Austin Burke: ‘Changed Everything’ – EP Review

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Austin Burke’s brand new debut EP, Changed Everything is out now, March 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Every now and then, artists come out with EPs that truly give fans a look into their lives and their artistry. Singer-songwriter, Austin Burke’s latest project, Changed Everything fits the bill. The five-song project is one that country fans are going to want to listen to again and again.

The EP kicks off with the record’s title track. On “Changed Everything,” Burke professes that he is a better guy now. Similar to the vibes of “Man Enough Now” by Chris Bandi, the track is a perfect introduction in to the theme of the EP. Not to mention, it is also super catchy!

“Baby, I changed for the better // Got my shit together // Like you always wanted me to // I’m a little less screwed up // A little more grew up // Since I messed it up with you // I can’t take back your last goodbye // And the good Lord knows I’ve tried // ‘Cause, baby, I’ve changed everything // But your mind”

“Slow Kissin’ in a Fast Car” is another song that is full of imagery. Written by Burke with Joe Fox and Phil Barton, the singer leans into the rhythmic influences on this track. Lyrically, the song is romantic and freeing.

Next up, “Let It Burn” is a song that screams heartbreak. Instead of the typical “missing you” lyrics, Burke taps into a more mature side of ending a relationship. He shares what it’s like to realize that you are just not the right match. Even more, through the song, fans can feel the heartbreak, sadness, and maturity that is wrapped up in the unique song.

“No, I’m not sure how // How to say it // But I’m not sure if // We can save this // I know it’s not easy // To watch you slip away // But at the end of the day // You’re the best thing that ever happened to me // But I’m a lit match to your gasoline // You know some things they just ain’t meant to be”

On the contrary, on “I Don’t Care,” Burke pretends to not care about a break-up. Like many of us, the singer-songwriter expresses the feelings we all try to hide away after a break-up. Instead, we all pretend that we are doing just fine. The song is relatable, catchy, and one of our favorites off the EP.

The record culminates with the ultimate love song, “Even On A Bad Day.” Probably inspired by Burke’s marriage, the song is one that makes you believe in love. Without shying away from the lows in a relationship, the singer manages to get us all to accept the lows in favor of the incredible highs.

Overall Changed Everything is an incredible EP for Burke. His songwriting is on full display, proving that he can really write just about anything. Fans will definitely enjoy this project.

Changed Everything EP Tracklist:

  1. Changed Everything
  2. Slow Kissin’ in a Fast Car
  3. Let It Burn
  4. I Don’t Care
  5. Even On A Bad Day
Austin-burke-changed-everything-ep

Austin Burke’s debut EP, ‘Changed Everything’ 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 Austin Burke releases.

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

Changed Everything 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.

maren-morris-new-album

Maren Morris: ‘Humble Quest’ – Album Review

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Maren Morris’ highly anticipated third studio album, Humble Quest is out now, March 25th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the new album below.

For Maren Morris, Humble Quest is more of a journey than a statement. She explores topics of love, motherhood, loss, friendship, and so much more. On the singer-songwriter’s third solo album, she takes listeners on a rollercoaster ride of her last two years as a new mom, a grieving friend, a devoted wife, a woman in country music, and so much more.

Produced by Greg Kurstin and featuring co-writes with Julia Michaels, Jimmy Robbins, Natalie Hemby, Laura Veltz, and more, the new collection finds Morris on a journey to define humility in her own ways. For the Texan chanteuse, the tracks on Humble Quest touch on the different things that ground her. Whether it’s motherhood on “Hummingbird,” friendship on “Good Friends,” love on “Background Music,” or loss on “What Would the World Do?”, there’s no subject off-limits here.

Husband and frequent collaborator, Ryan Hurd, appears throughout the album as a background vocalist, a co-writer, and a muse. “He was my closest and best writing partner during lockdown,” Morris reveals to People. “Writing songs with each other is fun, but it’s not the only thing that ties us together. It’s a bonus.”

Hurd’s influence is heard on songs like “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Tall Guys,” and “Background Music.” While the latter is a slow burn of a romantic ballad written with Hurd in mind, Morris shows her clever and sarcastic side on both “Tall Guys” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”

“Tall Guys” celebrates men of a certain stature that “keep her looking up// when I’m feeling down.” With her tongue firmly placed in her cheek, she sings that she’s “a lover of all types, but there’s something about tall guys.” Meanwhile, “I Can’t Love You” is a folksy, yet piano-hinted track crafted perfectly by Morris and co. In a clever lyrical twist, the singer-songwriter admits “I can’t love you anymore// Than I do now.” She amusingly laments that she doesn’t know what she did to deserve Hurd, a man so good-looking that it makes her sick. For Morris, Hurd is the “angel to her devil, the pot to her kettle.”

The album’s title track has Morris in search of humility, admitting that she’s “biting my tongue behind a smile // falling on swords that I can’t see // Poison my well on the daily.” She’s on her humble quest, but admits on the ethereal track that she “still hasn’t found it yet” as she toes the line between “fulfilled and full of herself.”

“Hummingbird” is one of the album’s most stunning moments, penned by Morris on the day she found out she was pregnant with her now two-year-old son, Hayes. She admits that the song almost felt meant to be, as she learned of her pregnancy on her way to a co-write with the Love Junkies: Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Liz Rose. 

“The way the world works sometimes blows my mind because I was on my way to write with these three women that I respect so highly, and they’re all working mothers, and they were the first people aside from Ryan that I told that I was pregnant. We ended up writing “Hummingbird” that day,” she shares. “I shed a light on what becoming a mother meant to me before I even met Hayes with that song.” 

Morris offers a moment of girl power on “Good Friends,” a tribute to those who keep us grounded and humble in life. “Some folks are fairweather // Some just drift in and out // At my worst or my better // You always stick around,” She sings of those who are always by her side. “We got history // No conditions // You don’t ever have to worry // that I’ll keep you sturdy // ‘Cause we’re good friends.”

Humble Quest ends with the beautifully poignant “What Would This World Do?,” written by Morris, Hurd, and Jon Greene, before the passing of their friend and collaborator, Michael Busbee. The sparse piano ballad is beautifully haunting, a bittersweet song of hope as Morris wonders “What would this world do without you?”

In speaking with the New York Times, Morris admitted that the song was written from a place of hope before his passing, but still felt like an appropriate ending to the album. “I knew that I wanted to end the record with that song, because I hope it’s a respectful way to honor him and what he did for me,” She says. “ I wanted to keep the production super simple. It didn’t need much more than just a piano and vocal. It was our way to honor him and his life and his talent. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to sing that one live, but I’m glad that we put it on the album, because it deserves the end of this chapter.”

While Morris may end the album with “What Would This World Do?” to honor busbee, it’s the type of song that everyone can relate to, as are the collection’s ten other tracks. The singer-songwriter is at her most personal here, and with such depth on the songs, Morris proves why she’s one of the genre’s most acclaimed young artists. Maren Morris may still be on a Humble Quest, but we’re so thankful she’s taking us along her journey.

Humble Quest Tracklist:

  1. Circles Around This Town
  2. The Furthest Thing
  3. I Can’t Love You Anymore
  4. Humble Quest
  5. Background Music
  6. Nervous
  7. Tall Guys
  8. Detour
  9. Hummingbird
  10. Good Friends
  11. What Would This World Do?
maren-morris-new-album

Maren Morris’ new album ‘Humble Quest’ is out now on all streaming platforms!

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

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

Humble Quest 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.

Hailey-whitters-raised

Hailey Whitters: ‘RAISED’ – Album Review

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Hailey Whitters third studio album, RAISED is out now, March 18th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the new album below.

Hailey Whitters has been an artist to watch for many years, and after making a splash with her sophomore record The Dream, Whitters has returned with a brand new 17-track project, RAISED.

The album opens with an instrumental in Latin titled “Ad Astra Per Alas Porci”, which translates to “Pigasus”, a pig that flies – a trope that Whitters holds close to her heart. Pigasus is the name of Whitters’ personal record imprint, so this cinematic opener really sets the scene of learning her backstory sonically. It ties in perfectly to the title track “Raised”, an airy, nostalgic song with fabulous imagery about being raised as a Heartland girl. You can hear her Chicks influence, but it also feels like an extension of “Heartland”. It’s no coincidence that Whitters wrote this song with the same co-writers. It’s classically Hailey; it sounds like a sunrise.

Much of the first half of the record are stellar story-songs written specifically about Whitters’ childhood growing up in Iowa. Yet, the specificity remains relatable. Between the perfectly fiddle-heavy “Big Family” and John Mellencamp-esque “Middle of America” (the latter of which features alternative country band American Aquarium); and the bonafide fan favorite “Boys Back Home”, all are pulled from the life that she has lived so far. Whitters is a strong songwriter by herself, but she also collaborated with some of the best songwriters in Nashville on the project. From the storytelling queen, Lori McKenna to her record–label head, Nicolle Galyon to the insanely legendary, Tom Douglas, it’s no wonder each lyric has such prominent meaning.

All 17 tracks are evocative, witty, and intentional. “Boys Back Home”, which she wrote with frequent collaborators Brandy Clark and Jessie Jo Dillon captures the essence of hometown scarcity. “When I think about all of the men that I know // They’re ain’t none like the boys back home”, she sings with a shine in her voice on the chorus.

Another highlight on RAISED is “College Town”, an anthem for all those who took the big leap of faith to further their education. “She’ll come home for Christmas and cut off her hair // Got a whole new opinion her parents don’t share”. The way Whitters approaches the song is different from most country songs about college and is still authentically country.

The interlude that goes into “Our Grass Is Legal” has Whitters’ Aunt Cindy on the phone with a potential customer at the Whitters family turf farm who mistakes their business for one that sells weed. The song that follows it – and is the family businesses’ slogan – “Our Grass Is Legal” is the midwestern, blue-collar anthem of the album. It has a real rocking, slight jazzy groove to it, and will without a doubt be a crowd-pleaser when performed on tour.

The official closer, and another highlight, is the sweet “In A Field Somewhere”. It’s the bookend for the title track and the entire RAISED project. It tells the story of Whitters learning to drive, sneaking off with her friends as a teenager, and even when she got proposed to by her fiancé, fellow Iowan native, and producer, Jake Gear. It’s the perfect closer, and the reprise of the first instrumental finishes it off so wonderfully.

RAISED is a true record, one that is best listened to in order, maybe in the car with the windows down, or at home watching the sunset. Music isn’t made like this anymore, and Hailey Whitters continues to raise the bar in every way for songwriters, musicians, and frankly, music fans everywhere by being herself. RAISED is a love letter to the midwest as much as it’s a love letter to storytelling. And it’s a story that keeps getting better the more chapters Whitters writes.

RAISED Tracklist:

  1. Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
  2. Raised (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Forest Glen Whitehead)
  3. Everything She Ain’t (Hailey Whitters, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell)
  4. Big Family (Hailey Whitters, Cameron Bedell, Nicolle Galyon)
  5. Middle Of America (feat. American Aquarium) (Hailey Whitters, Bobby Pinson)
  6. Plain Jane (Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey, Cary Barlowe)
  7. College Town (Hailey Whitters, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins)
  8. Interlude (Hailey Whitters, Pedro Palomino)
  9. Boys Back Home (Hailey Whitters, Brandy Clark, Jessie Jo Dillon)
  10. Everybody Oughta (Matt Roy, Craig Wiseman)
  11. Pretty Boy (Hailey Whitters, Scooter Carusoe, Tom Douglas)
  12. The Neon (Hailey Whitters, Rodney Clawson, Lori McKenna)
  13. The Grassman (Hailey Whitters, Aaron Raitiere)
  14. Our Grass Is Legal (Hailey Whitters)
  15. Beer Tastes Better (Hailey Whitters, Lori McKenna)
  16. In A Field Somewhere (Hailey Whitters, Jeff Hyde, Bryan Simpson)
  17. Ad Astra Per Alas Porci (Reprise) (Jordan Lehning, Pedro Palomino)
Hailey-whitters-album

Hailey Whitters’ new album ‘RAISED’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

RAISED 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.

Tiffany-woys-new-ep

Tiffany Woys: ‘All About Love’ – EP Review

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Tiffany Woys releases her new EP, All About Love, out now, March 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Tiffany Woys is a powerhouse singer in country music. She has the unique ability to make every song she sings feel like it came directly from her soul. On her newest EP, All About Love, Woys enlists the songwriting prowess of some of Nashville’s top songwriters to create an incredible new project.

In a recent press release, Woys shares “Love is a universal language. It’s a feeling that everyone experiences along with heartbreak. It’s all I’ve really wanted to convey with listeners. I want people to know we are all more related than you think.’ Later she adds, “That’s through love. So now I am releasing six songs that I hope relate to you too. That through love and music you feel a little less alone. This EP is All About Love and I think we can all agree we need more of it!”

The EP kicks off with the Woys’ current single, “About Love.” The track is the perfect introduction to the project. The pop-country tune feels wistful and hopeful, two things we need more of in our everyday lives. Similarly, on “Own This Town,” Woys sings about love and nostalgia. The song manages to deliver that hope and confidence yet again.

Next up is “Wear It Out,” written by Tammi Kidd Hutton, Nathan Spicer, and Sarah Allison Turner. On this song, Woys’ pours her heart out about a song that reminds you of your love. With lyrics like, “So I wear it out til it don’t // Spin around anymore // I turn it up loud enough that I’m yours // right back in your arms baby,” the song inspires so much emotion.

On “I Don’t Want You Back,” Woys taps into the difficult time of love. Each lyric of the song is vulnerable and relatable. The song expresses how it feels to watch someone you once loved move on and have to act like you are okay with it. One of our favorite songs on the record, Woys’ proves she is a powerhouse vocalist for any of the naysayers.

Similarly, on “I’ll Meet You There,” the songstress allows fans into the vulnerability of how love can sometimes be scary. Despite the melancholy nature of the song, there is still hope weaved into each and every lyric.

“Sometimes loves gonna take // More than it’s gonna give you back // You either bend or you break // It’s always been simple as that // Yeah it’s messy and it’s real // Love ain’t built on how we feel // No the road to forever ain’t always fair // but I’ll meet you there”

The record ends with an impressive cover of LeAnn Rimes’ song “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way.” The ballad is the perfect way to end an EP that is centered around all things “love.” All About Love is one of our favorite releases by Woys so far.

Tiffany-woys-new-ep

Tiffany Woys’ new EP, ‘All About Love,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

All About Love EP Tracklist:

  1. “About Love” (Jason Saenz, Sara Haze, Sam Ellis)
  2. “Own This Town” (Sam Ellis, Sara Haze, Heather Morgan)
  3. “Wear It Out” (Tammi Kidd Hutton, Nathan Spicer, Sarah Allison Turner)
  4. “I Don’t Want You Back” (Jason Saenz, Sara Haze, Jon Mclaughlin)
  5. “I’ll Meet You There” (Emily Shackelton, busbee, Hannah Ellis)
  6. “Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way” (Tammi Kidd, John Kennedy)

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

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

All About Love 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.

Dylan-schneider-ep

Dylan Schneider: ‘College Town’- EP Review

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Dylan Schneider’s brand new EP, College Town, is out now, March 18th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Broken Bow Records recording artist, Dylan Schneider continues to crank out new music. His newest EP, College Town is officially out now, featuring five new songs that are sure to impress any country music lover.

The record kicks off with the title track and one of the four songs written by Schneider. “College Town” creates a nostalgic picture throughout the tune. The 22-year-old shares experiences that many college-aged people go through, as we all navigate life and changes. Similarly, on “Right Girl,” penned by Morgan Wallen, Nate Kenyon, and Simon Gugala, Schneider digs into the feelings of nostalgia once again. On the only outside cut, he brings us back to missing that someone.

“Wishing you were here to take a ride girl // Rolling round riding shotgun // Leaning back in the front seat // Top-down with your hands up // Every time I take this Jeep for a drive, girl // It makes me wish you were sitting to the right, girl”

On “Girls Country,” Schneider explores a rowdy side of his talent. The song is fun, anthemic, and perfect for live performances. Reminiscent of old-school Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, Schneider brings his own twist to a true-blue country anthem.

The singer-songwriter switches gears, and showcases his incredible vocal ability and songwriting talent on the third and fourth tracks off the EP. “21 And Over,” arguably our favorite song on the project, is a bittersweet ballad that reminds us all of our first loves, fading friendships, and growing up and apart. With lyrics like,  “Young love hates to admit it // Two sixteen-year-old kids get // So wrapped up in the moment,” it is hard not to fall in love with the track.

Finally, his debut label release, “Lost in A Small Town,” taps into that nostalgic feeling about missing that person that you used to run around your small town with. Even in the place where you grew up and that you know like the back of your hand, you feel lost because the one that you’re supposed to be there with isn’t there anymore.

The truth is College Town is bottled-up nostalgia. The EP gives fans an impressive taste of Schneider’s undeniable talent while taking us on an emotional journey through the incredible five tracks.

Dylan-schneider-new-ep

Dylan Schneider’s new EP ‘College Town’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

College Town EP Tracklist:

  1. “College Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust)
  2. “Girls Country” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Jason Gantt, Dan Isbell)
  3. “21 And Over” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Nate Kenyon)
  4. “Lost in A Small Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, James McNair, Mark Holman)
  5. “Right Girl” (Morgan Wallen, Nate Kenyon, Simon Gugala)

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

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

College Town 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.

drake-white-album

Drake White: ‘The Optimystic’ – Album Review

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Drake White’s new album, The Optimystic is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Less than three years ago, Drake White didn’t know if he’d ever be able to perform again. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on stage in August of 2019, the golden-voiced White went through multiple surgeries and rounds of physical therapy just to relearn to walk. Yet, somehow he always stayed optimistic.

Today, March 11, he’s ready to tell his story through the release of his sophomore album, The Optimystic. Featuring twelve tracks co-written by the Alabama native, each song drips with personality and flair. From the opening chords of “50 Years Too Late” to the swoon-worthy “Power of a Woman” and the final notes of “The Optimystic” that bleeds into a prayerful moment of “Amazing Grace,” it’s clear this album is something special.

“50 Years Too Late” launches the album with fire straight out of the gate, White’s gritty country twang proclaiming that he’s a man who doesn’t quite fit in the modern world. Here, White introduces himself, appreciates the simpler things in life, and admits he should’ve been born way back when things were easier. It truly sets the stage for the rest of the album, which White admits was intentional as the track is a sonic fave of the soulful singer-songwriter. 

White is eager to remain optimistic throughout The Optimystic, many songs touching on the idea of overcoming obstacles. “You can’t go through a near-death experience, or a pandemic… without it changing your perspective, or your songwriting,” shared White in a recent press round. “You don’t really know if you’re optimistic until you go through something. You kind of have to battle test it,” He continues of the spirit behind his album. This attitude is reflected in songs including “Rainbow State of Mind,” “Giants,” and “Hurts the Healing.” 

“Rainbow” reminds us that it’s sometimes necessary to look on the bright side, and let go and let God (or fate or whatever you believe in) take control. “When you give up control // You’ll find that pot of gold,” He sings. “And you’ll get the rainbow.”

Meanwhile, the deeply personal “Hurts the Healing” is especially meaningful for White. “I think, line for line, it is probably the best song I’ve ever written, as far as writing goes. It is my song, it says exactly what I was feeling…I just think there was some magic.”

Another of the album’s highlights is “Giants,” a triumphant proclamation that it’s possible to overcome whatever it is that holds us back. Over twangy instrumentation, White’s voice booms as he challenges life to “bring on those giants.” With a hand-clapping second half, it’s impossible not to feel jubilant alongside White on this track, as he invites each listener along for the ride. “We all feel like a David facing Goliath sometimes // Well they make us feel so small back against the wall,” He proclaims joyfully. “But they don’t know they’re turning dogs to lions // Bring on those giants.”

White also uses his album to pay tribute to the special people in his life. In “Power of a Woman,” he honors the amazing women in his life, including his mother and his wife, Alex. Meanwhile, “Legends Never Die” tells the story of an older mentor whom he aspires to be like. “When he leaves this world // There won’t be no goodbyes // ‘Cause heroes are remembered // But legends never die,” He sings. “He’s pushin’ eighty and going on twenty-one // Pushin’ daisies will have to wait ’til he gets done.”

“Can’t Have My Dog” may be White’s most country track on the album, a tongue-in-cheek jaunt of love gone wrong. He’s ready to give up everything except his four-legged friend. “You can have my truck // The old house too // The Winnebago, the fast boat, and the pontoon // Take this old guitar // Take my buddy John,” He muses. “You can have it all // You can’t have my dog.”

The album concludes as solidly as it starts with the title track finding White longing for the days “before we knew ’bout this big bad world.” Finally, the haunting notes of “Amazing Grace” close the album, sung by White’s grandfather’s church community. And if that doesn’t sum up Drake White, and this album, we’re not sure what can.

For Drake White, The Optimystic is a true reflection of his character. “It’s been five years since my last album,” He shared in a statement. “I’ve had two record deals, six brain surgeries, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a pandemic that has tried to rip us all apart. Through it all, I’ve always fought to keep my glass half full.”

For listeners, The Optimystic just may be the album we all need. It’s truly impossible not to smile when listening, and in a time that’s been full of uncertainty due to the pandemic, politics, war, and seemingly endless chaos, it’s nice to look at the glass half full. Here, White reminds us that everyone has struggles, and that’s what makes us all human. Yet, with a little faith and hope, we can all overcome… And do so jubilantly. 

The Optimystic Tracklist:

  1. “50 Years Too Late” (Drake White, Leith Loftin)
  2. “American Thunder” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
  3. “Rainbow State of Mind (Feat. The Woods)” (Drake White, Dan O’Rourke)
  4. “Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)
  5. “Giants” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Phil O’Donnell)
  6. “Hurts the Healing” (Drake White, Aaron Chafin, Allison Veltz Cruz)
  7. “It Takes Time” (Drake White, Chris DeStefano)
  8. “Power of a Woman” (Drake White, Lindsey Hinkle, Kelli Johnson)
  9. “Legends Never Die” (Drake White, Jeremy Bussey, Adam Sanders, Ron Womack)
  10. “Can’t Have My Dog” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Ava Paige)
  11. “Angel Side of You” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Eric Paslay)
  12. “Free” (Allison Veltz Cruz, Connie Harrington, Zach Kale)
  13. “The Optimystic” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Lauren Weintraub)
  14. “Amazing Grace”
drake-white-the-optimystic-new-album

Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ is officially here.

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

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

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

Ernest: ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ – Album Review

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Ernest’s full-length album, Flower Shops (The Album) is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

One of Big Loud’s biggest songwriters, Ernest Keith Smith (known professionally as ERNEST) has penned number-one hits for artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt, and Kane Brown but now is working on his career as a singer and performer. Since signing with Big Loud in 2019, ERNEST has released a nine-track album called Locals Only and a few singles including “American Rust,” but has predominantly focused his craft on songwriting. Following the success of his collaboration with Wallen, “Flower Shops,” which skyrocketed to #1 on iTunes, Apple Music Country, and Spotify Country upon its release and currently sits in the top-25 on country radio, he decided to turn it into a full album. 

“It’s a very good feeling to have this body of work ready to share with the world,” he said in a recent press release. “It feels like there’s a shift happening in country music and the people want to hear more honesty in songs, and with honesty comes pain – sometimes we need to feel that too. I hope this project provides a little sepia tone world for the listener to escape to and go on a journey of their own…feeling everything from love to lost.”

Like he said, the major themes on this record are love and heartbreak. It tells the story of a relationship that almost wasn’t in a much more country-sounding manner than he is used to, sprinkling steel guitar all over this album. It was entirely co-written by ERNEST, with collaborators from other major Nashville-writers Ashley Gorley, The Warren Brothers, Rodney Clawson, Mark Holman, Ryan Vojtesak, and label-mates Ben Burgess and Lily Rose. 

While most of the tracks are slow or mid-tempo, it starts with the upbeat, very descriptive “Sucker For Small Towns.” ERNEST sings about how this girl persuaded him to get into a relationship by showing him all around her two-lane town. Its catchy lyrics like “fool for a full moon, you sure set the right mood” make it fun for listeners to sing along to. The other upbeat track, “Did It With You,” sounds like the follow-up to the former. ERNEST mentions how much he misses this girl and how driving down these roads feels much different without her next to him in the shotgun seat. 

“If You Were Whiskey” is a much more melancholy break-up song. While drinking at a bar, he realizes that if his ex was more like Jack Daniels, he’d be a much happier man.

“But if you were whiskey, it looks like I’d still have you right here with me // and I’d be getting a different kind of tipsy, instead of sitting here sipping number seven all night long // But if you were whiskey, I’d still be holding you and we’d still be going strong”

Love and gratitude is expressed in the next three tracks. “Tennessee Queen” tells the classic story of not having a lot, but having all you need. ERNEST makes a lot of Elvis Presley references in the song including mentions of “Graceland” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up,” “Hunk of Burning Love,” “Love Me Tender” and “feeling like a King.” ERNEST mixes in his R&B influence in “Classic”—a tune about staying in with a girl and a record player instead of hitting the town. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” is his most vulnerable track on the project. He addresses a former alcohol and drug addiction, describing it as having “neon demons.” It was the only way he felt comfortable with himself until his met the person who changed his entire perspective on life.

“It’s always lonely after midnight, getting what I want not what I need // I’m only comfortable when I’m crazy // Girl, look what you made me do to me”

“Feet Wanna Run” portrays the life of a touring artist—constantly conflicted between staying home with the ones you love or hitting the road and chasing your dream. 

ERNEST shies away from the simple acoustic production towards the end of the record on “What It’s Comes To” and “Some Other Bar.” In the latter, the man in the song meets someone that really piques his interest, however, he does not hear back from her after they say their goodbyes. This gets him wishing on stars hoping that he will see her at some other bar. The eleventh and final track is an acoustic version of “Flower Shops.”

ERNEST will perform his new set to a hometown crowd at back-to-back sold-out shows headlining Nashville’s famed Exit/In on March 21 and 22. Until then, he will remain on the road supporting Chris Lane’s FILL THEM BOOTS tour with Lily Rose including a stop at New York City’s Irving Plaza this Sunday, March 13th. For tickets, head to his website.

Flower Shops (The Album) Tracklist:

  1. “Sucker for Small Towns” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
  2.  “Tennessee Queen” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
  3. “Classic” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
  4. “Feet Wanna Run” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  5. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
  6. “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
  7. “Did It With You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
  8. “What It’s Come To” (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
  9. “If You Were Whiskey” (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
  10. “Some Other Bar” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
  11. “Flower Shops” (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
enerst-album

Ernest’s album ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ is officially out now!

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

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

Flower Shops (The Album) 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.

Jackson-dean-number-one

Jackson Dean: ‘Greenbroke’ – Album Review

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Jackson Dean’s major-label debut album, Greenbroke is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

There are many things one might imagine when they hear Jackson Dean’s gritty and soulful voice. In fact, if one was a coach on The Voice, they might imagine they’re turning a chair for the likes of Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, or Larry Fleet. It’s truly safe to assume that you’d never picture a young man behind the weathered and astounding voice.

Enter Jackson Dean, a twenty-year-old who currently has all of Nashville abuzz. While still in high school, the young phenom found himself as one of country music’s most sought-after new stars. He ultimately signed with Big Machine Records, and today, March 11, he releases his debut album, Greenbroke. 

For this project, the Maryland native enlisted super-producer Luke Dick, and the pair have created a truly masterful debut. Featuring ten songs co-written by the future superstar, Greenbroke is truly the type of album that breaks the mold and gives hope for the future of country music.

Opening with an acoustic guitar and a stomping soulful beat remnant of Marc Broussard, Dean comes on fast and furious with the album’s first track, “Don’t Come Looking.” With his authentic voice and driving guitars, the track is a declaration of independence. “If I don’t come back, don’t come looking,” Dean warns as he hits the road. He’s a man on a mission as he’s “got nowhere to go, so he’s already there.”

While “Trailer Park” poses Dean as a bit of a ramblin’ man not looking to settle down, songs like “Fearless” and “Love You Anymore” show a different side. On the former, he’s sensitive and vulnerable, admitting that there’s one special person who actually makes him nervous. “I’m fearless, except when it comes to you,” He growls in a way that’s endlessly endearing.

Meanwhile, on “Love You Anymore,” he’s wishing on stars and pennies in a well that he could move on, but finding it impossible. “I wish I didn’t love you, didn’t love you anymore,” He drawls, his voice laced with vulnerability. “Wish I could find a way to get through the day // Without going through hell.”

“Red Light” is a stomping jam that shows Dean with hints of Kip Moore in what may be the album’s most radio-ready track. It’s driving, it’s catchy, and it’s brilliant. Likewise, “Don’t Take Much” offers a moment of musical levity, with a feel-good groove that’s sure to make you smile. Here, Dean muses that “It don’t take much to have it all.”

The album concludes with the poignant double-header of “Wings” and “Greenbroke.” Both show the singer-songwriter’s true heart, with “Wings” offering one of the album’s most unguarded moments, haunting and melodic in a way that can be best described as a prayer. Here, he’s longing for wings to “fly above everything,” his voice laced with a weight far beyond his eighteen years.

The album ends on a positive note, with the title track. Building the moment with a moody instrumental that leads into Dean’s powerful vocal, it offers a lyrical affirmation of what he stands for. He left home at eighteen, never to look back, running free and “writing his story in the sands of time.” If there was any question as to who Jackson Dean is, it’s clear as day here.

Possessing a grit and storytelling ability way beyond his years, Jackson Dean offers a debut album that’s one of the genre’s strongest in recent memory. He’s country music’s next big thing, and we can’t wait to be along for the ride.

Greenbroke Tracklist:

  1. Don’t Come Lookin’ | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick
  2. Trailer Park | Jackson Dean, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure
  3. Fearless | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jonathan Scott Sherwood
  4. Don’t Take Much | Jackson Dean, Marv Green, JT Harding
  5. Superstitions | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Dan Tyminski
  6. Love You Anymore | Jackson Dean, Brian Bunn, Phillip Lammonds
  7. Red Light | Jackson Dean, Jonathan Scott Sherwood, Ryan Tyndell
  8. Other Than Me | Jackson Dean, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell
  9. Wings | Jackson Dean, Park Chisolm
  10. Greenbroke | Jackson Dean, Jeff Hyde
Jackson-dean-new-album

Jackson Dean drops his debut album ‘Greenbroke’ out now.

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

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

Greenbroke 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.

Nashvillains-debut-album

Nashvillains: ‘Tumbling Down’ – Album Review

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Nashvillains debut album, Tumbling Down is out now, March 4th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Nashvillains are an act you are going to want to remember! Comprised of Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, and Brett Boyett, the trio just released their debut record. The country-rock album, Tumbling Down is out now.

Chock-full of incredible songs, Tumbling Down is one of the most unique records out there right now. Unlike most records in the country genre, the album is meant to be listened to from start to finish. According to the band members, “It’s a concept album, so there’s an overall story and an arc to the entire album, so each song relates to the next one.” Band member, Lindsey adds, “Our original inspiration was to tell a story about a man that has made bad decisions that have sent his life into a downward spiral. In three simple words, the album is beautiful, dramatic, and classic.”

The record kicks off with the track, “Devil Don’t Sleep.” The song depicts the struggles the protagonist is going through – feeling like a song straight out of a movie. The album progresses to the next two songs, “Standing In The Fire” and the title track and lead single, “Tumbling Down.” The former is an eerie slow burn. Johnson’s vocals are haunting in the best way possible. Similarly, “Tumbling Down” is a ballad that depicts the depths a person can fall to. Additionally, the instrumentation on this song is a darker version of more traditional country music.

“Every road is just a lonely old blacktop // Heading someplace you’ve already been // Pound of dust on your shoes // Sunburn on your neck // And memories in your head you can’t forget // Oooh oooh ooh”

The Nashvillains continue to play with the instrumentation on the groovy, blues-heavy, “Baby Keeps Killing Me.” On “Bonita,” the group members introduce a gothic, yet Latin flair to their already enticing project.

The band members continue to play with their songs both melodically and sonically on “There To Catch Me” and “Love Is Pain.” The former brings it back to traditional country music, while keeping the dark and deep guitars throughout the rhythm. The latter broadens the rock music elements of the record.

The album concludes with “Chickasaw Bayou” and “Don’t Let Me Hang.” On “Chickasaw Bayou,” the Nashvillains’ declare an end to the suffering expressed throughout the tracks before. “Don’t Let Me Hang” is a plea to God to bring salvation and end to the suffering. Although dark, the song is the perfect way to end the cohesive and incredible story that unfolded throughout the record.

Overall the Nashvillains debut record is a unique masterpiece. The trio managed to create a project that is delightfully unlike anything else in the genre right now. The instrumentation, the lyrics, the story-telling, and the relatability are all top-notch. Congrats to Nashvillains on their killer debut!

Tumbling Down Tracklist:

  1. “Devil Don’t Sleep” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, and Brett Boyett)
  2. “Standing In The Fire” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  3. “Tumbling Down” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  4. “Baby Keeps Killing Me” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  5.  “Bonita” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  6. “There To Catch Me” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  7. Love Is Pain” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  8. “Chickasaw Bayou” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
  9. “Don’t Let Me Hang” (Troy Johnson, Scott Lindsey, Brett Boyett)
Nashvillains-new-album

Nashvillains debut album, ‘Tumbling Down’ is out now.

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

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

Tumbling Down 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.

teddy-robb-new-ep

Teddy Robb: ‘Get Away With It’- EP Review

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Teddy Robb’s brand new EP, Get Away With It, is out now, February 25th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

For Monument Recording artist Teddy Robb, the Get Away With It EP is a natural follow up to his 2020 self-titled offering. Featuring the hit “Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You,” the debut EP introduced Robb, while the follow-up shows he’s here to stay. Interestingly, there were times during the past two years that Robb wasn’t sure if that was the case.

Completed during the pandemic, the singer-songwriter found himself at a turning point during the making of this record. “Everything was written from a place of reflection,” He says. “The whole EP came together during the pandemic when I spent a lot of time looking back on my life. I was forced to look at my career and say, ‘Do I think that music is a viable option?’ And ‘no’ was just not an acceptable answer.”

“Teddy has worked so hard to raise the bar as a writer and performer.  His work ethic has really blown my mind. He’s the first one in the studio, and the last to leave,” shares Monument Records Co-President Shane McAnally in a statement. ““Whiskey Can’t” is proof of the time and passion he has poured into his craft.”

That track opens the EP in style, setting the stage for a collection that remains true to Robb’s sound, yet shows natural growth. He’s not chasing musical trends here, but honing his country sound. Written by Robb with Kelly Archer, Pete Good, Josh Jenkins, and Brandon Ratcliff, the track is about a woman who gives him a stronger buzz than any drink could. While he knows the buzz of whiskey, this is something different and special.

“’Cause I’ve been three sheets to the wind// But I ain’t never been this drunk// Never had a harder time getting out of bed// Or waking up,” He sings. “I feel something different// When I got you in my hands// There ain’t a better buzz//  Girl, you do what the whiskey can’t.”

Robb is nostalgic on the truck song “1500,” which is far from the typical beers and tailgate track. Instead, it’s an ode to his teenage days spent in a special truck. Written by Robb, Good, Ratcliff, and Dave Turnbull, the idea of a truck song was originally scoffed at by Robb’s co-writers, but it was something the Ohio native believed in. “I said, ‘Look I know there’s a lot of truck songs, but I want to do my take on it.’” Shared Robb in a statement. “The first line we spit out was, ‘I was 16 in a 1500,’ and immediately we were like that’s the song right there.”

On “Get Away With It,” Robb shows his softer, more vulnerable side, wondering how he let a girl break his heart. On the twangy track, he admits that he’s usually the runner in relationships, but this time, the tables have turned.

“I’m the one that’s supposed to run, but I didn’t.” He admits. “Now you’re the one that I’m missing// and I’m the one that fell apart// Yeah you’re the one that got away// And stole my heart// but how’d you get away with it?”

“Middle of Nowhere” sees Robb still heartbroken, finding himself in a bar wondering about the one that got away. The dark, moody track throws a clever lyric over heavier instrumentation and guitar than we’re used to from the singer, but it works flawlessly here. He’s trying to move on with a new girl, but admits that he may be in the “middle of the night, middle of a bar, middle of kissing somebody new,” but he’s also in the “middle of nowhere over you.”

The EP concludes with “Cigarettes’ll Kill Ya,” a clever twist on the broken-hearted tracks. It takes a cigarette to remind him of the one who got away, as he sings:

“That secondhand smoke// From the red and black cloves// Same ones we used to burn// When we’d get a little loaded// Up on a Friday, buzzing the night away// Damn, you were one in a million// Now, I’m sitting right here in a missing you haze// Hurts a little more with every drag that she’s taking// Baby I’m dying just to be with you// Yep, cigarettes’ll kill ya”

For Teddy Robb, the Get Away With It EP was born from a place of reflection during the pandemic, and it’s a solid five-song collection that proves the singer-songwriter has a bright future ahead.

teddy-robb-new-ep

Teddy Robb’s new EP, ‘Get Away With It’ is out now.

Get Away With It EP Tracklist:

  1. Whiskey Can’t
  2. 1500
  3. Get Away With It
  4. Middle of Nowhere
  5. Cigarettes’ll Kill Ya

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

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

Get Away With It 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.