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Jackson Michelson: ‘Back To That Summer’ – EP Review

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Jackson Michelson’s new EP Back To That Summer is out now, September 17th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

A few months ago we fell in love with emerging artist, Jackson Michelson. The singer-songwriter’s knack for crafting a catchy, yet heart-centered song is unparalleled. After introducing himself with his single, “Tip Jar,” Michelson is back with a brand new project. His new EP Back To That Summer is officially out.

The record features six original songs. Kicking off with “Tip Jar,” the singer catches listener’s attention right away. The song is all about using a night out with some live music to get over a break-up. Laced with pop-rock influences, the track is heartfelt yet still an absolute jam.

“I’ll toss a 20 in the tip jar // I gotta keep ‘em playing all night long // Tell all my buddies I won’t miss her // If I just keep ‘em playing all our songs // Ain’t reckless behavior, I gotta replace the // Memories we made here in this bar // And if the band can fix my broken heart // I’ll toss a 20 in the tip jar”

Michelson continues to keep the energy up on the next two songs, the title track, “Back To That Summer” and “Amplifier.” The former is a nostalgic tune all about reminiscing on a young-love romance. It is also one of our favorites off the project. “Amplifier” is a song primed for the stage. The singer professes his love for a one-of-a-kind lady on the upbeat track.

Similarly, Michelson expresses the buzz you get from falling in love on “Love High.” The previously released song compares love to all the things that get us feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It features cleverly-strung together lyrics that really paint a picture for listeners throughout the track.

“I don’t ever want to come down // Caught up in your blue eyes // I can’t even see the ground // Don’t need no shot of something // There ain’t nothing stronger than your kiss // I’m long gone and drunk off your lips // Girl you got me love high”

On “Call Me No One,” the singer slows down the beat to share an honest and truthful anecdote about love. The vulnerable song expresses to a girl that if no one is going to treat her the way she deserves to be treated, he will change that. Michelson creatively utilizes the idea of ‘no one’ and flips it on its head, creating a new, romantic meaning of the word.

“If no one is going to drive you home // If no one is going to kiss you all night long // If no one knows how to love you right, I’ll be no one tonight”

The record ends with “Stay Over.” Arguably, the most relatable song on the track, Michelson digs in to the messiness of break-up. Although the ex’s know that the last thing they should do is get back together, they are fighting to stay away from each other. Despite that, they “never stay over.” The song would make a great radio single for Michelson, and is one of our favorites.

Overall, the artist delivers an EP that has something for every music lover. Each of the six songs are easy and fun to listen to. At the same time, you are sure to find hidden meanings within the lyrics after each listen. Congrats to Michelson on a great project!

Back To That Summer Tracklist

  1. Tip Jar
  2. Back To That Summer
  3. Amplifier
  4. Love High
  5. Call Me No One
  6. Stay Over
Jackson-michelson-ep

Jackson Michelson’s new EP ‘Back To That Summer’ 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 Jackson Michelson releases.

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

Back To That Summer 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.

Jameson Rodgers: ‘Bet You’re From a Small Town’ – Album Review

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Jameson Rodgers’ debut album Bet You’re From a Small Town, features “One Day,” “Some Girls,” and “Cold Beer Calling My Name” with Luke Combs.  Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

For Columbia Nashville/River House Artists rising star, Jameson Rodgers, his debut album has been a long time in the making. The singer-songwriter moved to Music City from Mississippi over a decade ago, and has been waiting on this moment ever since. “Being from a small town in Mississippi, I’m well aware that not everyone gets to do music for a living,” says Rodgers. “I’ve been waiting to announce and release my debut album ever since I moved to Nashville 11 years ago. I’m extremely grateful for this day to be here and I can’t wait to see and hear how people react to these songs and this album.”

Co-writing 14 of the album’s 15 tracks, the newlywed singer explores themes of love, loss, small towns, and drinking beer, but manages to cover each of those tropes in a way that is new and unique. 

The album opens with the anthemic “One Day,” a tongue-in-cheek ode to that feeling of never quite getting over a breakup. With its driving guitars, the well-written and perfectly crafted mid-tempo, the song is a fantastic introduction to the album. “One day I’ll get over you,” Rodgers muses of his attempts to move on. “One day I’m gonna die.”

Other highlights of the album include “Merle Haggard,” “Missing You,” and “You Won’t. On “Merle Haggard,” we find Rodgers reminiscing about someone that his mama warned him about. “You’re the leaving story // You were good but no good for me // Mama tried to warn me // That you’d break my heart in two // Merle Haggard would’ve wrote songs about you.”

Meanwhile “You Won’t” is about accepting a breakup, while “Missing One” is a perfectly-crafted, radio-ready breakup-moving-on-missing-someone-track that we can’t get enough of. “I wanna want somebody else,” Rodgers admits. “The girls in here can’t help tonight // Because I’m missing one.” 

The theme of small town life weaves its way through the album, which is fitting considering the LP’s title. While the title track is another standout country anthem, songs like “Bars Back Home” and “Porch With a View” continue that vibe. On “Bet You’re From a Small Town,” Rodgers is truly celebrating life in a small town without being too cliche. “If you got a buddy that’s always got your back // If you’ve got a mama who prays for you no matter where you’re at // If you don’t give a damn how fast the world spins around // I bet you’re from a small town.”

Rodgers also explores topics of the opposite sex on songs like “Girl with the Broken Heart,” “Girls That Smoke,” and his chart-topping “Some Girls.” On the former, he encourages those dealing with a breakup, reminding them to “drink that wine // It’s gonne be fine.” Meanwhile, “Girls That Smoke” is about those girls who are just a bit too dangerous, wrecking hearts and weekends in one fell swoop.

Just as the album starts strong, it also closes strong with some of the best songs coming on the album’s second half. There’s “Cold Beer Calling My Name” featuring Rodgers’s labelmate, country superstar, Luke Combs. “Good Dogs” is a beautiful love song to the beloved pets that are gone too soon, while the album’s final track, “Desert,” is a sparse yet twangy song of hope about getting through tough times. “‘Cause life’s kinda crazy // Can’t predict the weather // But the cold and the rain and the pain don’t last forever,” he reminds us. “You know the lows sure make the highs so much better // Yeah sunshine all the time just makes a desert.”

It may have taken Jameson Rodgers over a decade to release his debut album, but after a few listens, we can absolutely say that it was well worth the wait.

Bet You’re From a Small Town Tracklist

  1. One Day (Jameson Rodgers/Smith Ahnquist/Will Bundy/Lynn Hutton)
  2. Merle Haggard (Rodgers/Hutton/Jake Mitchell)
  3. Close to Anything (Rodgers/Brent Anderson/Mitchell/Hunter Phelps)
  4. Bet You’re from a Small Town (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Bundy/Hutton)
  5. Missing One (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Phelps)
  6. You Won’t (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Bundy/Hutton)
  7. Girl with the Broken Heart (Rodgers/Michael Hardy/Mitchell)
  8. Bars Back Home (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Ashley Gorley/Phelps)
  9. Porch with a View (Rodgers/Anderson/Mitchell/Phelps)
  10. Bringing It Back (Rodgers/Mitchell)
  11. Girls That Smoke (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Anderson)
  12. Cold Beer Calling My Name feat. Luke Combs (Rodgers/ Phelps/Brett Tyler/Alysa Vanderheym)
  13. Some Girls (Hardy/Mitchell/C.J. Solar)
  14. Good Dogs (Rodgers/Anderson/Mitchell/Phelps)
  15. Desert (Rodgers/Ahnquist/Josh Miller/Mitchell)

Our Picks:

  1. “One Day”
  2. “Missing One”
  3. “Cold Beer Calling My Name”
  4. “You Won’t

 

Jameson Rodgers’s debut album ‘Bet You’re From a Small Town’ is out now.

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

Jameson Rodgers will be headlining New York City’s Bowery Ballroom as part of his Cold Beer Calling My Name tour on October 13. Tickets are available here.

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

Bet You’re From a Small Town, 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.

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Carly Pearce: ’29: Written In Stone’ – Album Review

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Carly Pearce’s third studio album, 29: Written In Stone is available today, September 17th. Take a look below as we dig into the record.

Carly Pearce has had a whirlwind of a year to say the least, she’s experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Some might choose to only acknowledge the pretty, but on 29: Written In Stone, Pearce embraces her pain with grace and it has resulted in what will be a career-defining album.

The project is undeniably country, and the Kelsea Ballerini co-write “Diamondback” is the clever opener where fiddles fly and diamond ring promises die.

“Take the bed where you used to lie // Keep the friends I never liked // And the happy-ever-after welcome mat // But you ain’t gonna get this diamond back, no never ever ever getting this diamond back”

It’s an empowering message to people everywhere that they shine brightest when they stay true to themselves. “I hope [this] shows you can stand in your truth and stand confidentially in whatever life gives you and to accept that”, Pearce shared with us in a recent interview.

“What He Didn’t Do” is one of the strongest moments on the record both vocally and lyrically: it’s honest in the most dignified way. Pearce proves why less can be more, even if “we both know I could run him out of this town”. Her voice shines beautifully on the chorus and establishes such composure and class that runs deep throughout the rest of the 14 songs.

There are two duets on 29: Written In Stone, one with the iconic Patty Loveless and one with the incomparable Ashley McBryde. “I’ve never been somebody that’s been like ‘I have to be in my own lane and you stay over there and we can’t collaborate’”, Pearce told us. “I think it’s super fun to collaborate with [other artists].”

The aching waltz that is “Dear Miss Loretta” has Pearce and Loveless asking Loretta Lynn for some advice. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” is one of the more modern-sounding songs on the album, and it’s a welcomed difference. It’s not an overdone-feminist anthem, but the story never puts blame on either woman, refreshing to hear in a cheating song. Their voices blend so wonderfully together and it is bound to be a huge hit. On how the duet came to be, Pearce tells us, “I just asked her if she wanted to write a song, and she did! And we got in the same room and I was hoping that she would want to write a duet and she later told me that she was hoping the same.”

Closer “Mean It This Time” is a stunning letter-to-self that truly encapsulates the project and its finality. This is where fans will get to understand the title of the album on a new level. Pearce shares what the writing process was like of the song. “It was almost like I didn’t even notice that I was ready to think about that kind of hope. I certainly had not thought about dating at this time, and was just like “I know what this means to me” and we wrote it so fast, and when we were trying to do the demo, we were all laughing because I could not physically sing it.”

“When I say forever, I’m gonna write it in stone // 100 years wouldn’t be long enough, it would never get old // And when I give my heart away, and lay it all on the line // When I tell the world I’m yours and baby you’re mine // I wanna mean it this time”.

Throughout all of 29: Written In Stone, Carly Pearce brilliantly and sincerely tells a story while still taking the high road. This is an album that will be listened to by country fans for years to come. This chapter sets Carly Pearce on the road to be one of country music’s greats.

29: WRITTEN IN STONE TRACKLIST

  1. “Diamondback” | Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Tofer Brown, Shane McAnally
  2. “What He Didn’t Do” | Carly Pearce, Ashley Gorley, Emily Shackelton
  3. “Easy Going” | Carly Pearce, Natalie Hemby, Josh Osborne
  4. “Dear Miss Loretta” (featuring Patty Loveless) | Carly Pearce, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally+
  5. “Next Girl” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  6. “Should’ve Known Better” | Carly Pearce, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Shackelton
  7. “29” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  8. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde) | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde
  9. “Your Drinkin’, My Problem” | Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Sasha Sloan, Ben West
  10. “Liability” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  11. “Messy” | Carly Pearce, Sarah Buxton, Jimmy Robbins*
  12. “Show Me Around” | Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton, Ben West  
  13. “Day One” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey
  14. “All The Whiskey In The World” | Carly Pearce, Jordan Terry Minton, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Shackelton
  15. “Mean It This Time” | Carly Pearce, Jordan Terry Minton, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Shackelton

Produced by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne
* Produced by Jimmy Robbins
+ Produced by Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Tony Brown

Our Picks:

  1. “What He Didn’t Do”
  2. “Mean It This Time”
  3. “Day One”
  4. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
carly-pearce-new-album

Carly Pearce’s new album, ’29: Written In Stone’ is available now

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

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

29: Written In Stone, 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.

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Alana Springsteen: ‘History of Breaking Up (Part 1)’ – EP Review

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Alana Springsteen’s new EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1) is out now, September 17th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

We have been huge fans of up and coming artist, Alana Springsteen since we first featured her in our Spotlight Series. Her ability to craft a lyric paired with her beautiful voice keeps us in awe of her talent. Today, Springsteen released her brand new EP, History of Breaking Up (Part 1). Simply put: it’s everything we hoped it would be.

The new EP features seven perfectly crafted tracks, all co-written by the songstress. She even co-produced five of the seven songs. The poetic project uncovers the layers of emotions as one falls in love and experiences heartbreak. Although some may call love messy, Springsteen says, “isn’t it miraculous.” She later calls all her experiences “magic” in the co-title of the project.

The record kicks off with her previously released song “California.” The track is one of those songs that makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud. Between the effortless lyrics and the smooth quality of Springsteen’s voice, you truly feel at ease. Through the song, the singer expresses how it feels to have that spark with a person that sometimes blinds us from the truth that the relationship is not meant to be. It adds a double play element as a love letter to California, a place she has always felt called to.

“Maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just falling in love with California // I can’t decide if it’s in my mind // Or just the way the lights in Santa Monica // Shine on you maybe it’s just the view // Baby I’m confused, I can’t tell // maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just falling in love with California”

Similarly, Springsteen explores the theme of wanting something that’s not meant for you on her duet with Roman Alexander, “Trying Not To.” The song taps into those feelings of when you are trying to stay away from someone, but you just keep getting pulled in. That magnetism you feel is undeniable; despite, what your brain is telling you. “My heart has wanted one thing, but my brain has known better,” shared Springsteen about the song.

On “Girlfriend,” one of our favorite songs on the project, the singer-songwriter gets deeper and even more vulnerable. The heartbreaking, yet relatable ballad explores the idea that although you are with someone, you are not the one. It is full of self-doubt and insecurity, but it feels pure and honest – something country music is all about.

“Cause she’s still the one in your head // I’m just the girl in your bed // She’s got a hold of your heart // I’m just the one in your arms // When you’re with me, you ain’t with me // I feel her name on your lips when you kiss me, it kills me // You’re gonna end up with her in the end // Cause she’s your girl, I’m just your girlfriend”

Springsteen continues to showcase her undeniable vulnerability on the beautiful ballad “God Must Be Mad At Me.” The desperation and the anguish that the artist conveys in this beautiful song is unmatched by any new artist in country music right now. Springsteen finds a new way to convey how it feels to be in love with someone who does not love you back.

The singer continues to tackle that story on “Homesick.” The word usually describes a gut-wrenching feeling of missing a place, but Springsteen flips the term and uses it to describe the ‘home’ you find in a person. On the contrary, “I Blame You” is a more cheerful song that showcases how it feels to see places you love through the eyes of someone you love.

Springsteen ends the collection of songs on a lighthearted note. Having dug through the depths of heartbreak, “Zero Trucks” seems fitting to end the project with. It is clear that she really embodies the message that the song conveys. Sometimes, endings can feel freeing and right, it does not always have to be sad.

Overall, Springsteen outdoes herself on this EP. She perfectly crafted each song on the project. The singer is one to look out for, and we predict that her career is truly just getting started.

History of Breaking Up (Part 1) Tracklist

  1. California (Alana Springsteen, Jerry Flowers, Jared Ray Keim)
  2. Girlfriend (Alana Springsteen, Travis Wood, Pete Goode)
  3. Trying Not To ft. Roman Alexander (Alana Springsteen, Roman Alexander, Jerry Flowers, Jared Ray Keim)
  4. God Must Be Mat At Me (Alana Springsteen, John Byron, Lauren Larue)
  5. Homesick (Alana Springsteen, Andrew Deroberts, Ryan Beaver)
  6. I Blame You (Alana Springsteen, Tyler Filmore, John-Luke Carter, Will Weatherly)
  7. Zero Trucks (Alana Springsteen, Walker Hayes, Joe Clemmons)
Alana-springsteen-ep

Alana Springsteen’s brand new EP ‘History of Breaking Up (Part One)” 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 Alana Springsteen releases.

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

History of Breaking Up (Part 1) is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Ray Fulcher: ‘Larkin Hill Mixes’ – EP Review

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Ray Fulcher’s brand new EP Larkin Hill Mixes is out now, September 17th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Ray Fulcher is a name you should take note of! Fulcher is the man behind many hit songs, including many tunes for Luke Combs. Throughout the last couple of years, Fulcher has been establishing himself as an artist in his own right. Back in June, he released a three-song bundle project. Today, he is re-releasing those three songs, as well as, two new tunes in a brand new EP he titled Larkin Hill Mixes.

Keeping with his traditional take on country music, each of the five songs are ones that scream nostalgia. Beginning with the new song, “Compliment,” Fulcher unapologetically stays firm in who he is and the way he was raised. The fun and cheeky song is essentially all about laughing at your haters and just being you. Plus, it is fun and perfect for a live show!

Similarly, “Girl in It” is primed for success on the stage! The song has become a fan-favorite, and for good reason. Fulcher sings about a guy always having a girl on his mind on the new single. Specifically, it seems that a girl is the reason for almost everything in a man’s life.

“They’re why they make porch swings and half-carat rings // Carolina sunsets and California Kings // If your heart’s on fire // If everything’s spinning // If you’re going out of your mind // I bet there’s a girl in it”

 

Next up, “Way Out” takes us back to growing up. With clear imagery of the streets we grew up on and the people that made us. The song fits in perfectly with Fulcher’s catalog of music. The singer-songwriter has us all yearning for the good old days on this perfectly executed song.

“Bucket List Beers” is the final previously released song on the EP. It is all about celebrating life’s little moments. Fulcher reminds us that there has truly been a beer for everything, cleverly marking our lives through the years. This is a true-blue country song if there ever was one!

“That’s one of those // That you’ll never forget // That’s one of those // You’ll be glad that you did // One of them once-in-a-lifetime // Drink-em-while-you-can-kind // Six-pack souvenirs // Yeah, so raise ‘em up high // That’s some of my // Bucket list beers”

Finally, the record ends with the second brand new song, “Damn If It Didn’t Hurt.” Continuing to keep us on nostalgia lane, Fulcher shares all the experiences that stung a bit and a hurt a little. Ultimately, the singer wisely shares that things are not worth it if it didn’t hurt a little bit. Anything that is worth having is worth taking the risk. 

In just five songs, Fulcher will make you a believer in his talent. Larkin Hill Mixes is a perfect reintroduction to the singer-songwriter’s one-of-a-kind talent and heart.

Larkin Hill Mixes Tracklist

  1. Compliment
  2. Girl in It
  3. Way Out
  4. Bucket List Beers
  5. Damn If It Didn’t Hurt
ray-fulcher-new-ep

Ray Fulcher’s new EP ‘Larkin Hill Mixes’ is out now, September 17th 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 Ray Fulcher releases.

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

Larkin Hill Mixes 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.

laine-hardy-new-album-heres-to-anyone

Laine Hardy: ‘Here’s To Anyone’ – Album Review

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Laine Hardy’s new album, Here’s to Anyone, featuring “Memorize You” and “Authentic,” is out today, September 17th. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

On his debut album, Here’s to Anyone, Laine Hardy enlisted some of Nashville’s biggest names. Produced by Michael Knox, the album features songs written by Jessi Alexander, John King, Josh Thompson, Steve Moakler, Erik Dylan, Busbee, and a ton of Music City’s best songwriters. While the liner notes may read like a ‘who’s who’ of Nashville, it’s Hardy’s authentic and impassioned delivery that makes Here’s to Anyone an impressive debut.

In 2019, Hardy endeared himself to TV viewers, claiming the title of American Idol and signing to Buena Vista Records / Industrial Media’s 19 Recordings. Television continued to play a role in his career after an appearance on The Bachelorette included a performance of “Memorize You.” The romantic track immediately became a fan-favorite, garnering over 8.6 million streams since his appearance.

Inspirations for the Livingston, Louisiana native include Luke Combs, Elvis Presley, and Marc Broussard, hints of each are evident on this album. “I’m a down-home guy, from Southeast Louisiana,” he says. “I just want to show all my fans that I’m not going to stray away from who I am, and where I come from. I feel like we really did that with the album and I’m very proud of it.”

Opening with the twangy, blues-tinted “Authentic,” the Louisiana-Broussard-inspiration is apparent on the driving ode to Southern living, which features a bluesy guitar solo. “Well, it’s who we are // It’s what we do // The way the good Lord meant it // It’s in the blood, tires in the mud // It’s just the life that we’re livin’ // It’s tried and true, can’t buy it new // If you think you can, can’t you don’t get it // If it burns your lips when you take a sip // You gonna know that it’s authentic”

The album’s snappy title track continues that vibe, as Hardy celebrates the way he was raised. On the punchy, up-tempo tune, he invites listeners to “Go on raise em’ up // If you were raised up right.” Like “Authentic,” Hardy is staying true to his Southern roots, singing of the things he knows all too well. “Watermelon crawl, small town Saturday night,” he sings, before raising a toast.“Here’s to anyone who knows anything about that.”

There’s a hint of homesickness on Here’s to Anyone, a theme that works its way through songs like “Tiny Town,” “Ground I Grew Up On,” “California Won’t” and “The Other LA.” On the sparse “Tiny Town,” Hardy’s voice is the star, as he sings longingly of the tiny town he loves so much. “What I wouldn’t give right about now,” he croons, “To be back in my tiny town.”

Likewise, “Ground I Grew Up On” continues that theme of missing his small town as Hardy takes a girl on a tour of his home. “Don’t blink, you might miss it all,” he warns his passenger. “Might look like nothin’ but gravel roads // And tractors rollin’ over them fields // And prayin’ that we get a little rain soon // And cuttin’ loose in hand me down wheels // And knockin’ them Friday night beers back // By the train tracks and thinkin’ that // I’d never miss this place when I got gone //But that’s ground I grew up on.”

While much of Here’s to Anyone is a love letter to Hardy’s Louisiana upbringing, there are also songs celebrating the love of someone special, including the aforementioned “Memorize You,” “One of Those,” and “For a Girl.” On the tongue-in-cheek “For a Girl,” Hardy sings of all the things a man does for love, including missing opening day, letting a buck get away, and buying a pawn shop guitar.

Finally, on the album’s closing track “Let There Be Country,” Hardy goes out on a high note. He’s a country boy through and through and he can’t imagine life without all of the things that make him who he is. “Let there be country // Boots kicking up dust // Let there be neon light and a sky full of stars above // Let there be mud tires, bonfires // And hometown girls in shotgun seats // Let there be country // For country boys like me.”

While Here’s to Anyone is the ultimate declaration of love to Hardy’s upbringing, it’s also an uplifting celebration of small towns, Saturday nights, and special someones that anyone can relate to. 

Here’s To Anyone Tracklist

  1. “Authentic”  (Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins/David Lee Murphy)
  2. “For a Girl” (Wendell Mobley/Neil Thrasher/Tony Martin/Johnny Dailey)
  3. “Here’s to Anyone” (Jacob Rice/John King/Derrick Southerland)
  4. “Memorize You” (Michael Tyler/Eric Arjes/Steven Dale Jones)
  5. “One of Those” (Laine Hardy, Jordan Reynolds, Laura Veltz)
  6. “Comin’ Down” (Justin Weaver/Josh Miller/Josh Mirenda)
  7. “Ground I Grew Up On” (Josh Thompson, Brett Beavers & Brandon Kinney)
  8. “California Won’t” (Mike Busbee, Andrew Dorff & Jon Nite)
  9. “Tiny Town” (Michael Tyler Spragg)
  10. “The Other LA” (Laine Hardy, Erik Dylan Andy Sheridan & Dan Isbell)
  11. “Let There Be Country” (Jason Afable, Steve Mokler & Tim Nicholas)

Our Picks:

  1. “Here’s to Anyone”
  2. “Memorize You”
  3. “Authentic”
  4. “Let There Be Country”
laine-hardy-new-album

Laine Hardy’s new album ‘Here’s To Anyone,’ is out now.

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

Hardy made his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 28, performing “Authentic” and “Other LA.” He will be headlining the Monster Energy Outbreak tour this fall,with special guests including Chris Bandi, Kylie Frey, and Nick Walsh. Tour dates and ticket information can be found here.

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

Here’s To Anyone 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.

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Scotty McCreery: ‘Same Truck’ – Album Review

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Scotty McCreery’s fifth album, Same Truck, is available now, September 17th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music here.

Scotty McCreery’s fifth studio album, Same Truck, is out now. The twelve-track project, with ten songs co-written by McCreery, is filled with love, heartbreak, and the emotions of losing a loved one.  This record truly has it all.

The album starts off with the North Carolina native asking for unity with the title track, “Same Truck”. Written by McCreery, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, and Zach Crowell, “Same Truck” puts in perspective that while we may have different beliefs on certain issues we are all similar in ways we may not even realize. It’s a reminder that we should be boosting each other up, not tearing each other down.

“You Time”, a song that is already climbing the charts, is up next. It showcases some of what the singer has learned from his marriage. Written by McCreery, Frank Rogers, and Aaron Eshuis, the fun, upbeat track shows that hitting pause in our busy lives to recharge with our significant others is important. Another lesson the season 10 American Idol winner shares in the new music is that no matter how long you’ve been together, continuing to pay attention to those tiny details in a relationship is important. This includes buying their favorite wine on your way home or listening to them talk about their bad day, which can be heard on “It Matters To Her.”

In the track “Home”, McCreery learns that a place that he once couldn’t wait to leave is now a place he cannot wait to return to. The emotion you get from the singer on these songs truly shows how much he cares about his wife Gabi.

Aside from singing about relationships in love, McCreery also dedicates a song to the person that inspired him to pursue music. Written by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, “Damn Strait”, honors the legendary George Strait who was the singer’s very first concert. After the concert, the singer knew that he wanted to be on stage one day.  On “Carolina To Me”, written by McCreery, Jeremy Bussey and Phillips, McCreery reflects on what it was like growing up in the picturesque state of North Carolina.

McCreery also uses his talent to honor those who he has lost with the song, “The Waiter.” We never know what people are going through. The song depicts a story of a man who has lost his wife, but still continues to honor her with Friday night date night. He shows up to the restaurant each week, orders their favorite meal, laughs, and cries. Everyone thinks the man is talking to himself when in reality he is talking to his wife above. The song showcases a fresh perspective to remind us all to relinquish judgement.

“How You Doing Up There” written by McCreery, Monty Criswell, Derek George, and Tyler Reeve closes out the album. The past year and a half has been rough on everyone, but McCreery shares a perspective we have never thought of. On this song, the singer leans into his faith. This gospel-inspired song asks how God is doing with everything happening in the world right now. It’s beautifully done and the perfect way to end Same Truck.

Overall, Same Truck showcases McCreery’s talent. He knows how to perfectly mix fun with heart. His goal was to give his fans a new perspective on life and he nailed it. Waiting three years for this album was absolutely worth it.

Same Truck Tracklist

  1. Same Truck (Scotty McCreery, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Zach Crowell)
  2. You Time (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis)
  3. It Matters To Her (Scotty McCreery, Rhett Akins, Lee Thomas Miller)
  4. Damn Strait (Trent Tomlinson, Jim Collins)
  5. It’ll Grow On Ya (Jeremy Bussey, Jason Blaine, Taylor Phillips, Adam Wood)
  6. The Waiter (Scotty McCreery, Matthew West, Frank Rogers)
  7. Why You Gotta Be Like That (Scotty McCreery, Jordan Schmidt, James McNair)
  8. Home (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Brent Anderson, Tammi Kidd)
  9. Carolina To Me (Scotty McCreery, Jeremy Bussey, Taylor Phillips)
  10. Small Town Girl (Scotty McCreery, Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell)
  11. That Kind of Fire (Scotty McCreery, Josh Hoge, Matt McVaney, Justin Wilson)
  12. How Ya Doin’ Up There (Scotty McCreery, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Tyler Reeve)
scotty-mccreery-new-album

Scotty McCreery’s brand new album ‘Same Truck’ is out now.

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

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

Same Truck 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.

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5 Things to Know About Carly Pearce’s New Album ‘29: Written In Stone’

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As we wait for Carly Pearce’s third studio album, 29: Written In Stone to be released September 17th, we’re sharing 5 things to know about the record after chatting with Pearce herself.

  1. In many ways, 29: Written In Stone is a tribute to women everywhere.

“I feel so honored because I’m really excited about the [class of women artists] coming up behind me. I hope that little girls at home that are writing songs right now can see that anything is possible.”

 

  1. The new record features multiple co-writes with fellow artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Sasha Sloan, and Brandy Clark.

“[These artists] are songwriters outside of their own artistry and have unique ways of telling stories..who would have ever thought Sasha Sloan and I would write the most honky tonk country song ever? I met her on zoom …. It’s just fun. You never know… I’m just a fan of [other artists] and wanna try writing [with them].”

 

  1. The sonic inspiration for 29: Written In Stone stems everywhere from classic country to Americana to indie pop.

“Sonically, it was Patty Loveless, The Judds, Lee Ann Wommack, and lyrically, Adele, if I’m honest, Loretta Lynn, and vocally, I pulled from Tammy Wynette.”

 

  1. “Mean It This Time” is one of the most personal and hopeful songs Pearce has written to date.

“When I was writing [this song] I was crying so hard. I was [at a writer’s retreat] and I remember Jordan Mitton had the title and I was like ‘grab the guitar’… I was so inspired in that moment and melodies and words just flew out of my mouth for the chorus. I think it will be one that really hits me just everytime in my heart when I sing it.”

 

  1. The Ashley McBryde duet “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” is a dream fulfilled for Pearce. 

“I’ve only wanted to write with two of my peers, one being Luke Combs, and one being Ashley. In a lot of ways, musically and vocally, we are quite similar. I would sit next to her at rounds that we’ve played over the years and be like ‘I want to sing with her!’”

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Here are five things to expect from Carly Pearce’s upcoming album ’29: Written In Stone.’

Check out our full review of Carly Pearce’s 29: Written In Stone and listen to the project here.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Thomas Rhett announcements and releases.

For all your country music, tours, songwriters, news, and releases, fans can subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up newsletter here.

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

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Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘Midtown Diaries’ – EP Review

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Mitchell Tenpenny’s new EP, Midtown Diaries is out now, September 10th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

It has been almost a year, since Mitchell Tenpenny released an original project. Back in October, the singer-songwriter debuted a special holiday project, Neon Christmas. Today, the rising artist is sharing more music with his fans. Tenpenny’s newest EP, Midtown Diaries is officially available.

The new record features eight brand new songs, all co-written by the singer. The EP kicks off with “To Us It Did.” In 2019, the singer teased this song with Seaforth at his sold-out New York City show. It was an instant crowd favorite. The nostalgic tune uncovers all the memories from our youth that we often think about and miss at times. He harps on the simple times, where having fun was your only objective.

Another fan-favorite song, “Bucket List” is also included on the project. On the single, Tenpenny reflects on his life and vows to cross everything off his bucket list. The third previously released song is “Truth About You.” The track, one of our favorites, is all about a messy break-up. Tenpenny shares the perspective of the person, who is being gossiped about.

“One of them went down and one is made up, but in the end, we both lose // Why can’t we meet in the middle, call it even, call it a truce // Yeah if you quit telling lies about me, I won’t tell the truth about you”

The other five songs are all brand new tracks. “Good Thing,” track number two is another reflective song. Tenpenny gives credit to the special woman in his life for keeping him on the straight and narrow. Similarly, on “I Can’t You Love Any More,” professes his love to that special person.

“I know a lot about a lot but I do know one thing // I can’t love you any more // I can’t love you any more // I can’t love you any more // Than I do right now // I can’t love you anymore // I can’t love you anymore // I can’t love you anymore // Than I do right now”

On “Girl’s Love,” Tenpenny leans into a more groovy melody. The purposeful phrasing of the lyrics feels both infectious and inviting. Tenpenny keeps up with those smooth vocals on “Don’t Let Me Let You.” The song feels most similar to the singer’s previous releases. New and old fans of Tenpenny alike will fall in love with this jam.

Lastly, Tenpenny includes “She Hates Me Too” on the project. Although the slowest song on the project, the song is one of the most poignant and rhythmic. The track is an olive branch to another man, who has been through a shared experience. Tenpenny shows empathy for a guy that they share an ex with. An interesting concept, the singer is always sharing fresh and new ideas in his songwriting.

We have been huge fans of Tenpenny, since before his record deal and before his first number one with “Drunk Me.” He continues to up the ante with each and every release. We are excited for fans to fall in love with this brand new EP as much as we have!

Midtown Diaries Tracklist

  1. To Us It Did (Mitchell Tenpenny/Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt)
  2. Good Thing (Mitchell Tenpenny/Thomas Archer/Kyle Fishman)
  3. I Can’t Love You Any More (Mitchell Tenpenny/Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt)
  4. Bucket List (Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Laura Veltz)
  5. Truth About You (Mitchell Tenpenny/Matt Alderman/Thomas Archer)
  6. A Girl’s Love (Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt/Brad Tursi)
  7. Don’t Let Me Let You (Mitchell Tenpenny/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth)
  8. She Hates Me Too (Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Fishman/Justin Wilson)
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Mitchell Tenpenny’s brand new EP ‘Midtown Diaries’ 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 Mitchell Tenpenny releases.

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

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

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Lauren Alaina: ‘Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World’ – Album Review

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Lauren Alaina’s third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World is available everywhere today, September 3rd. Alaina co-wrote fourteen out of the fifteen brand new tunes. Check out the full review below.

In the ten years since the release of her debut record Wildflower, Lauren Alaina has grown into an incredible singer and songwriter in country music. While her first album introduced her artistry, her sophomore record, Road Less Traveled solidified her staying power. Today, Alaina premiered her most impressive full-length album to date, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World.

The brand new record marks her most personal project yet. According to Alaina, “It’s about a dreamer becoming an achiever. It’s being broken and ending up healed. It’s all of me. The early chapters. The new beginnings. The hope for the future and total appreciation for the past. Taking the Road Less Traveled and ending up Sitting Pretty on Top of the World.”

Songs like “It Was Me” and “If The World Was A Small Town” introduce the project. Both songs shine a light on self-awareness and growth. While the former is pensive and retrospective, “If The World Was A Small Town” is more celebratory and dreamy. Similarly, Alaina’s single, “Getting Good” also celebrates life and all its glory. This version features superstar Trisha Yearwood on the track.

“Once I get a house that I can hang my hat on // I bet I’ll want to build a bigger one if I could, yeah // I’m thinking, once I learn to grow right where I’m planted // Maybe that’s when life starts getting good // Oh, getting good // Getting good // Life starts getting good // I’m thinking maybe that’s when life starts getting good”

Alaina also collaborates with pop sensation, Lukas Graham and country artist, Jon Pardi. Graham lends his vocals to “What Do You Think Of?,” while Pardi sings “Getting Over Him” with the songstress. Both songs are incredibly different, but equally mesmerizing. Alaina picked the perfect duet buddies to complement her powerful vocals.

The songstress’ story-telling continues throughout the project, but it is especially extremely evident on track three and track eight. On track three, “Same Story, Different Saturday Night,” Alaina dissects how we all feel, during a night out. She talks about the girl crying all alone at the bar, the couple fighting, and the birthday girl on the dance floor. On the other hand, “I’m Not Sad Anymore” feels like a more personal story.

“When I’m not sad anymore // When there ain’t tears falling on the floor // When I’m not looking for a shoulder // My phone lights up with a “will you come over?” // When I’m not thinking one thing about you // You always do that thing you do // Yeah you decide that I’m worth fighting for // When I’m not sad anymore”

Alaina’s vulnerability continues on “Good Ole Boy” and “Goodbye Street.” The former, one of our favorites, tells the story about a broken relationship. Through the heartbreak, the singer still emerges with strength. That inner strength is also evident in songs “When The Party’s Over” and “You Ain’t A Cowboy.”

The record culminates with “Written In The Bar” and “Change My Mind.” “Written In The Bar,” is a slow burn. The song is not necessarily about love, but about lust and falling in love for the moment. The final song, “Change My Mind” is about opening your heart to love. It feels like the perfect way to end this chapter of the singer’s music.

Congratulations to Alaina and her team for creating a record to be proud of, and one fans can relish in.

Lauren Alaina’s Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World Track List:

  1. It Was Me (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey)
  2. If The World Was A Small Town (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  3. Getting Good (featuring Trisha Yearwood) (Emily Weisband)
  4. Same Story, Different Saturday Night (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  5. On Top Of The World (Lauren Alaina, Jordan Reynolds, Sasha Sloan)
  6. Run (Lauren Alaina, Ben Johnson, Kennedi Lykken)
  7. What Do You Think Of? (with Lukas Graham) (Lauren Alaina, Jens Carlsson, Asia Whiteacre)
  8. I’m Not Sad Anymore (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  9. Getting Over Him (with Jon Pardi) (Lauren Alaina, Paul DiGiovanni, Emily Weisband)
  10. Good Ole Boy (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  11. When The Party’s Over (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia Corey Crowder)
  12. You Ain’t A Cowboy (Lauren Alaina, Casey Brown, Parker Welling)
  13. Goodbye Street (Lauren Alaina, Jacob Durrett, Ernest K. Smith)
  14. Written In The Bar (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  15. Change My Mind (Lauren Alaina, Cameron Bedell, Seth Ennis)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Getting Good”
  2. “Good Ole Boy”
  3. “It Was Me”
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Lauren Alaina releases brand new album ‘Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World,’ available now.

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

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

Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World 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.