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski)
  9. Wrong One Yet (Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson, Lauren Watkins)
  10. Pickup (MacKenzie Porter, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
  11. Nightingale (MacKenzie Porter, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling)
  12. Have Your Beer (MacKenzie Porter, Jason Massey, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)
  13. Sucker Punch (MacKenzie Porter, Tommy English, Nick Long)
  14. Walk Away (MacKenzie Porter, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite)
  15. Foreclosure (Jared Hampton, Harper O’Neill, Vinnie Paolizzi, Ash Ruder)
  16. Less Is More (Devin Dawson, Zachary Kale, Jon Nite)
  17. Along Those Lines (Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
  18. Chasing Tornadoes (Emily Landis, Jamie Moore, Lainey Wilson)
  19. Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart (MacKenzie Porter, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Wrong One Yet
  2. Coming Home to You
  3. Rough Ride for a Cowboy
  4. Pickup
  5. Chasing Tornadoes
Mackenzie-porter-4-new-song

MacKenzie Porter’s new album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future MacKenzie Porter releases.

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart are now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Wyatt-flores-half-life

Wyatt Flores: ‘Half Life’ – EP Review

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Wyatt Flores’ brand new EP, Half Life is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Flores yet, it’s time you hop on the bandwagon; no country artist’s popularity has grown as fast as this Oklahoma-native’s. After releasing his seven-track EP, Life Lessons, he dropped another collection of eight songs just six months later. Like all of Flores’ lyrics, they are passionate, hard-hitting, and real, allowing listeners to get to know the 22-year-old on a personal level.

“These songs capture my perspective on relationships I’ve had with my family, friends, love, music, mental health, life, and death over the past couple years. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do at 22 but I’m thankful for everyone who’s ever given my music a chance,” he gratefully posted on Instagram. “I hope these songs help you with whatever you might be going through and remind you that you’re not alone in whatever it is you’re facing.”

No song is heavier than the title track. Directed to his family, he sings about the regret of leaving home to chase his dream without calling, and his addiction and how it affected his relationship with his now deceased father. He apologizes for living only a “half-life.” The opening track, “Running Out of Time,” speaks on making the most out of life. Sang from the funeral of someone close to him (likely his father), he says we have to hold the ones we love and do what makes you feel alive before we all die. Our time on this earth is short, and we must make the most of it. The most powerful lyric comes in the second verse, “Most people die at twenty-seven, get buried at seventy-two.”

The EP contains the previously released tracks, “Wish I Could Stay,” and “Milwaukee.” The former is the most light-hearted tune on the album. The singer talks about the difficulty of leaving the one you love; if he could keep her in his arms forever, he would. In “Milwaukee,” the singer feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. He also included his cover of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” on the project. Just when you think a song couldn’t get more emotional, Flores adds his raw vocals to it, making listeners tear up almost twenty years after its initial release.

At the end of the project are “I Believe in God” and “Devil,” two extremely powerful songs. In the first, the singer confesses he is having a hard time connecting to his faith because he feels God lost faith in him. The latter is about a relationship, but not one with another human, the one with himself. He constantly fights with his inner thoughts when he’s lonely, singing in the bridge:

“Why do you find me at the worst times, just when I thought I was doin’ fine? // You wanna put a gun to my head and turn that ceilin’ red // Well, I won’t let you steal my soul // God damn lonely, just leave me alone”

At 22, most people are finishing college and discovering who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Although Flores took a different route, he’s on the same path, which makes his music so relatable to others. From love, death, and mental health, there are a lot of intense themes for someone so young to explore, but they are real, and hearing someone overcome these hardships will aid others who are struggling with similar problems. The future is bright for the new singer-songwriter, and it’s only a matter of time before country fans all over the world know the voice of Wyatt Flores.

“I’m only getting one chance at life, so I try to be present,” he states in a recent press release. “There’s more to existence than what the average person experiences. No matter how old or young you are, life is here and gone. Death is always riding in the passenger seat. You can either be friends with it or make it an enemy. I choose to be friends with it. If you know that and start questioning what you’re doing, maybe you’ll go out and live a better life.”

Half Life Tracklist

  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Half Life
  3. Wish I Could Stay
  4. Milwaukee
  5. If I Don’t See You Again
  6. I Believe In God
  7. How To Save A Life
  8. Devil
Wyatt-flores-half-life

Wyatt Flores shares his brand new EP, ‘Half Life,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Here, There & Gone” headline tour this summer with shows in the middle, western, and southern parts of the United States. For tickets, head to his website. 

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Wyatt Flores releases.

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Half Life is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

anne-wilson-rebel

Anne Wilson: ‘REBEL’ – Album Review

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Anne Wilson’s brand new album, REBEL is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Anne Wilson is a rebel, but not in the traditional sense. While country music tends to walk the line between faith and outlaw living, Wilson has her feet firmly planted in her faith. In fact, her debut album was 2022’s Christian mega-hit, My Jesus. However, with Christian and country often going hand-in-hand, she’s committed to both on her debut country project, Rebel, out now.

 “I am who I am — I’m Anne Wilson. I love God and that’s my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both,” She says of the album that magically combines both.”I ’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things Country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on Rebel.”

The Kentucky-native co-wrote all of the album’s 16 songs, collaborating with some of Music Row’s biggest names, including Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Jaren Johnston, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, and more. Christian superstar Matthew West also helped Wilson craft much of the album, co-writing 13 of the 16 songs with her.

Produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, Rebel is a beautiful work that shows a singer who is clearly in love with both her music and her God. The 22-year-old is not afraid to be herself, and if that makes her a “rebel” in the eyes of the world, than that’s just fine by her.

The album opens with the title track, perfectly weaving together the UMG artist’s Christian roots with a modern country sound. In some ways, it’s similar to something Gabby Barrett or Carrie Underwood might release, etched with genuine conviction. The twangy and bluesy stomp immediately sets the stage for what’s to come, lyrically revealing just who Wilson is over a twangy and bluesy revival stomp.

“Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Who finds power in an old book they read? // In a world full of doubt, who still believes? // Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Call me crazy, call me a fool I ain’t scared ’cause I know the truth // Ain’t gonna run, ain’t gonna hide // Ain’t gonna change my mind”

“I remember thinking ‘If being a follower of Jesus makes me a rebel, because Jesus was a rebel,’ I’m gonna stand up for my faith,” She says. “In that moment, it all kind of clicked. I wrote the song, then the whole viewpoint of the record came into focus. We had that title on a white board, and every song we wrote after came from that question: what does it mean to be a rebel?”   

Like the title track, “God & Country” is an immediate standout that shows exactly who Anne Wilson is, as both a person and an artist. It’s a catchy and earwormy piece of pop-tinted country that is equal parts catchy and poignant. “I wanted to write a song that explains who I am as an artist. I was writing with Matthew, Jeff, and Trannie Anderson, and we talked about what the message was and how to put all the pieces of me in it.” 

“I’m hallelujah hands high and friends in low places // Red, white, and blue and red letter pages // Back row pew and front seat Ford // New King James and old King George // I’m washed in the water and mud on the tires // I’m Friday night lights and Sunday morning choir // I’m prayers up to heaven, roots down in Kentucky // Made by God and country”

Much of the album revolves around the theme of finding strength in the Lord, as evident on songs like “Strong,” “The Cross,” “Sinners Prayer,” and “Rain in the Rearview.” The latter has her questioning how much a heart can “take before it breaks,” starting as a ballad before building triumphantly. Meanwhile, “Strong” finds her overcoming tough times by hitting her knees. “The world’s gonna try to break me,” she acknowledges, “But I know the one who makes me strong.”

The album also includes some star-studded moments including Christian superstar Chris Tomlin on “The Cross”, and country’s own Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson. Davis and Wilson trade verses on “Country Gold,” which finds them celebrating the simple things that are important and how great it is to strike country gold. Meanwhile, Wilson (Lainey) joins Wilson (Anne) on “Praying Woman,” the incredible women trading verses about faith and the power of a devoted woman.  “When she whispers ‘Dear Jesus,’ Heaven can hear it, and the devil gets back to Hell running, that’s the power of a praying woman,” they sing, backed by a female choir that helps build the song to an ethereal level.

While the album is incredibly deep and powerful, there are also moments of fun and levity, including the guide to choosing a man, “Red Flag” and the standout and twang-laden “Songs About Whiskey,” which finds her examining her place in country music.

“I’ve heard songs about Jack Daniels // Songs about Jim Beam // Heard songs about one night regrets, neon and nicotine // I guess I’m just kind of fixed on, the only thing that’s ever fixed me // That’s why I sing songs about Jesus, instead of singing songs about Whiskey.”

“Southern Gospel” is a full on call and response revival, while “My Father’s Daughter” is a beautiful love letter to her dad and the man he is. “Dirt Roads in Heaven” finds her pondering the afterlife, while “316” shares her conviction over the Bible verse, John 3:16.

The album ends with the solid one-two punch of “Milestones” and “Out of the Bluegrass.” While the latter is a fiddle and steel ode to her home state, the former is a moment of vulnerability as Wilson wonders what she’s missing out on for her career. “This four wheel spinning dream I’m living, got me feeling like I’m skipping milestones,” she sings, powerful voice laced with emotion.

“There was a moment when I wondered if I was too country for Christian music and maybe too Christian for country music,” Wilson reveals. “I felt a little afraid that I didn’t fit in any box. But then it kind of fired me up because that’s the point! I don’t want to fit into any box. I want to be uniquely who God made me to be and I’ve got to stand up for what I believe and the kind of music I believe in,” Wilson shares with the same conviction that laces her music. “I don’t want to change who I am to fit in. Not in the music industry, and not in this world.” 

REBEL Tracklist

  1. REBEL
  2. Rain In The Rearview
  3. Strong
  4. God & Country
  5. Praying Woman ft. Lainey Wilson
  6. Song About Whiskey
  7. Sinner’s Prayer
  8. The Cross ft. Chris Tomlin
  9. My Father’s Daughter
  10. Red Flag
  11. Country Gold ft. Jordan Davis
  12. Southern Gospel
  13. Dirt Roads In Heaven
  14. 3:16
  15. Milestones
  16. Out Of The Bluegrass

Country Swag Picks:

  1. God & Country
  2. Praying Woman with Lainey Wilson
  3. Songs About Whiskey
  4. Rebel
anne-wilson-rebel-album

Anne Wilson shares her new album, ‘REBEL,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Anne Wilson releases.

Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

To keep up with Anne Wilson follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

REBEL is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

elvie-shane-demascus

Elvie Shane: ‘Damascus’ – Album Review

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Elvie Shane’s brand new album, Damascus is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

For Elvie Shane, his sophomore album, Damascus, is a continuation of a story that began with his debut project, Backslider. Released in late 2021, his Broken Bow debut was an autobiography of sorts, sharing his personal journey, while his new LP continues to tell that story while mixing in those of others.

“I feel like I’ve grown a lot since Backslider,” Shane shares in a statement. “I’ve attained just about everything I’ve ever dreamed of…seen the world and made a living with music. I’ve been on top and back down in the mud. In that travel and experience, I’ve paid close attention to people more than anything. I’ve seen a lot of struggle, but in that struggle, I found common ground and inspiration,” he continues. “Damascus is a record that aims to pick a fight with what holds people down. Normal everyday Blue Collar America…my people. These are not all my stories, but they are all stories I believe to be true.”    

Throughout the collection, the “My Boy” singer dabbles in hip hop, blues, soul, 80’s, and of course country. He pairs his powerful voice with choirs, female background vocalists, unexpected instrumentation, and even Little Big Town. 

Produced by Oscar Charles and featuring thirteen songs written or co-written by Shane, Damascus is truly an album that makes a statement. “It’s just so raw. It makes me feel like I felt when I was a kid, pissed off at the world and rocking headphones on the school bus,” he says. “I don’t wanna ever be put in a box where I can’t explore the craziest music. And this way I had an excuse to put it all on one record.” 

The album opens with “Outside Dog,” unexpectedly pairing twangy guitars with a hip-hop-meets-scat-inspired melody that finds Shane an outsider. “I’m an outside dog howling along,” He growls over thumping guitars, comparing himself to a pup who never quite fits in. It’s the perfect opener for Damascus with its unexpected sounds and message of nonconformity.

Much of the album finds Shane exploring similar themes, appreciating his Appalachian roots, while also escaping them. “What Do I Know?” is a clear example of this, a slow and moody track that finds him looking back at his raising over a downtuned guitar. The song builds to an incredible climax as the singer-songwriter growls in an almost prayerful passion, “What do I know?”

“I think red lipstick on a woman’s lips look sexy // I think coke’s okay, but it’s way damn better with Jack // I think the outlaws, Waylon and Johnny are gone forever // I think Jesus // He’s coming back // Oh, but what do I know // what do I know // I’m just a hard-working, beer-working, son of an average Joe // Like to think there ain’t nothing that I can’t fix with a hammer and crescent wrench, oh, but what do I know // what do I know // what do I know”

“Appalachian Alchemy” and “Forgotten Man” are also nods to his upbringing, with the latter a soaring Springsteen-esque anthem. “The color of my neck is still the same as my blood,” He proclaims. “Send me off to school // Try to turn me to a scholar // Can’t unpaint the blue on my collar”

Throughout Damascus, the background vocalists often shine, adding incredible depth to these already-powerful songs. While the vocalists are not always known to the listener, there’s one exception: Little Big Town. The harmonic quartet join Shane on “First Place,” a driving uptempo that finds him drowning his sorrows in the bottle. Here, he’s drinking to forget but this is a song to remember with its incredible vocals. Shane blends seamlessly with the synchrony of the iconic band, providing an epic moment that would be a live show-stopper.

The Kentucky native also touches on more sensitive topics on the album, including prison, addiction, and seeking out a fix. “Jonesin” is a wild up-tempo that finds him on the hunt for what’s next, and what’s bigger or better to give a quick fix. Meanwhile, “215634” is a tune about one’s time spent behind bars. “These 4 cold walls, they don’t change much,” He sings. “Oh My name ain’t my name no more…it’s 215634.”

“Pill” is truly a powerful and poignant moment on the album, dealing with the Opioid crisis and the effect it has on families. “’Pill’ is my story, told from the perspective of a note to me from my little brother in my most trying times. It’s an apology to those I love for the turmoil I put them through,” Shane said in a statement. “But for me this goes way beyond just what my family and I have gone through. I want to be a vessel and share other people’s struggles and experiences, even if it helps one person, that means I did my job.”

“Fan on High” offers a moment of levity on the LP with its dancehall inspired music and incredible sliding piano. Meanwhile, “Winning Horse” is a love song that features driving percussion meant to emulate a horse running as he implores someone to “take this love to the finish line.” 

“Baptized” also offers a clever take on a love song, bluesy and punctuated with powerful choir-like background vocals throughout the slow groove of a track. Frankly, Shane is in no rush to discover heaven if it can’t top what he has on earth.

“If this ain’t heaven on earth // Not sure what heaven is worth // ‘Cause I damn sure ain’t in a hurry to get there // If there ain’t moments like this // Lost in the rush of your kiss // Found in the touch of your skin, out somewhere // Down that same Wild Creek Road // Where sins get set afloat// Washed by the want in your eyes // Baptized”

The album ends with the powerful “Does Heaven Have a Creek,” which also finds the singer grappling with the afterlife. It’s a Gospel-inspired piano ballad that came from questions he struggled with after the passing of his grandmother. It’s “simply the wondering mind of a believer,” shares Shane. “A testimony of hope that Heaven has a few of the simple pleasures we enjoy here on earth. Is Heaven only for A-List Christians? Is there room for a prodigal ‘Good Ole Boy’ from Kentucky just trying to live a decent life and be a good man?”

Elvie Shane is truly unapologetic yet triumphant on Damascus, blending styles and sounds with incredible vocals and honesty that creates a must-listen for music fans.

Damascus Tracklist

  1. Outside Dog (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Jonathan Sherwood)
  2. What Do I Know (written by Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Dan Couch, Jonathan Sherwood)
  3. Jonesin’ (feat. Jenna McClelland) (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
  4. Baptized  (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  5. Forgotten Man (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  6. Pill (Elvie Shane, Lee Starr, Nick Columbia)
  7. 215634 (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Ben Chapman)
  8. Appalachian Alchemy (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston)
  9. First Place (feat. Little Big Town) (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Dan Couch, Jakob Miller)
  10. Winning Horse (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  11. Fan On High (Elvie Shane, Driver Williams, Hayes Carll)
  12. Chicken Shit (Elvie Shane, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell, Oscar Charles)
  13. Does Heaven Have A Creek (Elvie Shane)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. What Do I Know
  2. First Place (with Little Big Town)
  3. Does Heaven Have a Creek
  4. Forgotten Man
elvie-shane-demascus

Elvie Shane shares his brand new album, ‘Damascus,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Elvie Shane releases.

For tour dates and more, visit Shane’s website here.

To keep up with Elvie Shane, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Damascus is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

ernest-nashville

Ernest: ‘Nashville, Tennessee’ – Album Review

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Ernest releases his brand new album, Nashville, Tennessee, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

Country is cool again, and ERNEST proves that in his new album, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE. Although renowned for his multi-platinum songs such as “Son of a Sinner” (Jelly Roll), “Big, Big Plans” (Chris Lane) and “More Than My Hometown” (Morgan Wallen), among others, this marks the third studio album for the Nashville-native. ERNEST pays homage to the great city that raised him from childhood to country hitmaker. 

With a healthy 26-tracks, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE contains different sounds and themes, as well as a variety of features and covers. Overall, this album is very COUNTRY, which is especially unique for someone who has made his career off more “pop,” even “beachy” country songs.  Banjo and steel guitar are littered all over the record, more notably in songs such as “How’d We Get Here,” the somber “Ain’t As Easy,” the fast-paced “Smokin’ Gun,” and “Kiss of Death.”

Humor is another trait ERNEST prominently displays. He first exhibited his comedy on “Drunk With My Friends” on his sophomore album, Flower Shops (The Album): Two Dozen Roses, and we see it again in songs like “I Went To College / I Went To Jail,” “One More Heartache,” “Honkytonk Fairytale,” and the amusing “Redneck Sh*ttt.” In One More Heartache,” the singer admits this love is causing severe emotional bruising, but he has room for one more ‘do me right then do me wrong’ situation. The lonely singer in “Honkytonk Fairytale” sits at the bar wishing his whiskey bottle had a genie inside so it can bring his ex back. “Redneck Sh*ttt” is a super catchy, hip-hop styled anthem about…well, doing redneck sh*t. 

“Doin’ redneck sh*t // It’s just how all us rednecks get // When we get around other rednecks // Out where rednecks live // Y’all, it ain’t my fault, there ain’t no asphalt // Way out here in the sticks // Just a bunch of redneck sh*t”

ERNEST brought five friends and one family member on the record. Jelly Roll features in the aforementioned “I Went To College / I Went To Jail,” where the two compare their upbringings. Although they both took very different paths, they both ended up as artists on Music Row. On what might be the greatest vocal moment on the album, Lainey Wilson features on “Would If I Could.” The two lovers want to rekindle their relationship, but known deep-down it is not the best long-term decision. Newcomer, Lukas Nelson provides his vocals on one of the most country songs on the record, “Why Dallas,” where he blames the city for stealing his woman away from him. What will likely be the most popular song (mainly because of the other artists on it) “Hanging On” with Morgan Wallen is a more modern-sounding track that has the man hung up on a one-night fling with a stunner at the bar. 

“You left me hangin’ on // By a thread of them blue jeans // Baby now I’m wondering where it all went wrong // You got me hangin’ on on”

ERNEST included a cover of “Twinkle, Twinkle” with his son, Ryman, live at Fenway Park on Wallen’s One Night At A Time Tour. HARDY and ERNEST teamed up for a country cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.” Given his current career path, it makes sense that he chose HARDY to cover this one with, but we were shocked hearing its traditional country sound rather than HARDY’s new, hard rock vibe. He also covered another non-country song—John Mayer’s metaphoric “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room.” ERNEST recorded his own version of Cole Swindell’s “Sayin’ You Love Me,” which he originally wrote for Swindell’s Stereotype record. We wonder, out of all the songs he has wrote for other artists, why he chose this one to include on the record. Whatever the reason, we approve of his rendition! 

Love and heartache are other major themes on the album in other songs such as “Never Said I Love You,” “You Don’t Have To Die,” “Too Late,” and “Summertime Flies.” The album closes with “Bars On My Heart,” and “Dollar To Cash,” with the former being an uplifting way to reflect on all that heartbreak. The singer credits this honkytonk for getting her off his mind. In the latter, the singer goes over his will, concluding that he owes his entire life to country music. So, he decides that his final dollars will go into the jukebox to play Johnny Paycheck and Johnny Cash songs. 

“Play some Loretta // And dial up some Jones // Don’t rock the jukebox // Play old country songs // Can’t take it with me // When I’m six feet under that grass // So give my last paycheck to Paycheck // And my last dollar to Cash”

Although massive albums are the norm now, it’s impressive to have a collection of songs that are so different and unique. What’s even more extraordinary is that ERNEST co-wrote 20 of the 26 tracks. ERNEST did right with his tribute of Music City, and if cities could speak, Nashville would be proud of NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.

Nashville, Tennessee Tracklist:

  1. I Went To College / I Went To Jail (feat. Jelly Roll) (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Rivers Rutherford, Luke Bryan)
  2. Ain’t As Easy (Ernest Keith Smith, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chandler Paul Walters)
  3. Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson) (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Grady Block, Jordan Merrigan, Lukas Nelson)
  4. One More Heartache (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon)
  5. Hangin’ On (feat. Morgan Wallen) (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rhys Rutherford, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
  6. Did It For The Story (Ernest Keith Smith, John Byron, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
  7. How’d We Get Here (Ernest Keith Smith)
  8. Never Said I Love You (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters)
  9. Would If I Could (feat. Lainey Wilson) (Dean Dillon, Donald Ewing II)
  10. Honkytonk Fairytale (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Dallas Wilson, Brad Clawson)
  11. Smokin’ Gun (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Grady Block, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
  12. Twinkle Twinkle (Live At Fenway Park) [feat. Ryman Saint] (Jane Taylor)
  13. Life Goes On (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
  14. If You Don’t Know By Now (Clint Daniels, Dale Dodson)
  15. You Don’t Have To Die (Clint Ingersoll, Chris Stapleton)
  16. Redneck Sh*ttt (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
  17. Small Town Goes (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Cody Lohden, Ryan Vojtesak, Chandler Paul Walters)
  18. Kiss Of Death (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Ryan Vojtesak)
  19. Slow Dancing In A Burning Room (John Clayton Mayer)
  20. Ain’t Too Late (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Chandler Paul Walters, Jordan Merrigan, Cody Lohden)
  21. Sayin’ You Love Me (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, James McNair)
  22. Summertime Flies (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Grady Block, Jacob Durrett, Ross Portaro)
  23. Ain’t Right Ain’t Wrong (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Ryan Vojtesak)
  24. Creep (feat. Hardy) (Colin Greenwood, Jonathan Greenwood, Albert Hammond, Michael Hazlewood, Edward O’Brien, Philip Selway, Thomas Yorke)
  25. Bars On My Heart (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
  26. Dollar To Cash (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rafe Tenpenny, Brett Tyler)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Redneck Sh*ttt”
  2. “I Went To College / I Went To Jail”
  3. “Small Town Goes”
  4. “One More Heartache”
  5. “Dollar To Cash”
ernest-nashville

Ernest shares his brand new album, ‘Nashville, Tennessee,’ out now on alls streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ernest releases.

To keep up with ERNEST, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nashville, Tennessee is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Here Is Walker County’s Debut Album ‘Painted Ponies’

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Walker County releases their brand new debut album, Painted Ponies, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

After making waves in the country music industry, Walker County are finally releasing their brand new debut album and re-introducing themselves. The duo comprised of sisters, Ivy and Sophie Walker share their new, eleven song project, Painted Ponies, out today (4/12). Each of the songs speak to their incredible songwriting prowess, their knack for crafting a relatable song, and of course, their journey thus far as they navigating the windy road that is the music industry.

The sister duo created this record with the support of producer, Paul Sikes who encouraged them to make the record they always wanted to make. “We needed to break free,” says the duo in a recent interview with People. “We want to run with this passion that we have for music, and we’re finally taking that opportunity to run. These songs definitely correlate with our whole journey with becoming an independent artist.”

Listen to the brand new album now, Painted Ponies now to get a taste of what Walker County are all about!

Painted Ponies Tracklist:

  1. 20%
  2. The Thing About Fences
  3. Hits Home
  4. Settling’s for Dust
  5. Double-Wide World
  6. Skeletons
  7. Small Pond
  8. What You Don’t Get
  9. Handwritten
  10. Two Birds
  11. Painted Ponies
walker-county-album

Walker County shares their new album, ‘Painted Ponies,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Walker County releases.

To keep up with Walker County, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Painted Ponies is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Tyler Hubbard: ‘Strong’ – Album Review

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Tyler Hubbard releases his brand new album, Strong, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

For Tyler Hubbard, much of his sophomore album, Strong, was inspired by Keith Urban. The former Florida Georgia Line frontman spent months touring with the Aussie superstar while writing this project and honing his craft. “We were watching him play every night, and his live show is just high energy, fun and a great time,” shares Hubbard. “We wanted to write songs good enough to make Keith jealous (laughs).”

Of the album’s thirteen tracks, Hubbard wrote or co-wrote all of them, while also co-producing alongside Jordan Schmidt. For the EMI Nashville artist, the album represents a natural growth and solidification of his sound as a solo artist. Here, he examines themes of love, loss, heartbreak, nostalgia, and celebrating life.

The album opens with “Wish You Would,” an 80’s-tinted mid-tempo that was crafted purely with a good time in mind. Written as a live show opener, the track also makes the perfect album opener, as Hubbard implores someone to  “Be my up all nighter and my morning light, be my shotgun rider, my every Sunday drive.”

Of the track, he reveals, “We were aiming for something fun with a fresh sound and a little different – channeling a show-opener type of vibe. This song was just a natural, fun song, and not much of it changed from the demo to the studio, which is always great.”

That type of vibe is prevalent throughout the album, weaving its way through songs like the semi-autobiographical “Park,” “A Lot With a Little,” and “Night Like That.” The latter was specifically crafted with a live show in mind, and the result is the perfect party starter. “It’s now just one of those songs where you want to hear it on a Friday night — just get the party started and set the mood right,” shares Hubbard in a statement. “We’ve all been there and just needed a night like that in some form or fashion.”

Hubbard also taps into themes of nostalgia and longing for simpler times throughout Strong, evident on song like “Back Then Right Now,” “American Mellencamp,” “Summer Talkin’” and “Take Me Back.” While “Summer Tallkin’’ is an ode to a fleeting summer romance, “Back Then Right Now” finds him dreaming of simpler times and feeling nostalgic for his younger days. “Back then, it was simple, it was slow,” He muses. “We didn’t worry ‘bout what we didn’t know.”

“Take Me Back” is a clever mid-tempo love song to his hometown. While Hubbard admits that he left there at a young age, it’s his hometown that made him who he is, and he hopes they can forgive him, their prodigal son.

“I think about you when a summer rain falls // I sing about you when I’m writin’ these songs //  Didn’t forget about you for a minute // I know I hurt you and it hurts to admit It // I hate that I left you without a goodbye // Would you forgive me, give it one more try // Do I stand a chance if I ever come back around // Would you take me back, hometown?”

The introspective singer-songwriter also takes things down a more personal route with “‘73 Beetle,” a song he considers a continuation to “Miss My Daddy.” Hubbard wrote the song about his deceased father and one of their favorite pastimes. “This song is written about a really personal part of my life. It’s part of one of the things my dad and I loved to do together,” he shares. “I still have that car – that ‘73 beetle. It’s not completely finished, but it’s close. Every line is a true story in this song. And, it’s the only song on this album I wrote solely by myself.”

“Vegas” is a fun standout, a whimsical take on love at first sight that has Hubbard prepared to take a girl to Vegas and wife her up immediately. Meanwhile, “BNA” is another standout with its sunny instrumentation that allows the Georgia native to experiment with a new sound. He admits that the goal of the airport-inspired tune was to have an “80s/1975 undertone vibe” and that the super catchy tune does just that.

The album closes with its titular track, a lyrical representation of Hubbard’s love for his wife, Hayley. “It’s kind of a cool way to express that in a country boy-type of way. There’s something powerful about talking about the strength of the things I touch on in the song, but ultimately, it’s how I have felt since the beginning with her,” he shares.

In addition to representing his relationship with his wife, Hubbard admits that “Strong” is a true representation of this LP and his career at the moment. “It represents the overall project and where I am. It’s also how I’m feeling. And, hopefully, it helps and encourages others to kind of channel their inner strength in a way that can be fun. We are all probably a lot stronger than we think. Yes, it has multiple layers, but I do love the heart behind this song…I’m glad this made the record, and I’m so glad this song is going to get to live in a live show.”

Strong Tracklist:

  1. Wish You Would (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
  2. Park (Tyler Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Canaan Smith)
  3. A Lot With A Little (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Parker Welling)
  4. Night Like That  (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
  5. Take Me Back (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
  6. Back Then Right Now (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton)
  7. Vegas (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
  8. Turn (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Josh Miller)
  9. American Mellencamp (Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Jordan Schmidt)
  10. BNA (Tyler Hubbard, Chase McGill and Jordan Schmidt)
  11. Summer Talkin’ (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley)
  12. ‘73 Beetle (Tyler Hubbard)
  13. Strong (Tyler Hubbard, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Miller)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Take Me Back
  2. BNA
  3. Vegas
  4. Strong
Tyler-hubbard-strong-album

Tyler Hubbard saures his brand new album, ‘Strong,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tyler Hubbard releases.

This summer, Hubbard will be hitting the road with Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour. For tour dates and more, visit his website here.

To keep up with Tyler Hubbard, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Strong is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Riley Green: ‘Way Out Here’ – EP Review

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Riley Green releases his brand new EP, Way Out Here, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

On his new EP, Way Out Here, Riley Green continues to establish himself as one of the genre’s most consistent hitmakers. The seven song collection, released April 12, allows the singer-songwriter to get recorded versions of these songs into the hands of his fans.

“We’ve been playing these new songs on the road and wanted to get them to the fans as soon as possible,” said Green of his decision to release the EP. “I’m always working on new music and have more coming throughout the year.”  

On the follow up to 2023’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo, the Alabama native wrote or co-wrote five of the collection’s seven tracks. Here, he pairs his modern traditional sound with poignant and personal lyrics.

The EP opens with “Jesus Saves,” a perfect song for Green that tugs at the heartstrings much in the vein of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” On the sparse ballad, he tells the story of an encounter with a homeless man, sharing stories of how things ended up that way. It’s a story similar to Emerson Drive’s “Moments,” reminding listeners that appearances can be deceiving. “It’s hard to see all that when you’re driving by,” He sings of the man’s story. “So I just write down ‘Jesus Saves,’ ’cause there ain’t no way I could fit that on a sign.”

The EP also features the previously released “Way Out Here” and “Damn Good Day to Leave,” both of which are Green at his finest. On the latter, he’s tongue in cheek as he deals with a breakup with a positive attitude, while “Way Out” is a catchy celebration of all the best things about country life.

“We don’t take a dime if we ain’t earned it // When it comes to weight, brother, we pull our own // If it’s our backwoods where you live and you’re concerned with // Well, you can leave us alone // ‘Cause we’re about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere // Way out here”

“Good Morning from Mexico” is an immediate standout, a beachy and playful letter to the girl who broke his heart. On the tropical tinted tune, he lives it up in Mexico, saying “adios” to his ex. “Well good morning from Mexico, I found a little senorita, and she don’t wanna let me go, we got us a bungalow, and I’ve been living off of coconut and Modelo,” He muses. “Thought I never would recover, find another lover, Hey I guess you never know, so good morning from Mexico.”

“Pick A Place” is a mid-tempo ballad that’s dedicated to escaping the trappings of everyday life and finding somewhere to escape to in order to rekindle an old flame. “Just pick a place where hearts don’t break and I’ll open up a tab, somewhere we don’t know a soul and we can wash away the past,” He implores. “Somewhere it don’t hurt, girl, just say the word and I’m on my way, All you gotta do is pick a place”

Rounding out the EP is the swampy and blues-laden “Worst Way” and a fan favorite from Green’s live shows, a countrified cover of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “Atlantic City.”

Way Out Here Tracklist:

  1. Jesus Saves (Riley Green)
  2. Way Out Here (Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Josh Thompson)
  3. Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)
  4. Good Morning from Mexico (Riley Green)
  5. Damn Good Day to Leave (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
  6. Pick a Place (Riley Green, Erik Dylan)
  7. Worst Way (Riley Green)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Good Morning from Mexico
  2. Jesus Saves
  3. Way Out Here

    Riley-green-ep-way-out-here

    Riley Green shares his brand new EP, ‘Way Out Here,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Riley Green releases.

Green will make a stop at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on April 24. Tour dates and more can be found here.

To keep up with Riley Green, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Way Out Here is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Blanco Brown: ‘Heartache & Lemonade’ – EP Review

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Blanco Brown releases his new EP, Heartache & Lemonade EP, out now, April 5th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

The viral dance craze, “The Git Up,” put Atlanta native, Blanco Brown on the map in 2019. Fast forward five years, and fans finally have a follow-up to the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s debut album. The single “Sunshine Shine,” was released back in February. It’s ear-catching blend of playful melodies and good vibes are reminiscent of his number one single.

Brown branches out from his winning formula on the remaining three tracks with romance being the major theme. In the short opener, the singer is conflicted about what caused his most recent breakup and how he feels about it. “Tailgating In The Sun” and “As Good As It Gets” are love ballads.  In the latter, there is a dramatic build-up as the chorus comes in; the singer expresses how much fun life is with his woman. In the bridge, Brown channels in his inner rock star, screeching the final word in front of an electric guitar. While “Tailgating In The Sun” sounds like another party anthem, it’s a mellow tune about how love prevails over everything. He speak-raps the final line:

“Yeah, I remember those summer days // It seemed like I could never get away // I thought I knew what love was // but now I understand what it means // To love even when you’re at the lowest”

Through Heartache and Lemonade, Blanco Brown reaffirms his reputation as a boundary-breaking artist. His ability to seamlessly blend genres enables him to craft a distinctive sound that makes listeners want to dance, cry, love, and everything in between.

“This EP feels a bit different for me,” Brown said in a recent press release. “I’ve now traveled the world, looked death in the eyes and somehow made it back alive. Bitter moments never lasted, sweeter moments brought me back to purpose…Heartache & Lemonade brings about a new chapter. Try turning some of your worst moments into a smile every once in a while.”

Heartache & Lemonade EP Tracklist:

  1. Energy
  2. Tailgating In The Sun
  3. Good As It Gets
  4. Sunshine Shine
blanco-brown-heartache-and-lemonade-ep

Blanco Brown shares new EP, ‘Heartache & Lemonade,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Blanco Brown releases.

To keep up with Blanco Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Heartache & Lemonade EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Sam Hunt: ‘Locked Up’ – EP Review

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Sam Hunt releases his brand new EP, Locked Up, out now, April 5th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

Sam Hunt is the type of artist who truly beats to his own drum. His rhythmic way of approaching music Chas garnered him millions of loyal fans, since he came on the country music scene. While it has been a windy road for the artist, Hunt has remained honest and true to his music through his songwriting and storytelling. Today, the singer-songwriter shares more of his own experiences and his talent in his brand new EP, Locked Up.

The new EP features four songs that feel like a teaser for what’s to come from Hunt. The record kicks off with the title track, written by Hunt with Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne. “Locked Up,” a catchy, mid-tempo song, depicts Hunt’s experience being charged for a DUI back in 2019. Throughout the song, he owns up to his “rowdy days” and shows appreciation for his wife for standing by his side. The song is a nice display of accountability hidden in an ear worm of a song.

Much like the final song off the EP, “Country House” feels reminiscent of older Hunt songs like “Body Like A Back Road.” The song celebrates where Hunt is in his life right now, settled down with a family to call his own. On the other hand, the other new song off the project, “Last Hurrah,” shows Hunt in a more introspective light. The song displays a man reminiscing about what happened to a wild girl he once new. “Last Hurrah” draw the listener in with the haunting vibes and relatable lyrics.

The four-song project wraps-up with his previously released song, “Outskirts.” On the surface, the single feels like just another fun song (and it is), but under the surface, the song depicts the story of a single man in the city, who finds himself reminiscing about what could have been with a lost love.

Locked Up Tracklist:

  1. Locked Up (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  2. Country House (Sam Hunt, Ross Copperman, Michael Lotten, Josh Osborne)
  3. Last Hurrah (Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  4. Outskirts (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Josh Osborne)
sam-hunt-locked-up-ep

Sam Hunt’s new EP, ‘Locked Up’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Sam Hunt releases.

To keep up with Sam Hunt follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Locked Up is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.