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Tyler Dial: ‘Way Back When’ – EP Review

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Tyler Dial’s brand new EP, Way Back When, is out now, June 24th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

We always get excited when a rising artist comes on to the music scene with a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Tyler Dial fits that bill! The singer-songwriter released his brand new EP, Way Back When today, and the record is full of songs that fulfill that sentiment. With just six tracks, Dial manages to share a part of his story and his music journey with fans across the country genre.

Beginning with the title track, “Way Back When,” the singer instantly sparks feelings of nostalgia. The single is reminiscent of old-school, feel-good country songs, but with a fresh take. The song is a surefire windows-down anthem

“Way back when we were so on fire // We burned both ends // Of a front seat high // you and I leaned way back then // Girl it’s been too long // But I still hang on // ‘Cause I ain’t felt that way // Since way back when”

The record continues to tug on our heartstrings with the next song, “Left Of Center.” In our conversation with Dial, he named this song as one of his favorites. The tune is a beautiful, story-telling song. Dial shared that the track is semi-autobiographical, as the verses tell his story to find music. It is clearly a special song off of the project.

Next up, “Damn, Denver” has emerged as a fan-favorite since its release. One of our personal favorites as well, the song is an all-too-familiar break-up song. Dial sings about losing a girl to a place, Denver. Interestingly enough, he gets it, since he spent a lot of time in Colorado growing up.

“You stole her heart with that blue sky // You made her dream up a mile high // You took her breath and set her free // Made her forgеt about this town and me // How could I compete? // Damn, Denver”

On the previously released, “Runnin Downhill,” Dial leans into the rock side of his musical inspirations. The song is a clear jam! Perfect for a live show, the single expresses a more adventurous side of Dial and his music.

The record culminates with the final two tracks off the EP, “Wild Thoughts” and “Still Smokin’.” “Wild Thoughts” is nostalgia on fire. The intricately beautiful tune is a love song at its deepest layer. The song is truly a beautiful moment on the project. Similarly, on the final number, “Still Smokin’,” Dial leans into the outcome of love and loss.

Overall, Dial’s project, Way Back When is an incredible feat! The six-song project is the perfect combination of personality, nostalgia, and relatability. You will fall in love with the singer and his talent the more you dig into each song on the EP.

Way Back When EP Tracklist:

  1. Way Back When
  2. Left Of Center
  3. Damn, Denver
  4. Runnin Downhill
  5. Wild Thoughts
  6. Still Smokin’
Tyler-dial-ep

Tyler Dial drops new EP, ‘Way Back When,’ out now.

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

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

Way Back When EP is 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.

Luke-combs-new-album-growin-up

Luke Combs: ‘Growin’ Up’ – Album Review

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Luke Combs’ brand new album, Growin’ Up, is out now, June 24th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Just five years since the release of his debut single, “Hurricane,” and just five days since the debut of his first child, Luke Combs is Growin’ Up. Today, the man whose rise to superstardom can only be described as meteoric, released his third album, a twelve song collection reflecting who he is, where he’s been, and where he’s going. 

As one one of country music’s most ascendant superstars, he’s currently headlining stadiums across the country while juggling the title of ACM Entertainer of the Year. “I’ve been working on this album on and off for two and a half years now. It was sort of a crazy process through what COVID brought, and what that meant for our touring life last year. It made me have to put a pause on this album for a second, but I’m just really stoked that it’s finally coming out… I think that the fans are going to love these songs. I’m just excited to get them out and see what they think.”

Each of the album’s dozen tracks were co-written by the North Carolina native who has become country’s most popular everyman. Rather than rely on gimmicks, dance moves, pop beats, or genre-bending collaborations, Combs remains true to his roots as a country purist, his voice weathered with the kind of transcendent grit that only comes along once in a generation.

In fact, the only collaboration to be found on Growin’ Up is with Miranda Lambert, whom, despite occasional detours into pop country, has returned to her roots with the stellar release of Palomino. The pair trade verses on “Outrunnin’ Your Memory,” a twangy and guitar-laden ode to getting over the one who got away. The song has the breezy country feel of the Eagles with subtle hints of Bakersfield that make it pure perfection.

While Combs does touch on the typical country tropes of love and love lost on Growin’ Up, he also shows a more introspective side on tracks like “Doin’ This” and “Used to Wish I Was.” On the former, he muses that his career “ain’t about the fame, ain’t about the fortune,” but about that moment of connecting with a crowd. “I’d still be doin’ this // If I wasn’t doin’ this,” He sings, and it’s impossible not to believe him. Meanwhile, on “Used to Wish I Was,” he celebrates the dreams he used to have that didn’t quite come true. Think Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers” with a modern, up-tempo twist.

Combs shows his raucous side on “Any Given Friday Night,” the perfect live show opener with its booming guitars and driving dedication to getting a little crazy in Anytown, USA on “any given Friday night.” Likewise, “Ain’t Far From It” has hints of 90’s country, while “Middle of Somewhere” and “Better Back When” sees a nostalgic Combs longing for days when things were simpler.

“Those were some good times // Those were the best nights // The freedom ya feel when you’re learning to fly // And the song on the radio // Was singing our lives // I can’t say that the moon in the sky // Was shinin’ any brighter than it is tonight // But it looked on fire back then // It probably wasn’t, but it seemed a little better back when”

“On the Other End of the Line” is remnant of Brad Paisley’s 2001 hit, “I’m Gonna Miss Her,” finding Combs torn between the two loves of his life: a woman and fishing. Meanwhile, there’s no second guessing his devotion on the sultry slow burn of “The Kind of Love We Make.” 

“Let’s get some candles burning // And some records turning // All the lights down low // Take it nice and slow // The way your body’s moving // Keep doing what you’re doing // to me all night long // Writin’ our love song // Girl, I want it, gotta have it // Let the passion take us to a higher place // Makin’ the kind of love we make”

The love is lost for Combs on songs like “Call Me” and “Tomorrow Me,” which find the earthy-voiced crooner struggling with regret. “Call Me” is tongue-in-cheek as he muses over all the names an ex might call him before actually (drunk) dialing his number, while “Tomorrow Me” finds him wrestling with a bad decision tonight affecting his tomorrow. The album concludes with the stirring and sparse “Going, Going, Gone,” which finds Combs reaching acceptance as he lets someone go.

“Like a runaway southbound train // Like an Arizona desert rain // Like lightning in the sky // Like fireworks in July // Like a left field home run ball // Like a whiskey shot at last call // It’s like she was made for moving on // That girl is going, going, gone…”

While it would be easy for Luke Combs to rest on his laurels and release 12 new tracks that sound like carbon copies of “Hurricane” or “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” he manages to evolve and stretch on Growin’ Up. In some ways, he’s the same Carolina boy he always was, but in others, he’s a brand new man. The album title couldn’t be more appropriate here, and I guess he’s just Growin’ Up.

Luke Combs – Growin’ Up Track List:

  1. Doin’ This (Luke Combs/Drew Parker/Robert Williford) 
  2. Any Given Friday Night (Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton) 
  3. The Kind of Love We Make (Luke Combs/Jamie Davis/Dan Isbell/Reid Isbell) 
  4. On the Other Line (Luke Combs/Thomas Archer/Dan Isbell/James McNair/Randy Montana) 
  5. Outrunnin’ Your Memory w/ Miranda Lambert (Luke Combs/Miranda Lambert/Dan Isbell) 
  6. Used To Wish I Was (Luke Combs/Deric Ruttan/Jonathan Singleton) 
  7. Better Back When (Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Dan Isbell/Randy Montana)
  8. Tomorrow Me (Luke Combs/Dean Dillon/Ray Fulcher)
  9. Ain’t Far From It (Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Dan Isbell/Reid Isbell)
  10. Call Me (Luke Combs/Shane Minor/Jonathan Singleton)
  11. Middle of Somewhere (Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton)
  12. Going, Going, Gone (Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/James McNair)

 

Our Top Picks:

  1. “Doin’ This”
  2. “Outrunnin’ Your Memory”
  3. “Tomorrow Me”
  4. “Any Given Friday Night”

Luke Combs’ new album ‘Growin’ Up,’ out now.

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

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

Growin’ Up 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.

brett-eldredge-songs-about-you

Brett Eldredge: ‘Songs About You’ – Album Review + Interview

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Brett Eldredge’s new album, Songs About You is officially out now, June 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the record below and check out our full review.

Brett Eldredge first came on to the country music scene with his soulful voice and unique perspective when storytelling, and all these years later, that is still what makes him stand out. His first three records were more modern country-pop records, including his self-titled junior album, Brett Eldredge. That project is when he began to lean even more into his soulful side, and his phenomenal 2020 release Sunday Drive felt like a total cumulation of his love for americana, jazz, and, country music.

Lyrically, Songs About You is also incredibly strong. If Sunday Drive dipped a toe into a new sonic pool, Songs About You dove in wholeheartedly. It’s country meets blue-eyed soul. The album opens with the ecstaticly fun, big-band esque, “Can’t Keep Up”.

“Pour me a glass of somethin’ special // I’m in the mood to celebrate // Dance like the devil went down to Georgia // ’Cause he can’t keep up with hell we raise”

Written with longtime collaborator Heather Morgan and producer Nathan Chapman, the song is filled with horns, rhythmic, layered percussion, rowdy gang vocals, and more. It is a fantastic opening song, leaving listeners excited for the remaining 11 tracks.

“Songs About You”, the title track, is the second song on the record, and while a good portion of the record is romantic and intoxicating, there are hints of heartbreak scattered throughout. This is one of those moments. Eldredge describes that some of these songs weren’t just written about his life, but written for his fans’ lives. “That’s why I [write], for that connection, and hopefully, helping people through their lives, dance when they need to dance, cry when they need to cry,” he explained to us in recent conversation. “That’s where the title came [from], and that’s the you in these songs. Hopefully, [fans] are looking back on these songs 20 years from now and remembering that part of their life.”

“Hideaway”, the fifth track on the record is a gorgeous, simple, true songwriter’s song about leaving your anxieties and hardships behind to go somewhere to “hide away”. The album in general dances between moments of finding love, dodging heartbreak and learning to live with your anxious ghosts. This song leans towards the latter, and it’s sweet guitar is sonically, a high point on the record.

“I’ve been falling apart // Sure could use a new start // Yeah I’ll follow the needle from your steady heart”

“If I’m not writing music as therapy, then I’m listening,” he shared with us recently. “Writing, I go through stages to where I am deep in a certain place in my life where I am really reflective, like on ‘Sunday Drive’… kind of breaking down what makes me who I am and the things that hold me back… this record was sort of stepping into the confidence zone of my life and of being there for myself, and knowing my heart. It all becomes parts of therapy and self-empowering…. Music’s a magical thing.” This mindset is heard throughout the entirety of Songs About You, but really stands out on a song like “Hideaway”.

Songs like “Where Do I Sign” or “Home Sweet Love” have those old-time, Sinatra-inspired feelings that Eldredge has always been so drawn to. It’s exciting to hear those influences in his original songs this time around, and this new jazzy, bluesy sound that is heard on Songs About You seems very natural for him. The combination of this sound and his love for Americana and modern country is such an interesting sonic cocktail.

“Being vulnerable in the public eye, it’s scary sometimes, but I’ve learned to chase it,” Eldredge shares. “It’s empowering for sure, and makes me want to talk about it more, and you realize everybody is just trying to make it through this life together…. it’s the most human thing possible. I want to be here to be a voice for that.”

Without a doubt the standout of the record is the closer, “Where The Light Meets the Sea”, co-written with longtime collaborator Jordan Reynolds. Gorgeous piano by Ian Fichituk fills listeners ears and Sarah Buxton’s beautiful rich voice joins him on background harmonies.  It’s like an older brother of 2017 song “Castaway”. The song could be interpreted in several different ways. It could be about a breakup, or even something as dark as death, but it also could be about one’s battle with anxiety and depression and the decisions that come with living with both.

“All your friends say that you should be movin’ on // I hate to say it, but darlin’, I agree // I was broken but I finally found my peace // In the place where the light meets the sea”

“Being defined less by the work that I do and more so the person that I am…. that defines my music. I wanted to create a record that encourages others to find their self-acceptance, and not be so hard on yourself. There are songs on this record that are about standing up for yourself against the worries in your mind, and being there for you. That’s been a powerful thing for me.”

Eldredge once again continues to be brave in his storytelling and lays it all on the line for fans. He showcases both his highs and his lows unapologetically. It’s important to note that Songs About You is not as risky as previous album Sunday Drive. When listening to that record, it felt like holding your breath underwater. This record is the aftermath of that – when you emerge from the water and take that first deep breath. Eldredge is continuing to find himself in his writing, as an artist, and as a person, and Songs About You successfully continues Eldredge’s ongoing journey.

Songs About You Tracklist:

  1. Can’t Keep Up
  2. Songs About You
  3. I Feel Fine
  4. What Else Ya Got
  5. Hideaway
  6. Get Out Of My House
  7. Home Sweet Love
  8. Want That Back
  9. Wait Up For Me
  10. Where Do I Sign
  11. Holy Water
  12. Where The Light Meets The Seat
brett-eldredge-album

Brett Eldredge’s new album, ‘Songs About You’ is out now.

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

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

Songs About You 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.

niko-moon-new-ep-coastin'

Niko Moon: Coastin’ – EP Review

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Niko Moon’s brand new EP, Coastin’, is out now, June 10th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Your summer record is officially here! Niko Moon, king of good vibes and appreciated life, is back with a brand new project to fall in love with. Moon releases his five-song project, Coastin’ just in time for warm weather and some sunshine.

The record kicks off with its lead single, “Easy Tonight.” The beach-vibe song is the perfect introduction to the new EP. It sets the mood for a record that is primed for an outdoor, laidback, summer country show. Moon’s effortlessness is on full display on the funky and catchy new mid-tempo song.

“Where the music is playin’ // People are singing // Like these old Levi’s, yeah we’re getting faded // No, I just can’t get enough // Bartender fill up my cup // ‘Cause I just wanna raise one up // It’s going down easy tonight // Ain’t it good when it all feels right // ‘Tween this drink in my hand // And some real good friends // It’s going down easy tonight”

Coastin’ continues with its title track. Quite possibly the most beach-ready, “Coastin'” is the perfect nostalgic song. Moon paints the picture for listeners of laying in the sun with someone you love or just chilling on your own, in the water, with no care in the world.

Next up, “All That We Need” is the middle track on the project. The song, one of our favorites from the collection, reminds us all to pay attention to the important things in life. Moon is always spreading his message of positivity and gratitude throughout his music.

“We could be rich, we could be broke // We could be young, we could be old // It don’t matter, no // Cause I got you, you got me // That’s all that we need // Take my hand // You gunna see // That’s all we need”

The record culminates with “Back Nine” and “One Drink Away.” Both songs are the perfect tracks to dance and drink too. The former is the song you need, once you make it through a break-up. On the other hand, “One Drink Away,” albeit slower-tempo, is the song that gives you hope in romance. It is the perfect song to end the record.

Overall, Coastin’  is an EP that we all needed. Moon is a one-of-a-kind singer-songwriter, whose message of positivity and good vibes is much appreciated. Not to mention, he has the songwriting chops and vocals to match!

Coastin’ EP Tracklist:

  1. “Easy Tonight”
  2. “Coastin'”
  3. “All That We Need”
  4. “Back Nine”
  5. “One Drink Away”
niko-moon-new-ep

Niko Moon’s brand new EP, ‘Coastin” is out now.

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

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

Coastin’ EP is 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.

carrie-underwood-number-one-singles-song

Carrie Underwood: ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ – Album Review

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Carrie Underwood’s highly anticipated new album, Denim & Rhinestones is officially out now, June 10th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the record below and check out our full review.

The wait is over! Almost four years after her last solo country release, ‘Cry Pretty’, 8-time GRAMMY winner, Carrie Underwood is back with ‘Denim & Rhinestones’, a high-energy project with a nostalgic 90s country feel that is pure fun from beginning to end.

From catchy anthems (“Crazy Angels”, “Poor Everybody Else”, and title track “Denim & Rhinestones”), to love songs (“Faster”, “Pink Champagne”, “Wanted Woman”), to heartbreak (“Burn”, “Velvet Heartbreak”, “Hate my Heart”), to the kind of story tracks Underwood is known for, (“Ghost Story”, “She Don’t Know”), there is something for everyone on this record. Full of theatrical lyrics from top to bottom and even a bit of rock and roll, it is bound to be the soundtrack of the summer. 

“I really just wanted to make an album that felt like fun,” said the American Idol alum ahead of the release. “I feel like this one ended up being a bigger reflection of me as a person and as an artist. We have a lot of songs that could be considered throwback songs, but they sound super fresh. These are influences that are in me and work their way out and I just decided this time not to get in their way.”

The final track, “Garden”, ends the album with the softer side of Underwood; a tribute to the way she grew up and a reminder to us all that we can choose who to be in this world.

“If your words were seeds that were goin’ in the ground // And your love was rain farmers prayed about // If your life was sunlight we all needed // What kinda world would it be? // If you reap what you sow // What kind of garden would you grow?

Produced by Underwood and collaborator David Garcia, ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ features 12 songs, 11 of which the mom of two co-wrote with familiar names found all over her impressive discography, including Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, and Chris DeStefano.

“We covered a lot of ground,” said Underwood when talking about her mindset going into the writer’s room and studio. “Hopefully it’ll just make people happy to listen to. It’s a very like sing into your hairbrush, in your house, in your room, kind of album, which I think is going to translate well.” 

After spending the pandemic on two Christian passion-projects, Christmas album ‘My Gift’ (2020) and gospel record ‘My Savior’ (2021), this time, Underwood was focused on getting back in front of fans. “I wanted to think about all the songs and how we’re going to perform them live and I feel like what we came up with was everything I wanted it to be and more”.

Neither Underwood or fans will have to wait long; the superstar hits the road this fall for an 8-month tour with fellow denim-and-rhinestone-clad special guest, Jimmie Allen. 

Underwood will also be returning to Las Vegas in 2023 to resume her residency, REFLECTION, which enjoyed sold-out runs in December 2021 and Spring 2022. For all tour dates, visit: Carrieunderwood.com.

Denim & Rhinestones Tracklist:

  1. Denim & Rhinestones (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
  2. Velvet Heartbreak (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  3. Ghost Story (David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
  4. Hate My Heart (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Burn (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
  6. Crazy Angels (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Lydia Vaughan)
  7. Faster (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  8. Pink Champagne (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
  9. Wanted Woman (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  10. Poor Everybody Else (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Josh Miller)
  11. She Don’t Know (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  12. Garden (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
carrie-underwood-denim-&-rhinestones

Carrie Underwood’s brand new album, ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ is officially here!

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

To keep up with Carrie Underwood, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Denim & Rhinestones 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.

twinnie-new-ep

Twinnie: ‘Welcome To The Club’ – EP Review

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Twinnie’s brand new EP, Welcome To The Club, is out now, June 3rd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Pop-country singer-songwriter, Twinnie is officially releasing her newest EP. Welcome To The Club is a project for music lovers everywhere. The inclusive and inspiring 4-song record is one we can all enjoy again and again.

The EP kicks off with the title track, “Welcome To The Club.” The accompanying music video only adds to the already delicious vibe of the new song. The world truly needs more songs like this!

“Jump up on the floor // Don’t you wanna dance // Roll with the beat // Yeah, raise up your hands // We’re all human // Just doing, doing what we’re doing // Some days are down and some days are up // We all need a little love // So welcome to the club”

The title track is the perfect personification of the EP as a whole. According to Twinnie in a press release, “This EP is a call to action to be your authentic self. It’s a narrative on finding yourself and realizing that your power is in being unashamedly you.” She later added, “I wanted to write a collection of songs that highlight mental health issues whilst also celebrating everyone’s differences, and I hope I’ve achieved that with this record. Welcome to the Club encourages everyone to break free from what holds them back.”

The EP continues with “One Heart. The song is a heartfelt, pensive break-up song. Twinnie takes listeners on a journey through the lessons learned from a break-up with someone she seemingly loved. “One Heart” is a uniquely mesmerizing track.

“Something or Somebody” is the newest song off the project and third on the tracklist. All about the human vices we all experience, Twinnie showcases the sassy side of her personality on this incredible track.

The record culminates with “Dying Inside.” Written by Twinnie with Jamie Kennedy, the song screams vulnerability. The song is all about the heartache one experiences after a break-up. The unique track is relatable for anyone, who has ever experienced heartbreak.

Overall, Welcome To The Club EP feels like coming home. Twinnie created a project that we all see a piece of ourselves in. Kudos to her for the inclusive and inspiring record!

Welcome To The Club Tracklist:

  1. “Welcome To The Club” (Twinnie, Phil Barton, Lindsay Rimes)
  2. “One Heart” (Twinnie, Alex Stacey, Rupert Blackman, Laura Welsh, Peter Rycroft, Ben Johnson)
  3. “Something or Somebody” (Twinnie, Emily Landis, Eric Arjes)
  4. “Dying Inside” (Twinnie, Jamie Kennedy)
twinnie-new-ep

Twinnie’s new EP ‘Welcome To The Club’ is out now.

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

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

Welcome To The Club EP is 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.

chris-young-famous-friends-deluxe-edition

Chris Young: ‘Famous Friends (Deluxe Edition)’ – Album Review

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Chris Young’s brand new deluxe edition of Famous Friends is out now, featuring collaborations with artists like Old Dominion and more. Listen below.

Nearly a year since the August 2021 release of his eighth studio album, Famous Friends, Chris Young is back with a deluxe version that features even more collaborations and stripped-down renditions of two of his biggest hits.

While the main body of the album is the same as last August, featuring “Raised on Country,” “At the End of the Bar” with Mitchell Tenpenny, and the #1 title track with Kane Brown, it doesn’t end there. The deluxe edition adds six new tracks, making it a hefty, yet incredibly solid, twenty-song collection.

Having already released four singles from the album, it remains to be seen if more are on the way, but Young’s collaborations with both Old Dominion and Jimmie Allen are solid contenders. In a recent press round, Young admitted that “both happened really organically.” Of the Old D track, “Everybody Needs a Song,” Young says it was born from a co-write between himself, Chris DeStefano, and Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi. Once it was written, they realized it would sound great as a collaboration, and that couldn’t be more true.

Meanwhile, of “Music Note,” Young’s collaboration with Jimmie Allen, he admits that his duet partner “had been yelling at me because we hadn’t done a song together.” On the stirring track, the pair celebrate the fact that they’re lucky enough to make money while making music. “Thanks for giving this Tennessee boy a chance,” Young croons as the pair harmonizes on the single-worthy track.

The two new solo Young tracks here are “If I Knew What Was Good for Me” and “Like a Slow Song.” The former is an anthemic ballad that fits perfectly into Young’s romantic wheelhouse of longing and moving on. “Man I hate the way I miss us // Damn this is messed up,” He growls with passionate regret as he considers showing up at the front door of a lost love. “I’d be over there tonight // If I knew what was good for me.”

Meanwhile, “Like a Slow Song” shows off Young’s romantic side, crooning about how he’s going to love a lucky lady. “I’m going to love you like a slow song // Hold onto you until the night’s gone // Whisper anything that you want // ‘Cause I’m gonna love you like a slow song.” It’s easy to think of this track as the second part of “Getting You Home,” which Young admits is a song that always has to find its way into his setlist. “If I don’t play ‘Getting You Home,’ I think people would throw things at me,” He laughed. “It’s the first single, the first hit.”

Young caps the album with acoustic takes on “Think of You” with Cassadee Pope and “I’m Comin’ Over.” While both songs shine in their original versions, there’s something especially magical about the stripped-down versions. 

On “Think Of You,” Young and Pope trade verses, their voices blending effortlessly. Of the new version, the songwriter said that it’s “real awesome to have another version of it out there. It’s stripped away and it’s just her crushing it on vocals.” Yet, when asked if the pair would ever collaborate again, Young says never say never. “I always go by the song will dictate that,” he says of the possibility.

The acoustic version of “I’m Comin’ Over” closes the album on a poignant note, showing Young at his finest. With a voice that’s truly unmatched in the genre, it’s on full display as he harmonizes over the sparse guitar instrumentation.

While the Famous Friends (Deluxe Edition) features a huge list of collaborations, the Tennessee native admits that there’s one dream duet partner who couldn’t commit quite yet. “The only person that has ever told me, ‘no’, and it was because he had just done something…He didn’t have the ability to do it right now…and I will annoy him until I die, or ‘til he does it. It’s Tim McGraw. Down the road, I’m doing something with Tim. He already knows.”

With today’s release of the deluxe edition of Famous Friends, Young is most looking forward to taking these songs on the road this summer and getting things back to normal. “At the end of the day, you want to be in front of a crowd of people, playing your songs for them, watching them unwind. I’m getting adrenaline from the crowd, they’re hopefully getting that from me and the band. Just being able to do that all summer is gonna be fantastic.”

Famous Friends Deluxe Edition Tracklist:

  1. Raised on Country
  2. Famous Friends (with Kane Brown)
  3. Town Ain’t Big Enough (with Lauren Alaina)
  4. Drowning
  5. Rescue Me
  6. Break Like You Do
  7. At the End of a Bar (with Mitchell Tenpenny)
  8. Love Looks Good on You
  9. One of Them Nights
  10. When You’re Drinking
  11. Cross Every Line
  12. Hold My Beer Watch This
  13. Best Seat in the House
  14. Tonight We’re Dancing
  15. Everybody Needs a Song (with Old Dominion) – NEW
  16. If I Knew What Was Good for Me – NEW
  17. Music Note (with Jimmie Allen) – NEW
  18. Like a Slow Song – NEW
  19. Think of You (with Cassadee Pope) (Acoustic Version) – NEW
  20. I’m Comin’ Over (Acoustic Version) – NEW
chris-young-famous-friends-deluxe-edition

Chris Young’s new record, ‘Famous Friends Deluxe Edition’ is out now.

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

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

Famous Friends Deluxe Edition 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.

Eli Young Band: ‘Love Talking’ – Album Review

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Eli Young Band’s brand new album, Love Talking, is out now, June 3rd on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

For me, Eli Young Band has always been a bit of a “headphones band.” While they sound great on the radio and even better live, there’s just something magical about the band’s sound when listening to them through a good pair of headphones. It’s there that you can truly hear the ways the band stands out in a sea of sameness, blending uniquely Texas instrumentation and tight harmonies with Mike Eli’s trademark twang.

With its first new album in five years, EYB is back with Love Talking, the follow-up to 2017’s Fingerprints. The sixth studio album features “Love Ain’t,” which first appeared on 2019’s This Is Eli Young Band: Greatest Hits, as well as tracks co-written by the likes of Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, and Shane McAnally. 

“We really wanted to find the positivity in what we got out of the last two years, so that was one of the main goals for this album,” notes lead singer Eli in a statement. “There was a lot of unknown that was written into some of the music we created during that time, but we all lived it so deeply; we wanted to offer something uplifting with our music.”

On Love Talking, they do just that. The album opens with its breezy title track, a perfect summer single, lyrically putting a twist on the idea of speaking without thinking. “When I let it slip that I // Wanted you for my whole life,” he muses. “And you and me turned into us // That was just the love talking.”

The clearest indicator of the album being a pandemic byproduct is “A Good Thing,” which speaks to love pulling them through the tough times. It can easily be applied to any of life’s trials and tribulations, without being cheesy or too cliche. 

“When it all goes south, it all hits the fan // The sky falls down, that’s a real good chance // To get a little stronger, work a little harder on you and me // Maybe that’s a good thing // When we’ve had about enough, can’t take it anymore // If we don’t give up we’ll be better than before // When life gets rough baby that’s when love’s all you really need // Maybe that’s a good thing.”

One of the album’s clear standouts is “Break Up In a Bar,” co-written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, and Hunter Phelps. “Right away, you could just hear the melody in the song from the top and know, ‘okay, this is a special one.’ And the spin – it’s one of those songs lyrically you just wish you would have thought of,” reflects Eli. “We know that that’s always the first rule – if you hear something that you wish you would have thought of, it’s worth that second listen. We just started playing it in our live show, and it’s funny to see the audience because they want to know it so bad… That’s a good sign.”

While breaking up is never easy, there are definitely things to make goodbye a little more palatable, including whiskey, beer, and all the good things found in a bar. “Yeah, girl you know I’m gonna miss you // And the way you felt here in my arms // But when somebody breaks your heart,” Eli sings. “Movin’ on ain’t half as hard // When you break up in a bar.”

While most of the album is the mid-to-up-tempo Texas twang that EYB has become known for, the foursome still shine on the slower songs including “Chances Are” and “Live With It.” On the former, which has a stunning guitar solo, Eli admits that chances are high that he’s missing her too. Yet, while “Chances Are” is about lost love, “Live With It” is about the potential of something new, Eli inviting someone seemingly special into his life. “If you live with it for a minute you might,” he muses. “Wanna live with it for the rest of your life.”

For Eli Young Band, Love Talking was about providing an uplifting collection of new music to fans and it does just that. Give it a listen with your headphones, you’ll thank us later.

Love Talking Track List

  1. Love Talking (Mike Eli, Eric Arjes, Jeffrey East)
  2. Lucky For Me (Mike Eli, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz)
  3. Break Up In A Bar (Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
  4. Love Ain’t (Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally)
  5. Chances Are (Mike Eli, Eric Arjes, Jordan Minton)
  6. Live With It (Mike Eli, Josh Osborne, Daniel Ross)
  7. Tell Me It Is (Mike Eli, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
  8. A Good Thing (Mike Eli, Eric Arjes, Jeffery East)
  9. Love Talking (Acoustic) (Mike Eli, Eric Arjes, Jeffrey East)
Eli-young-band-new-album

Eli Young Band’s new album ‘Love Talking’ is out now.

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

To keep up with the Eli Young Band follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Love Talking 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.

Here Is High Valley’s New Album: ‘Way Back’

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High Valley’s brand new album, Way Back, is out now, May 20th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

High Valley is back with their sixth studio album to date, Way Back. The record is a thirteen-song project that is full of the band’s signature sound but also showcases growth. True as ever to their fans, High Valley let their fans be involved in the process of choosing the songs that made the record.

In a recent press release, the band’s frontman shared, “Letting our fans behind the scenes of the songwriting and demo process was so much fun. We had the ‘Way Back’ album almost complete and couldn’t decide which of the most recent cowrites should make the cut, so we asked our fans to vote on our socials.”  [Brad] Rempel added later, “I love knowing that this album is a collection of songs I feel very strongly about, messages I believe need to be heard, and jams that our fans literally chose themselves!”

Listen to the brand new record below…

Way Back Track List

  1. “Way Back” (Seth Mosley, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel)
  2. “Run Outta Somedays” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
  3. “Somebody Tell That Girl” (Feat. Anne Wilson) (Jason Gant, Matt Rogers, Brad Rempel)
  4. “Do This Life” (Phil Barton, David Thompson, Brad Rempel)
  5. “World Could Use a Dirt Road” (Claire Douglas, Josh Ronen, Brad Rempel)
  6. “Prayin’ Woman” (Seth Mosley, Allison Veltz, Brad Rempel)
  7. “Country Music, Girls & Trucks” (Feat. Granger Smith) (Micah Wilshire, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
  8. “Whatever it Takes” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
  9. “All My Lovin” (Blake Bollinger, Phil Barton, Brad Rempel)
  10. “Remember You Now” (Ben Stennis, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel)
  11. “Be That For You” (Sam Ellis, Dave Sampson, Brad Rempel)
  12. “She Loves” (Sam Bergeson, Jaron Boyer, Brad Rempel)
  13. “Never Not” (Ben West, Matt Willis, Brad Rempel)

high-valley-way-back-album

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

To keep up with High Valley follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Way Back 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-debut-album

Here Is Zach Bryan’s Debut Album: ‘American Heartbreak’

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Zach Bryan’s debut album, American Heartbreak, is out now, May 20th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

Zach Bryan’s highly-anticipated debut album is officially here! The 34-track masterpiece, American Heartbreak is slated to be one of the best records of the year. Each of the tracks showcase a different side of Bryan’s talent, proving just how incredible of a singer and songwriter he truly is.

According to Bryan on social media, “I’d say true love rips your heart out and puts it back together all in the same sentence or song. Here’s an album I wrote with pain, laughter, humility, love and honesty. I didn’t call it American Heartbreak after a tacky love story, but because we all face trials every day and put ourselves back together every single time regardless. Whether in relationships or jobs, our families, our dreams or our let downs, I just wrote the whole thing praying someone just might relate to a story or two.” We think that pretty much personifies the debut record!

Listen to the brand new album below.

American Heartbreak Track List

  1. “Morning Time”
  2. “Something in the Orange”
  3. “Heavy Eyes”
  4. “Mine Again”
  5. “Happy Instead”
  6. “Right Now the Best”
  7. “The Outskirts”
  8. “Younger Years”
  9. “Cold Damn Vampires”
  10. “Tishomingo”
  11. “She’s Alright”
  12. “You Are My Sunshine”
  13. “Darling”
  14. “Ninth Cloud”
  15. “Oklahoma City”
  16. “Sun To Me”
  17. “Highway Boys”
  18. “Whiskey Fever”
  19. “Billy Stay
  20. “Sober Side of Sorry”
  21. “High Beams”
  22. “The Good I’ll Do”
  23. “Someday (Maggie’s)”
  24. “Poems and Closing Time”
  25. “From Austin”
  26. “If She Wants a Cowboy”
  27. “Corinthians (Proctor’s)”
  28. “Open the Gate”
  29. “Half Grown”
  30. “No Cure”
  31. “’68 Fastback”
  32. “Blue
  33. “Waterwell”
  34. “This Road I Know”

zach-bryan-american-heartbreak

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

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

American Heartbreak 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.