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.

 

 

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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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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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

—————

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 
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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:

Here is Filmore’s Debut Album, ‘State I’m In’

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Filmore’s debut album State I’m In is out now. Check out our full First Impression Review of the project and give it a listen below.

Filmore State I'm In

Today marks the day that one of our favorite artists, Filmore drops his debut album State I’m In. The singer-songwriter burst onto the mainstream scene in 2018, and since then, he has mesmerized fans and is taking the music industry by storm. He also found himself snagging a spot on our NYCS 2019 Artists to Watch list! If this 18-song record is any clue of what is in store, Filmore is sure to continue to be one to look out for.

“This album is a look into my life over the last few years. It’s the ups and downs in relationships, experiences from my hometown, life on the road, and living in Nashville,” the singer shares in a recent press release, “I wrote every song from a real and personal place with amazing writers and friends. My hope is that you can listen to the album from start to finish and know who Filmore is by the end.”

The singer’s sentiment perfectly embodies the record. The album features breakup songs that showcase different stages of a dissolution of a relationship and songs that explain how it feels to be so deeply in love with a person and with life. “London” and “Pictures On The Fridge” focus on the bittersweet nostalgia that comes from a breakup. The former takes us through all the places in London that the couple would have gone to together had they stayed together. The latter focuses on all the pictures that are no longer meaningful. Both songs are ironically upbeat for having a sad theme.

“Those 3x5s only remind me what I miss about you / You’re just a memory now, I still can’t take them down / It’s 3AM I’m lost again, damn these pictures on the fridge / These pictures on the fridge” 

“Blue Skies,” “State I’m In,” and “Heart’s Having A Hard Time” focus on the emotions when you are in the thick of a breakup. All three songs convey an honest approach to music, as well as, to what we all feel as humans when we go through hard times. One of our favorites, “Heart’s Having A Hard Time” is especially poignant. It depicts the unique challenges of being the one to end the relationship, equally as painful in different ways.

“Yeah I know I made up my mind / But my heart / My heart’s having a hard”

Continuing to explore the same type of narrative, “W.I.L.D.” takes the idea of a broken relationship to a different level. The acronym, which stands for “when I lay down,” shines a light on the emotions that overtake us at night, when we go to bed and long for an ex-lover. Normalizing these feelings helps us all feel a little closer to the singer.

Of course, the record isn’t all break-up songs. Filmore gives us a power anthem on being single with “Nothing’s Better.” The brand new track reminds us of how good it feels to be confident in who you are.

“Nothing’s better than us not together / ‘cause the best kind of me is me without you”

Filmore’s debut album also fills our hearts with some promising love songs. “Love That About You,” “Me Lately,” and “Other Girl” depicts a different stage in a relationship. “Love That About You” is a complete jam about falling in love and appreciating all the little things about your significant other. “Me Lately,” tells the story about how the entertainer went through somewhat of metamorphosis when he finally found the love he was looking for. He sings about a special lady giving him the confidence to love himself, all because she loves and accepts him for who he is. Lastly, “Other Girl” is the song for when you realize you have found your forever.

Earlier this year, Filmore joined us a live swag session in New York City where he performed “Love That About You,” “Other Girl”, and “Slower,” before joining us for an interview. Check out the full video below.

Finally, to lace the whole record together, Filmore finds resolution and acceptance with songs like “Country Song,” “My Place,” and the concluding track, “Anyone But Me.” “Country Song” is the singer-songwriter’s ode to country music. It is the song that we can’t wait to hear live and sing along to. Similarly, “My Place” is another song made for the stage. Finally, “Anyone But Me” completes Filmore’s story for his debut album. He ends the record with an honest and truthful anecdote about how his life has changed for the good and for the bad over his nine-year journey in Nashville. The song is able to simultaneously wrap up a cohesive project and leave room for a second chapter in the next record.

Filmore explores the gamut of emotions throughout this record. Each of the eighteen tracks is clearly dosed with a whole lot of Filmore charm. From the lyrics to the production to the order of the tracks, State I’m In proves that Filmore is a talent like no other!

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Anyone But Me”
  2. “Country Song”
  3. “Love That About You”
  4. “W.I.L.D.”

 

State I’m In Tracklist:

  1. New To This
  2. Slower
  3. Country Song
  4. I.L.D.
  5. State I’m In
  6. Heart’s Having A Hard Time
  7. Blue Skies
  8. Nothing’s Better
  9. Busy
  10. Love That About You
  11. My Place
  12. Other Girl
  13. Pictures On The Fridge
  14. Me Lately
  15. Day Hour Minute
  16. London
  17. Livin Easy
  18. Anyone But Me

State I’m In 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.

