lanie-gardner-debut-album

Lanie Gardner: ‘A Songwriter’s Diary’ – Debut Album Review

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Lanie Gardner shares her debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, officially out now, October 25th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

WIth a vulnerability-laced smoky and soulful voice, rising star Lanie Gardner brings something special to country music. On her debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, the singer-songwriter pairs acoustic-leaning instrumentation with bluesy riffs and confessional lyrics as she traverses through life’s most tender and trying moments.

Released via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the ten track collection offers a uniquely personal insight into the mind of the brilliant artist, who independently penned each song. From the opening notes of “Somewhere, Nowhere in Carolina” to the closing moments of “Neon Notions,” it’s clear that each note and riff is precisely placed with the utmost attention to detail.

For the North Carolina native, the album’s opening track provides a truly poignant look into her experiences in the music industry, a bittersweet take on the struggles that come with pursuing a dream while also longing for the place you know best. “I was defeated and wanted nothing more than to be ‘somewhere’ back home and ‘nowhere’ in my career,” Gardner revealed. “Today, I write songs for my fans, my friends, and my family who pulled me through such a dark time. But that day… I wrote a song for me.”  

In the stripped-down but striking offering, her voice is laced with emotion as she looks at everything fame is and isn’t.

“Sometimes I’d rather be // Catching fireflies than love bugs // Telling stories instead of lies // Skipping stones instead of getting stoned // To try to find some peace of mind // Hopping ditches instead of planes // Pulling wagons instead of these chains // Sometimes instead of keeping this up // I’d rather be somewhere, nowhere in Carolina”

For the 25-year-old, the release of the album is bittersweet, a culmination of hard work paired with heartbreak as her hometown of Burnsville was recently impacted by Hurricane Helene.  “This is a bittersweet moment for me, I pictured it differently as I prepared and recorded these songs over the past several months,” Gardner revealed on social media of the track. “These songs tell my story— they are about where I grew up, my family, things I experienced. Now all I have are the memories and these songs which were written in Burnsville. I’m thankful for everyone who has been along with me for this journey— I can’t wait for you all to hear this music.”   

The album’s title was inspired by an Instagram series of the same name, her voice and style remnant of early works from Kacey Musgraves as she blends country instrumentation with bluesy guitars and a uniquely soulful tone. This is endlessly apparent on tunes like “Lord Knows,” a swampy-infused slow burn that’s best suited for the confessional. Here, she’s dealing with her demons and desires to be better, wondering if she’ll ever get there.

“One Day” is a truly unique moment, lyrically grappling with “loving something that ain’t mine.” Here, she’s the other woman, in love but cast aside as she longs for someone bad for her, imploring him to “Tell me you don’t feel something, in all the moments we’ve had.”

Likewise, both “Cry” and the groove-laden “Cry Me a River” find her wishing an ex less than well, voice laced with palpable emotions. On the latter, her voice perfectly punctuates bluesy guitar riffs as the song builds to an epic climax, Gardner snarling, “I hope she leaves you, I hope she deceives you, I hope she breaks your heart, Like you broke mine, I hope she makes you cry.” 

“Shadows of the Night” allows Gardner to flex her impressive range, while “Lady in the Sky” offers an ethereal and almost prayerful moment, as she begs the lady in the sky to “bring me a dream.”

Much like “Carolina,” both “Mountains and Miller” and “Letters to Home” find her tender for her hometown. On “Mountains,” she waxes nostalgic over picking guitars, longing for simpler days or bonfires, sunrises, and Miller Light, musing “I know this town like the back of my hand.” Meanwhile, “Letters” finds her assuring her parents that she’s doing just fine. It’s an incredibly powerful track and her voice breaks with emotion over acoustic guitars, imploring her parents to rest while she’s out on the road. “Letters to home,” She sings. “Say your baby girl is doing just fine.”

The LP ends with “Neon Notions,” a haunting and melodic declaration of growth and strength that wraps the collection perfectly. Gardner is incredibly vulnerable and transparent on the track, just as she is through the entire album, and listeners should be thankful for even a glimpse into A Songwriter’s Diary.

A Songwriter’s Diary Track List:

  1. Somewhere, Nowhere in Carolina
  2.  Lord Knows 
  3. One Day 
  4. Shadows
  5. Cry 
  6. Lady in the Sky 
  7. Mountains and Miller
  8. Cry Me a River 
  9. Letters to Home 
  10. Neon Notions

Country Swag Picks:

  1. One Day
  2. Somewhere, Nowhere in Carolina
  3. Cry
lanie-gardner-debut-album

Lanie Gardner’s debut album, ‘A Songwriter’s Diary,’ 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 Lanie Gardner releases.

To keep up with Lanie Gardner, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

A Songwriter’s Diary is 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.

Joe-nichols-album

Here Is Joe Nichols’ Album ‘Honky Tonks & Country Songs’

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Joe Nichols shares brand new album Honky Tonks & Country Songs, officially out now, October 25th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Joe Nichols is a special kind of artist. He releases music that is fun to listen to, meaningful, and feels distinctly made for his fanbase. Nichols’ newest project, Honky Tonks & Country Songs is the true epitome of his brand, and it is officially out today.

According to Nichols in a recent press release, “I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks. They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people. My job is to make people feel good and sometimes that means with fun and happy songs, and other times with sad and sorrowful truths. But the goal is always to make them feel good. This album is meant to do exactly that. Everyone can find a good time in a honky tonk and a country song.”

Listen to the new project now!

Honky Tonks & Country Songs Track List:

  1. Honky Tonks and Country Songs (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
  2. Bottle It Up (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
  3. People Still Doin’ That (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels)
  4. Helpless in a Honky Tonk (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
  5. Country Boy Can Survive (Hank Williams Jr)
  6. Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward) (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
  7. Doin’ Life with You (Jimmy Yeary)
  8. Y’all Do (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
  9. On and On (Jason Sellers Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
  10. Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko) (Derek George/John Pierce)
  11. Amazing Ways (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)
joe-nichols-album-country

Joe Nichols shares new album, ‘Honky Tonks & Country Songs,’ 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 Joe Nichols releases.

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

Honky Tonks & Country Songs is 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.

austin-snell-deluxe

Here Is Austin Snell’s Deluxe Album ‘Still Bleeding (Deluxe)’

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Austin Snell shares brand new album Still Bleeding (Deluxe), officially out now, October 25th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Austin Snell is an incredible artist amongst the talented in country music. While his debut album Still Bleeding gave fans a real taste of what he is all about, his deluxe album, out now, shows even more of his range and undeniable charm.

“I named the record ‘Still Bleeding’ because I want to focus on giving my best while still here. I’m so proud of every single one of these songs for different reasons,” shared Snell when the debut album originally dropped back in June. “I had to grow into this album and dig deep to find my sound. Sill Bleeding has allowed me to tell my story creatively and set the framework for my career as I continue to grow. I hope everyone can find something here they relate to.”

Listen to the new project now!

Still Bleeding – Deluxe Track List:

  1. Some Things Just Stick
  2. Pray All The Way Home
  3. Wildfire
  4. Double Barrel
  5. Whiskey Me
  6. Other Girl
  7. Wasting Mine
  8. Don’t Pick Up
  9. More Alcohol
  10. Let Me Burn
  11. So Can I
  12. Everybody’s Friend
  13. We Weren’t Meant to Be
  14. Come Over Thinking
  15. Considering
  16. Problematic
  17. If I’ve Been Drinking feat. Hannah McFarland
  18. You Don’t Wanna Know feat. Riley Thomas
  19. Still Bleeding
Austin-snell-deluxe-album

Austin Snell shares new album, ‘Still Bleeding (Deluxe),’ 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 Austin Snell releases.

To keep up with Austin Snell, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

Still Bleeding (Deluxe) is 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.

Here Is Brian Kelley’s Album ‘Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son’

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Brian Kelley shares brand new album Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, officially out now, October 25th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Since stepping out as a solo artist, Brian Kelley has garnered a ton of loyal fanbase. His real and raw music has appealed to lovers of honest and apologetic country music lovers. His latest album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son is officially out now, featuring twelve songs all penned by Kelley.

“My new album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, means so much to me being my first self-written album. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it all on Oct 25!!,” shared the singer just prior to the release.

Listen to the new project now!

Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son Track List:

  1. ROCKIN’ RANDALL
  2. SHIT KICKERS
  3. COWBOY GOLD
  4. HIT A LICK
  5. HEAVEN IN A HOLLER
  6. ED AND MARY MARGARET’S SON
  7. THE BOARD
  8. HOLD ON, COWBOY
  9. PUT MYSELF ON
  10. TOO PRETTY A PLACE TO FIGHT
  11. IF I GO FIRST
  12. BACK POCKET BLUES
Brian-kelley-album

Brian Kelly’s new album, ‘Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son,’ 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 Brian Kelley releases.

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

Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son is 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.

Riley-green-album

Here Is Riley Green’s Album ‘Don’t Mind If I Do’

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Riley Green shares brand new album Don’t Mind If I Do, officially out now, October 18th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Riley Green has become both a fan-favorite country artist, as well as, a mainstay in the genre. The singer has melded his traditional yet modern sound to create a blend that is uniquely his own. With so much to celebrate, Green officially released his newest studio album called, Don’t Mind If I Do.

“We couldn’t bring everyone out here to celebrate and not share more exciting news with you,” shared Green in a recent press release, upon announcing the album’s release. “My brand-new album Don’t Mind If I Do will be out October 18. It feels fitting that it’s coming out on my birthday because this project feels very true to who I am, where I come from and what I’ve learned along the way. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”

Listen to the new project now!

Don’t Mind If I Do Track List:

  1. That’s A Mistake
  2. Change My Mind
  3. Reel Problems (featuring Luke Bryan)
  4. Turnin’ Dirt
  5. Jesus Saves
  6. Too Early To Drink
  7. Pick A Place
  8. Way Out Here
  9. Waitin’ All Day
  10. Chip Off The Ol’ Block
  11. Alcohol Of Fame
  12. Rather Be
  13. Good Morning From Mexico
  14. Torn
  15. Damn Good Day To Leave
  16. Looking Back On This
  17. Don’t Mind If I Do ft. Ella Langley
  18. Worst Way
Riley-green-album

Riley Green shares new album, ‘Don’t Mind If I Do,’ 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.

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

Don’t Mind If I Do is 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.

Justin-moore-dirt

Justin Moore: ‘This Is My Dirt’ – Album Review

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Justin Moore shares brand new album This Is My Dirt, officially out now, October 11th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Since the earliest days of his career, Justin Moore has been one of country music’s most modern traditional stars. With his deep voice and unwavering dedication to country music as a genre, the Valory Music Co. artist is one of the genre’s most dependable yet under-the-radar superstars.

Produced by longtime collaborators Jeremy Stover, Scott Borchetta, and Paul DiGiovanni, This Is My Dirt features a dozen new tracks, including collaborations with Randy Houser, Blake Shelton, and Dierks Bentley. Additionally, the twelve new songs were all co-written by Moore, pairing him with the likes of Randy Montana, Will Bundy, Casey Beathard, Chase McGill, and more.

For the first time in his recording career, the Arkansas native enlisted his full touring band to play on the record instead of studio musicians, adding a depth and camaraderie to the recordings. From the traditional-leaning anthemic opening notes of the album’s title track to the closing melodies of “You Know It’s Coming,” This Is My DIrt allows Moore to do what he does best.

Collaborations are at the forefront of the LP, with Moore and Houser musing about simpler times on “The Worst.” For the pair, it’s a reflection on growing up with less and learning from it, realizing that it’s key to value whatever you have. Likewise, “Time’s Ticking” with Dierks Bentley is a notable take on embracing the moment you’re in as opposed to rushing through life. “Put a little slow in your roll,” They warn. “Or you’re gonna miss it.”

Moore’s duet with Blake Shelton is a more by-the-book appreciation of country music’s favorite beverage, “Beer Ain’t One.” On the rousing track, they trade playful verses about all of the problems in their lives, and the fact that beer is the only surefire cure. “I got 99 problems but a beer ain’t one,” They muse, voices and styles perfectly complementing each other.

Moore remains true to his roots on songs like “This Is My Dirt,” “Put a Boot In It,” and “Love, Your Hometown.” While “Boot” is a swinging uptempo about the authenticity of real country music, the album’s title track tells the tale of a piece of land that is way more than just dirt, but instead a piece of familial legacy.

“This is my dirt, these are my fields // Where I harvest what I plant // That little pond, I catch bluegill // I built that barn with my two hands // Where I raise my babies, a piece of me // Nah, this ain’t just a piece of land // The money’d be great, but I can’t part ways with a life that works // You can’t put a green bag dollar on what it’s worth // This is my dirt”

“Love, Your Hometown” is Moore and country music at its finest, a love letter from a hometown to those who have left it to serve in the military. While two of the genre’s biggest tropes are small towns and military songs, Moore offers a fresh take here. 

“And there ain’t one day that you don’t Cross my mind like a southern breeze // And I’ll be right here // Waiting on you to come back to me // And I hope you know you damn sure make us proud // Love, your hometown”

Moore experiments lyrically on songs like “Redneck Love” and “F Word,” both of which show a more playful side of his personality. On the tongue-in-cheek “Redneck,” he celebrates a love that may not be the most traditional, but is perfect as is. Meanwhile, “F Word” is a unique love song about a word that doesn’t often have a place in country music. Hint: It’s not THAT “F word,” but instead, “forever.”

“Never Left Me” is a more traditional hometown song, an anthemic ode to the place that raised him, while “Glad to Be Here” is a mid tempo celebration of counting one’s blessings. “The Getting By” may be the most unique song on the album for Moore, allowing him to stretch himself both musically and vocally. On the swinging midtempo laced with slide guitars, Moore’s voice is lush and airy as he deals with the aftermath of a heartbreak, lamenting, “Girl it’s killing me, but I’m getting used to the getting by.”

This Is My Dirt ends with “You Know It’s Coming,” a poignant and gorgeous ballad about the inevitabilities of life and the big moments that take your breath away, no matter how prepared you may be.

“Even though you know it’s coming, like a freight train humming from a mile away // You think you’ll be ready // Life’s lead foot leaning on the clutch and off the brakes // Til What’s down the line, ain’t down the line no more // That’s how time does it, Just crack a beer // ‘Cause someday’s here and dang if you can’t do nothing // Even though you know it’s coming”

For Justin Moore, This Is My Dirt continues to represent who he is as an artist, a songwriter, a father, and a man. While he may not be the genre’s biggest star, he’s a consistent hitmaker, and this LP is evidence why.

This Is My Dirt Track List:

  1. This Is My Dirt – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  2. Put A Boot In It – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  3. The Worst (ft. Randy Houser) – (Justin Moore, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
  4. Glad To Be Here – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  5. Love Your Hometown – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  6. Beer Ain’t One (ft. Blake Shelton) – (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Will Bundy, Joe London, Jeremy Stover)
  7. The Getting By – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  8. Redneck Love” – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  9. Time’s Ticking (ft. Dierks Bentley) – (Justin Moore, Will Bundy, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  10. F Word – (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
  11. Never Left Me – (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Will Bundy, Jeremy Stover)
  12. You Know It’s Coming – (Justin Moore, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. This Is My Dirt
  2. Love, Your Hometown
  3. Time’s Ticking (With Dierks Bentley)
  4. Beer Ain’t One (With Blake Shelton)
Justin-moore-dirt

Justin Moore’s newest album, ‘This Is My Dirt,’ 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 Justin Moore releases.

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

This Is My Dirt is 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.

Madeline-merlo-ep

Madeline Merlo: ‘One House Down’ – EP Review

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Madeline Merlo shares brand new EP, One House Down, officially out now, October 11th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new project below.

For Madeline Merlo, her new EP One House Down (from the girl next door) finds her moving on from a breakup and dealing with the aftermath of a broken heart. The six song collection allows the BBR Music Group/ BMG Nashville recording artist to continue her meteoric rise in the genre, pairing poignant lyricism with a pristine storyteller style and pop-country sensibilities.

The 30-year-old Canadian chanteuse co-wrote each of the EP’s six tracks, produced by Zach Crowell, and telling the tale of a breakup and all that comes along with it. With a raw authenticity and prowess for evocative lyrics, Merlo truly crafts portraits of heartbreak, heartache, and grief.

“I’m a very deep feeler. I always say I feel like my heart’s on fire all the time,” Merlo shares in a statement. “It’s a superpower, but it’s also hard because the world can feel really heavy sometimes. This project is my struggle through finding myself and finding myself in love, and I wrote these songs for my younger self – for those moments when she really needed them.”

This is immediately evident on the album’s stirring opener, “Broken Heart Thing,” which pairs her with Dustin Lynch. On the heartache-laden duet, they trade verses about the unfamiliar feelings that come along with the discomfort and shock of a newly severed relationship.

“‘Cause I’m still getting used to this broken heart thing // Sit in the dark thing // Smiling when I’m falling apart thing // Pictures in hallways, hearing our song play // Thinking ’bout you all night and all day // Missing you’s different drinking alone // If you see my name come across your phone // Sorry, baby, I’m still new to this // I’m still getting used to this broken heart thing”

Both “Bar Fight” and “Same Car” find her grappling with relationship devastation, the latter showing the epicly relatable battle between heart and head. “Lonely wants to call him and logic says don’t,” She sings, voice entrenched in emotion. “My heart and my mind are in a bar fight over you.” Meanwhile, “Same Car” is a poetic look at the wild juxtaposition of memories a place like a car can hold, from an amazing first kiss to a devastating breakup.

“On a two-lane road Tracing hearts on the windows // Out with the headlights low // Thought I saw forever in a dashboard glow but // That’s the trouble with promises made in the dark // Sometimes you run out of stars It’s the same front seat // Where I fell for you It’s same cross hangin’ from the same rearview // It’s the same four wheels // Where you broke my heart// It’s hard to believe it’s the same car // It’s the same car”

Both “Middle of the Bed” and “Good Grief” find Merlo desperate to come out on the other side, knowing her decision is right but feeling her subconscious longing for an ex. “Middle” is a catchy and anthemic pop country gem, while “Grief” allows her to traverse the long journey to acceptance.

The collection ends with its title track, a uniquely infectious take on being the one who isn’t quite perfect, but being okay with it. “When I wrote that song, it felt so representative of me and my whole life,” she says. “I always felt like I was one house down from people with perfect lives and perfect families. And I know that’s not true, but that otherness and not feeling good enough has impacted me in different ways. One of them was through love – I feel like I’ve always stumbled my way through it.”

For Madeline Merlo, the six tracks on One House Down reflect a path to healing and acceptance that anyone can relate to, just like the title track. “At the end of the day, if they feel like they are one house down from the girl next door and not enough, I hope this EP can feel really honest,” she shares. “I hope it makes people feel heard, seen and understood.”

One House Down Track List:

  1. Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch) (Madeline Merlo, James McNair, Michael Tyler, Lalo Guzman,  Zach Crowell)
  2. Bar Fight (Madeline Merlo, Seth Mosley, Claire Douglas)
  3. Same Car (Madeline Merlo, Sara Haze, Jason Saenz, Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne)
  4. Middle of the Bed (Madeline Merlo, Sam Ellis, Kyle Sturrock)
  5. Good Grief (Madeline Merlo, Jimmy Robbins, Anna Vaus, Micah Carpenter)
  6. One House Down (from the girl next door) (Madeline Merlo, Seth Mosley, Emily Weisband, James McNair)
Madeline-merlo-ep

Madeline Merlo shares brand new EP, ‘One House Down,’ 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 Madeline Merlo releases.

To keep up with Madeline Merlo, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

One House Down is 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.

Nate Smith: ‘California Gold’ – Album Review

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Nate Smith shares brand new album California Gold, officially out now, October 4th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Sony Music Nashville’s Nate Smith has already notched an impressive three #1 singles and scored an ACM for New Male Artist of the Year. Now, the rising country superstar is back with his sophomore album, California Gold.

On the sixteen track collection, the California native explores new yet familiar sounds, which he describes as “nostalgic” but with “modern country context.” In fact, much of the album is inspired by and takes cues from some of the biggest pop-rock bands from the early 2000’s, including Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

That influence is heavily felt throughout the LP, weaving its way through many of the anthemic tracks, where his voice sounds perfectly at home. Songs such as the album opener “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “Want Me Back,” “Perfect,” and “I Wish I Never Felt” find Smith firmly settled into that radio-friendly country-rock lane.

Of “Fix,” Smith says, “I’ve always been a huge fan of big epic pop-rock songs of the 2000s…to me, [it] feels like the perfect blend of 2000s rock and heartfelt country. I want to make love songs that cut deep but are still tough. I teamed up with the same crew that wrote ‘World On Fire’ with me: Ashley Gorley, Lindsay Rimes and Taylor Philips. This is easily one of my favorites that I’ve released. It’s a bit of a theme song for this new project.”

Likewise, “Want Me Back” is a driving and catchy uptempo that’s absolutely perfect for radio as he grapples with the aftermath of a woman who’s changed everything about him. “As I miss who I was baby, I want me back,” He muses.

That same early 2000’s pop influence can be heard most noticeably on “Can You Die From a Broken Heart,” which finds him trading verses with pop-punk icon and frequent collaborator, Avril Lavigne. “‘Can You Die From A Broken Heart’ is the epitome of what a heartbreak ballad should feel and sound like,” Smith says.  “The bridge is my favorite part of the song because it’s so epic with the soaring ‘ohs’ and feels like it gives the slightest nod to ‘I’m With You’, which happens to be my favorite Avril song. I think this song will touch hearts in a deep and meaningful way.”

Smith grapples with heartbreak on tracks like “I Wish I Never Felt,” “Faith,” and “Gave It All.” While “I Wish” finds him regretting a relationship due to the heartbreak it led to, “Gave” is a thumping dance-inspired track about giving all to a relationship that just didn’t work out. “Faith” finds him stretching his voice into a powerful growl, cleverly turning lyrics into a double meaning as he sings, “I lost Hope on a Friday night, watched her walk away under neon lights, I found Grace almost made her mine, had to cut her off at closing time… Everything changed as soon as you told me your name, tonight I need a little Faith.”

The California native has a voice that truly shines on ballads, including the powerfully building “Carry You Home” which finds him jumping headfirst into a new relationship, in the hopes that a drunken one night stand will turn into much more if they decide to slow things down the morning after. “Not Of This Earth” is an ethereal and lush love song about a love that’s so great it transcends the natural world, while “Bittersweet” finds him channeling his inner Teddy Swims over mournful piano and strings. Here, he’s lost between love and hate, his raspy voice emoting “The last line of the song of you and me is always gonna be bittersweet.”

The album’s title track is one of the most unique on the album, a sonic detour into a lush and Laurel Canyon-inspired ode to growing up in California. Inspired by a text conversation with a friend, the phrase “California Gold” immediately evoked memories of life in the Golden State, musing, “You can’t put a price on the good times that never get old, California gold.”

While Nate Smith dabbles in new sounds throughout his sophomore album, his voice and style find him at home in whatever he does, and California Gold is truly Nashville gold.

California Gold Track List:

  1. Fix What You Didn’t Break
  2. Want Me Back
  3. What Alone Looks Like
  4. Can You Die From A Broken Heart (with Avril Lavigne)
  5. Perfect
  6. Carry You Home
  7. Goodbye Again
  8. Not Of This Earth
  9. Wish I Never Felt
  10. Faith
  11. Bittersweet
  12. Gave It All
  13. Hurtless
  14. Bulletproof
  15. California Gold
  16. I Like It (with Alesso)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Fix What You Didn’t Break
  2. Want Me Back
  3. Can You Die from a Broken Heart
  4. Carry You Home
  5. California Gold
nate-smith-california-gold

Nate Smith shares new album, ‘California Gold,’ 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 Nate Smith releases.

To keep up with the rising star, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

California Gold is 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.

mitchell-tenpenny-the-3rd

Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘The 3rd’ – Album

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Mitchell Tenpenny shares brand new album, The 3rd, out now, September 20th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

While he may be known to country music fans as Mitchell Tenpenny, the name James Mitchell Tenpenny III is one that the singer-songwriter takes seriously. On his new album, The 3rd, out now, Tenpenny finds himself shouldering the heavy burden and legacy of his name.

On the follow up to 2022’s This is the Heavy, the “Drunk Me” singer is branching out and looking inward, co-writing all but one of the album’s twenty tracks. The lone exception is a cover of the 1998 Goo Goo Dolls classic, “Iris,” a song that the Nashville native lists as one of his main inspirations for pursuing music.

On The 3rd, the uniquely gifted vocalist stretches himself musically and lyrically.  “I would definitely say the album really covers what I have learned in the last few years since getting married and hopefully growing up and hopefully maturing,” He shares. “I want to be personal. I want to be vulnerable. I want people to believe and know that this music is authentic to me, and I mean the words I say.”

“I want this record to be all over the place,” He continued. “I want somebody to be able to find their song in the record, something that helps them or just something stylistically different from everything else. It just encapsulates everything I’ve done and all the genres I’ve loved.”

While Tenpenny remains country at his core, his powerful and distinct voice allows for him to dabble in sounds and styles that may sound out of place for many other artists. He shines on the growl required for “Iris” and continues even further into rock on his unexpected collaboration with Underoath on “Demon or Ghost,” snarling over the rock band’s heavy guitars and rock-screamed choruses as they grapple with a haunting presence. “We began talking about running into people you used to date or be friends with,” he recalls of the co-writing session with the band. “It’s almost like seeing a ghost. Are you haunting me or do I want to see you or are you scaring me because you are bringing up too many bad memories?” 

Tenpenny experiments with pop beats and 80’s-inspired synths on a handful of the album’s most upbeat tracks, including “I Won’t,” “Long Way to Go,” and “Started Stoppin’,” which he describes as “one of my favorite songs I’ve ever done.”

“Someone said the phrase ‘started stoppin’ and it became our hook. It almost wrote itself,” He says. “I love how the song grooves with the bass and drums. It all came together lyrically and sonically. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever done.”  

The album also finds Tenpenny grappling with his legacy, both as a man and an artist, evidenced on tracks like the title track and its poignant companion, “Set It In Stone.” While the latter has him pondering his memory after death and determined to make each day the best he can, the piano-driven title track finds him aiming to live up to the weight of his family name.

“Is the third time always a charm? // Yeah, sometimes I’m not sure // ‘Cause I got tattoos on my arms // And I barely go to church // I’m still trying to live up to the men I know they were // ‘Cause they could’ve named me anything // But I’m James Mitchell Tenpenny The 3rd”

Matters of the heart are another prevalent theme on the album, the singer-songwriter’s voice effortlessly illustrating break, ache, and everything in between. “Not Today” and “Good Thing Going’” are clear standouts, with the latter flying between an optimistic uptempo before sashaying its way into a ballad on the chorus as he deals with a good thing that got away. Meanwhile, the former is an almost Backstreet Boys-esque anthem that finds him ready to move on, just not quite yet.

“I’ll find a way to forget you // With a bottle, a bible, or a mistake I know I’m gonna move on // I know I’ll be okay // I’ll find a way to forget you // I’m gonna give my broken heart a break // Baby, give me some time // I’ll get you off of my mind // Just not today”

“Well Whiskey,” “Breaking Me Heart” and “Bigger Mistakes” find him with his tongue-in-cheek, using clever lyrics to tell a story. On “Mistakes,” he’s ready to assure an ex that he’s dealt with things much more devastating than a breakup. “I don’t make big things outta small things anymore,” He croons. “Just like the night you walked out that door.”

Lyrically, “Make It Rain” is the most unique and unexpected track on the album, finding Tenpenny experimenting with a true country story song. Here, he deals with the desperations of needing money and taking matters into his own hands. “Put the money in the bag, nobody gets hurt,” He warns. “If God won’t do it, then I’ma make it rain.”

Tenpenny enlists the ethereal-voiced Colbie Caillat to join him on “Guess We’ll Never Know,” an airy and lush ballad that celebrates eternal love and commitment. Their voices perfectly compliment each other, her unique songbird alto accompanying his powerful rasp as they harmonize about a special kind of love. Likewise, “Same Moon” is 2024’s answer to 1986’s “Somewhere Out There,” (yes, the Fievel song) about sharing long-distance love under the same sky.

Of the Goo Goo Dolls cover, Tenpenny admits it’s long been a staple of his set, allowing unfamiliar audiences to get to know him as he proclaims, “I just want you to know who I am.” And in fact, it’s the perfect inclusion on The 3rd, which truly gives insight into who Mitchell Tenpenny is as both an artist and a person.

The 3rd Tracklist:

  1. The 3rd (Mitchell Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Devin Dawson, Paul DiGiovanni)
  2. Good Thing Going (Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Alderman, Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson)
  3. Bigger Mistakes (Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris DeStefano, Josh Kear, Michael Whitworth)
  4. Woke Up in a Dream (Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman, Michael Tyler)
  5. Iris (John Rzeznick)
  6. I Won’t (Mitchell Tenpenny, Kyle Fishman, Rafe Tenpenny)
  7. Guess We’ll Never Know (feat. Colbie Caillat) (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jaten Dimsdale, Christian Griswold, Jimmy Robbins, Dallas Wilson)
  8. Not Today (Mitchell Tenpenny, Chris DeStefano, Claire Douglas, Michael Whitworth)
  9. Smoke (Mitchell Tenpenny, Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Schmidt)
  10. Set It in Stone (Mitchell Tenpenny, Andy Albert, Chris DeStafano)
  11. Make It Rain (Mitchell Tenpenny, Devin Dawson, Zach Kale)
  12. Started Stoppin’ (Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Jordan Schmidt)
  13. Well Whiskey (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Whitworth)
  14. Same Moon (Mitchell Tenpenny, Paul DiGiovanni, Derrick Southerland, Dallas Wilson)
  15. Breaking My Heart (Mitchell Tenpenny, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Jordan Schmidt)
  16. Long Way to Go (Mitchell Tenpenny, Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman)
  17. Head Start on a Heartbreak (Mitchell Tenpenny, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
  18. Fall Back in It (Mitchell Tenpenny, Jared Mullins, Ben Stennis, Michael Whitworth)
  19. Demon or Ghost (feat. Underoath) (Mitchell Tenpenny, Spencer Chamberlain, Aaron Gillespie, Jordan Schmidt)
  20. Tennessee in Me (Mitchell Tenpenny, Matt Jenkins, Dallas Wilson)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. The 3rd
  2. Not Today
  3. Started Stoppin’
  4. Guess We’ll Never Know (ft. Colbie Caillat)
  5. Tennessee in Me
mitchell-tenpenny-the-3rd-album

Mitchell Tenpenny shares new album, ‘The 3rd’ 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 Mitchell Tenpenny announcements and releases.

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

To keep up with Mitchell Tenpenny, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter.

The 3rd 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.

dacha-deluxe

Dasha: ‘What Happens Now? Deluxe’ – Album Review

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Dasha extends her debut album with a new deluxe version called, What Happens Now? Deluxe, out now, September 13th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

When rising star, Dasha came on the scene, she was instantly embraced by country fans for her one-of-a-kind talent and charisma. While her viral song, “Austin” may have put her on the map, her debut album, What Happens Now?  showcases that she is much more than one viral song. Today, Dasha celebrates her return to her roots by releasing the deluxe version of her project, What Happens Now? Deluxe.

“I’ve never really felt at home in any other space until the country genre. Releasing the deluxe version of What Happens Now? Feels like the end of an era,” shared Dasha in a recent press release. “I’m really proud of this project and the chapter we created together, and it has set me up for even better and brighter things in the future. The world of country generously opened their arms so big for me and my debut. Artists like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini and Keith Urban have really encouraged me to go bigger and bolder while doing what I love as a human and an artist. For that, I’ll be forever thankful.”

When she chatted with Country Swag last November, Dasha revealed, “I had this epiphany and was like ‘I have to go back to my roots and start making country music again’, so in the last nine months to a year, I’ve really dove into that […] I have never had such an amazing time making music before. Music has never come so effortlessly to me before as it has with this music. It’s the beginning of this new country era.”

The deluxe version of the project houses five new songs, including, “Didn’t I?” Each of the songs showcase her talent, as she leans into her incredible songwriting prowess. Songs like “Leaving Don’t Mean Goodbye” and “Ain’t No Friend of Mine” capture the essence of her artistry. Both songs read like diary entries, as Dasha unapologetically shares her truth in all of her music.

Each new song keeps with the heart of the debut project, while embedding even more honesty into an already authentic project. With each and every release, Dasha plants her feet firmly into the country music soil, where she belongs.

What Happens Now? Deluxe Tracklist:

  1. What Happens Now?
  2. 42
  3. Austin
  4. King of California
  5. Drown Me
  6. Talk Of The Town
  7. Share this City
  8. Even Cowboys Cry
  9. Share This City
  10. Bye Bye Bye*
  11. Way Too Drunk*
  12. Didn’t I?*
  13. Ain’t No Friend of Mine*
  14. Leaving Don’t Mean Goodbye*

*new songs

dasha-deluxe

Dasha shares new extended version of her debut album, ‘What Happens Now? Deluxe,’ 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 Dasha releases.

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

What Happens Now? Deluxe 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.