dan-and-shay-good-things-album

Dan + Shay: ‘Good Things’ – Album Review

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Dan + Shay’s new album Good Things, released today, August 13th is officially available on all streaming platforms. The record features number one songs “Glad You Exist”, “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, and “I Should Probably Go To Bed.” Check out the full review below.

In a time of chaos and uncertainty in the world, we could all use some good things, and Dan + Shay have certainly delivered. With the release of their fourth full-length album, the aptly titled Good Things, out now August 13, the harmonic pair have provided the perfect summer soundtrack. With twelve new tracks of buoyant and bouncy country-pop, Dan + Shay are offering up a hearty dose of ‘good things’.

The record follows in the footsteps of their 2018 smash self-titled album, which included “Tequila,” “All to Myself,” and “Speechless.” When announcing the new release back in July, the pair took to Instagram, writing, “We poured every bit of our hearts into this project and have never been more excited for anything in our entire lives.”

Each song on Good Things was produced and co-written by Dan Smyers, while Shay Mooney also leant his hand to co-writing on eight of the album’s tracks. Other co-writers and co-producers include Nashville heavy-hitters Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Dave Barnes, Andy Albert, Jordan Reynolds, and Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi. For the project, Dan + Shay also enlisted some big names from the pop world, including Julia Michaels, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber on the previously released, “10,000 Hours”.

Opening with the album’s airy and melodic “Good Things,” Dan + Shay wish an ex well. With its anthemic chorus over rousing beats, the song is both the perfect album opener and the perfect introduction to this era of Dan + Shay. On this track, they’re eternally optimistic, moving on but wishing her well.

“When it’s late at night // And you’re still wide awake // If you’re with your friends or you’re lonely // When you hear somebody start to say my name // Oh when you think of me // I hope you think good things”

That almost tropical feel continues throughout the album, highlighting its way through songs such as “Steal My Love,” and “Body Language.” Likewise, “Irresponsible” is a mid-tempo yet sultry ode to a booty call that may be wrong, but feels oh-so-right. “I’m still gettin’ over the last time, we said it’s the last time,” they admit of their tryst, wondering “How’d we end up here, in the same room?”

While the album definitely embraces up-tempo tracks, the duo’s softer side is still evident on Good Things. “You” is the type of song that fans have come to expect from Dan + Shay, as they celebrate the love of a lucky woman. “If all else goes wrong // Baby, I’ll be alright // ‘Cause I got you.”

Meanwhile, “One Direction” is another such track, and despite its name, it’s sadly not an ode to Harry, Niall, Liam, and Louis. Instead, it’s a love song that shows Mooney flexing his vocal chops, proclaiming his desire to carpe diem in a relationship. “Cause time only moves in one direction // These are the nights we won’t get back // Don’t wanna waste one single second // Don’t want the starts to fall so fast,” they sing. “Cause someday we’ll be sayin’ how // We wish we could turn back around // Time only moves in one direction // Come on, get closеr, come, let me hold you now”

Getting over an ex is a theme on many of the album’s songs, including “Let Me Get Over Her,” a moody piano-driven prayer of desperation to move on. Meanwhile, “Lying” takes on a similar topic in a very different musical way. If there’s something oddly familiar about the track, it’s the piano melody of the Bill Withers classic “Lean on Me” that weaves its way through the song. “I don’t miss you in my bed // I don’t hear you in my head,” they sing. “I don’t love you, I’m not cryin’ // And I swear, I’m not lyin.”

With a mix of airy up-tempo songs and the ballads that Dan + Shay have become known for, Good Things is the perfect album title, delivering good things in spades.

Good Things Tracklist

  1. Good Things (Dan Smyers, Ross Copperman, Jason Evigan, Ashley Gorley)
  2. Steal My Love (Dan Smyers, Andy Albert, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Reynolds)
  3. You (Dan Smyers, Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds)
  4. Body Language (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Scott Harris, Shawn Mendes, Jordan Reynolds)
  5. Give In To You (Dan Smyers, Julia Michaels, Jordan Reynolds)
  6. Irresponsible (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Julia Michaels, Jordan Reynolds)
  7. Lying (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert, Jordan Reynolds, Bill Withers)
  8. One Direction (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert, Jordan Reynolds)
  9. Let Me Get Over Her (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Andy Albert, Kyle Fishman, Jordan Schmidt, Brad Tursi)
  10. Glad You Exist (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Ryan Lewis, Tayla Parx, Jordan Reynolds)
  11. 10,000 Hours (with Justin Bieber) (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jordan Reynolds, Justin Bieber, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd)
  12. I Should Probably Go To Bed (Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Sean Douglas, Jason Evigan)

 

Our Picks:

  1. “Good Things”
  2. “One Direction”
  3. “You”
  4. “Lying”
dan-and-shay-good-things-album

Dan + Shay’s brand new album ‘Good Things’ is out now, August 13th

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

New York/New Jersey Dan + Shay fans can catch the duo later this month as they will be a part of the Barefoot Music Fest in Wildwood, New Jersey from August 19-22 and tickets are available here. They’ll also be headlining Madison Square Garden on September 16 and New Jersey’s Prudential Center on December 5th.

To keep up with Dan + Shay, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Good Things 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.

kolby-cooper-ep-gabriel-muniz

Kolby Cooper: ‘Boy From Anderson County’ – EP Review

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Kolby Cooper’s EP Boy From Anderson County is out today, August 6th, on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the new music below.

There is nothing like witnessing an artist’s debut project. Today, singer-songwriter, Kolby Cooper is on full display. The rising artist officially dropped his debut EP, Boy From Anderson County. Cooper wears his heart on his sleeve on the release, sharing all sides of his personality and his story with fans.

The record kicks off with one of the most personal songs on the EP. The title track depicts the love story between Cooper and his wife. The singer thanks his wife for making him the man he is today, teaching him all about life and himself, and of course, convincing him to follow his dreams.

“She made me better // She made me stronger // She made me want this dream so bad // She made me wish forever // Wasn’t all the time we had // She showed me every single thing I didn’t know about me // and I thank god every day that that girl found me”

Next up, “Good For You” showcases the rough and rowdy side of Cooper’s vocals. Written by Cooper along with singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers and Brent Anderson, the song feels radio-ready. It has the right mix of grit and rhythm. Lyrically the premise of the song is relatable, as Cooper sings about pining after a girl, who did not want him.

On “Excuses,” Cooper slows it down again. This time, the singer somberly shares how it feels to watch a relationship come to its end. The old “it ain’t you, it’s me” is just the start of all the excuses. Similarly on “Way To Go,” Cooper expresses the end of a relationship, but this time putting the blame on himself. The singer’s honesty and vulnerability is evident on this standout track.

Picking the tempo up yet again, “The Song Don’t Make No Sense” is an ode to a complicated ex and break-up. The high-caliber innovation within this song is both refreshing and fun to listen to. The innovation continues with the last song off the record, “Her Favorite Songs.” Cooper has the last laugh on this song, as he sings about his nemesis’ girl singing all his favorite songs.

“Cause now when you get home // Your speakers are full-blown // Your girl is singing at the top of her lungs // Spin in the kitchen // Hey baby, listen // You tell her how you never heard this one // I know that you heard it // I know you know who it is // Ain’t the first song she’s played this playlist”

Cooper’s debut project is nothing short of fantastic. He is the real deal, both as a vocalist and as a songwriter. Fans should keep the singer on their radar.

Boy From Anderson CountyEP Tracklist:

  1. Boy From Anderson County
  2. Good For You
  3. Excuses
  4. Way To Go
  5. The Song Don’t Make No Sense
  6. Her Favorite Songs
kolby-cooper-ep

Kolby Cooper’s new EP ‘Boy From Anderson County,’ is out now

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

To keep up with Kolby Cooper, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Boy From Anderson CountyEP 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.

who-is-laci-kaye-booth

Laci Kaye Booth: Self-titled Debut EP – Review

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Laci Kaye Booth’s debut self-titled EP is out today, August 6th, on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the new music below.

Earlier this week we introduced you to a new singer-songwriter that we are loving. Laci Kaye Booth is a name you are going to want to remember. The American Idol contestant has transformed her AI fame into a promising career for herself in country music. Today, Booth released her debut major-label self-titled EP, Laci Kaye Booth.

With eight songs, the songstress showcases her talent, her beautiful voice, and her songwriting chops. Each track conveys different sides of her artistry and influences. Every song feels straight from the heart as if the lyrics were ripped straight from Booth’s diary.

The opening track, “Used To You”, makes a quiet, yet beautiful entrance. The song conveys a relationship that is comfortable and steady; despite, the fact that things are not as good as they used to be. It feels bittersweet and comforting at the same time.

“Don’t know what I’d do // You’re the road that I know // Your name sounds like home automatic // I’m a creature of habit // And how could I ever undo the way that I’m used to you”

On “Broken Heart Still Beats” Booth sings about heartbreak. The song features the incredible Charles Kelley, adding dimension to the already exquisite song. As a listener, you will hang on to every word that Booth and Kelley sing. The songstress proves her storytelling ability as each lyric unfolds.

Booth showcases her voice in a different way on the next track, “On The Fence.” With a similar indecisiveness, the singer shows off her personality in the song. The track screams pop country, as is perfect for the singer’s quiet and ethereal voice. She conveys the message behind being sure of a person, even though you are usually unsure of a lot of things. Similarly, “Shuffle” is another more upbeat song on the record. Leaning into the Stevie Nicks influence that Booth often talks about, “Shuffle” is a song for the ladies. We especially love how the songstress namedrops many great country songs on the incredible tune.

The record melds into another somber song thereafter. “If He Would’ve Stayed” is one of the most mesmerizing songs on the album. The simple instrumentation allows Booth’s voice to be on full display. The emotive heartbreak song is hard not to feel deeply. Anyone who has ever suffered a loss of any kind will find solace in this track.

“Would I follow my heart even if its heart // If he would’ve stayed // Would I have all these questions // Like God how could he leave // and just do what I please // If he would’ve stayed”

Lastly, “Heart of Texas” sits as the final song on the EP. A Texas native, Booth pays homage to her home state with this killer ballad. The song feels like it is straight off of The Marfa Tapes by Miranda Lambert in the best possible way.

Overall, Booth has such unique artistry. Fans are sure to flock to her for that reason and many others. Congrats to the singer on a solid debut project!

Laci Kaye Booth's debut EP is out now, August 6th

Laci Kaye Booth’s debut EP is out now, August 6th

Laci Kaye Booth CollectionEP Tracklist:

  1. Used To You
  2. On The Fence
  3. Treasure
  4. Broken Heart Still Beats (ft. Charles Kelley)
  5. Shuffle
  6. If He Would’ve Stayed
  7. Visions
  8. Heart of Texas

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

To keep up with Laci Kaye Booth, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Laci Kaye Booth 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.

Travis Denning: Dirt Road Down EP – Review

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Travis Denning’s EP Dirt Road Down is out today, August 6th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new project below.

Denning made a splash into mainstream country with his 2018 single, “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs,” a story about a teenage boy who treated his fake I.D. as an alter ego in order to buy beer for him and his buddies. Since then, he has released several other singles and his debut EP, Beer’s Better Cold, which features the number-one smash hit, “After A Few.” Now, we get to learn more about the 28-year-old, Georgia-native in Dirt Road Down, out today.

“This was about going ‘What’s the next step?'” Denning stated in a recent press release, describing the new project. “It’s kind of cheesy, but to me Dirt Road Down makes me feel like we’ve gone a little further down the path of who I am – which I like to think is a dirt road, for sure.”

Thanks to the pandemic, Denning was able to return to his roots in Georgia, where he spent time writing over 100 songs. “Call It Country” starts off the record and is about the activities and things Denning loves and got to re-discover because of his time off from touring. Co-written with Jessi Alexander and Chris Steven, this song is directed at those who judge the southern lifestyle. With its fast-paced, high energy, and rocking sound, it will make a great show opener for Denning as he hits the road this summer/fall with Brothers Osborne and Tenille Townes. 

“We keep that needle in the red on that hell raisin’ meter // Crank that Charlie Daniel’s out them Ford and Chevy speakers // Throw it down in this podunk town, ain’t afraid to get muddy // Yeah, call it what you want to, we just call it country”

The title track covers all the bases of a typical country song: love, nostalgia, and dirt roads. Throughout the song, the singer reminisces on all the great memories and things he learned while on a dirt road. In “Jack and Coke,” Denning uses clever wordplay and storytelling to portray a failed romance between a man and woman.  What was a great romance between Jack and Jill turned into Jill moving on, leaving Jack alone with his whiskey and coke.

“Jack meets Jill one late Friday night // In a hole in the wall low lit kinda dive // Jack asks Jill if she wants to dance // A half buzz kiss comes after that // Two hearts find love, fall right in // Give it all they got, but in the end // Jack holds on, and Jill lets go // Now it’s just Jack and Coke”

To most country singers, trucks are more than just a piece of metal on four rubber wheels; they are a symbol of love, loyalty, hard work, freedom, and memories–both good and bad. In “Grew Up With a Truck,” Denning describes what having a truck as a teenager/young adult was like.

“I Went Fishing” is the most somber and personal track on the record. Denning uses fishing to relax and take his mind off the negative things happening in his life. From the time his dog died when he was young, to when his big summer, amphitheater tour with Sam Hunt got canceled, Denning went to the lake to escape the harsh reality. 

“This one is definitely my selfish personal favorite,” he admitted. “I wrote it right after the Sam Hunt tour got canceled, and I was so bummed – I mean devastated. That’s when I thought about the title again, and it was like ‘I don’t think I fish to catch fish, really. It’s more about trying to find a little peace of mind and get away from it all.'”

Denning is building an extensive catalog and with live shows returning, he has his chance to make a real name for himself and become a big star in country music.

“My biggest thing is I hope they get a piece of me they were expecting. And I hope they get a piece of me that they weren’t, too,” he joked.

Travis Denning 's new EP, 'Dirt Road Down' is out now, August 6th

Travis Denning ‘s new EP, ‘Dirt Road Down’ is out now, August 6th

Dirt Road DownEP Tracklist:

  1. Call It Country
  2. Dirt Road Down
  3. Jack and Coke
  4. Grew Up With A Truck
  5. I Went Fishing
  6. ABBY (Alternate Version)

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

To keep up with Travis Denning, Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Dirt Road Down is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our “New Country Music” playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Chris-young-new-album-famous-friends

Chris Young: ‘Famous Friends’ – Album Review

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Chris Young’s new album Famous Friends, released today, August 6th is his first record in nearly four years and features collaborations with his own famous friends, including Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Mitchell Tenpenny. Read our full review below.

Since bursting onto the country music scene with his debut album nearly fifteen years ago, Chris Young has been one of country music’s mainstay voices. Today, August 6, the crooner released his follow up to 2017’s Losing Sleep, featuring fourteen new songs, all but one of which he co-wrote. Young also lent his hand to producing the album alongside frequent collaborators Corey Crowder, Mark Holman, and Chris DeStefano.

“I know I’ve said it before, but I honestly can’t say it enough – I am so excited to be releasing my new album,” shared Young in a statement. “There are so many incredibly talented artists, songwriters, and producers – all friends of mine – who helped make this album possible. Having friends share their talents as collaborators, songwriters, producers, and more, it’s only natural to call the album Famous Friends.”

The album opens with the one-two punch of the previously-released “Raised on Country” and “Famous Friends,” setting the stage for the collection which weaves seamlessly through moving ballads and rowdy party tracks. If not for the huge success of “Famous Friends” ft. Kane Brown, the album would’ve been named Raised On Country, which would’ve been equally fitting.

Keeping in line with the record’s title, Young enlists some of his famous friends on other tracks, including “Town Ain’t Big Enough,” a stirring duet with Lauren Alaina that was co-written by Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney. Meanwhile, Mitchell Tenpenny appears on and co-wrote “At the End of the Bar,” with Young and Chris DeStefano. The song celebrates the “million things that you can find” at the end of the bar, including your true love or next broken heart.

Young shows his softer side on “Rescue Me,” “Break Like You Do,” and “Love Looks Good On You.” On “Love Looks Good On You,” which has almost a 60s, doo-wop feel, Young slips into his falsetto as he celebrates the love he’s found, crooning about how good a woman in love looks. Meanwhile on “Break Like You Do,” he’s struggling to recover from a breakup as he watches his former flame move on. “I see you’re doing well // Well, I’m not // Got someone new in your life // Well, I don’t,” He sings regretfully. “I been busy wantin’ you back // And you been busy movin’ on way too fast.”

It’s not all love and ballads on Famous Friends, with Young blowing the roof off on the anthemic and rowdy “One of Them Nights” that screams of future concert opener.  There’s also “Hold My Beer Watch This,” a tongue-in-cheek ode to those bad decisions made while drinking.

The album ends with “Tonight We’re Dancing,” which gives off “Getting You Home Vibes.” Young isn’t messing around here; he’s turning down the lights and making a magical night for one special lady. “So tonight we’re dancing // Barefoot in the kitchen // Spinning alone to a George Strait song // You Look So Good In Love,” he croons. “And when it’s just us // All I wanna do is stare into your eyes all night long // Heart to heart // Hand in hand.”

Of Famous Friends, Young says, “I want people to fall in love with it, blow their speakers listening to it, dance to it, party along with it, cry to it, just live it – and I can’t wait to start playing this new music on the road soon.”

It’s safe to say he’ll have no problem with those goals for Famous Friends, as there are definitely songs to dance to, cry to, fall in love to, and maybe most importantly, fall in love with.

Famous Friends Tracklist:

  1. Raised on Country – Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder
  2. Famous Friends (with Kane Brown) – Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder
  3. Town Ain’t Big Enough (with Lauren Alaina) – Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder/Shay Mooney
  4. Drowning – Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Josh Hoge
  5. Rescue Me – Chris Young/Josh Hoge/Mark Holman/MatthewMcGinn/Christian Davis Stalnecker
  6. Break Like You Do – Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Matt Rogers/Anthony Smith
  7. At the End of a Bar (with Mitchell Tenpenny) – Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Mitchell Tenpenny
  8. Love Looks Good on You – Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley
  9. One of Them Nights – Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Rhett Akins
  10. When You’re Drinking – Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Matt Rogers/Anthony Smith
  11. Cross Every Line – David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Chase McGill
  12. Hold My Beer Watch This – Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder
  13. Best Seat in the House – Chris Young/Sarah Buxton/Corey Crowder
  14. Tonight We’re Dancing – Chris Young/Josh Gleaves/Josh Phillips

Our Picks:

  1. “Famous Friends”
  2. “At the End of the Bar
  3. “Break Like You Do”
  4. “One of Them Nights”
chris-young-new album-famous-friends

Chris Young’s new album, ‘Famous Friends,’ is out now, August 6th

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

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

Famous Friends 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.

Jordan-Rowe-album

Jordan Rowe: ‘Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy’ – Album Review

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Jordan Rowe’s debut album, Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, is out today, August 6, featuring “I Didn’t Sleep Last Night” and “Mama Ain’t Jesus” with Lainey Wilson. Read our full review below as we dig into the new project.

Country newcomer Jordan Rowe has a “bad, bad case of the good ole’ boy,” a theme that weaves its way throughout his debut album of the same name, out today, August 6. Inspired by the likes of Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie, and Luke Bryan, the Georgia native has a sound that’s both modern yet traditional. “I’m so excited to finally be putting out a full independent project. I’ve been working on some of these songs since 2019 and there was a lot of work that went into finding a unique sound,” shared the singer in a statement. “I  wanted to keep it young and competitive, but also make good country music like you and I grew up on.”

Produced by Derek Wells and released via River House Artists, Rowe’s influences are apparent on Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, as he’s tried and true country on each of the album’s eight songs, beginning with its title track. The opener sets the stage for the rest of the album, as he sings of “kickin’ in these boots” and “digging in these roots.” Here, the singer-songwriter is unapologetically himself, embracing both who he is and the life he lives.

“Can’t in a Car” is a tongue-in-cheek ode to a truck and all the things you can’t do in a car, Rowe musing that “once you go truck, you never go back.” Meanwhile, the album’s first single, “I Didn’t Sleep Last Night,” is a new spin on the classic breakup song. Rowe is intent to stick it to an ex and prove he’s moved on by getting drunk and spending the night with someone new. On the twangy mid-tempo, he assures an ex that he didn’t stay up thinking of her, which is clearly a lie as he laments, “No, I didn’t sleep last night // I met me someone new // And we drank ’til we felt right // Hell, she even kinda looked like you // And we watched that sun come up // And you never even crossed my mind.”

While Rowe definitely embraces his raucous side on a few tracks, he shines even brighter on the ballads. On “The Good Ones Do,” he sings of all of the “good ones” in his life, including friends, coaches, pastors, and a special woman. “And every girl don’t dance // Barefoot in the rain // And every girl don’t stay // When she could’ve walked away // And every girl don’t like // A man in worn-out boots // And every girl don’t make you feel // Like she got lucky too // But the good ones do.”

On “Mama Ain’t Jesus,” Rowe celebrates his mother in the heartfelt song, accompanied perfectly by stunning background vocals from Lainey Wilson. Over twangy guitars, the pair sings of a woman who’s as close to Jesus as a human can possibly be. 

“I bet she’ll walk them streets of gold with a silver medal // And while the good lord comes back down to get us she’ll fill in // I ain’t been yet, but I’ve got a glimpse of Heaven // Cause Mama ain’t Jesus but she’s a close second.”

The album wraps up with “10-4,” featuring country legends Rhett Akins, Tracey Lawrence, and Eddie Montgomery. This track sounds straight out of the 90’s in the best possible way, as the four-country traditionalists sing from the perspective of truck drivers, traveling the open road.

“If you’re thinking I’m a certified son of a gun // Haul a whole lotta country in my ol half-ton // Work like a dog til the work gets done // Give the beer off my back if you ain’t got none,” they sing. “ If you think I got a bad case of good ol boy // Ya damn right buddy that’s a big 10-4.”

Rowe co-wrote all eight of the tracks on Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, and it’s safe to say that he’s crafted a perfect introduction of himself to the country world. The collection is a solid one that’s sure to win over droves of new fans with each new song.

Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy Tracklist:

  1. Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy
  2. Can’t in a Car
  3. The Good Ones Go
  4. Who Needs You (feat. Ashland Craft)
  5. I Didn’t Sleep Last Night
  6. Mama Ain’t Jesus (feat. Lainey Wilson)
  7. Had a Ball
  8. 10-4 (feat. Tracy Lawrence, Rhett Akins, Eddie Montgomery)

Our Picks:

  1. “Mama Ain’t Jesus”
  2. “10-4”
Jordan-rowe-new-album

Jordan Rowe’s new album ‘Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy,’ is out now

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

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

Bad Case of The Good Ole Boy 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.

parmalee-new-music-for-you

Parmalee: ‘For You’ – Album Review

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Parmalee’s highly anticipated album For You, out today, July 30, featuring thirteen brand new tracks. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Fans have been awaiting platinum-selling country band, Parmalee’s next full-length project, since the release of their number one single with Blanco Brown “Just The Way.” Today, Parmalee officially released their brand new album For You, featuring thirteen great tracks.

Pushing the boundaries of country music, Parmalee manages to infuse southern storytelling with pop hooks and urban influences throughout the project. The record kicks off with the ultimate love song “Only You.” A ballad, the track will make any listener swoon with romance.

“I love the way your accent comes out when you’re talking to your mama // how you act like you don’t know you’re hot in your pajamas // and the way that you kiss me when I’m drinking whiskey with you // I love the way that we take it downtown on Fridays // easy on them Sundays”

Romance is a clear trend on the new record. Similar to “Only You,” Parmalee wears their hearts on their sleeves on songs like “Take My Name” and “Backroad Girl.” The former is all about finding the one and wanting to wife them up. The latter is a fun-loving country song. It definitely has radio appeal. “I Do” also showcases that romantic element, but with more urban influences. Parmalee tries to win over a girl on the sweet track.

“Just The Way”, featuring one of our current favorites, Blanco Brown, sits in the second spot on the track-list. The song found its way to the number one spot on the charts back in March and for good reason. Written by Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard, and Nolan Sipe, “Just The Way” is a song that encourages acceptance and loving people for who they are.”

Similarly, “Greatest Hits” is another song that boasts equality amongst the music industry. The country band sings about how we as people collect music over the course of life. Written as a love song, the real story is the love song to music as the soundtrack to our lives.

“Falling in love to your mixtape // Got your country from your hometown // Hip-hop from your college crowd // and rock and roll from your daddy’s old 45s // Got your Motown from your mama’s soul //Makes me want to hold you close”

Parmalee also leans into how it feels to lose the one you love on vulnerable songs, “Miss You Now,” and “Forget You.” “Miss You Now” tells the story of a broken relationship, recounting all those moments you wish you could relive or redo. The song is painful, yet relatable. “Forget You,” featuring Avery Anna is equally as thought-provoking. The song depicts how it feels to be in the furrows of heartbreak in a raw and emotive way.

Finally, the band makes the transition from raw emotion to fun and live-show-ready songs with the last two tracks on the record, “I’ll Take The Chevy” and the title track “For You.” Though slower-paced, “For You” is the ‘thank you’ letter to fans camouflaged as a love song. It is the perfect song to end the album with. 

“We feel most authentic and our best as a band when we feel like we’re having a conversation with the audience. That’s what we really narrowed in on for this album and leaned into what makes Parmalee sound like Parmalee—it’s all based on our connection to the fans,” said the band’s Matt Thomas in a recent press release. “For You is an album for the fans — the ones who’ve supported us for years, and the new ones we’re getting to know every day.”

It is safe to say that Parmalee accomplished their goal with this record. Each song feels distinctively them and comes with its own unique flavor. Kudos to Parmalee for their record!

FOR YOU Tracklist:

  1. “For You” – (Matt Thomas, David Fanning, Justin Wilson)
  2. “Just the Way” – (Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard, Nolan Sipe)
  3.  “Backroad Girl” – (Matt Thomas, Tommy Cecil, Blake Bollinger, Brinley Addington)
  4. “Take My Name” – (Matt Thomas, Ashley Gorely, David Fanning, Ben Johnson)
  5. “I Do” – (Tyler Hubbard, Matt Thomas, Corey Crowder, David Fanning)
  6. “Miss You” – (Michael Tyler, Matthew McGinn, David Fanning)
  7. “Greatest Hits (feat. Fitz)” – (Matt Thomas, Kevin Bard, Nolan Sipe, Andrew Goldstein, Michael Fitzpatrick)
  8. “Better With You” – (Matt Thomas, Ashley Gorely, David Fanning)
  9. “Forget You – (feat. Avery Anna)” (Matt Thomas, Shane Minor, David Fanning, Thomas Archer)
  10. “Alone Like That” – (Matt Thomas, Tommy Cecil, David Fanning, James McNair)
  11. “I See You” – (Matt Thomas, David Fanning, Justin Wilson, Steven McMorran)
  12. “I’ll Take The Chevy” – (Matt Thomas, Josh McSwain, Barry Knox, Zachary Kale, James McNair, Josh Mirenda)
  13. “For You”– (Matt Thomas, Barry Knox, Josh McSwain, Scott Thomas, David Fanning)

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Greatest Hits”
  2. “Just The Way”
  3. “Forget You”
  4. “For You”
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Parmalee’s new album ‘FOR YOU’ is out now, July 30th

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

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

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

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Parker McCollum: ‘Gold Chain Cowboy’ – Album Review

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Parker McCollum’s new album Gold Chain Cowboy, out now July 30th, serves as his major-label full album debut. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the 10-track project.

McCollum opens the album with the upbeat number “Wait Outside” written by McCollum, Jon Randall (who produced it), and Randy Rodgers. While identifiably country, there are hints of alternative rock in the production and McCollum’s vocal delivery.

The second track is “Dallas” – a heartfelt country-rock moment featuring fellow Texan Danielle Bradberry. Her harmony is sweet and subtle, and the use of organs in the song is very compelling.

“To Be Loved By You” is McCollum’s current single to country radio, and to put it quite simply, something about the song truly makes it absolutely addicting. “Hell, maybe I’m right, maybe I’m wrong // Finding out why shouldn’t take this long // Easier said than done, I guess // I’m a little bit harder to love than the rest”. The lyrics fall off the tongue so effortlessly, even if a little bit angry and pleading – it makes you want to listen to the song again and again.

What Parker McCollum does best on Gold Chain Cowboy is refrain from sounding like everyone else on country radio. On the record, there are moments intense enough to remind one of Death Cab for Cutie; lyrics as evocative as Jason Isbell; and phrasing as existential as John Mayer.

“I want to have Luke Bryan success, singing Chris Knight-caliber songs,” he shares in a press release. “To have longevity, you can’t sacrifice integrity to get on the radio. People know the difference, look at Willie, look at Strait. I knew I could do Texas and never leave, or come to Nashville and do the pop-country thing. My goal is to ride the middle.”

You hear all of that on a song like “Falling Apart”, which lives in the middle of the album. A Miranda Lambert co-write, you can hear they are songwriters from Texas who also love their 80s music. For fans of Mayer’s recent album Sob Rock, this is a must-listen.

“Heart Like Mine” is a standout, with a rhythm that is classically Americana and lyrics that leave you aching. The drums are soft, and the harmonies add just the right amount of depth that is needed.

“With ‘Heart Like Mine,’ I’d had that first verse for four years”, McCollum says. “I’d been saving it, because I always knew it was special. I’d almost pulled it out a couple of times in co-writes that weren’t working. But I knew not to. When I sat down with Tony, I knew he was the one. I told him those lines, and he went, ‘That’s fucking badass.’ We finished it in an hour… It was unbelievable.”

“Rest Of My Life” is a solo McCollum write, and it’s incredibly introspective. “I’m shakin’ like winter but I just can’t eat // It’s just one of those late nights that I’m never gonna beat //And I lay down for a moment and my eyes start closin’ // I can’t help but wonder why, yeah it’s just the rest of my life”. Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to find clarity, and that is definitely apparent in this song.

Gold Chain Cowboy is sonically more polished than his first two albums, but the heart of it stays the same. He is young but well-traveled. The album is equal parts Texas and Tennessee, and that combination makes it all the more successful. For an album that walks the line of an identity crisis to finding yourself all over again, there is a precision and cohesiveness to the record that makes it clear why McCollum is country music’s next big thing.

Gold Chain Cowboy Tracklist:

  1. Wait Outside (Parker McCollum, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers
  2. Dallas ft. Danielle Bradbery (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers)
  3. To Be Loved By You (Parker McCollum, Rhett Akins)
  4. Drinkin’ (Parker McCollum, Lee Miller)
  5. Falling Apart (Parker McCollum, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers)
  6. Heart Like Mine (Parker McCollum, Tony Lane, Ben West)
  7. Why Indiana (Parker McCollum, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
  8. Rest Of My Life (Parker McCollum)
  9. Pretty Heart (Parker McCollum, Randy Montana)
  10. Never Loved You At All (Parker McCollum, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley)

Our Picks:

  1. “Heart Like Mine”
  2. “To Be Loved By You”
  3. “Rest Of My Life”
Parker-mccollum-gold-chain-cowboy

Parker McCollum makes his major-label debut with his new album ‘Gold Chain Cowboy.’

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

To keep up with Parker McCollum, you can find him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Gold Chain Cowboy 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.

Ryan Kinder: ‘Room to Dream’ – Album Review

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Ryan Kinder’s first independent release Room to Dream is out today, July 30, on all streaming platforms. Featuring ten new tracks, nine of which he co-wrote, check out the full project here.

With a beautifully weathered voice that drips of a life well-lived, Ryan Kinder lends his soulful sound to Room to Dream, his new album out today, July 30. Featuring ten new tracks, the independent release reveals Kinder at his most authentic to date.  “I had a lot of time to figure out what I wanted to do after a certain time in my life, and all these songs came together with different aspects of who I was when I wrote them,” he reveals in a statement. “It was a beautiful realization that some of the bad things and not-so-fun situations led to the opportunity for me to have the room to dream, and to really be myself.”

The album opens with “Something,” the only new track not co-written by Kinder. Written by Jon Green, Dave Barnes, and Laura Veltz, the song is a slow burn of a midtempo reflecting a similar slow-burning friendship that just might be something more. The couple finds themselves at a pivotal point in their relationship between staying just friends or exploring more than that, as Kinder asks “How long can we go on saying it’s nothing? // Maybe it’s something.”

Kinder explores similar themes on “Friends” and “Nothing But Time.” On the latter, co-written by Luke Sheets and Paul DiGiovanni, he sings of a relationship that has already crossed the line, while the pair claims to be just friends. “Friends don’t look at their friends the way you’re looking at me right now,” he sings. “Friends don’t do with their friends things I wanna do right now.”

Meanwhile, on “Nothing But Time,” the album’s sparsely gorgeous final track, his voice aches with the longing to be with someone, accompanied beautifully by background vocals from Brittany Kennel. In a stirring twist, the song ends purely a capella, closing the album with nothing but Kinder’s beautifully haunting voice as he sings “We’ve got nothing but time.”

On “Hell Is,” Kinder explores the darker side of a relationship that he admits was inspired by a locker room conversation. The singer-songwriter said he began taking notes in that very YMCA, bringing them to a writing session with Clare Dunn and Kevin Bard that evolved into this track. Here, they explore the end of a relationship, admitting that “hell is anywhere without you.”

He explores a similar subject on “Blame,” one of the album’s heaviest tracks, on which Kinder channels his inner Eric Church. Full of driving guitars and a hand-clapping, stomping beat, the song is an immediate standout on the album. “Southbound” also has a similar sound, preventing the album from slumping in the middle as he sings of the joy of returning home after being gone for too long.

“Jane” was co-written by Kinder and Nashville heavyweights Ross Copperman and Josh Osborne, and might be the most country-leaning song on the album with its twangy guitar picking. The song puts a clever spin on the idea of a “plain Jane,” as he sings, “there’s nothing plain about Jane,” musing that he can’t believe her parents even named her that.

While the majority of songs here are about relationships, Kinder also sings about his career on “Want” and the album’s title track. With “Want,” he reveals that it was written during a dark time, where he’d be signed and then record labels would try to change him. “I was feeling disillusioned about being a signed artist. I’d been through multiple record deals. Every time I’d get signed and they’d say ‘we love what you’re doing,’” he reveals. “Then, as soon as I’d sign the papers, they begin this slow process of trying to make me into something different. It was unbelievably frustrating.”

Meanwhile, “Room to Dream” was inspired by a Bruce Springsteen documentary that both he and co-writer Jonathan Singleton watched. Inspired by Springsteen’s one-line tidbits of knowledge, the pair explored the idea of hitting the open road and finding space to just dream. “My favorite line I had was ‘Every wish has got a star to hang on,’” Kinder says. “It embodied the new chapter of my career. It said really simply…keep chasing. There’s room for you out there. There’s room to be you. There’s room to dream.”

There is definitely room for Kinder to be himself, evidenced beautifully on “Room to Dream.” While he may no longer be a signed artist, the singer-songwriter is chasing his dream in a way that’s authentic and true, and the proof is in the music.

Room To Dream Tracklist:

  1. Something – Jon Green, Dave Barnes, Laura Veltz
  2. Hell Is – Ryan Kinder, Kevin Bard, Clare Dunn 
  3. Room To Dream – Ryan Kinder, Jonathan Singleton 
  4. Tangled Up – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Fred Wilhelm
  5. Blame – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Fred Wilhelm
  6. Southbound – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Fred Wilhelm
  7. Want – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Fred Wilhelm,
  8. Friends – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Paul DiGiovanni
  9. Jane – Ryan Kinder, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne
  10. Nothing But Time – Ryan Kinder, Luke Sheets, Renee Meyers

Our Picks:

  1. “Blame”
  2. “Nothing But Time”
  3. “Jane”
Ryan-Kinder-Room-to-Dream

Ryan Kinder’s new album ‘Room To Dream’ is available now.

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

To keep up with Ryan Kinder, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Room to Dream 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.

drake-milligan-new-music

Drake Milligan: Self-titled EP – Review

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Drake Milligan’s self-titled EP is out today, July 23, on all streaming platforms. The project is produced by country legend Tony Brown and Brandon Hood, and features five new tracks co-written by Milligan. Check out the brand new music and our full review below, but first, visit the link below on Instagram to enter to win a personalized video message from the budding star!

From the opening notes of Drake Milligan’s debut EP it’s clear there’s something different about the 23-year old country crooner. The Texas native isn’t leaning into popular trends here, but is instead embracing a sound that can be best described as “old school in a new way.” Joining a class that includes the likes of Midland, William Michael Morgan, Josh Turner, and Mo Pitney, Milligan is putting a modern spin on country music that has a more traditional sound.

Recently signed to BBR Music Group/ Stoney Creek Records, the EP marks Milligan’s first release of original music. The singer-songwriter moved from Fort Worth, Texas to Nashville at the age of nineteen and has spent the last four years honing his craft alongside some of Music City’s biggest names. “The greatest pleasure of creating this EP was getting a masterclass in country music from the best songwriters, musicians, producers, and engineers that Nashville has to offer,” says Milligan in a statement. “I hope y’all will have as much fun listening to these songs as I had making them!”

The EP, produced by country icons Tony Brown and Brandon Hood, opens with “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’,” a classic-sounding country drinking song. With twangy fiddle and mid-tempo country guitars, Milligan sings of the chaos that happens in a honky-tonk when the crowd’s got one thing on its mind. 

“Don’t Look Down” is a romantic ode to getting lost on the dancefloor with someone special. Musically, the track has a swinging tempo, slide guitars, and an almost ethereal sound as Milligan sings of being “in love with the rhythm of holding you girl.” He invites her to enjoy the special moment, “Don’t look down // Just keep your eyes on me,” he implores his dance partner. “I wanna be all you see // While we’re spinning around.”

“Kiss Goodbye All Night” continues the theme of enjoying and savoring a special moment, showing Milligan’s fun side. The music and tempo is reminiscent of Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance?”, and the song is pure country fun. Milligan shines on this flirty ode to a night that turns into morning. “Let’s just kiss goodbye all night,” He sings with a swagger that convinces the listener he isn’t often turned down. “And kiss a little more in the morning.”

Milligan shows his softer side on “She,” a sparse yet beautiful song about one special woman. “She walks in a room // And turns every head on a dime // She’d be something to lose // She’s nothing like you’ll ever find // She’s so beautifully beautiful as can be // And I can’t believe that she’s mine,” he croons. “Oh I wish that she // Could see what I see.”

The EP ends with “Sounds Like Something I’d Do,” a driving up-tempo about the lengths a man will go when he’s in love. While Milligan is a true storyteller on the slower songs, he also excels on songs like this that allow him to show his fun, young, and quick-singing side.

On his debut EP, Drake Milligan perfectly introduces himself to the country music world in a way that’s unique and different. He proves that you don’t have to be old to embrace tradition, managing to put a modern spin on the genre that’s sure to endear him to listeners of every age.

Check back on Monday, July 26th at 7:30PM ET for an exclusive interview and performance from Drake Milligan live from New York City, on our Facebook Page.

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Drake Milligan’s debut self-titled EP is out now, July 23rd.

Drake Milligan EP Tracklist:

  1. Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’ (Drake Milligan, Brice Long, Brett Beavers)
  2. Don’t Look Down (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, John Pierce)
  3. Kiss Goodbye All Night (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Phil O’Donnell, Josh Jenkins)
  4. She (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, John Pierce)
  5. Sounds Like Somethin’ I’d Do (Drake Milligan, Terry McBride, Brett Beavers)

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

To keep up with Drake Milligan, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Drake Milligan EP 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.