First Impression Archives

Conner Smith: ‘Didn’t Go Too Far’- EP Review

January 14, 2022/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Conner Smith’s debut EP, Didn’t Go Too Far is officially out now, January 14th, and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Conner Smith, one of our favorite rising stars and 2022 Artists to Watch, has officially released his debut EP, Didn’t Go Too Far. Since signing his record deal in 2019, Smith has secured his spot as a country artist headed for stardom. In just six months, since he started releasing music, the singer-songwriter has garnered an incredible fanbase of supporters and cemented his move from songwriter to artist.

The new project features six songs in the collection, made up of three previously released tracks and three brand new songs. The record kicks off with a new song, “College Town.” Written by Smith independently, the song sets the tone for the rest of the project. The song is high-energy, honest, and lyrically focused, the perfect introduction to the EP.

“The next thing I know, a couple of songs I wrote got me a record deal // They put them out and sent me out to see how it made the people feel // Yeah me and my band hopped in a van to go play some college shows // and that’s why we’re here, so let’s drink a beer”

The record continues with Smith’s current radio single, “Learn From It.” Like the previous song, the singer lets fans know more about his story on this track. The song takes us through all of the mistakes and experiences we all go through as we grow up. Ultimately, the singer relies on the adage that we all learn from those things. The song allows us as listeners to learn more about the artist and his story.

Next up is one of our favorite songs off the record, which also happens to be one of Smith’s favorites as well. The title track, “Didn’t Go Too Far” is vulnerable and authentic. The singer laments about how it feels to lose your love, but being stuck in that small-town makes it nearly impossible to move on. The feelings that Smith brings in the listener in this song proves how incredible of a songwriter he is in his young career.

“There’s only one bar // There’s only one church // How do I move on, when I see you everywhere I turn // I can’t go anywhere to get away // and settle the heart // Because the one that got away didn’t go too far”

The record’s journey continues with the previously released “Take It Slow.” Giving off Sam Hunt vibes, the track is the romantic and hopeful song that this EP begged for. The song is smooth, nostalgic, and inviting. It depicts young love in a way that makes us all feel like we are experiencing it again for the first time. Smith first played the track for us during our live acoustic session and interview this fall in New York City. Check it out in the video below.

Of course, Smith could not put out his debut EP without “I Hate Alabama.” The song is the only track that Smith did not write, but the singer really brings life to the incredible tune. The slow-burn begins as the ultimate disdain towards Alabama Crimson Red Football team, but after one listen, fans will know that it is definitely not just that. Smith pours his heart out, sharing that the reason he truly hates Alabama is because he got his heart broken. Even Alabama-natives can understand that!

Finally, the record culminates with “Somewhere In A Small Town,” ironically the song that Smith often kicks off his live shows with. The song is fun, romantic, and enticing, all qualities that Smith also possesses.

Overall, Didn’t Go Too Far is a perfect example of how spectacular a debut EP can be for an artist. Smith is a breath of fresh air in country music. He knows how to craft a lyric like a pro, entice country fans across the spectrum, and create music that makes us all feel all pillars of a star in the making.

Learn more a out the rising star in our spotlight interview here. Want a chance to win a personalized video message from Conner Smith? Enter to win here.

Didn’t Go Too Far EP Tracklist:

“College Town” (Conner Smith)
“Learn From It” (Conner Smith, Daniel Ross)
“Didn’t Go Too Far” (Conner Smith, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Jenkins)
“Take It Slow” (Conner Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell)
“I Hate Alabama” (Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr)
“Somewhere In A Small Town” (Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Hunter Phelps)

Conner Smith’s debut EP ‘Didn’t Go Too Far” 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 Conner Smith releases.

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Didn’t Go Too Far 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.

Kidd G: ‘Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (Deluxe)’ – Album Review

December 24, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Kidd G’s debut album Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (Deluxe) is out now, December 24th, on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

With almost one million followers on TikTok alone, Kidd G is leading the pack in this new wave of country music. His eclectic sound and honesty is attracting fans across the world. Today, the singer released his the deluxe version of his full-length album, Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October.

