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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!’”

carly-pearce-new-album

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”
Lauren-alaina-new-album

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.

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Ashland Craft: ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ – Album Review

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Ashland Craft’s debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND is available everywhere today, September 3rd. Craft penned nine out of the eleven original tracks on the one-of-a-kind record. Check out the full review and listen to the new music below.

Big Loud Records recording artist Ashland Craft is a true star in the making. The songstress utilizes her one of a kind vocals to showcase true heart and grit. Up until now we have only heard bits and pieces of Craft’s talent in her single releases, but now the wait for a full length project is finally over. Today the singer-songwriter dropped her debut album TRAVELIN’ KIND.

The record is a culmination of all of life’s experiences and adventures. Having written nine out of the eleven tracks, Craft has felt each of these songs and experiences deeply herself. “I really wanted this project to capture all the little sides of life in general that we’re kinda going through right now and what we have gone through recently because I think real life is the best way to connect with people,” shared the entertainer in an exclusive interview with Country Swag.

TRAVELIN’ KIND kicks off with the title track. Almost instantly, the listener knows that this record is going to take you on the ultimate journey. “Your Momma Still Does,” one of the two outside cuts off the record delivers the sentiment of heartbreak in a new and innovative way. Craft’s soulful and gritty tone is on full display on arguably one of the best songs on the project.

“Bet you don’t even think about picking up the phone // You don’t even think about saying you were wrong // You don’t even miss what me and you had // Yeah, I bet you don’t even think about that // You don’t even call me saying your sorry, you messed up // Yeah, but your momma still does”

Next up, “Leavin’ You Again” portrays how it feels to break-up again with someone you gave a second chance to. Craft delivers an emotive, yet cheeky delivery of the somber lyrics. In the same vein, one of the previously released singles, “Make It Past Georgia,” portrays angst too. The song conveys the heartbreaking connection between people and places. The songstress sings about traveling through state to state, but still having a hard time when she hits Georgia, a state that houses memories of a broken relationship. Craft’s honesty and vulnerability shine through on the track.

“Oh I never had trouble leaving them behind me // Oh it never took much to move on // I left Texas in the red dirt dust // It was easy leaving Louisiana // I hit 80 in a 55 // Just trying to cross Alabama line // Don’t miss a thing about Mississippi / Carolina keeps calling me // But I can’t seem to make it past Georgia”

Craft picks up the tempo on the center track, “Last 20 Dollars.” The fun-loving, 90s inspired country jam showcases the sassier side of the budding star. Similarly, both “Mimosas In The Morning” and “Come Down” show Craft shedding her more cynical side, and cracking the door open for love. All three songs feature incredible wordplay and storytelling.

“Highway Like Me” featuring Marcus King, another personal favorite off the project is a songwriter’s dream. Craft lays her heart out for fans in this poetic and beautiful song. She compares herself to a highway in a way that is ethereal and raw. Moreover, if you are not convinced by now of Craft’s talent, you will be after listening to this song and hearing her incredible vocals.

“That’s The Kinda Place” perfectly sits in the last spot of the tracklist. It wraps up all the stories Craft tells in the previous ten songs. It feels inviting, relatable, and homey, all ways country music is made to feel.

As a new artist, Ashland Craft manages to deliver a debut album that leaves us fully satisfied, yet still yearning for more. Kudos to Craft and her team for this masterpiece. Country fans, mark our words now: Craft is a superstar in the making.

Ashland Craft’s TRAVELIN’ KIND Track List:

  1. “Travelin’ Kind” (Ashland Craft, Erik Dylan)
  2. “Your Momma Still Does” (Jenna LaMaster, Jonathan Singleton)
  3. “Leavin’ You Again” (Ashland Craft, Jenna LaMaster, Faren Rachels)
  4. “Make It Past Georgia” (Ashland Craft, Reid Isbell, Willie Morrison)
  5. “Last 20 Dollars” (Ashland Craft, Wyatt Beasley Durrette, III, Jonathan Singleton)
  6. “Highway Like Me (feat. Marcus King)” (Ashland Craft, Jessi Alexander, Reid Isbell)
  7. “Mimosas In The Morning” (Ashland Craft, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jonathan Singleton
  8. “Day By Day” (Tori Allen, Corey Grogan)
  9. “Letcha Fly” (Ashland Craft, Willie Morrison, Lee Starr)
  10. “Come Down” (Ashland Craft, Adam Hood, Rob Snyder)
  11. “That’s The Kinda Place” (Ashland Craft, Rodney Clawson, Jonathan Singleton)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Your Momma Still Does”
  2. “Highway Like Me”
  3. “Make It Past Georgia”
  4. “Mimosas In The Morning”
Ashland-Craft-New-Song-Make-It-Past-Georgia

Ashland Craft’s debut album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ is officially out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

TRAVELIN’ KIND 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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5 Things to Expect from Ashland Craft’s Debut Album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’

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We chatted with country songstress Ashland Craft about her debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND due out this Friday, September 3rd. Here are five things to expect from the project.

  1. Ashland Craft did not intend to write nine out of the eleven songs off the project, but we’re so glad she did!

“Honestly it was never really a thing to me that I have to write every song. I just wanted whatever song that was going to compliment the record to go on the record. It’s always about that songs first.”

 

  1. She wants fans to really ‘feel’ the record and the story behind the songs.

“I think the biggest thing I hope is kind of the start of it all, is hopefully the fans seeing a little bit of my story and getting to connect with them on a deeper level, and connecting the music and the fans.”

 

  1. TRAVELIN’ KIND is intentionally the culmination of all aspects of life.

“I really wanted this project to capture all the little sides of life in general that we’re kinda going through right now and what we have gone through recently because I think real life is the best way to connect with people.”

 

  1. Some of the songs such as “Come Down” were written during the pandemic.

“That song touched me because it’s one of those more poetic-sense songs that remind me of who you are. If the pandemic hadn’t of happened, I don’t think those songs would have came to life.”

 

  1. Craft believes that songs [like hers] that came out of the pandemic are going to be some of the best music out there.

“It really made us get a little bit more hone in on what we wanted to say and how we wanted to say it. I predicted from day one when the pandemic happened that there’s going to be a ton of  amazing music that comes out of this.”

 

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Ashland Craft’s debut album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ is due out this Friday, September 3rd.

Check back here on Friday, September 3rd and click here for our exclusive interview and full album review of Ashland Craft’s TRAVLIN’ KIND.

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

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

* Interview Conducted by: Stephanie Wagner // Written by: Erica Zisman for Country Swag

Trace Adkins: ‘The Way I Wanna Go’ – Album Review

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Trace Adkins’ 25th-anniversary album, The Way I Wanna Go, is available now, August 27th, on all streaming platforms. Offering up 25 new songs in a reflective and celebratory project, the new album shines a light on Adkins’ extraordinary career. Check out the full review below.

With an opening song such as “Where I Am Today” that introduces a more grateful and clear-minded outlook, the country music veteran, who has sold more than 11 million albums and attained over 2 billion streams across the span of his career, seems to be tipping his hat to an incredible life while still reeling in the good stuff. Though with the release of his 13th studio album to honor a truly remarkable 25 years in music, Trace Adkins is far from calling it quits. In fact, he has never been stronger. “I am at the top of my game right now as far as my craft goes,” he comments in a press release. “I’m better at this than I’ve ever been in my life.”

It’s true, this Louisiana-born, simple-livin’ cowboy is aging like a fine whiskey. The Way I Wanna Go envelopes a confident, self-assured musician who does not shy away from individuality while still encompassing traditional notes along with his open-armed, warm-as-ever charisma that attracts listeners to this “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “Just Fishin’” gentle giant. 

“Finding My Groove” follows a similar wavelength with a focus on narrating the personal battles, and the journey, to shine a light on the setbacks and experiences needed to get to this spoken-upon sweet spot. 

“But I think the world’s finally spinnin’ my way // Sleepin’ pretty good at the end of the day // Got a little cash in the bank, gas in the tank // A little don’t care what they think // And I ain’t skippin’ like a needle on vinyl // Since your rescue me revival / Got my heart on my sleeve // Nothing to hide, nothing to prove // Findin’ my groove”

Within this 25-track LP, a few very high-end artists are featured from a broad range of categories. Blake Shelton, who is no stranger to Adkins both in the wildly successful “Hillbilly Bone” and more recent 2019 collab ”Hell Right”, puts down vocals on “If I Was A Woman” that ties in with the relaxed and chummy chemistry between these good friends. Luke Bryan and Pitbull bring the heat with the previously released “Where The Country Girls At”. Snoop Dog brings an intriguing take on a country crossroad production with “So Do The Neighbors”, and “Memory to Memphis” mixes blues in this eclectic collection of vocalists. Melissa Etheridge, an American singer-songwriter, incorporates a beautiful, smooth rasp that teeters on a rock sound to flirt with the rugged vocal range that is known with Adkins in “Love Walks Through the Rain”.

Trace Adkins’ The Way I Wanna Go album is a striking project that includes all the best music has to offer from this filled-to-the-brim with inspiration entertainer.  “I don’t know where my place is gonna be when the history of what I did is written,” Adkins says in a press release. “But 90 percent of the time, I said what I wanted to say and stuck to my guns and did what I wanted to do … And, this album is as good as anything I’ve ever done.” 

Trace Adkins 'The Way I Wanna Go' Out Now

Trace Adkins ‘The Way I Wanna Go’ Out Now

The Way I Wanna Go Tracklist

  1. Where I Am Today
  2. Heartbreak Song
  3. Where the Country Girls At (Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan & Pitbull)
  4. Cadillac’n
  5. Finding My Groove
  6. Cowboy Boots and Jeans
  7. Live It Lonely
  8. Love Walks Through the Rain (Trace Adkins & Melissa Etheridge)
  9. Honey Child
  10. It’s a Good Thing I Don’t Drink
  11. Jesus Was a Hippie
  12. Memory To Memphis (Trace Adkins, Stevie Wonder & Keb’ Mo’)
  13. You’re Mine
  14. The Way I Wanna Go
  15. It All Adds Up to Us
  16. If I Was a Woman (ft. Blake Shelton)
  17. Got It Down
  18. Careful Girl
  19. Empty Chair
  20. Cowboy Up
  21. Somewhere in America
  22. So Do the Neighbors (Trace Adkins & Snoop Dog)
  23. I Should Let You Go
  24. Low Note
  25. Welcome To

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

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

The Way I Wanna Go 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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Ashley Cooke: Already Drank That Beer – Side A – EP Review

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Ashley Cooke releases her debut EP titled Already Drank That Beer – Side A,  out today, August 27th on all streaming platforms.  Check out our full review and listen to the new music below.

Up and coming talent, Ashley Cooke has garnered millions of fans over the last year. Her heartfelt vulnerability has left a mark on country music lovers everywhere. Today, Cooke released her debut EP Already Drank That Beer – Side A, available on all streaming platforms.

With just eight songs, Cooke manages to showcase her personality, talent, and story all at once. The record kicks off with the song “Gettin’ Somewhere,” written by Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers, and Alysa Vanderheym. The fun-loving opener sets the tone for the songstress’ talent.

“Feels like we’re kinda late to the party // ‘Cause now it’s just getting started tonight // We’ve been riding around this little town // With the window down all night long // We’ve been taking our time // Doin’ fifty-five in a sixty-five to the right songs”

Cooke slows it down for the next two songs on the project, “Under” and “Sunday Morning Kinda Saturday Night.” Both songs were hits with fans on social media before their releases. The former, one of the best on the project, utilizes wordplay to convey heartbreak. While, “Sunday Morning Kinda Saturday Night,” one of Cooke’s breakout hits, shares how it feels to be missing your ex.

On the title track, the singer-songwriter showcases her vocals and vulnerability yet again. The song expresses how easy it is to fall back in love with someone for just the night, even though it is not good for you. The relatability of this song is somber, yet so real.

“We could drink the night away, chasing that buzz // And talk about Bourbon Street and how hard it was // fall right back together like we don’t know better // Like we, we ain’t been here // It’s too bad, baby, we already drank that beer”

Cooke continues to grapple with that push-pull, break-up on “Opposite of Love.” One of the five tracks that the singer had a hand in writing, the song displays how it feels to still love someone, even though you’re trying not to. Cooke tackles a similar topic in her duet with Jimmie Allen, “Good Goodbye.”

Interestingly, Cooke revels in the moving on on “First Time, Last Night.” The song conveys how good it feels to finally be out at a familiar place and not drinking to forget, but just drinking to have fun. This song reminds us all that eventually, we do move on.

The final song on the new EP is an acoustic ballad titled “Never Til Now.” Cooke pours her heart out to her fans on this song. Co-written by the singer with Matt Roy, the track is arguably the most vulnerable on the project. She shares the joys of love and settling down, something she thought she would never do or find. The song is the perfect way to end the expressive and emotive record.

According to Cooke, “These songs are pages out of my journal put to music. They’re my stories over the last year or so, and they feel like an extension of me.” This is the perfect way to sum up the project. Cooke hits the nail on the head with this stellar debut!

Already Drank That Beer – Side A EP Tracklist:

  1. Gettin’ Somewhere
  2. Under
  3. Sunday Morning Kinda Saturday Night
  4. Already Drank That Beer
  5. Opposite of Love
  6. Good Goodbye (feat. Jimmie Allen)
  7. First Time, Last Night
  8. Never Til Now
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Ashley Cooke’s new EP ‘Already Drank That Beer – Side A,’ is out now

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

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

Already Drank That Beer – Side A 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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[Interview] Nelly Drops Country-Inspired Album – Full Review

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Nelly’s brand new country-inspired album Heartland is officially available everywhere you listen to music today, August 27th. Featuring “Good Times Roll” with Jimmie Allen, the top 5 cross-genre hit “Lil Bit” with Florida Georgia Line, and seven other country-inspired tracks, check out our full review and interview below.

If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably heard Nelly all over mainstream radio, known for hit songs such as “Just A Dream,” “Hot In Herre,” “Country Grammar,” and many others. Although hip-hop was his passion, being raised in St. Louis, Nelly was introduced to all types of music. Over the past year or so, Nelly has really been embracing his country roots.

He has previously collaborated with some of Nashville’s biggest stars such as Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, Brett Kissel, and Jimmie Allen. Even at the peak of Nelly’s career he was exploring the country genre, having Tim McGraw join him on his song, “Over and Over,” featuring on the remix of Florida Georgia Line’s 11x Platinum smash hit, “Cruise,” and even recording a cover of Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man.” Upon starting his music career, however, he never envisioned that he would be here, making a country-inspired album.

“When I did Country Grammar, what I noticed was that I was getting booked in front of different crowds,” he explained in an interview with Country Swag. “One minute I’m booked over here and DMX is headlining and then another minute I’m booked over here but Tim McGraw is headlining, but it’s the same album.” He continued: “I was getting so much love from the country community ever since Country Grammar came out…I didn’t know it would lead me to this moment but I knew it was something special.”

The album starts with the two previously released tracks, “Lil’ Bit” with Florida Georgia Line, and “High Horse” with Breland and Blanco Brown. The latter uses more R&B/funk sounds than country or hip-hop. Brown takes the chorus Nelly raps the verses, and Breland provides backing lyrics, showing off his talented vocals. The trio performed their new song on Jimmy Kimmel earlier this week. Watch below…

“Grits and Glamour” is another track that blends R&B into its sound. Nelly and Kane Brown sing about a woman who can pull off any style and look, from the rough country scene to a night out on the town. She has high standards though, so you might need a little bit of money to take her out.

“She’s grits and glamour from Alabama // She’s small-town chic and that’s all I need // Grits and glamour, she’s got standards // Her love ain’t cheap, so work all week”

City Spud, who featured on Nelly’s 2000 hit song, “Ride Wit Me” joins him and Darius Rucker on “Ms. Drive Me Crazy.” These lyrics portray a common scenario that occurred in many early-2010s country songs—the girl riding shotgun in the man’s Chevy is looking so fine, it makes it hard to focus on the road and steer. Rucker’s deep, southern voice fits very well on this track as he sings the chorus. Tyler Hubbard appears again on the record, providing vocals on “Country Boy Do,” a simple ode to the country boy lifestyle. Both Hubbard and Nelly rap their parts.

 “5 Drinks Ago” is the only song on the record that doesn’t have a feature. In this track, the singer is at a bar trying to have a good time and not think about his ex. Although his intentions were good at first, five drinks later he is back to obsessing about her.

“That was five drinks ago, five drinks ago // When you were just somebody that I used to know // When I was good and sober, we were good and over // said I wouldn’t think about you // but that was five drinks go”

“Follow Me” and “Someone Somewhere” are the most ‘country’ songs on the project, with moments of reflection and adventure and minimal elements of hip-hop. In the former, Nelly sings about slowing things down and taking time to enjoy the things and people in life you love. Country newcomer, Chris Bandi features on this track. The latter is about pouring one out for those who are struggling, going through hardships, or are no longer with us. Nelly and TikTok country star George Birge sing over a modest, acoustic melody. 

“Pour a little out for someone somewhere, try to find a little bit of light in the dark // Someone somewhere, trying to move on from a broken heart // Everyone gotta miss somebody, everybody’s gotta go through a little hell // for the ones that didn’t make it to the party”

“What really allowed me to get to do this project was the pandemic because it allowed to me time to sit down and think about how I was going to take these blessings I was getting from this whole different genre of music and salute them for showing me the love, and that’s basically what this album is: it’s my salute to the whole country world for showing Nelly so much love.”

This project has been a long time coming for Nelly, but to make a country/rap album work, you have to be very creative and willing to adapt. It’s hard to stay relevant in music for over twenty years, but he has been one of the most unique and innovative artists of our time. Whether it’s his first and last country-inspired project or the beginning of a new era, we are 100% on board with this version of the talented rapper.

 “Evolution is inevitable, so people have to get with it or—and I hate to say it—their time is ticking as far as them being remembered. Because if you don’t embrace the change in some way, shape, or form, then eventually when the era of people who supported you are gone, you get left behind as well,” he adds in our recent chat.

Heartland Tracklist

  1. Lil Bit ft. Florida Georgia Line
  2. High Horse ft. Breland and Blanco Brown
  3. Grits and Glamour ft. Kane Brown
  4. Ms. Drive Me Crazy ft. Darius Rucker and City Spud
  5. Country Boy Do ft. Tyler Hubbard
  6. Someone Somewhere ft. George Birge
  7. Five Drinks Ago
  8. Follow Me ft. Chris Bandi
  9. Good Times Roll (Jimmie Allen ft. Nelly)
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Nelly’s country-inspired record ‘Heartland’ is out now

Nelly will be appearing on a new episode of CMT Crossroads alongside Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Breland, and more, premiering September 1st. He also just announced new tour dates with supporting help from Blanco Brown and Harper Grace. For tickets, head to his website.

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

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

Heartland 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.