 

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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:

Granger Smith’s New Album ‘Country Things, Vol. 1’ is Out Now

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Granger Smith’s new album Country Things, Vol. 1 is here, marking this his tenth studio release. The eight-track project is one you’ll want to listen to and then listen to again, as it will teach you to appreciate the moments in life that money can’t buy, not to take anything for granted, and enjoy every moment spent with your loved ones.

Granger Smith Country Things

Smith began working on this project last year before it was put on hold when he and his wife, Amber, tragically lost their son River, in an accidental drowning. While it must have been difficult to start back up, the singer-songwriter showcases his incredible strength and gratitude for the life he built with each song.

The title track “Country Things” starts off the album in true country fashion with a fiddle. Written by Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Ernest K. Smith, Brian Kelley and, Hunter Phelps, this song sets the whole upbeat yet deep, tone of the album. It shares the message that no matter where you’re from, take a moment, and enjoy the simple “country things” in life, including dirt roads, manners, and passed down recipes.

“I Kill Spiders” is a song that every parent needs to hear and even if you’re not a parent, it will still pull on your heartstrings. Written by Smith and Tim Owens, this song starts with a little girl’s voice calling her dad saying she needs him. The touching melody shares the message that whether you need them to kill spiders or help you when you’re feeling lost, your parents will always be there for you to make your world a bit brighter.

Smith does a fantastic job reminding us to live in the present with “That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads”. He also reminds us to be thankful for the people in our lives who go the extra mile to make sure we succeed with “Heroes”.

While this album may make you stop and think, Smith did a great job of balancing out the deep songs with the traditional love and country pride songs we are used to. Additionally, no need to worry as fan-favorite and Smith’s alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., closes out the album with a fun twist of the popular kid’s tune “If You’re Happy And You Know It”. Appropriately retitled “Country & Ya Know It”, the song shows appreciation to the country lifestyle, and instead of clapping your hands, you raise a beer. We cannot wait to sing along to this at a future live show.

Country Things, Vol. 1 gives you a new appreciation for the little things in life and we can’t wait to see what Volume 2 brings.

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

Country Things, Vol. 1  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:

Carrie Underwood’s Christmas Album ‘My Gift’ is Here

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Carrie Underwood’s Christmas Album is finally here and although it’s only September, it seems the holidays have come early. The country superstar has recorded multiple holiday tracks since winning American Idol in 2005, but today’s release titled My Gift is the first full-length Christmas album of her 15+ year career. 

Carrie Underwood My Gift

With a mix of Christmas classics like “O Holy Night”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Mary Did You Know”, and “O Come All Ye Faithful”, plus original songs sure to become holiday favorites such as “Let There Be Peace”, “Sweet Baby Jesus”, and “Hallelujah”, the album truly has something for everyone. There are even special guests including John Legend and a very unique ‘Little Drummer Boy’, Underwood’s 5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher. 

The record is full of gospel and soul and showcases two of Carrie Underwoods’ most notable qualities; her killer pipes and her religious devotion. The album has plenty of powerful registers known around the world, but fans will also see a softer side of Underwood’s voice throughout the project as she lends gentler vocals to the spiritual lyrics. The singer-songwriter (plus lifestyle brand entrepreneur and most recently best-selling author) has always put her faith front and center in her career and this project is no different. Even the name of the album, “My Gift” came from a place of worship. 

“I tried to think about the songs that were in it and one of my favorites is “Little Drummer Boy” because the sentiment behind it is so honest,” Underwood said in a teaser video for the project earlier this year. “They’re bringing gifts to baby Jesus and he doesn’t have anything, he’s poor. So he says ‘I’m gonna play my drum for him, that’s what I have’. And to me, that is a gift that was given to him by God. I love music. I love singing. That is my personal gift that I have that I am blessed to do and I want to use that gift and give it back to Jesus”. 

The timing may have finally been right for the songstress to release a holiday project, but the coronavirus pandemic provided a unique challenge when it came to finishing the album. Thanks to technology, however, producer Greg Wells was able to be with Underwood in the studio via Zoom. Behind the scenes, video from the sessions show studio musicians and choral singers socially distant and wearing masks. 

Fans will get a chance to experience the album another way this winter when HBO Max airs an exclusive holiday special. Underwood will appear with a live orchestra and choir, performing both traditional and original songs from the album. An air date for the special hasn’t been announced yet.

“Now more than ever we all need to focus on what Christmas is about,” says Underwood.  “Even though it has been a tough year, sometimes I feel like the greatest realizations can come in the worst times or in the most stressful times and it makes you more thankful for the things that you do have.”  Right now, we’re thankful for the new Carrie Underwood music!

To keep up with Carrie Underwood, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

My Gift is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. 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.

NYCS First Impression: Luke Laird ‘Music Row’

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Luke Laird Music Row

Luke Laird has built a reputation for himself as a country music songwriter and producer. He has penned over 24 number one hits which have earned him Grammys, ACM’s, CMA’s, BMI Songwriter of the Year, and many other accolades throughout the duration of his songwriting career. He has written songs such as “So Small,” “Temporary Home” and “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood, “Pontoon” by Little Big Town, “Head Over Boots” by Jon Pardi, and a plethora of other chart-topping hits.

Music Row is Luke Laird’s debut album under his name. It chronicles the story of a child born and raised in Hartstown, Pennsylvania, and the journey of making it to music city. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Laird recorded the project himself, while Bill Bottrell, the producer behind Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club, produced the record. Music Row is eclectic, an astonishingly authentic assemblage of personal diary entries not made to charm the top of country music charts. The low-fi energy speaks to the persona of Laird.

The title track and album starter “Music Row” hosts an island-like aura, dedicating its lyrical content to Laird’s appreciation for country music. “Good Friends” trails off of the happy-go-lucky vibe of the title track and spreads this low-fi energy throughout the duration of the record. “Hangin’ Out” depicts his relationship with his wife Beth and the story they have created. “Jake and Mack” extends that story to include their two sons.

“That’s Why I Don’t Drink Anymore” arrests Laird’s vulnerability as he softly tells his story of his downfall. Guitar caresses Laird’s vocals and lyrical captivity of addition which he premiered at the Bluebird Cafe years back. Shortly before the release of the record, Laird shared a little insight behind the emotional track. At 27, the singer + songwriter finally understood that he had a problem with alcohol. He sings: “By the grace of God / I’m waking up at home ‘stead of passing out in a parking lot … Don’t matter how hard some days can be / I am found and I am free / What else do I need?”

“Leaves On The Ground” depicts Laird’s best friend from high school. “Branch From a Tree” is the only song on the collection written with co-writers, which he wrote with Lori McKenna and Barry Dean.

The album was inspired by Laird’s wife, Beth Mason Laird, who mentioned that he should release an album of his own stories since he had a bunch of songs that he wrote for himself piled around. In 2011, Luke and Beth founded the publishing and management company Creative Nation that represents Laird, Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Steve Moakler, Kassi Ashton, and more.

Follow Luke Laird on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Music Row 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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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.

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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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NYCS First Impression: Drew Green ‘Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP’

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Drew Green Dirt Boy EP

Last month we introduced you to Sony Music Nashville’s newest signee, Drew Green in one of our Swag Spotlight features. Today, we present to you some brand new music by the singer-songwriter. He released his debut EP entitled Dirt Boy Vol. 1 and country fans are going to want to take a listen.

Each of the seven tracks are special and stand-out in their own way. The EP can be summed up in a few words: innovative, charming, and honest. Green finds a way to appeal to modern-day country fans, but still utilize guitar riffs, instrumentals, and story-telling lyrics that will appeal to traditional country music lovers.

The opening track “She Got That” is a bop. The song is full of swag and feels reminiscent of labelmate, Adam Doleac’s hit single “Famous.” Green unapologetically expresses his love for a special someone, dropping compliments throughout the verses. This track has radio written all over it.

“She got my heart, my soul, my back / She got my heart, my soul, my back / And whatever she wants/ Whatever she needs / Whatever it is / She’s gonna get it from me.”

The next song, “Woods,” is just as fun and funky. The track is a perfectly blended deliciousness of country-tradition with modern vibes, something Florida Georgia Line has always done well. The song feels familiar, yet unique, which is a combination you do not see very often. We especially love the unexpected banjo section midway through the song. The same vibe continues in the song “Dirty Money” too. On that track, Green relies on that rhythmic sing-talk voice, which adds to the innovation.

Of course, the singer proves his vocal chops with “Little More Be Alright,” a previously released song, and “Fine by Me.” We learned from our interview with Green that the former was inspired by a buddy from back home in a simple conversation about wanting something that you did not necessarily need. The conversation turned into a lyrically driven song and a much needed quiet spot on this project. On the other hand, “Fine by Me” is a killer, vocally-driven track. The song features vocal layers, which only adds to the ambiance and vibe of the alluring track.

“It ain’t nothin’, girl to turn it around, hit a u-turn / ‘Cuz you turn me on right now / Or we can keep driving around, girl / Whatever you want / So fine by me / Fine by me”

Finally, the record ends with the song that showcases Green’s urban influences. “Right Where I Be” is the perfect ending to a cohesive and exciting project. Just like an EP should, Dirty Boy Vol. 1 keeps fans excited for what’s to come for the newcomer.

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “She Got That”
  2. “Little More Be Alright”
  3. “Fine by Me”

Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP Tracklist:

  1. She Got That
  2. Woods
  3. Little More Be Alright
  4. Fine by Me
  5. Money Don’t Sleep (Interlude)
  6. Dirty Money
  7. Right Where I Be

Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

 

—————

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: