Ashley McBryde: ‘The Devil I Know’ Album Review

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Ashley McBryde’s brand new album, The Devil I Know is out now, September 8th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

One year ago, the talented singer-songwriter, Ashley McBryde, released Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, a fourteen-track record about fictional characters in a fictional town. It was well-received by critics, being nominated for a GRAMMY, and showcased the Arkansas-native’s creativity. The Devil I Know is another project that embodies McBryde’s strong songwriting capabilities and her ability to capture listeners’ ears with humor, raw emotion, and vivid attention to detail. 

The album opens with the up beat “Made For This;” a reflection of the singer’s experience on the road with her band. She mentions that the alcohol and Adderall lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but when God gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity, you better take it. In the title track, the singer addresses the criticisms she often receives from her peers. She shrugs off these stamps of disapproval, knowing that there’s evil everywhere you turn, so you might as well stick with the ones that are familiar. The first chorus is McBryde’s demo version, which is followed by a rocking transition with heavy electric guitar and percussion. 

“Momma says, get my ass to church // Daddy says, get my ass to work // Doctor says I gotta give up on these smokes // Everybody’s got something to say // About how I gotta change my ways // But I got something to say of my own // Hell, there’s hell everywhere I go // I’m just sticking with the devil I know”

“Light On In The Kitchen” is McBryde’s fastest rising single of her career thus far, currently approaching the top 25. Written with Connie Harrington and Jessi Alexander, the lyrics are inspired by the life lessons she received from her mother when she was young. The sentimental, black-and-white music video was shot in her childhood home and features old, grainy videos from her past. 

“Honey, trust yourself // You better love yourself // ‘Cause ’til you do you ain’t no good for anybody else // And honey, boys are dumb // But you’re gonna to find you one // Love him hard, bless your heart // When you need someone to listen // That’s why I leave the light on in the kitchen”

“Single At The Same Time” is a classic “right person, wrong time” story. Although she is happy with the life she has now, she continues to wonder what could’ve been. “Learned To Lie” is another vulnerable song in which the singer reflects on her past, recalling all the lies her parents told each other. She wishes that was one trait she didn’t pick up and master. This track ends with an electric and powerful guitar solo.   

“I, I learned to cry // Quietly, I learned to pray // Silently, inside a house where the Devil played // And I, hate that it runs in my blood // I hate how easy it comes // I wish I’d learned how to love the same way I // learned to Lie”

A country record is incomplete without some drinking songs. “Cool Little Bars” is an ode to those ‘hole-in-wall’ dives that provide a safe space for common folk with broken hearts. Fellow country star, Lainey Wilson, co-wrote this track with McBryde. “Whiskey and Country Music” is showered with keys, steel guitar, and simple percussion. The singer admits she’s tried everything from meditation to medication, but nothing takes the edge off like whiskey and classic country music when she’s getting over a relationship. 

“Just pass me a bottle, and I won’t refuse it // Put Patsy on vinyl, and good lord, I lose it”

The two songs with “whiskey” in the title are very different in both sound and subject matter. “Women Ain’t Whiskey” is targeted at the men who disrespect women. The singer is sick and tired of feeling like 80 proof alcohol—only hit up when the other is lonely, and moving on once the bottle is empty. 

The album ends with the rocking “Blackout Betty” and the easy-going “6th of October.” In the former, it seems like the singer is giving advice to this woman named Betty who continues to make irresponsible decisions. After the second chorus, the listeners realize “Blackout Betty” is just the singer’s drunk alter-ego; perhaps a play-on Ram Jam’s top-20 hit, “Black Betty.” The latter is a much simpler melody over an acoustic guitar where the singer reminds listeners to go with the flow, embrace their past, and be proud of who you are. 

McBryde has certainly solidified herself as one of Nashville’s most notable and exciting artists. Her journey to stardom has been marked by perseverance and a deep commitment to her craft. Whether she’s depicting a true tale, or one completely fabricated, she tells it with such passion that is personal not only to her, but to her audience of all types country music fans. 

The Devil I Know Track List:

  1. Made for This (Ashley McBryde and Travis Meadows)
  2. Coldest Beer in Town (McBryde, Autumn McEntire and Nicolette Hayford)
  3. Light on in the Kitchen (McBryde, Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington)
  4. Women Ain’t Whiskey (McBryde, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite and Chris LaCorte)
  5. Learned to Lie (McBryde, Hayford and Sean McConnell)
  6. The Devil I Know (McBryde, Jeremy Stover and Bobby Pinson)
  7. Single at the Same Time (McBryde, Benjy Davis and Andy Albert)
  8. Cool Little Bars (McBryde, Trick Savage and Lainey Wilson)
  9. Whiskey and Country Music (McBryde, John Osborne and Lee Thomas Miller)
  10. Blackout Betty (McBryde, Aaron Raitiere and Hayford)
  11. 6th of October (McBryde, Blue Foley and CJ Field)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Made For This
  2. The Devil I Know
  3. Blackout Betty
Ashley-mcbryde-album

Ashley McBryde’s new album ‘The Devil I Know,” 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 upcoming Ashley McBryde announcements and releases.

To keep up with Ashley McBryde follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Devil I Know 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.

Larry Fleet: ‘Earned It’ Album Review

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Larry Fleet’s brand new album, Earned It is out now, September 1st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Larry Fleet is one of the most humble and authentic entertainers in country music right now. The singer-songwriter has a knack for singing his truth, writing relatable stories, and creating true-blue country songs that fans will want to listen to again and again. His brand new album, Earned It showcases all of it. With 21 songs, Fleet leads his listeners through a journey of gratitude for his roots, a humble appreciation for the successes and the pain points, and a steadiness in knowing that hard work can build dreams.

“I love getting to play music and write songs, but there are still days when I ride by a job site and see some ol’ boy on an excavator and I’m like, ‘Man, I remember that,’” Fleet shares in a recent press release. “You work hard every day. You build something with your hands, and when you’re done you’ve got something to look at and you’re proud of that.”

The record kicks off with the title track, which sets the tone for the rest of the project. On “Earned It,” Fleet leans into the blue-collar lifestyle, bringing the stories to life on the track and teaching us lessons throughout the song. He encourages everyone to be the best that they can be and appreciate the simplicities that life affords us. While the song is lyrical poignant, the fun-loving instrumentals add to the already incredible single.

“Buddy, I earned it // Damn right it was worth it // And I’ll do it all over again even if I’m hurtin’ // Oh, at the end of the day // I get to watch my children play // I’m satisfied with my simple life // ‘Cause, buddy, I earned it”

Fleet continues to highlight the blue-collar lifestyle and that “built not bought” attitude throughout the record. Songs like “25-8,” “Where There’s A Willie” and “Muddy Water,” bring nostalgia to the forefront of our hearts. Each of the three songs pay homage to the small-town lifestyle and show gratitude for the mistakes and failures too in different and enticing ways.

Many songs off the record also touch on the themes of settling down and putting roots down. On “Two Beer Plan,” listeners get to hear a love story unfold and work longterm after a couple of drinks at the bar. The story is heartwarming and poetic in nature. Similarly, on “Angels Were Gone,” Fleet likens his wife to an angel for all she does and all she is. On “Layaway,” fans get to hear all about the process of actually putting down roots.

Fleet expresses love again on both “Taking The Long Way,” an uptempo jam that we cannot get enough of, and again on “Tennessee On You.” On the latter, the singer weaves us through a budding new love story that feels hopeful, eclectic, and flirty. The song is one of the several places that you can see Fleet’s Otis Redding influences touch.

The blossoming superstar’s love for Rock ‘N’ Roll music is also evident on the project. While the uptempo songs are a dead giveaway for the inspiration from that genre, one of our favorite songs off the project, “Devil Music,” is more on the nose. On the track, Fleet expresses growing up listening to the genre and the story that unfolded throughout his life. Although not penned by the singer, it feels like the story could have come from his own life adding to the likability of the track.

Another theme that is evident throughout the entire project is lessons learned. On track two, “Lucky Dog,” Fleet laments about a break-up, singing lyrics like, “My whole world just drove away.” Though the lyrics are melancholy, the uptempo instrumentals and the “hats off” to the other guy mentality make the song both likable and catchy. On “Something He’d Say,” Fleet urges us all to be mindful about what we deserve. A lyrically-prolific song, the track is a reminder that we all get to be treated with love and respect.

While each and every song has a flavor of teachable moments woven in, the last three songs off the record really bring it home on the project. Beginning with “Grow,” arguably one of the best songs on the project, Fleet reminds us all to relish in each stage of life because it is all a growing edge and learning curve. Similar to the feel of songs like “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis and “A ROCK” by HARDY, “Grow” is a perfect example of real storytelling country music.

On “Daddy Don’t Drink,” written by Fleet with Derek Bahr and Luke Laird, the singer opens up about becoming a father and all that he has done and will continue to do for his family, including giving up vices in favor of being a role model.

With that being said, the final song on the project, “Young Buck,” turns nostalgic memories about being an outdoorsman into lessons about being present in life. The song feels like the heartbeat of the record in the most poignant of ways.

Earned It is a cohesive body of work that makes us all think, feel, love, enjoy, and relish, something we believe that Fleet intended for his fans and listeners. Fleet has definitely emerged as a mainstay in country music with this album officially sealing his fate and much-deserved place in the genre.

Earned It Track List:

  1. Earned It (Larry Fleet, Connie Rae Harrington)
  2. Lucky Dog (Zach Abend, Smith Ahnquist, Michael Hardy)
  3. Ain’t Mad At Jesus (Larry Fleet, Josh Miller, Jake Mitchell)
  4. 25-8 (Casey Beathard, Nicolette Hayford, Jim Wolf)
  5. Things I Take For Granted (Larry Fleet, Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Brett Tyler)
  6. Lord Willing (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brett Tyler)
  7. Two Beer Plan (Larry Fleet, Thomas Archer, Ryan Beaver, Mark Holman)
  8. Taking The Long Way (Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brett Tyler)
  9. Something He’d Say (Larry Fleet, Josh Thompson, Jake Mitchell)
  10. Beer Needs A Beer (Larry Fleet, Brett Tyler, Logan Wall)
  11. There’s A Waylon (Steve Moakler, Joseph Patton, Logan Wall)
  12. Angels Were Gone (Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Joybeth Taylor)
  13. Try Texas (Jake Mitchell, Larry Fleet, James McNair)
  14. Tennessee On You (Rocky Block, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
  15. Muddy Water (Larry Fleet, Jesse Frasure, Brett Tyler)
  16. Devil Music (Jessie Jo Dillon, Neil Mason, Brett Tyler)
  17. Layaway (Larry Fleet, Mark Trussell, Josh Miller)
  18. Much To Talk About (Tommy Cecil, Jordan Dozzi, Craig Wiseman)
  19. Grow (Rodney Clawson, Josh Miller, Dallas Wilson)
  20. Daddy Don’t Drink (Larry Fleet, Derek Bahr, Luke Laird)
  21. Young Buck (Andy Albert, John Byron, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Grow”
  2. “Two Beer Plan”
  3. “Earned It”
  4. “Devil Music”
  5. “Taking The Long Way”
  6. “Something He’d Say”
larry-fleet-earned-it

Larry Fleet shares brand new album, ‘Earned It,’ 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 upcoming Larry Fleet announcements and releases.

To keep up with Larry Fleet follow Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Earned It 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.

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Here is Tim McGraw’s Album ‘Standing Room Only’

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Tim McGraw’s brand new album, Standing Room Only is out now, August 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Country superstar, Tim McGraw is an absolute legend in the genre. Today, the singer releases his seventeenth studio album called, Standing Room Only. With thirteen brand new songs written by incredible songwriters like Ryan Larkins, Lori McKenna, Chase McGill, and more.

According to McGraw in a recent press release, “As an artist, I always want to dig deeper and get better every time I make a new record – it’s a big part of what drives me, and I really believe this is one of the best projects we’ve made. I’ve been working on this album since 2020, and this collection of songs are some of the most emotional, thought-provoking, and life-affirming music I’ve ever recorded.”

Make sure to check out the Standing Room Only album and listen below!

Standing Room Only Track List:

  1. “Hold On To It” (Written by Ryan Larkins, Seth Mosley, Jimmy Yeary)
  2. “Standing Room Only” (Written by Tommy Cecil, Patrick Murphy, Craig Wiseman)
  3. “Paper Umbrellas” (Written by Monty Criswell, Drake Milligan)
  4. “Remember Me Well” (Written by Heather Morgan, Jimmy Robbins)
  5. “Hey Whiskey” (Written by Brad Hutsell, Joel Hutsell, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  6. “Her” (Written by Jason Gantt, Tim Nichols, Jimmy Yeary)
  7. “Fool Me Again” (Written by Kameron Marlowe, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Rob Williford)
  8. “Small Town King” (Written by Jaren Johnston, Jenn Schott, Jeremy Stover)
  9. “Beautiful Hurricane” (Written by Mike Lane, Tony Lane)
  10. “Cowboy Junkie” (Written by Bill Luther, Lance Miller, Justin Weaver)
  11. “Nashville CA/L.A. Tennessee (Featuring Lori McKenna)” (Written by Tim McGraw, Lori McKenna, Bob Minner)
  12. “Some Songs Change Your World” (Written by Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Lance Miller)
  13. “Letter From Heaven” (Written by Chase McGill, Lori McKenna, Parker Welling)
Tim-mcgraw-album

Tim McGraw’s new album, ‘Standing Room Only,’ 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 upcoming Tim McGraw announcements and releases.

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

Standing Room Only 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.

Morgan-wade-psychopath

Morgan Wade: ‘PSYCHOPATH’ Album Review

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Morgan Wade’s brand new album, PSYCHOPATH is out now, August 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Morgan Wade was one of country music’s top breakout stars in 2021 when she released her debut album, Reckless, with Thirty Tigers. The album proved to be successful, selling over 3,000 copies its first week. Its lead single, “Wilder Days” reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. Covering subjects of sobriety, mental health, and past relationships, the record was critically acclaimed for its raw and authentic story telling—Rolling Stone even named it the Best Country Album of the year. Psychopath follows suit. From top to bottom, these songs are unique and real, and while personal to the Virginia-native, it can relate to a variety of listeners on many different levels.

“When I started working on Psychopath I was nervous (still am) about following such a ‘critically-acclaimed’ album. But as I sit here and listen to this art that Sadler and I created (again), I am proud,” Wade humbly stated in a recent press release. “This record shows where I have been since Reckless, and where I’m at now.”

This album’s main themes are overcoming early hardship and experiencing true love. Wade released the title track in May—a mostly stripped-down love story about how two people can love each other through the good, bad, and wild times. The beachy sounding “Fall In Love With Me” was also previously released, and features the protagonist trying to woo her crush. The comical music video features Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Kyle Richards. 

The project kicks off with the upbeat yet vulnerable “Domino.” The singer paints a vivid picture of her current well-being with the creative, yet grim line “My roses are dead, all my pills are blue. The house is a wreck; my head is, too.” However, she is grateful she has someone in her life she can lean on for support.

“80s Movie” and “Want” touch on desires of love. In the former, Wade refers to popular films of the decade including Grease, Dirty Dancing, and When Harry Met Sally. The music video has the singer sporting the vest Michael J. Fox’s character, Marty McFly made popular in Back To The Future. The latter is a slow, seductive piano-driven ballad where she doesn’t shy away from her strong feelings for this person.

“Phantom Feelings” and “Outrun Me” both feature popular songwriters—Julia Michaels, and Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, respectively. While “Phantom Feelings” is a melancholy story of someone who can’t get over their latest love interest, “Outrun Me” is told from the perspective of someone who is okay with the breakup but knows the other will regret walking away.  

In “Losers Like Me” and “Meet Somebody” Wade channels her rock n’ roll influence. Backed by heavy electric guitar, the former sounds like it could be a Joan Jett cut. The protagonist expresses her frustration at not being able to find any good candidates to have a stable relationship with. In front a pounding bass, the singer in “Losers Like Me” described the big plans she had when she was 16. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out in her favor, and now the “losers” she passes in the street look just like her—alone.

“We said we wouldn’t get jobs and we’d burn our bras // We wouldn’t turn out nothing like our moms // I didn’t, but I wish I did”

Speaking of rockstars, tracks 5 and 6 share the name of rock legends. “Guns and Roses” is a dramatic ballad that touches on the unpredictability of relationships.” “Alanis” is an ode to the “Ironic” singer. She admires the passion and truth in her music and her ability to ignore what other people think of her. Wade admits it was her influence that helped her “be brave and keep the demons away.”

The album’s closer, “27 Club,” is by far the heaviest and most real. The singer speaks of her fragile mental health issues. The darkest line is in the third verse, “And some nights when I’m feeling suicidal, I could reach for the gun, I could reach for the bottle, but it’s great. At least now I’m getting paid.” Drugs, alcohol, or money can’t distract her from the dastardly voices in her head. Two verses later, she name-drops her hit “Wilder Days,” stating it’s the only reason why this “Beverly Hills hottie” is giving her the time of day. 

They say that your second album is the toughest to craft, especially when your first is such an overwhelming success. The second album is the true test of the artist’s ability and could potentially determine the direction of the artist’s career. Morgan Wade’s Psychopath did not disappoint, and we suspect this young talent to be a strong, female voice to be reckoned with in the industry for a long, long time.

“Regardless of what people say about Psychopath, I’m proud because I feel like it showcases where I am at this moment in time,” Wade confessed. “I have no choice but to be authentic. And I have to feel what I feel. And right now, I’m really feeling the music. I hope you can feel my authenticity and that you can get something out of this project.”

PSYCHOPATH Track List:

  1. Domino (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Sadler Vaden/Butch Walker)
  2. 80’s Movie (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
  3. Losers Look Like Me (Morgan Wade)
  4. Roman Candle (Morgan Wade)
  5. Guns and Roses (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
  6. Alanis (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
  7. Phantom Feelings (Morgan Wade/Julia Michaels/Ben Rice)
  8. Psychopath (Morgan Wade)
  9. Outrun Me (Morgan Wade/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose/Sadler Vaden)
  10. Want (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
  11. Fall In Love With Me (Morgan Wade)
  12. Meet Somebody (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
  13. 27 Club (Morgan Wade)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Losers Like Me
  2. Meet Somebody
  3. 27 Club
  4. Alanis
Morgan-wade-psychopath

Morgan Wade shares brand new album, ‘PSYCHOPATH,’ 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 upcoming Morgan Wade announcements and releases.

To keep up with Morgan Wade, follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

PSYCHOPATH 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.

zach-bryan-best-songs

Here is Zach Bryan’s Brand New Self-Titled Album

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Zach Bryan’s brand new self-titled album is out now, August 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

One of country music’s fastest rising superstars, Zach Bryan is releasing his highly anticipated sophomore album. The self-titled project is officially out now. Full of sixteen songs, including killer collaborations with artists like War and Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves, and The Lumineers, the album leaves fans hanging on to each and every track.

“Really proud to call the writing and production on somethin’ all mine,” Bryan shared on social media. “Thank y’all for your patience, I didn’t make this album to appease people who will never be happy anyways, I made it for my people, hope everyone has a good weekend.”

Zach Bryan’s self-titled album is a must-listen to. Checkout all the new songs and listen below!

Zach Bryan Track List:

  1. Fear & Friday’s (poem)
  2. Overtime
  3. Summertime’s Close
  4. East Side of Sorrow
  5. Hey Driver (ft. War and Treaty)
  6. Fear and Friday’s
  7. Ticking
  8. Holy Roller (ft. Sierra Ferrell)
  9. Jake’s Piano/ Long Island
  10. El Dorado
  11. I Remember Everything (ft. Kacey Musgraves)
  12. Tourniquet
  13. Spotless (ft. The Lumineers)
  14. Tradesman
  15. Smaller Acts
  16. Oklahoma Son
zach-bryan-self-titled

Zach Bryan’s self-titled album 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 upcoming Zach Bryan announcements and releases.

To keep up with Zach Bryan, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

Zach Bryan 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.

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Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ Album Review

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Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Getting It Right is out now, August 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Alana Springsteen is an artist to look out for. For her debut album, Springsteen chose to split the record into three parts, giving specific groups of songs in each edition. Today, the final part of her debut record, Twenty Something is officially here. The third part is called “Twenty Something: Getting It Right” featuring six brand new songs.

While part one of the record, Messing It Up was heartbreaking, and part two, Figuring It Out was introspective, Getting It Right is inspiring and exciting. “I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the release of Getting It Right. Not only because it marks all of my debut album TWENTY SOMETHING being out in the world, but also because I’m finally at a place where I can start talking about some of the really fulfilling moments I’ve experienced over the past year or so,” shared Springsteen in a new press release. “I’ve found my way out of a really dark season of heartbreak and self-discovery, and it’s been a real roller coaster of a ride. On the other side of all of that, I’ve found this really empowering, fulfilling, steady sense of self.”

The record kicks off with a beautiful song called “taylor did.” Springsteen shares how music is truly the backdrop to our lives. For her, Taylor Swift was a mainstay, helping her get through and understand many experiences in her life growing up.

The records continues with “different kinda country” and “cowboys and tequila.” Both songs showcase Springsteen’s undeniable talent. On “different kinda country,” the singer makes peace with the fact that her kind of country is beach-country. She sheds a light on that country music can sound and look different, but ultimately it is about the connection to home and music – something she does effortlessly. “different kinda country” is a true standout on the record.

On “cowboys and tequila,” Springsteen leans into her strong and sassy side. Cleary someone who knows what a broken heart feels like, the singer shares that both cowboys and tequila are “two things [she] doesn’t chase.” This song feels like the perfect addition to Springsteen’s live shows. On “thinkin’ straight,” Springsteen showcases her flirty side. Unapologetically herself, the rising artist brings a much needed fun-loving song to the project.

Similarly on “look i like,” the songstress leans into the vulnerability of falling for someone new. The song feels hopeful, which is a nice look on Springsteen. “I wrote ‘look i like’ with Shane McAnally and Pete Good,” shared this songstress in a recent press release. “I remember every second of that day because I had never written a song like this before. That session was the first time I remember feeling ready to explore the emotions that come with truly wanting someone again.”

On the last track of her debut project, “amen,” Springsteen bares her soul, setting the stage for her life, her music, and what’s to come. The confessional song is all about trusting yourself, knowing that things change, and that it’s okay to mess up sometimes. The addition of the voicemail from her mother embedded into the song adds to the theme of the track. “amen” is the perfect song to bookend the debut project.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something is an incredible debut by the rising star. Each of the three parts solidify her extraordinary talent and growing staying power. Getting It Right was the perfect note to end the impressive 18-song album with! Congrats to Springsteen for an incredible debut outing.

Twenty Something: Getting It Right Track List:

  1. taylor did (Alana Springsteen, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Alysa Vanderheym)
  2. different kinda country (Alana Springsteen, Josh Dorr, Nick Bailey)
  3. cowboys and tequila (Alana Springsteen, Paul DiGiovanni, Parker Welling, Josh Dorr)
  4. thinkin’ straight (Alana Springsteen, Shay Mooney, Ryan “Rykeyz” Williamson, Geoff Warburton)
  5. look i like (Alana Springsteen, Shane McAnally, Pete Good)
  6. amen (Alana Springsteen, Delacey, Sarah Solovay, Ido Zmishlany)
Alana-springsteen-album-part-3

Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s album, ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ 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 upcoming Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Twenty Something: Getting It Right 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.

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The Frontmen Share Two New Country Songs for Fans

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The Frontmen are sharing two new songs for country fans including, “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new songs here.

Back in March, The Frontmen officially signed with BMG/BBR Music Group. The trio comprised of Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), are absolute veterans in the country music industry. Combining their talents into an exciting new act is exactly what we all needed. Today, The Frontmen release two new songs,”It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas.”

On “It Was Always You,” The Frontmen bring their iconic voices to center stage. The song feels nostalgic and like coming home upon listening. It also feels stage-ready, clearly something that The Frontmen know a thing or two about. Similarly, on “God Blessed Texas,” The Frontmen prime a song that is fun and made for the live show. High-energy and uptempo, “God Blessed Texas” is a song that is hard not to sing and dance along to, even after just one listen.

The Frontmen are proving their staying power with each and every release. The veterans are breathing new life into the music we all need! Stay tuned for their debut EP, coming soon!

the-frontmen-songs

The Frontmen share two new songs called “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” 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 The Frontmen releases.

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

“It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas” are 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.

kelsea-ballerini-ep-for-go

Kelsea Ballerini: ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good)’ – EP Review

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Kelsea Ballerini reimagines her heartfelt last EP with a new version called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

Earlier this year, Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with a new EP and short film called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. While the record was intended to be a therapeutic and creative outlet for Ballerini, fans fell in love with each and every song on the raw and honest record. Breathing new life into the project, the singer-songwriter is sharing a new version of the project for fans. She calls the new record Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).

“I thought when Alysa and I were making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, it was something I would release and never revisit. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and that wasn’t the point of the music. Now, in hindsight and with a full heart, I want all those people who came alongside me and supported this album to know that I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, but (For Good) is my best attempt,” shared Ballerini in a recent press release. “And I also want them to know: we move on. The best part of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is knowing I don’t need to talk about this stuff anymore. My whole life is ahead of me, so this expanded version is to let people know there’s real freedom in breaking down, in facing the emotions because it gets you to where your life can really shine.”

While the original record boasted six songs, For Good adds one more song to the the story, that showcases that moving on is possible. “Mountain With A View” and “Just Married” remain the first two songs on the project. Both songs candidly share Ballerini’s breaking point at the end of her marriage.

The third song, “Penthouse (Healed Version)” marks the first monumental shift on the project. The new rendition is a live show recording of the singer breathing new life into the song with her fans by her side. Instead of singing “I kissed someone new last night. Now I don’t know where you’re sleeping baby,” Ballerini changes the lyric to “Now I don’t care where you’re sleeping baby.” The iconic change is a beautiful depiction of the messiness and beauty of healing.

On “Interlude,” Ballerini obliges fans and finally adds to the story. In an unapologetic and vulnerable way, the songstress shares more of her story, while sharing the “good girl” image that she no longer is trying to portray. While raw and personal, the song is truly a gift to fans who need to borrow from Ballerini’s strength, while they’re on their own path towards healing. Similarly, on an updated “Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay),” Ballerini includes the new verse that she sang during her Saturday Night Live performance.

On the last two tracks on the project, “Leave Me Again,” and the new song, “How Do I Do This,” Ballerini looks into the future with a new perspective. On the former, Ballerini vows to never lose herself again in a relationship. While heartache is painful, she wants her fans to know that healing is possible. On the new track, Ballerini shares around her experience getting back into the dating world. The single feels like the perfect way to end a ‘healed’ version of the project.

While Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was a true masterpiece, the new Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is even better. This record may have started as a personal project for Ballerini, but it is truly now for everyone. “With the updated version, I am asking from my fans that they help this be ours and simply let the music be the music.”

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) EP Tracklist:

  1. Mountain With A View
  2. Just Married
  3. Penthouse (Healed Version)
  4. Interlude (Full Length)
  5. Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay)
  6. Leave Me Again
  7. How Do I Do This
kelsea-ballerini-for-good-ep

Kelsea Ballerini releases her new Ep, ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good),’ out now.

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

To keep up with Kelsea Ballerini, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) 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.

Ashley-cooke-number-one

Ashley Cooke: ‘Shot In The Dark’ Debut Album Review

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Ashley Cooke’s debut album, Shot In The Dark is out now, July 21st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music here.

With a voice that’s powerful yet personable and an approachable style of lyricism that hearkens back to the early days of Taylor Swift or Kelsea Ballerini, country newcomer Ashley Cooke offers her powerful debut, shot in the dark, out now.

Of the 24 tracks on her Big Loud/ Back Blocks Music release, Cooke co-penned all but four, collaborating with Nashville heavy hitters ranging from fellow artists like Colbie Caillat, Lainey Wilson, and Ryan Hurd to acclaimed songwriters like Josh Kerr, Nicolle Galyon, and Josh Osborne. 

For the Parkland, Florida native, who began gaining buzz on TikTok during the Covid pandemic, this album release is the logical next step. “The last year of my life has been crazy and wonderful in so many ways, but I think the next year might be even better…It’s been full of bucket list moments for me… I made my Opry debut, signed my first deals, went on tours with my heroes, and lived a lot of life in the moments in between. This album is about all of that — and it’s about the magic that can come if you really take risks in life and love,” shared the singer-songwriter. “I can’t wait for each of you to hear it. Thank you to everyone who helped get me here, and thank you for making me feel so safe to take a shot in the dark.”

The album’s title track is just one of many standouts, a simple ode to the path to a new love, found unexpectedly in a dark bar and aided by some liquid courage. “Last call, first kiss a little bit drunk // Who knew two straight tequilas on a debit card // Would wind us up right where we are,” She sings. “So here’s to, two strangers in the back of a bar // Taking a shot in the dark.”

Likewise, songs like “next to you,” “good thing going,” and “back in the saddle” also celebrate the bloom of new love and the excitement that comes along with it. “next to you” is an especially poignant and sparse ballad that finds Cooke celebrating the type of love she didn’t know existed. “I’ve been living dreams lately // but they don’t hold a candle to // waking up next to you.” Similarly, the wedding-ready “never ‘til now” finds Cooke trading verses with Brett Young as they celebrate the person that makes everything makes sense. “I never wanted to tap my brakes // I never wanted to settle down // I was always one foot out the door // I never thought about turning ’round // Never saw myself with a white picket fence dug into the ground // Never ’til now”

Other duets contribute stellar moments on Cooke’s debut, enlisting rising country stars like Nate Smith and Jackson Dean, in addition to Caillat. Smith joins the singer-songwriter on the double entendre, heartbreak-laden “see you around,” while Dean lends his raspy voice to ““what are you on fire about?,” which finds the pair musing that the flame between them has burned out.

Meanwhile, it’s her blistering duet with Caillat that enables her to make a statement, similar to that of Carly Pearce’s hit “Next Girl.” Here, the pair trade verses about a toxic ex, warning his new girlfriend to be cautious with her new beau.

“This ain’t me being mean, girl // I just hate to see a good heart hangin’ on a string, girl // It sure looks a lot like love // But what you don’t see girl // Is all those cards slid so far up his sleeve girl // When he says you’re the only one //  Take it from me, yeah it’s just another thing // That he doesn’t mean, girl // Aw that he doesn’t mean, girl”

That honesty continues throughout the album, weaving its way through songs like “getting into,”  “gonna get,” and “tryin’ to love you.” On the former, she’s warning a suitor to be prepared for a relationship. “Before you get into my car, into my bed, into my heart, my head,” She warns. “Know what you’re getting into.” Meanwhile, “tryin’ to love you” has her caught up with someone who is perfect on paper, but isn’t quite clicking. “It ain’t your fault // it’s hard to start a fire when you can’t make one spark fly // the trouble with trying to love you // is I shouldn’t have to try.”

Relationships ending are a prevalent theme throughout the LP, weaving its way through tracks like “tastes like,” “moving on with grace,” “i almost do,” “your place,” and “build a bridge.” What Cooke does brilliantly here is show every aspect of a relationship ending and the range of emotions. The album opener, “tastes like” finds her comparing whiskey to a former flame, while “i almost do” has her struggling not to reach out to an ex. On “moving on with grace,” Cooke cleverly finds solace at the bar, unapologetically drowning her sorrows in Jack Daniels, while her ex has moved on with a girl named Grace. 

Cooke also shines on ballads, including “enough to leave,” which finds her knowing she’s not right for someone and loving them enough to move on. Meanwhile, “it’s been a year” is a poignant look at how fast time passes and how much things can change in one year. “And I ain’t sayin’ it ain’t been a good one // It’s been a did a lot more than I thought I could one // It’s been three hundred sixty five of record lows and record highs // Loving and losing, fun and confusing, praying and shifting gears // For the minute you got, it’s probably a lot, more than you wanna hear // So all I’ll say is, it’s been a year”

The album’s closing track is one of its strongest standouts, as “state i’m in” is an especially poignant ballad that has her grappling with being a young touring artist while also comparing herself to her peers. With her pristine voice shining over twangy guitars, she examines her place in life.

Speaking to Whiskey Riff, she revealed of the song, “I was in a tour van, touring around the country as we do as young artists, and I was scrolling through Instagram and I was seeing so many of my friends posting that they’re getting married, or having babies, and all these exciting things in their life. And I was just so excited for them.  And I took a deep breath and I realized, like, ‘Wow, I’m so excited for them and I’m so happy for me that I’m in such a different phase of my life than they are.’ And it’s beautiful that we can have such different lives at the same age…”

On Shot In The Dark, Ashley Cooke is unfiltered and unfettered, positioning herself as a powerful female country artist for the next generation.

Country Swag Picks:

  1. see you around (with Nate Smith)
  2. mean girl (with Colbie Caillat)
  3. shot in the dark
  4. moving on with grace
  5. state i’m in
  6. enough to leave

Shot In The Dark Track List:

  1. tastes like (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Emily Weisband, Corey Crowder)
  2. it’s been a year (Ashley Cooke, Will Weatherly, Brett Tyler)
  3. see you around (feat. Nate Smith) (Ashley Cooke, Brett Tyler, Will Bundy)
  4. shot in the dark (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Emily Weisband, Corey Crowder)
  5. moving on with grace (Ashley Cooke, Rocky Block, Jake Mitchell)
  6. getting into (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly)
  7. enough to leave (Ashley Cooke, Matt Roy, Lauren Weintraub)
  8. i almost do (Ashley Cooke, Trevor Rosen, Josh Osborne)
  9. mean girl (feat. Colbie Caillat) (Ashley Cooke, Colbie Caillat, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy
  10. Robbins)
  11. running back (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly)
  12. good thing going (Ashley Cooke, Matt Dragstrem, Brett Tyler, Geoff Warburton)
  13. next to you (Ashley Cooke)
  14. good to be back (Ashley Cooke, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym)
  15. what are you on fire about (feat. Jackson Dean) (Lainey Wilson, Jason Nix, Luke  Dick)
  16. say no more (Devin Dawson, Donovan Woods, Travis Wood)
  17. tryin’ to love you (Ashley Cooke, Hillary Lindsey, Chase McGill, Jimmy Robbins)
  18. back in the saddle (Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton)
  19. your place (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
  20. dirt on ’em (Ashley Cooke, Jessi Alexander, Aysa Vanderheym)
  21. build a bridge (Sasha Sloan, Ryan Hurd, Geoff Warburton, Henry Agincourt Allen)
  22. get you (Ashley Cooke, Jacob Durrett, John Byron)
  23. never til now (Ashley Cooke, Matt Roy)
  24. gonna get (Ashley Cooke, Sasha Sloan, Blake Pendergrass, David Garcia)
  25. state i’m in (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Jordan Reynolds)
Ashley-cooke-debut-album

Ashley Cooke’s debut album, ‘Shot In The Dark’ is officially out now.

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

To keep up with Ashley Cooke, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

A Shot In The Dark 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.

Alana-springsteen-figuring-it-out

Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out’ Album Review

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Part 2 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is out now, July 14th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Alana Springsteen is an artist to look out for. For her debut album, Springsteen chose to split the record into three parts, giving specific groups of songs in each edition. Today, part 2 of her debut record, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is officially here, featuring six brand new songs for fans to fall in love with.

While Messing It Up was heartbreaking and emotional, Figuring It Out has some edge to it. It feels like an elevated, more mature version of Springsteen. The record kicks off with the title track “twenty something,” one of the best on the project. The song speaks to growing up and all of the nuances. “twenty something” embodies the true heart of the record. Young adulthood is messy, but special, something this album conveys beautifully.

Next-up, “chameleon” is a song about insecurity masked with an edgy and catchy melody. Springsteen sings about shape-shifting to fit the needs of a guy she is trying to gain approval from. With lines like “I rather lie than be lonely” and “my defense mechanism is never really letting you know me,” it is clear that the songstress knows what it feels like to guard her heart.

The introspective honesty is on full display throughout the record, especially on “when we were friends.” Written by the songstress with Sasha Alex Sloan and Pete Good, “when we were friends” is a song for anyone who has ever gone through a friendship break-up. While romantic break-ups are common topic in music across genres, it is rare that an artist touches on the unique pain and heartbreak that comes from losing a friend. “when we were friends” brings the authenticity and nostalgia that friendships often bring.

Springsteen brings a celebratory and unapologetic vibe to the new album with “here’s to all my exes” and “hypocrite.” The former is an anthemic song about all the lessons learned from dating and romantic relationships. The song is the embodiment of growth, and the perfect track to have on a record called Figuring It Out. Similarly, on “hypocrite” Springsteens sings about life’s nuances.

On the final track, “ghost in my guitar,” the singer-songwriter enlists the help of Chris Stapleton, who lends his guitar skills to the incredible country song. The edgy and vibey song is a heartbreak song disguised by strong vocals and alluring lyrics.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is an incredible accompaniment to the singer’s growing catalog of music.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out Track List:

  1. twenty something
  2. chameleon
  3. here’s to all my exes
  4. hypocrite
  5. when we were friends
  6. ghost in my guitar ft. Chris Stapleton
Alana-springsteen-figuring-it-out

Alana Springsteen shares part 2 of her debut album, ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out,’ 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 upcoming Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out 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.