Runaway June: When I Think About Christmas – EP Review

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Runaway June’s first-ever holiday EP, When I Think About Christmas, is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full EP Review below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs.

Releasing their first-ever holiday project, When I Think About Christmas, Runaway June are bringing the holiday spirit to fans a little early this year. The five-song EP features three well-known Christmas classics and two new original tracks. Although it’s only October, we’re more than ready to curl up next to the fire, hot chocolate in hand, with Runaway June playing on the record player.

“Christmas On The Radio,” written by Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, is the first original on the project to make its debut and is a perfectly hand-crafted reference guide to all things Christmas. Silver bells, classic hits from Otis Redding, and Nat King Cole.

“When I Think About Christmas” is the second original and serves as the title track of the project. Written by Runaway June member Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss, the song pays homage to conventional country in the sweetest way: swing-laced instrumentation, pure joy, and your loved one.

“When I think about Christmas // I don’t worry ‘bout the cold // I’m covered up in all your kisses // C’mon baby let it snow” 

“O Holy Night” strays away from any traditional version with elegant and flawless harmonies. Of course, the holiday season just isn’t complete without the classic tune, “Let It Snow” and Runaway June’s beautiful upbeat version concludes the jolly project with glistening bells.

“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” said Runaway June’s Naomi Cooke, Wayne, and Natalie Stovall. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!” The trio continued to share in an Instagram post, “It’s been a long crazy year, and working on this music has felt so liberating from the madness of the world. When we think about “Christmas” we think of family, peace, rest, love and reflection, gratitude, celebration, and we wanted this music to be the soundtrack of what Christmas is to us and hopefully spread a little of that to all of you through this project.”

Singer-songwriter and fiddle player Natalie Stovall recently joined the band after Hannah Mulholland left the group. Members Naomi Cooke and Jennifer Wayne announced Stovall’s addition shortly after Mulholland announced that she was leaving, simply because she wanted to be in California with her husband and family.

Runaway June When I Think About Christmas

Runaway June’s first-ever holiday EP, When I Think About Christmas, is available now, October 16th.

When I Think About Christmas EP Tracklist:
1. Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3. O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4. When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
5. Let It Snow – (Julie Styn, Sammy Cahn)

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

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

When I Think About Christmas EP is now 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Matt Stell ‘Better Than That’ EP Review

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Matt Stell’s new 8-track extended play, Better Than That, dropped today and is available now on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dive deeper into the project.

SONY Nashville recording artist, Matt Stell released a new EP titled Better Than That today (October 16th) containing eight songs, four previously released tracks, and four brand new ones. Stell produced the EP with Ash Bowers and has writing credits on five songs.

“Everywhere But On,” originally featured on his EP of the same name, begins the record. It is about a man who has moved all over the country to try and get over this particular girl, but no location can erase his memory of her. This track hit number six on Country Airplay last week and continues to climb to the top of the charts. “Prayed For You,” ironically, reached the top spot the same time last year and has racked up over 75 million streams to date.  In this track, the singer found a girl he never met but knew she was the one he always wanted.

Better Than That EP Matt Stell

Matt Stell – Photo Credit Dustin Haney

Other previously released tracks include “If I Was A Bar” and the title track. The latter of which tells the story of two old flames at the same bar. Despite wanting to say hello, the ex-boyfriend holds back as a new guy steps in to make a move, calling out every wrong gesture the new guy is making. Stell knows she deserves better than that. “If I Was A Bar” is another breakup song. In this one, he describes how if he was a bar, the ‘getting over her’ process would be must faster. In the last song, he is upset at the bar and feeling bad for himself, but in this one, there’s a hint of anger and resentment still left in him. These tracks contain heavy electric guitar and percussion, displaying his rock-n-roll influence.

The first of the new tracks is “I Love You Too,” which sounds like it would be a sweet love song. However, the singer describes a relationship where the woman has settled with a man who does not reciprocate the same amount of love and effort the woman does. Stell is telling this story from the third-person, so we are not sure if he had any relationship to the two in the story, but one can speculate that this song is about the same girl from “Better Than That.”

With young love comes immediate infatuation and a lot of mistakes made, and Stell paints that picture beautifully in the next track. “Sadie” is a somber, folk-influenced song that, although not written by Stell, could be very personal to him. The singer admits his wrong and confesses that he would do anything to get this girl back. It is impressive when such a personal song like this can relate to almost anyone who has been in a relationship at a young age.

“Sadie / If you need to k-k-keep me waiting / Just do what you got to, girl / I-I-I-I-I-I-I’d start a riot for ya /  I-I-I-I-I-I-I’d fall in the fire for ya”

“Chase It Down” is about gaining the courage to leave your hometown to follow your dream. People from the singer’s hometown generally end up staying there forever, but him and his girl are determined to make a name for themselves. The final song, “Look At Me Now” has the potential to become a common first dance-wedding song. A troubled man’s life was turned around when he met the love of his life. He went from a lone “hell-raiser” to tearing up watching his soon-to-be wife walk down the aisle.

“Look at me now, tears in my eyes / Even though I swore that I wouldn’t cry / Lost in the second I saw you in that dress and your daddy was walking you down / Thought I’d never do this but look at me”

Stell sings from the heart, and listeners can hear his honesty and humbleness in these eight, terrific tracks. He has shown country music his versatility as he has something for everyone: heartbreak, love, and vengefulness, all demonstrated in different ways sonically. He is open and honest with his fans which makes us feel a part of his life and leave us wanting to hear more stories. That is an incredible trait of any new artist. Expect to see his name atop the charts for years to come.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Sadie
  2. Look At Me Now

BETTER THAN THAT EP TRACKLISTING

  1. Everywhere But On– Matt Stell, Paul Sikes, and Lance Miller
    2. If I Was a Bar     – Dan Isbell, Zack Kale, and Jonathan Singleton
    3. Prayed For You – Matt Stell, Ash Bowers, and Allison Veltz
    4. Better Than That-Matt Stell, Joe Fox, and Phil Barton
    5. I Love You Too – Matt Stell, Seth Alley, and Ryan Peterson
    6. Sadie – Nate Cyphert, Sam Roman, Parrish Warrington, and Diederik van Elsas
    7. Chase it Down – Matt Stell, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard, and Brian Maher
    8. Look at Me Now – Joe Fox, Seth Ennis, and Thomas Finchum

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

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

Better Than That is now 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Parker McCollum: Hollywood Gold – EP Review

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Parker McCollum’s major-label debut EP Hollywood Gold is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Watch below in our Up Close & Virtual Interview as we chat with McCollum about the new music + read our full EP Review below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs.

Texas native and NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch, Parker McCollum signed with MCA Nashville/UMG Nashville last year, and since then, has garnered thousands and thousands of fans across the nation. Today marks the release of his brand new EP, his major-label debut Hollywood Gold.

The EP is a dedication to McCollum’s craft, his fans, and of course his loved ones. It’s name pays homage to the singer-songwriters grandfather, his prized horse, and the message his grandfather always taught him to “just keep swinging.” His grandfather also played a role in why the singer chose to record the only song off the record that he did not write, “Like A Cowboy.” Written by Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, the tune is a pensive song about having an internal identity conflict.

“Girl I will love you the best that I can / But you need to know that I am what I am / And I’m not a bad guy, but I’m not a good guy at heart”

On “Young Man’s Blues,” McCollum shares his version of home and what his home has ingrained in him. His vulnerability and honesty in this song is unparalleled. Similarly, fan-favorite tune, “Hallie Ray Light” showcases the same type of honesty and relatability. Named after his girlfriend, the song focuses on showing affection to a new lover.

The lead single “Pretty Heart” is steadily climbing the charts and has truly touched the hearts of fans across the nation. The achingly beautiful declaration of remorse for a break-up is the songwriting country music deserves.