Featuring eighteen original songs, the artist, whose real name is Jonathan Gabriel Horne, is a writer on all of the tracks. Kidd G features the four brand new songs first on the project. They include “I Don’t Wanna,” Last October,” “Use A Drink,” and “Only 16.” The singer co-wrote each of the four new tracks.

The first song is a fun-loving, jam that will resonate with the singer’s fanbase. The vibe continues you on “Use A Drink.” “Last October,” one of our favorite new songs is a song similar to the honest of Morgan Wallen’s “Livin’ The Dream.” The honesty continues on “Only 16.”

The project continues with some of the songs that started it all for the singer, including “Down Home Boy,” and “Paper Hearts (F-150).” The former is an ode to his upbringing, a common theme on the record. On the other hand, the latter is an introspective song that has fans flocking to him.

“Paper hearts in the glovebox of my F-150 (F-150) // And I might just take one out and light it up // And throw it out the window //Because I’m tipsy”

Similarly, Kidd G’s previously released song “Summer In A Small Town” has become a fan-favorite. The new song has summer romance, fun, and living the good life written all over it. Visually appealing both lyrically and within the music video, Kidd G makes every listener want to live in a small town. His country boy vocals are on full display in this fun-loving and sweet country song.

Kidd G leans into his romantic side even more on “What It’s Like,” “I Think I Love Her,” and “Ordinary Girl.” “What It’s Like” is a clever confession of liking someone. He utilizes country music staples with lyrics like “how does it feel to have a country boy’s heart racing,” as he professes his love for a special someone. On “I Think I Love Her,” the singer expresses his adoration and love for a girl yet again. If the first two songs are precursors to love, “Ordinary Girl” is a true-blue declaration of true love in a more modern and funky approach.

Leaning into his emo-music roots, “If Heaven Had A Phone” is one of the most poignant songs off the project. Anyone who has ever lost someone and missed someone can relate to this heartfelt and touching single. Kidd G leans into the vulnerability again on “Whiskey & Wine,” a fan-favorite song.

Kidd G puts words to a different kind of heartbreak on “Break Up Song.” The song starts off melancholy, but quickly reminds us of all the things that are waiting for us on the other side of a break-up. He is all of us on this catchy tune.

“The truth is I don’t believe a word that you said // The hard part is that I knew that you’re gone // The worst part is that I gotta move on // Yeah, the worst part is that I even had to make this song // Cheers to a break-up song”

On “Folks Back Home,” Kidd G clearly shares his story of growing up in the country. He shows pride for his small-town upbringing yet again. Finally, the record wraps with the pensive song, “Last Call.” Kidd G struggles with his demons from a broken relationship on the moody, yet captivating song.

Overall, Kidd G’s debut release is like nothing you have ever listened to before. And that’s a good thing! Clearly influenced by hip-hop, emo, and country music, Kidd G’s sound is one that’s all of his own. Fans should definitely give this record a listen.

Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October Official Track List:

“I Don’t Wanna” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Michael Robinson, Jake Saghi, Blake Redferrin, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Last October” | Mike Woods, Kevin White, Marc Scibilia, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Use A Drink” | Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Nicole Spooner, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Only 16” | Nicholas Thompson, Jake Mark Sordelet, Joseph Boyden, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Down Home Boy” | Chris Destefano, Rhett Atkins, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Paper Hearts (F-150)” | Jesse Frasure, Ernest Smith, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“What It’s Like” | Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“If Heaven Had A Phone” | Bonnie Dymond, Jake Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“2000 & IDK” | Johann Elliot, Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Break Up Song” | Simon Jonasson, Nicole Spooner, Juan Guerrieri-Maril, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Whiskey & Wine” | Bonnie Dymond, Christopher Luc Nyhus, Dantavius Walker, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“I Think I Love Her” | John Charles Reno Prentice, Jake Rose, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Summer In A Small Town” | John Thomas “J.T.” Harding, Rhett Atkins, Jacob Rice, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Ordinary Girl” | Morgan O’Connor, William Keating, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram, Jacob Saghi, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“UNKNWN Number” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“You Could Use Me” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Folks Back Home” | Bonnie Dymond, Lawrence Stoll, Ryan Jeffrey Anderson, Jonathan Gabriel Horne
“Last Call” | Bonnie Dymond, Jonathan Gabriel Horne

Kidd G released a deluxe version of his debut album, out now.

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

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

Down Home Boy: Gone Since Last October (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.

Blake Shelton: ‘Body Language Deluxe’ – Album Review

December 7, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

Country superstar, Blake Shelton released the deluxe version of his eleventh studio album Body Language on Friday (December 3), containing four new tracks including his current single “Come Back As A Country Boy.” Keep reading below as we discuss these tracks in more detail.

Blake Shelton has had a legendary career in country music, making him a celebrity inside the genre and out. With six platinum records, 28 number-one singles, and nine GRAMMY-nominations, Shelton will go down as one of the biggest artists in country music history. His ability to blend modern and traditional country sounds has allowed him to stay at the forefront of the genre.

Jordan Schmidt and HARDY received writing credits on the first two songs. “Come Back As A Country Boy” has a similar vibe to his 4x Platinum smash hit, “God’s Country,” paying homage to country life and the hard-working, small town folk. Like “God’s Country,” “Come Back As A Country Boy” contains backing steel-guitar and woodsy sounds. “Fire Up The Night” is tailgate party anthem which also features HARDY’s vocals. The two describe what needs to happen to get the good time started. Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley also helped pen this song, along with Bart Butler.

The other two songs are placed on the back of the record. “Throw It On Back” is another fun, drinking tune featuring iconic 90s country duo, Brooks & Dunn. They discuss the feeling they get when they revert back to old-school items, styles, and songs. The project concludes with a love song Shelton co-wrote with Craig Wiseman titled “We Can Reach The Stars.” Shelton sings about how strong the love is between him and his romantic partner and how it allows them to overcome even the most difficult of times.

Body Language Deluxe Tracklist:

Come Back As A Country Boy
Fire Up The Night (feat. HARDY)
Minimum Wage
Body Language (feat. The Swon Brothers)
Happy Anywhere (feat. Gwen Stefani)
Now I Don’t
Monday Morning Missin’ You
Corn
Makin’ It Up As You Go
Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow
The Girl Can’t Help It
The Flow
Neon Time
Bible Verses
Throw It On Back (feat. Brooks & Dunn)
We Can Reach The Stars

Blake Shelton releases the deluxe version of his album ‘body language’ out now.

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

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

Body Language Deluxe 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.

Taylor Swift: ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ – Album Review

November 24, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Rebekah Milsted

Taylor Swift released her second re-recorded album, Red (Taylor’s Version). Listen to reimagined new record here.

Known for being one of the best “breakup” albums, Red (Taylor’s Version) is 30 tracks filled with heartbreak. Similar to Fearless (Taylor’s Version), this album includes the original tracks as well as nine songs from the vault. While the vocals may be more mature, the emotion and heartache you feel when listening is the same if not stronger.

The vault songs this time around include a track with CMA male vocalist of the year, Chris Stapleton, Swift’s version of “Better Man”, and “Babe”. Up first is “Better Man”. You may recognize the song from Little Big Town who released the single in 2017 as part of their album The Breaker. Since it was left off the original Red album in 2012, Swift decided it should be heard and gave it to Little Big Town. Written by the Pennsylvania native, it won song of the year at the 2017 CMA Awards as well as a GRAMMY for Best County Duo\Group Performance. From adding the London Contemporary Orchestra to the acoustics and the emotional vocals, Swift put her own spin on it and certainly reminded us why it’s award-winning.

Next up is “Babe” which you know from Sugarland’s recording in 2018 where Swift accompanied the duo with her background vocals. Written by Swift and Pat Monahan, the singer-songwriter again made the version unique. Speeding up the tempo, adding the line “what about your promises” before the first verse, and handling the vocals all on her own without backup, she showcases her talent of seamlessly mixing genres.

Bringing it back to her country roots with an acoustic guitar and harmonica, “I Bet You Think About Me” features award-winning artist Chris Stapleton. Written by Lori McKenna and Swift, it fits the breakup theme as it’s filled with shade towards an ex. Stapleton’s role may be minor as he comes in on the chorus but it is certainly impactful. The two vocals blend together flawlessly making the perfect duo.

Overall, Red (Taylor’s Version) may have been her album transitioning away from country music, but she reminded us where she started. We can’t wait to see what other country collaborations she may have in store!

Taylor-Swift-red-taylor'ss-version-new-album

Taylor Swift’s reimagined version of her album ‘Red’ is out now.

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

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

Red (Taylor’s Version) 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

Jason Aldean: ‘MACON’ – Album Review

November 23, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

Jason Aldean’s highly-anticipated album, MACON is officially here. The first fifteen tracks of his double album is out now.

Aldean will go down as one of the most successful country artists ever. He has accumulated 26 number one hits, 15 billion streams, and more than 20 million albums sold over his 16-year career. In 2019, the Academy of Country Music awarded him the Dick Clark Artist of the Decade. Aldean’s hometown of Macon, Georgia means a lot to him, which motivated him to name his tenth studio album after it.

“Where you were raised has such a big influence on who you become and for me it’s no different…especially from a music standpoint,” Aldean said in a recent press release. “My little hometown of Macon was heavily instrumental in my musical background. Growing up in an environment that was a crossroads between country music, southern rock, blues and R&B, it was just natural to blend different sounds in my own way.”

Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, and Lydia Vaughan were the four main writers on this project, having cuts on four of the nine new songs. Allison and Kennedy are also in Aldean’s touring band and play their instruments on the record as well. Heartbreak and healing share the overarching theme on MACON. In “Over You Again,” the singer finds himself in an endless cycle of falling in and out of love with his ex. When he finally starts to think he’s over her, he shortly backslides and needs to go through the process again. This is the most poppy-track on the record and features backing vocals from an uncredited female. In “This Bar Don’t Work Anymore,” the singer leans on the neon lights to mend his broken heart, but the one he is trying to get over is on the dance floor with another guy.

“They might as well close it down, shut it down, go ‘head and board up the windows and lock the door // “cause this bar don’t work anymore”

John Edwards adds his input to the third track on the album, “That’s What Tequila Does.” Aldean sings about the confidence tequila gives drinkers when trying to get back with an ex. You might think it’s working at first, but it will just leave you disappointed at the end of the day. The quartet also penned the multi-week number one single “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood as well. The two performed the song together for the first time at the CMA Awards earlier this month. Watch here:

The writers of “After You” (Micah Wilshire, Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer) use clever wordplay to portray this former relationship. It started with the man chasing after her and following her every move to trying to figure out what life was “after love, after leaving, after too much drinking, after you.”

The bar is the setting in most of the tracks on this album, and “Story For Another Glass” is no different. Upon taking his seat, he tells the people around him he has no interest in talking about his ex right now. However, that might change a few drinks from now.

“Just wanna pour beer on an ol’ heartbreak // Drink ’em outta José and shoot ’em outta limes // Maybe kiss a stranger in the neon light // Buddy, I know that you’re tryna help // Just don’t remind me I’m goin’ through hell // If I get enough in me, man, I might just crack // But right now, she’s a story for another glass”

Aldean took songs from other major-label recording artists in Brantley Gilbert, Michael Ray and Morgan Wallen. Brantley and Ray co-wrote “Small Town Small” with Taylor and Josh Phillips, Chase McGill, Brock Berryhill, Brian Davis, and Brandon Day. “Small Town Small” is an ode to small town life and the people who rule it. It is the only fun, party song on the album, which is very unlike Aldean.

Fans who are aware of Wallen’s recent history can metaphorically hear him in the “The Sad Songs.” Everything is going great in this new relationship, but the man fears that once she hears about some of his poor past behaviors, she will leave right then and there. Wallen wrote this with Josh Thompson and Brandon Kinney.

Aldean released his Bryan Adams cover of “Heaven” exclusively on Amazon Music in May but is now available everywhere and included on MACON. Although the two singers have very different vocal ranges, Aldean does a great job of creating a new sound and giving the song a new meaning. The first half of the project ends with five live tracks from different shows including “Amarillo Sky,” “Johnny Cash,” “She’s Country,” “Big Green Tractor,” and “My Kinda Party.” Between Macon and Georgia, one song from all nine of Aldean’s previous albums will be represented in live tracks. Click here for the Georgia tracklist which will come out on April 22^nd.

MACON Track List

After You
Over You Again
That’s What Tequila Does
Small Town Small
If I Didn’t Love You with Carrie Underwood
Story For Another Glass
Heaven
This Bar Don’t Work Anymore
The Sad Songs
Watching You Love Me
Amarillo Sky (Live from Nashville, TN)
Johnny Cash (Live from Los Angeles, CA)
She’s Country (Live from Las Vegas, NV)
Big Green Tractor (Live from Dallas, TX)
My Kinda Party (Live from St. Louis, MO)

Jason Aldean’s new album ‘MACON’ is available now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Jason Aldean, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

MACON 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 Lauren Davidson’s New EP: ‘Hindsight Is 2020′

November 19, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Lauren Davidson’s brand new EP, Hindsight Is 2020 is out now, November 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

Local singer-songwriter, Lauren Davidson’s newest collection of songs is her best yet. The seven-song EP features vulnerable tracks like “A Little Love” and “I Don’t Need Your Reason.” Songs like “Silver Linings” depict the more optimistic side of Davidson. The songstress manages to both share her story and relate to her fanbase on each of the seven incredible tracks.

Despite the fact that 2020 was a difficult year for all, Davidson manages to create true art during a tumultuous time. According to the singer, “2020 came with a lot of feelings and emotions, to say the least, and I have never been happier to be a songwriter and artist with an outlet to express myself.” She later added, “I’m proud to release Hindsight Is 2020 – a collection of songs written in 2020, during the quarantine, when life seemed to be standing still – but I wasn’t.”

Listen to the brand new record below!

Hindsight is 2020 Track List

Live In The Light
Backfire
Thinking About You
Silver Linings
A Little Love
I Don’t Need Your Reason
Hindsight

Lauren Davidson’s new EP ‘Hindsight Is 2020’ 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 and announcements about future Lauren Davidson releases.

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

Hindsight Is 2020 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 Tyler Braden’s Debut EP: ‘What Do They Know’

November 19, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Tyler Braden’s brand new debut EP, What Do They Know is out now, November 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Tyler Braden officially made his major label debut today! The singer-songwriter released his debut project entitled, What Do They Know, out now. Braden co-wrote all of the seven songs on the record, which includes songs like “Ways To Miss You” and the title-track.

According to Braden, “This project is so special to me and the title track are words I live by. It’s about following the dream, whatever that may be to you, and ignoring the naysayers and proving yourself right.” If that does not sound like an EP you must listen to, we do not know what does!

Listen to the brand new, incredible record below.

What Do They Know Track List

1. “Better Off” (Tyler Braden/ Jason Nix)
2. “What I See” (Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/James McNair)
3. “Ways To Miss You” (Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/Michael Whitworth)
4. “Try Losing One” (Tyler Braden/Adam Wood/Brian Davis)
5. “She Don’t Care” (Tyler Braden/Mark Holman/James McNair)
6. “Secret” (Tyler Braden)
7. “What Do They Know” (Tyler Braden/Aaron Scherz)

Tyler Braden’s debut EP ‘What Do They Know,’ 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 Tyler Braden releases.

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

What Do They Know 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 Jason Aldean’s New Album: ‘MACON’

November 12, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

The first installment of Jason Aldean’s brand new double album, MACON is out now, November 12th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

Country superstar, Jason Aldean’s highly-anticipated album MACON is out now. The record is the first installment in a double project. Aldean’s new album features ten brand new songs and five live versions of some of his greatest hits. MACON includes the chart-topping duet with Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You.” The second part of the project, entitled GEORGIA is expected to be released in April.

According to Aldean in a recent press release, “My little hometown of Macon was heavily instrumental in my musical background. Growing up in an environment that was a crossroads between Country music, Southern rock, blues and R&B, it was just natural to blend different sounds in my own way.” The record clearly brings the singer-songwriter’s experiences to life.

Listen to the brand new record below!

MACON Track List

After You
Over You Again
That’s What Tequila Does
Small Town Small
If I Didn’t Love You with Carrie Underwood
Story For Another Glass
Heaven
This Bar Don’t Work Anymore
The Sad Songs
Watching You Love Me
Amarillo Sky (Live from Nashville, TN)
Johnny Cash (Live from Los Angeles, CA)
She’s Country (Live from Las Vegas, NV)
Big Green Tractor (Live from Dallas, TX)
My Kinda Party (Live from St. Louis, MO)

Jason Aldean’s new album ‘MACON’ is available now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Jason Aldean, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

MACON 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.

LOCASH: ‘WOODS & WATER’- EP Review

November 5, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

LOCASH dropped their brand new EP, WOODS & WATER available now, November 5th, on all streaming platforms. Learn about and listen to the new music below.

In country music, there is one duo that continues to march to the beat of their own drums. Gold-certified singer-songwriters, LOCASH are back with a brand new EP to entertain fans. Preston Brust co-wrote each of the five tracks on the record, while Chris Lucas penned four out of the five tunes. The new EP WOODS & WATER is out now!

“We can’t wait to share this music, we kept it all on a positive note like we do best, and we collaborated with some bucket list voices and writers. We wanted WOODS & WATER – EP to be a mini vacation – a getaway,” shares LOCASH. Relatable and easy to sing along to, this project hits every feel-good tempo. It’s us. These are the anthems the world needs right now.”

The record kicks off with “Beach Boys.” The Southern-rock infused track is fun-loving from the jump! The song feels old-school and just a ton of fun. Lyrically, the song is synonymous with a carefree day with friends and your love at the beach. “Let’s take the country to the beach boys // Give me the beach boys.” What could be better than that?!

“In The Woods” is a slower jam, but still has the same fun-loving appeal as the previous track. The song conveys the idea that you can have tunnel vision for the one you love. Despite all the craziness, sometimes it can be magical to just drown out all the noise of life, and focus on the one you love.

“The whole world’s gone crazy // But It ain’t here baby // Just us and the birds and the bees // It’s all fine in the pines // Where the moon shine like it should”

The middle track “Sippin Sunsets” is one of our favorites. Penned by LOCASH with Jason Duke and John Byron, the lyrics depict all the magic that a sunset brings with your love. LOCASH know how to bring the feel-good vibes and the romance on this new song.

On “Small Town For Life,” the duo digs their boots deeper into the country. Clearly proud of their small-town roots, the song conveys everything that is amazing about being from a small town. LOCASH make sure to pay homage to other incredible country songs on this one-of-a-kind ode to small-town living.

“I’m still small town for life // I’m a one stop light on the back 49 // I’m a country boy can’t survive // In my F-150 with my baby riding with me // I”m the definition of some jeans and boots // Ain’t nobody digging up my red dirt roots // I’m a small town for life // Til the day I die”

The record closes with “Chillionaire.” Possibly the most summer ready tune on the new EP, LOCASH prove that they are the kings of chilling on this track.

Throughout the five songs on the record, one theme continues to be prevalent: LOCASH know who they are and the music they make. Congrats to a great EP!

WOODS & WATER EP Tracklist:

“Beach Boys” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Dallas Wilson, Jared Mullins, Brian Wilson, Mike Love)
“In The Woods” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Chris LaCorte, Corey Crowder)
“Sippin Sunsets” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Jason Duke, John Byron)
“Small Town For Life” (Chris Lucas, Preston Brust, Ben Hayslip, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins)
“Chillionaire” (Preston Brust, Clint Lagerberg, Drew Baldridge)

LOCASH’s brand new EP ‘WOODS & WATER’ 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 LOCASH releases.

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

WOODS & WATER 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.

Renee Blair: ‘Seventeen’ – Album Review

November 5, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Renee Blair debuts her brand new album, Seventeen, available now, November 5th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the incredible new record below.

Renee Blair is a singer-songwriter, whose artistry soars throughout her music. It has been a long time coming, but Blair finally released her brand new project today. Blair’s new album Seventeen is here!

The seventeen song project is full of brand new songs and tracks the singer has released over the last couple of years. The record is a true culmination of her tireless work ethic. Kicking off with songs like “Gotta Quit Drinkin” and “Heart’s In Your Head,” both songs depict the soft and sweet side of Blair.

“But when your heart’s in your head // And it’s doing all the thinking // When your will ain’t as strong // As the well you been drinkin’ // When you know what you should do // But you do the other thing instead // You put your hand on a flame // When your heart’s in your head”

Tales of heartbreak, falling in love, and everything in between continue as the album progresses. Fan-favorite, “Heatin’ Up My Summer” portrays a hot new romance, while “Soon As I’m Happy” is that age-old story about an ex always coming back at the most inopportune times.

Previously released songs “Turn Up the Night” and “Girlfriend” are tracks four and five. The former is a sassy and celebratory track that is part of Blair’s self-proclaimed “party track” of tunes, which includes “Downtowned Up”. “Girlfriend,” first released in 2019, is a relatable song about wanting to be with someone, who is perfect, but not single.

Similarly, “Handsome” is another honest and swoon-worthy song, tinged with R&B flavor. The love song is a true inspiration to all of us, clearing stemming from the part of Blair, who knows what true love is made of.

“He brings me flowers when it ain’t even my birthday // He fills the bath up when he knows I’ve had the worst day // And when I’m talkin’, I can tell he’s really listenin’ even when I’m bitchin’ // He knows how to fix it with the right thing to say”

On one of our favorite songs, “You Did,” Blair’s vulnerability is on full display. She sings about not knowing if she could love again. Fortunately, a man was able to help put her heart back together and convince her again that love is worth it.

On the flip side, Blair sings about an on and off again relationship on “Better Off.” “Wearin’ It Well” and “Here I Am” are other songs that convey the confusion of love and heartbreak. On the contrary, “Me Tonight” is a vulnerable song, where Blair wants to be with someone without worrying about the consequences.

Another standout track on the record is “Get the Girl.” The advice driven song is written to a man by the songstress. Blair shares all the secrets to a successful relationship on the track.

Overall, Blair’s new album Seventeen was worth the wait! The singer-songwriter shines vocally and her lyrics rival the best songwriters’ in town. She is the real deal, and we hope everyone falls in love with this incredible full-length project.

Seventeen Track List:

Gotta Quit Drinkin
Heart’s In Your Head
Heatin’ Up My Summer
Soon As I’m Happy
Turn Up the Night
Girlfriend
Handsome
You Did
Downtowned Up
Better Off
Stronger Than Me
Wearin’ It Well
Me Tonight
Get the Girl
Here I Am
Heatin’ Up my Summer (Acoustic)
Girlfriend (Acoustic)

OUR PICKS:

“You Did”
“Get the Girl”
“Soon As I’m Happy”

Renee Blair’s brand new album ‘Seventeen’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Renee Blair, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Seventeen 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.