“What does it say about me / Now that I’ve broke your pretty heart / Your pretty heart”

The closing track “Love You Like That” is another standout. The singer-songwriter confesses his insecurities in love as he sings about feeling like he could fly with his girl, but he doesn’t know if he can do the same despite promising everything to try.

“I never really had no peace of mind / I’m a running heart / Living fast / I never understand you putting up with that / Cause I’m the same man that I’ve always been / And I hope that that’s the man you’re loving in the end”

Of course, each of the six tracks off the record paints a unique picture, running the gamut of the human experience, all of which showcase McCollum’s talent at connecting to fans. “If I’m going to sing these songs every night, I’ve gotta mean the things I”m singing about. I can’t fake it,” declared McCollum in a recent press release.

Hollywood Gold Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum’s debut EP, Hollywood Gold, is available now, October 16th.

It has been a long time coming for McCollum, whose lifelong dream has finally been recognized with this project. Overall, each track puts a modern twist on true-blue traditional country music, without blurring the genre lines. His roots in Texas country music are truly embedded in his signature sound. If this is any inclination of what a full-length project will look like from the artist, fans are in for a real treat, because the singer-songwriter’s staying power is undeniable.

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

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

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Pretty Heart”
  2. “Love You Like That”

Hollywood Gold EP Tracklist:

  1. Young Man’s Blues
  2. Like A Cowboy
  3. Pretty Heart
  4. Hallie Ray Light
  5. Hold Me Back
  6. Love You Like That

Hollywood Gold EP is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Brothers Osborne: Skeletons – Album Review

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Brothers Osborne’s new album, Skeletons is available now, October 9th. Take a listen and check out our album review below as we dig a little deeper into the collection of songs.

Brothers Osborne New Album Skeletons

Brothers Osborne’s ‘Skeletons’ is out now, October 9th.

We have come to love Brothers Osborne as a country duo who remain true to themselves and their music, highlighting crisp country-rock and heartfelt slower tunes. As talented singers and songwriters, the men deliver an elevated, yet enticing sound with their new record Skeletons, leaning more towards the country-rock side of the gamut of their talent.

Continuing to celebrate the southern-rock groove that Brothers Osborne has created, the record takes their message to another level. “If Pawn Shop was our introduction, and Port Saint Joe was like the first conversation we had with someone over a beer, then Skeletons is the moment where you start getting down to the real stuff and showing who you really are,” John shared in a recent press release, adding, “If you really want to get to know us, this is the record to do it.”

Skeletons is begging for live-music to return, as each song has killer instrumentals and arrangements that just need a stage and an audience! Beginning with “Lighten Up,” the brothers give fans the twangy sound that we have been accustomed to. The song quickly takes a more rambunctious tone, similar to their other killer rock jam, “All Night,” the top 30 single that comes immediately after. The title track, “Skeletons” is one of the best off the record. It features spectacular guitar rifts and an extraordinary amount of energy.

“High time to come to Jesus / You got skeletons in your closet / It’s written all over your face / Every little lie, stacked so high / Can’t keep your story straight.”

The platinum-selling duo continues to play for their fans. Songs like “All The Good Ones” and “ Back On The Bottle” are backed by a steady drum and quick and witty lyrics. On the other hand, “I’m Not For Everyone” and “High Note” take a softer approach. The former starts off slower and escalates into a more mid-tempo jam that has great radio appeal. “High Note” stays on the slower side of things but conveys the more romantic side of the duo’s talent.

Another standout track is “Old Man’s Boots.’ One of the more traditional-country tunes, the song is a lyrical masterpiece. Brothers Osborne expresses the importance of boots, country roots, and all that connects the two.

“Might not look like much to you / But there really wasn’t much they couldn’t walk through.”

TJ spoke for himself, John, and his band, sharing, “We want this record to show people that we’re here to stay. We are part of the cloth of this genre,” and we think that really says it all. Skeletons is just another impressive album by Brothers Osborne, and we anticipate many more in the future!

NYCS Picks:

  1. “All Night”
  2. “Skeletons”
  3. “I’m Not For Everyone”
  4. “High Note”

 

Skeletons Tracklist:

  1. Lighten Up
  2. All Night
  3. All The Good Ones Are
  4. I’m Not For Everyone
  5. Skeletons
  6. Back On The Bottle
  7. High Note
  8. Muskrat Greene
  9. Dead Man’s Curve
  10. Make It A Good One
  11. Hatin’ Somebody
  12. Old Man’s Boots

 

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

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

Skeletons 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Brent Cobb: Keep ‘Em On They Toes Album Review

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Brent Cobb’s new album, ‘Keep ‘Em On They Toes’ is available now, October 2nd. Take a listen and check out our album review below as we dig a little deeper into the collection of songs.

Grammy award-winning, singer-songwriter Brent Cobb pays homage to his indie heritage in his latest album Keep ‘Em on They Toes. The project was released on his own label, Ol’ Buddy Records, via Thirty Tigers. The collection was produced by Brad Cook, who has produced artists to the likes of Bon Iver, Waxahatchie, and more, and is an assemblage of ten new songs including the lively title track.

“Keep ‘Em on They Toes” is a lighthearted, earthy tune with reminiscences of a Jack Johnson ambiance. Written with his wife Layne, it’s a tale of eluding the woes when ignorance is bliss. The song coincides with a music video directed by Christian Hanson which documents the full circle of a relationship.

“Shut Up and Sing” trails off of the album’s opener and takes what some people order and turns it upside down. Taking a remark often made towards successful artists who speak out, Cobb alludes to the implication that every so often it’s okay for the artistic connotation to take the lead. Sometimes the music just does the talking. He insinuates at the advice given not to talk, so he took it.. and made his voice hear another way…

“I wondered what I would shut and sing // And then it hit me // Lord have mercy, all us earthly fools // There’s poison in our rhetoric and bullets in our schools. // So I sing, what the hell is going on here? // Let’s take these blinders off our eyes and pull the cotton from our ears.” 

“Good Times and Good Lovin’” is a lot less cheeky than the prior and embellishes a swing-enticed rhythm and sensual keys. Hey, good times and good loving may not last forever, as told, but we sure as hell can keep this song playing all night.

“Sometimes I’m A Clown” is another sultry, slow groove of the bunch encompassing mild instrumentation while “Dust Under My Rug” speeds it up a little. The tempo is raised and makes the dance floor immensely inviting. “Soap Box” is “Shut Up and Sing” 2.0 but more civil. The Ellaville native sings, “Well good god, let’s hop off the soapbox and get along,” while over an abundance of jazz-influenced piano riffs and angelic female harmonics.

“The World Is Ending” is a track that was previously released in June in the depths of the pandemic when everything was still so uncertain. Cobb wrote the track years prior, but with today’s setting, was awfully appropriate to release now.

“Little Stuff”, the album’s final track, calmly concludes the project making it clear that it’s the little things that mean the absolute most.

Overall, Cobb’s Keep ‘Em On They Toes is a must-listen for fans of all genres.

Brent Cobb's "Keep 'Em On they Toes" is out now, October 2nd.

Brent Cobb’s “Keep ‘Em On they Toes” is out now, October 2nd.

Keep ‘Em On They Toes Tracklist:

1. “Keep ‘Em on They Toes”
2. “Shut Up and Sing”
3. “Good Times and Good Love”
4. “Sometimes I’m a Clown”
5. “This Side of the River”
6. “Dust Under My Rug”
7. “Soapbox”
8. “When You Go”
9. “The World Is Ending”
10. “Little Stuff”

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

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

“Keep ‘Em on They Toes” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Rascal Flatts Release: Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits

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Rascal Flatts are celebrating their milestone twentieth year together with the release of ‘Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits’, available now.

Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits

Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits

As promised, despite their announced retirement, Rascal Flatts has continued to give fans something to remember them by this year. Earlier this year they released their EP How They Remember You, and now the famous trio are gifting fans with a new greatest hits record. Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts – The Greatest Hits is quite literally the album version of a typical Rascal Flatts concert setlist.

The trio featured many of their number one singles harking all the way back to the beginning of their bright career. The record is truly a trip down memory lane, as the record begins with their oldest tunes and ends with their most recent hits.

Songs like “I’m Movin’ On,” “These Days,” and “Bless The Broken Road” have become classic country songs to modern-day country fans. We all have a story about when we first heard these nostalgic tunes. “I’m Movin’ On” is one of their first top ten singles off their debut self-titled record, while “These Days” was their lead single off their sophomore record. It was also their first song to reach the top of the charts.

The group’s third studio album Feels Like Today garnered them a five-time platinum-selling record and arguably made Rascal Flatts a household name. The record boasted number one songs like “Bless The Broken Road” and “Fast Cars and Freedom,” which are both obviously included in the new Greatest Hits record.

If the Feels Like Today record made the band a household name, it was their record Me and My Gang that solidified their rise to super-stardom. “What Hurts The Most,” “Life Is A Highway,” and “Stand” all soared to the top of the charts, and we all continue to sing every word of each of those tracks today. Fan-favorite, “Life Is A Highway” is also a track off this killer record.

It is hard to believe that up until this point, we are only half-way through their astonishing career. Songs like “Take Me There,” “Here Comes Goodbye,” and “Easy” continued to elevate their career. In the latter half of their career, Rascal Flatts members Jay, Gary, and Joe continued to give us hits like “Banjo,” “Come Wake Me Up,” and “Changed,” all songs that we will forever be hearing through our speakers.

Ending their career with ten fully-produced and incredible full-length projects, the men of Rascal Flatts made sure to leave us with even more memorable hits that also round out their new Greatest Hits record. “I Like The Sound Of That” and “Yours If You Want It” will continue to be the songs that are played for generations of country music lovers to come.

Thank you Rascal Flatts for the twenty years of musical mastery! We can only hope that we will get to see the band play all these mega-hits one last time.

TWENTY YEARS OF RASCAL FLATTS THE GREATEST HITS TRACKLIST:

  1. I’m Movin’ On
  2. These Days
  3. Bless The Broken Road
  4. Fast Cars And Freedom
  5. What Hurts The Most
  6. Life Is A Highway
  7. My Wish
  8. Stand
  9. Take Me There
  10. Here Comes Goodbye
  11. Why Wait
  12. I Won’t Let Go
  13. Easy (featuring Natasha Bedingfield)
  14. Banjo
  15. Come Wake Me Up
  16. Changed
  17. Rewind
  18. Riot
  19. I Like The Sound Of That
  20. Yours If You Want It

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

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

Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits 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.

 

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Brantley Gilbert: Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition) Album Review

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Brantley Gilbert’s Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition), available now October 2nd, includes two new tracks “Old Friends” and “Hard Days”. Check out more about the special project below.
Brantley Gilbert's Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition)

Brantley Gilbert’s Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition) is available now, October 2nd

Brantley Gilbert, the singer-songwriter behind hit projects like the 2011 number one smash “Country Must Be Country Wide” and 2019 collaboration with Lindsay Ell “What Happens In A Small Town”, has released a deluxe edition to his latest album Fire and Brimstone. Two additional songs are featured, which allows the tracklist to extend the originally sizable project even more so with a new total of seventeen tracks.

Oftentimes, with each of Gilbert’s albums, he carries out these large collections of songs with his soft yet raspy tone among sentimental words and head-banging country party anthems, and Fire and Brimstone is no different.

One of the two new tracks, “Hard Days” may already be familiar to country fans as it was released back in June. This song focuses on experiencing difficult times in order to feel and, essentially, deserve the good days.

The second addition to the album, “Old Friends” follows the same approach while reflecting on the good old days in relation to where you stand today. More specifically, the song is a shout out to friends who have been the reason for specific memories and enjoyable experiences. The lyrics take an intriguing perspective on maintaining long-term relationships in order to cherish such times with those people who have stayed around since “you can’t make old friends” and “you can’t turn back time”.

Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition) is a continuation of Gilbert’s well-known style that consists of unexpected melodies and heartfelt dedications that portray an attractive vulnerability. Innocence and charm are readily and openly laid out through countless ballads. At the same time, songs such as “Fire’t Up” successfully achieve a hardcore country song that gets the crowd fired up.

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

To keep up with Brantley Gilbert, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Fire & Brimstone (Deluxe Edition) 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Shania Twain: The Woman in Me: Diamond Edition Album Review

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Shania Twain’s The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition is available now, October 2nd. Check out our full review below as we dig a little deeper into the new version of the iconic album.

Shania Twain's The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition

Shania Twain’s The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition

The legendary Man! I Feel Like A Woman! international icon, Shania Twain, has released a diamond edition of her 1995 ground-breaking album The Woman in Me, featuring hit songs “Any Man Of Mine”, “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!”, “You Win My Love” and “No One Needs To Know”. With unreleased tracks, live recordings, and remastered versions of the original productions, this new project from Twain celebrates a breakthrough career in country music.

The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition is a reminder of Twain’s artistry as a world-renowned singer-songwriter, performer, and female icon. The original 1995 album, which marked her second release after her 1993 self-titled debut, received a Grammy for Best Country Album and spent five months climbing to the top of the Billboard country charts until victory struck in July when The Woman in Me carefully and tenaciously reached the #1 slot. At that point, the project had already reached gold for the artist who became the sixth best-selling female artist in the country.

Now, 25 years later, Twain has included 16 new tracks with five live performances from her December 2019 residency at Zappos Theater in Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, as well as 11 early renditions of the songs from nearly a year before the album release. Two tracks, recorded in September 1998 at Dallas Reunion Area for the DirectTV Shania: Live DVD, are also featured. In addition, nine remixes are included that indirectly showcase Twain’s sound adaptation across multiple genres with former producer, Robert John “Mutt” Lange.

Through live versions of some of her biggest hits, Twain delivers private concerts to all listeners at home through the Diamond Edition during a time when that energy cannot be physically felt. Though, the “That Don’t Impress Me Much” singer executes emotional and sentimental energy through her own notable voice and fiery lyrics that are predominantly concerned with empowering women.

And, with dance mixes to “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” and “(If You’re Not In It For Love) I’m Outta Here!” as well as Mutt Lange mixes and versions of songs that lack certain instruments such as the steel guitar or banjo, The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition truly holds some nostalgia through the diverse takes on these timeless classics from Twain.

The collection is offered through two and three CD configurations, one of which including Twain’s earlier vocal mix to the album. The remastered tracks are also available through a traditional LP as well as a limited edition crystal clear LP. For more information, visit the official store.

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

To keep up with Shania Twain, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

The Woman In Me: Diamond Edition 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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The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Ingrid Andress’ Songs Show New Meaning in Lady Like (Deluxe)

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Ingrid Andress’ songs are now entirely available through the deluxe edition to her debut album Lady Like, featuring a brand new song “Feeling Things”. Read more about the deluxe album below.
Lady Like Deluxe Ingrid Andress

Ingrid Andress: Lady Like (Deluxe) Album

After a quick detour with an unexpected let down after two people bond over tequila in the July release “Waste of Lime”, Ingrid Andress has returned to her piano to lay down her truth with a deluxe edition to her debut album Lady Like. The new project includes three new tracks and, because the tracklist has been personally reorganized by Andress, listeners will be able to better understand the storyline told by the “More Hearts Than Mine” singer-songwriter.

“My love life and emotions are always all over the place,” Andress explains in a press release. “And with the new songs as a part of the deluxe, I felt like this special track listing was a perfect way to let fans inside my head a little bit more.”

Lady Like (Deluxe) features a new original song titled “Feeling Things” that reminds us of the artist that we were all introduced to with “More Hearts Than Mine” and “Lady Like”. It consists of that slow yet up-tempo melody similar to the album’s title track, while the songwriting aspects hold and intrigue the listener much like Andress’ Number 1 debut single.

Listeners are given a fresh take with “More Hearts Than Mine” on the deluxe album with vocal contribution from Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman of the multi-Grammy winning country group Little Big Town.

The collaboration is even more thoroughly stripped down than the first production and takes on a church choir type of feel in the chorus when all voices come together. It’s a soothing, captivating rendition of an authentic story with soft instrumental elements.

A cover of “Boys”, which Andress originally co-wrote for Charlie XCX along with Ari Leff, Emily Warren, Michael Pollack, Cass Lowe, and Jerker, is also shown in a new light on Lady Like (Deluxe). Andress showcases her well-known, excellent style by transforming this electro-pop song into a simpler production that suits her tone and artistic tendencies.

To wrap up Andress’ songs on this project, “The Stranger (Reimagined)” and “Waste of Lime” are the additional tracks included throughout the 13-song collection, which originally featured eight.

Lady Like (Deluxe) is a reminder of Andress’ artistry as a singer-songwriter who shines with an honest lyric over a set of keys. With her undisputed concern to tell a more detailed, orderly story for the sake of her fans, the tracklist is given new acknowledgment and appreciation. The deluxe edition is a thorough, innovative gift from Andress to learn in a deeper way the message that began with Lady Like.

To celebrate this release and Andress’ 29th birthday, a Lady Like (Deluxe) bundle is offered with a limited edition “Feeling Things” sweatshirt and keychain. Plus, fans will also receive a digital album download. For more information, visit the Warner Music Group store.

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

To keep up with Ingrid Andress, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

Lady Like (Deluxe) 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Jon Pardi: Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) Album Review

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Jon Pardi’s Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) is available now, October 2nd, and includes two brand new songs. Check out our review below as we dig a little deeper.

Jon Pardi Heartache Medication Deluxe New Album

Jon Pardi Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version)

Singer-songwriter and country traditionalist, Jon Pardi released the deluxe edition of his third studio album, Heartache Medication today (October 2nd). It contains the fourteen songs on the original, the reimagined “Ain’t Always the Cowboy,” and two brand new tracks, “Bar Downtown” and “Beer Light.”

Pardi released “Ain’t Always the Cowboy (Western Version)” on August 28th. The new adaptation of this ballad is noticeably slowed down in the beginning to better capture the heartbreak of this now lone cowboy. Now the track is a little more produced, but still includes fiddle, steel guitar and other elements of neotraditional country that Pardi brings to mainstream radio.

“Bar Downtown” is a catchy tune about a guy at bar dwelling on his past relationship. He is hopeful that his ex is doing the same thing he is doing now–waiting for the other to walk through the door–just at a different bar. The songwriting on this track is excellent, using a lot of repetition and different rhyme schemes any English teacher would appreciate.

In the second verse, Pardi sings “Are you acting like I’m acting just acting like it’s all alright? Are you going to different places just trying to find my face and wearing every crown? Or have you come to the conclusion that this ‘over-us’ solution just ain’t working out?”

This creativity is shown in the chorus as well: “Are you somewhere in a bar downtown, thinking about me, baby? Drinking about me, baby? / Am I heavy on your heart right now? Like you were all mine wishing we could rewind just a little?”

“Beer Light” is also about using a bar to get over a woman, but in a much gloomier tone. Whiskey is not the right alcohol for this kind of breakup because “her leaving burned enough.” However, the worst of it is behind him so the singer leans on light beer to fill-in the cracks of his broken heart.

“When I start thinking about the past nothing gets me past it like sitting right here sipping / Light beer needs an old beer light”

Heartache Medication did well on the charts upon its release last year on September 27th 2019, debuting at number two and number eleven on the Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 charts, respectively. It is up for Album of the Year at the 2020 CMA Awards and also received an ACM nomination, but lost to Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get. Its lead single and the title track, “Heartache Medication,” reached number one, making it Pardi’s third chart-topping hit.

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

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

Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: