NYCS First Impression: George Strait ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine’

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George Strait Honky Tonk Time Machine

George Strait has no need to prove himself to the music community, as he is already deemed the King of Country Music, although his newest project adds more truth to that title than ever. Some people thought Strait was done making music as he plays his famous shows in Vegas and makes only special outside appearances, such as the Houston Rodeo, but they were wrong. Strait’s 30th studio album, titled Honky Tonk Time Machine, was released this morning (March 29th) and fans old and young are ready for some new music.

Honky Tonk Time Machine includes 13 songs written by Strait himself, legendary songwriter Dean Dillon, Bubba Strait, and others including Nashville’s very own Lori McKenna. To surprise fans with the album announcement, Strait released a new song “God and Country Music,” penned by Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna and features a special guest an appearance by Strait’s grandson Harvey. Describing the two subjects hand in hand, Strait sings, “It’s a dance between the sin and salvation/Come hell and high water, there’s still two things worth saving, God and country music.”

“I’m really excited to have some new music coming out,” says Strait in a recent press release. “It’s been about two years since I’ve released a record. It was great writing with Bubba and Dean again and creating such a beautiful song with Bubba and Jeff Hyde. Also, it was a very special thing for me to be able to write and sing one with the legendary Willie Nelson. I hope everyone enjoys listening to Honky Tonk Time Machine as much as I enjoyed making it.” We are so glad the album is finally here and we can get our daily dose of new Strait music.

Diving deeper into the album you will find songs you didn’t know you needed to exist. “What Goes Up” is a slower ballad that reminds us of “I Saw God Today.” Strait sings, “I believe when I pray somebody hears and when I fall on my knees my words aren’t fallen on deaf ears and he has the answers when the answers can’t be found, and oh without a doubt what goes up comes down.” The title track “Honky Tonk Time Machine” brings back the old sounds of country music. Painting the picture of the famous old school ballroom in Austin, the song tells the story of hard-working, blue-collar Americans who spend their nights dancing in honky-tonks and throwing quarters into jukeboxes.

One of the songs that have gotten a lot of attention lately is “Weight of the Badge” and as huge supporters of first responders and military here at New York Country Swag, it is one of our favorites too. The song was revealed at Strait’s Vegas show and after being captured by fans it went viral. The song tells the story of a police officer who followed in the footsteps of his father, leaving his family each day for the last 15 years to step into the line of duty. “He swore that oath to protect and serve / Pours his heart and soul into both those words / Tempered strength is always tough / But he ain’t gonna buckle / Under the weight of the badge,” Strait sings soulfully.

Other songs on the album include Strait’s December release “Codigo,” a song about his favorite drink, all the good times in life and is loaded with his signature twang. “Blue Water” makes you long for some time on the lake, ocean, or river with some sun in the sky to drown all your troubles in, in order to feel like a brand new man again. A pleasant surprise is Strait’s cover of Johnny Paycheck’s classic weeper “Old Violin” as well as a recorded version of the duet “Sing One with Willie,” which he recently debuted at the all-star Willie Nelson tribute in Nashville.

Strait will celebrate the release of the new album with thousands of fans during his one-night-only show at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta one day after the album’s release, on March 30th.

To keep up with George Strait follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook “Honky Tonk Time Machine” 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.

Honky Tonk Time Machine Track Listing & Songwriters

“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Two More Wishes” (Jim Lauderdale and Odie Blackmon”
“Some Nights” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Phillip White)
“God and Country Music” with Harvey Strait (Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna)
“Blue Water” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Sometimes Love” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Código” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Old Violin” (Johnny Paycheck)
“Take Me Away” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“The Weight of the Badge” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Honky Tonk Time Machine” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Bart Butler)
“What Goes Up” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Jeff Hyde)
“Sing One with Willie” featuring Willie Nelson (George Strait, Willie Nelson, Bubba Strait, and Buddy Cannon)

 

 

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NYCS First Impression LOCASH ‘Brothers’

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LOCASH Brothers

LOCASH’s highly anticipated album Brothers is officially available everywhere you buy or stream music. This is the duos first full-length album release on their new record label, Wheelhouse Records/ Broken Bow Records. Brothers features eleven tracks including songs written by Nashville’s top songwriters. This new album is all about brotherhood, positivity, and bringing people together. Listeners first taste of the duo’s cheerful project was back in August with the release of their single “Feels Like a Party”. This track well deservingly debuted at country radio as #1 most added. It was written by LOCASH’s own Preston Brust and Chris Lucas along with the co-producers, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Corey Crowder.

The album starts off with a track called “One Big Country Song” and it’s exactly what the title sounds like. The ACM Duo of the Year nominees sang this one during our Swag Session earlier in the week and it sets the tone for the entire record. Written by Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, and upcoming artist Michael Hardy, this song is a fun, upbeat, potential single that’ll get everyone weekend ready. Next, the track “Summer in a Truck” is the first song you need to start a summer playlist. The writers include Ben Hayslip, Zach Crowell, and the one-and-only Rhett Akins. This is a window down, radio up, and a beach-ready track that can take over country radio during the summertime.

There are two drinking tracks that are going to catch fans attention. One is “Cold Beer Kinda Night” written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins. The lyrics of this catchy tune will be stuck in your head right after listening to it.“Whatcha’ say we go / Crank up the radio / Old Alabama singing feels so right / Pop a top or two / Baby right with you until the moon runs out of light”

The other drinking track “Beers to Catch up On” is penned by Rhett Akins, Jeremy Stover, and Paul DiGiovanni. The chorus includes the lyrics “We got some years / We got some beers to catch up on” talking about going back in time to their childhood and reminiscing on the fun they used to have.

Although the title is Brothers, the album encourages a positive message of everyone getting along, seeing past our differences and enjoying life.  We can already see the fans at their live show singing along to each track, waving lighters in the air and lifting up their drinks toasting to a great night of music.

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

Brothers 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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NYCS First Impression Dustin Lynch ‘Ridin’ Roads EP

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Dustin Lynch EP

Country music heartthrob Dustin Lynch is back with new music and has released an EP with three new tracks, including his newest single “Ridin’ Roads”.  Lynch is no stranger to being atop the country music charts, as he has six number ones to date with his latest hit being “Good Girl.” Fans have been eager for the singer-songwriter to release new music and no one will be disappointed after listening to the three featured songs: “Ridin’ Roads”, “Little Town Livin”, and “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes”. He keeps up with his down-home, feel good, edgy back road country style that everyone loves.

Lynch’s new single “Ridin’ Roads” is a slow and steady depiction of ditching a standard nightclub or bar and escaping to the countryside with that special someone. Lynch sings, “Ridin’ roads that don’t nobody go down, a little trip through the countryside, these 38’s making the world go round, I hit a curb just to make you slide,” and perfectly describes the desire and admiration you feel while lost down a secluded country road.

Forget all of your worries with the second track “Little Town Livin'” as Lynch sings about a perfect night out in a small town. He starts off the verse talking/rapping and then sings the chorus ” We’re just little town livin’, where the sun goes down, we’re gonna ride, turnin’ dirt into dust, yeah that’s a ticket, we’re just little town livin’ it up.” It is nothing but good times in Lynch’s eyes as he continues with “Twist it off, turn it up, pass it around, no other place id rather be right now,” he makes us all feel like we are “Little Town Livin'” it up in a small town with him. This slower tempo, r&b infused track shows a new side to the Grand Ole Opry member who continues to explore different techniques and sounds.

The third track “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” is a mid-tempo song about a getaway trip with a girl alongside him; a time where they dust off a bottle by the river and unwind. Lynch sings, “Gotta get you on some red dirt, get lost in your blue eyes, I want to see a little suntan, lit up in the moonlight, gonna dance you in the midnight sky, kiss you bout’ a thousand times,” and there is nothing more romantic than that.

The three tracks off of Lynch’s EP will remind you of old fashion romantic nights spending it with the one you love and making the most out of life with friends in a small town however he is continuously showcasing what a talented singer-songwriter he is by sonically branching out into new directions. Not to mention, he is also an incredible performer.

Lynch is currently on tour with Thomas Rhett for his “Very Hot Summer” tour now through October. Be sure to check out the dates here: dustinlynchmusic.com and New Yorkers, grab your tickets when the tour rolls through town at Madison Square Garden on September 20th. 

Lynch’s new music 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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NYCS First Impression: Maren Morris ‘GIRL’

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Maren Morris GIRL

Nearly three years since the release of her debut album HERO, Grammy award-winning artist Maren Morris has finally released her second full-length studio album today, entitled GIRL. Morris co-wrote each of the fourteen tracks with a variety of songwriters, including her husband Ryan Hurd, who also contributed harmonizing vocals on the mesmerizing track, “Great Ones.”

Morris also put on her producing hat for the lead single and title track, “GIRL” with Greg Kurstin, who essentially produced the entire record. The Texas native has incorporated a beautiful blend of unique sounds, powerful lyrics, and badass girl power into this album. Opening up with the title-track and lead single, “GIRL” sets the tone for the stories being told throughout the remaining thirteen tracks. The female empowerment anthem dignifies the concept that there is no need for competition between women, and we should learn to truly love ourselves.

Morris debuted the second track, “Feels” while on tour with Niall Horan last summer. She expresses her preconceived feelings in this upbeat, gushy tune. “You don’t gotta light a candle / You don’t have to set the mood / What you’ve got to understand though / I’m already into you / It’s chemistry, meant to be / Incomprehensibly / Tangled up in it / Yeah boy you’re giving me the feels”

“All My Favorite People” is one of two collaborations on the record, this one featuring her platinum-selling pals, Brothers Osborne.  Morris, TJ and John have some fun with the track, explaining why they are each other’s, favorite people. And of course, no Brothers Osborne song is complete without an impressive guitar solo. This country-rock song is truly a jam.  “A Song for Everything” follows in the style of “My Church,” a nostalgic tribute to music itself. The singer-songwriter discusses life’s highs and the lows,  adamant that there is a song connected to every situation we all experience.

Morris has never felt the need or want to fit into a “box”, creatively or personally and the rebellious track “Flavor” is a true representation of that. She sings in the chorus, “I’m cooking up my own flavor / Even if it ain’t your style / You’re only seeing one layer / Original can take a while / Making a mess, straight outta scratch / Think what you think about that / Oh I’m just trying to make good a little bit greater”.  The song’s bridge contains some of the most powerful lyrics in all of the singer-songwriter’s discography, “I speak my peace / don’t do what I’m told / ‘Shut up and sing’ / Well, hell no I won’t”

“Make Out With Me” and “RSVP” are the two seductive tracks on this record, the sultry lyrics show a mature side of Morris, while the most vulnerable track on this record is “To Hell & Back.” The mid-tempo ballad tells the story of her partner’s willingness to love her fully, no matter what the circumstances.  “The Bones,” tells the story of a long-lasting relationship that can make it through anything, as long as the foundation it’s built on is strong and honest.

Closing out the record is “Shade” a love song, in which she finds her perfect match. “Baby, you’re my color / Custom made / Think I finally discovered you’re my perfect shade”  Morris displays no signs of holding back in terms of musical style or lyrics on this record. It candidly encapsulates the songstress’ authentic artistry and passion for music. GIRL is an intimate and cultivated level up from HERO.

Morris will head out to promote this project on her headlining ‘GIRL: The World Tour.’ The forty-two date run will stop in New York City on Friday, May 3rd at Brooklyn Steel and Saturday, May 4th at Terminal 5. Tickets are available now. Visit marenmorris.com for a full list of dates.

GIRL 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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NYCS First Impression: Chase Rice ‘Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe)’

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Chase Rice Lambs & Lions World Wide Deluxe

A little over two years after the release of his third studio album, Lambs & Lions, singer-songwriter Chase Rice is celebrating the success of the record with a deluxe version. The platinum-selling singer has garnered international support and success, selling out shows and tours both overseas and in the United States. Rice’s remastered album, Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) is available now, featuring two brand new songs and new versions of his hits “Eyes on You” and “On Tonight.”

The deluxe album has a total of fourteen tracks, including the ten original songs, such as Top 20 lead single, “Three Chords & The Truth,” as well as, remastered versions of “Eyes on You” and “On Tonight.” Each remastered and new track add to the singer’s already impressive collection of songs.

Rice’s ‘UK Edition’ of “On Tonight” is the first reimagined track added to the record. The singer was so blown away by his fanbase in the United Kingdom that he decided to create a special UK version of the song, sharing in a press release, “We spent the end of 2018 in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham- and they sang every word to our album cuts, especially ‘On Tonight’ off Lambs and Lions. That reaction is what inspired us to create a special U.K. version of the song, and then we asked ourselves ‘why stop there.?’” This marked the start of his deluxe project. The U.K. version of “On Tonight,” features a softer sound and a more stripped-down vocal, but still has the same appeal as the original fan-favorite track.

Continuing to find inspiration from his time and fanbase in Europe, one of Rice’s new songs is entitled “25 Wexford St,” named after the address of a pub in Ireland. The track begins with an EDM-like beat drop that immediately gets your attention. Rice’s vocals are undeniably true to him; however, the song is a slight departure from his typical sound, channeling some English/Irish influences, such as pop superstar Ed Sheeran. The clever love song tells the story about meeting a girl in an Irish bar, “dancing streets to sheets,” and what “a beautiful blur” it was. The song, co-written by the singer with Chris DeStefano and Jim Beavers, definitely has radio potential.

Arguably one of Rice’s biggest hits to date, “Eyes on You” was also reimagined. The ballad was recorded acoustically for the deluxe version of Lambs & Lions. The singer changed up the lyrics to the track to commemorate his time in the U.K. In the opening verse, Rice changes the lyrics to “Drivin’ up and down the coast a few times / London, Paris, Paradise.” The heartfelt lyrics are just as impressive in the acoustic version.

Finally, the newest addition to the record is “Love Me Like You Don’t,” penned by Greg Bates, Shelley Skidmore, and Michael White.” The song fits Rice’s striking vocals effortlessly and easily seems like a story he has lived. The lyrics paint the picture of a girl choosing to love a guy; despite, his flaws. It is heartfelt, relatable, and catchy. The song will appeal to fans of the singer’s “Three Chords & The Truth.” “You knew the ride I was on / But you love me like you don’t / You don’t worry about the things I’ve done / Where I’ve been or who I was / You only see the guy I’m trying to be / You know you could have had anyone else / Made it easier on yourself / You know my crazy episode / But you love me like you don’t.”

Overall, Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) is a solid compilation of songs that show Rice’s range and development as an artist and a songwriter. It’s clear he appreciates his fans’ support. The album is available across all platforms.

Next up, Rice will continue to play in shows in the U.K., including The O2 festival with fellow country artists, Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, and Cam, as well as, SE Hydro in Glasgow, later this month. Rice returns to the states on March 14th, playing his first show in Seattle, Washington with newcomer, Cale Dodds. For more information and tour dates head to https://www.chaserice.com/

 

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NYCS First Impression: Smithfield ‘We Make Our Own’ EP

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Smithfield EP

While country duo Smithfield may be best known for their dark 2018 single, “Hey Whiskey,” the rising stars are back with a much sunnier EP, We Make Our Own. The EP, released today (March 1), is the first project the duo has released in three years, reflecting a more mature and polished pair. The seven-track collection is a feelgood mix of songs, highlighting the special and harmonic bond between childhood friends Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith.

While releasing music without a major record label may possess its challenges, Smithfield embraced it with their new EP, revealing, “Achieving what we have without a major record label is something we (and our team) are very proud of, and is why we named the EP: We Make Our Own. We wanted to make a project that moved and had hooky melodies, but still stayed true who we are as artists. It’s also been 3 years since we released an EP, so we wanted to do this for the fans, as much as ourselves.”

When it came to creating the EP, the duo worked diligently to craft a varied and diverse project, reflected through various tempos, themes, messages, and emotions over the course of the tracks. There’s the declarative and uptempo title track, “We Make Our Own,” the nostalgic “Still A Few,” and the wistful if “If You Were Mine.” Of the collection, Smithfield reveals to us in a recent interview, “Our criteria for choosing songs is first always: do WE love this song as a listener? Then we have to look at the project as a whole and say, ‘Have we said everything we wanted to?” We also feel like you need to have a good mix of emotions and feeling throughout the journey as you’re listening to an EP. For instance: you don’t want all slow sad songs, but you also don’t want all upbeat party songs. It’s a long process of listening to what you’ve recorded over and over to visualize the body of work as a whole.”

While listening to the EP, an immediate standout track is “Still A Few,” which Smith lists as his favorite. “It reminds me of my grandpa, and just truly moves me when we sing it.” The song is a melodic blast from the past, celebrating nostalgia and the things that are still around today, albeit few and far between. While Smith veers to the sentimental, Fielder points to “Me No You” as her favorite track, saying, “I just love how the chorus hits you; it was one that actually surprised me when we were done with the project, and listening back. It’s such a jam!”

Other highlights of the album include the title track and the closing track, “Our World,” which shows Smithfield trading off vocals and celebrating the unique ways in which they grew up. They shine on the nostalgic midtempo, harmonizing as they sing, “We knew it all back when we didn’t have a clue” and “Everyone else was just living in our world.” The duo also shines on “If You Were Mine,” which celebrates the glory of the chase. The duo trades off lead here, starting with the guy pursuing the girl before Fielder sings, “If you were my best friend, you’d be the kind with benefits, If you were my radio, I’d turn you on and on and on.”

As for what’s next for Smithfield? The duo revealed to NYCountrySwag that they have some big shows coming up this year, including Stagecoach, CMA Fest, and the Grand Ole Opry. They also revealed that they’ll be touring all over this summer as well, and hope to have some exciting Fall tour announcements coming soon!

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NYCS First Impression: Lauren Duski ‘Midwestern Girl’

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Lauren Duski

 

Although 2019 just started, women in country music are coming out full force this year, proving that they deserve the same recognition and praise as men in the genre. Another talented female country artist, Lauren Duski is taking country music by storm with the release of her breathtaking debut EP entitled Midwestern Girl (2/20).

As the runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team on the 12th season of The Voice, Duski is now making a name for herself as an independent artist in the industry. After crafting her skills as both a singer and a songwriter, she delivers an EP complete with five tracks.

The record opens up with a string-based instrumental track that pays homage to Duski’s Michigan roots, “Journey of a Midwestern Girl.” The instrumental sets the tone for the rest of the EP beautifully. The first lyrical track featured is the songstress’ debut single, “Costume Party.” Her honesty and depth radiate throughout the entire song, navigating the emotions associated with being authentic to yourself and “leaving the mask at home.” Duski pours her heart into the song, which really resonated with fans so much that they created their own touching videos, which the singer later combined into its own music video. Check the video out below.

The next song on Midwestern Girl, is “Runnin’ (To You).” The mid-tempo song is Duski’s version of a love song, starting off slower and speeding up as the song progresses. She admits on the track that she has had her guard up with love, but learns that she was inadvertently running to a certain person as she continued on her journey. The chorus is sure to get stuck in the listeners head after just one spin. “I was running around like it was  some kind of race / Doesn’t slow me down, no baby / Couldn’t of planned this / Don’t understand it, but I was on my way / Didn’t have a clue, all this time / I was runnin’ to you / I was runnin’ to you.”

The collection of songs continues with “Heart Hurt Good.” Continuing with her unique story-telling ability, Duski tells the story of falling in love with someone, who makes her heart feel full. She calls the feeling her “heart hurt[ing] good.” The song definitely has radio single potential, as it’s catchy and relatable.

The record closes out with arguably the most poignant song on the EP, “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song).” Deeply personal, Duski shares how her grandfather is dealing with grief from losing his wife, her grandmother. Although a tearjerker, the song’s vulnerability and raw lyrics is truly unmatched. She ends the song singing the sentiment “it’s okay we can talk about the weather.” Following the ending lyric, Duski included a phone message from her late grandmother, which, although heartbreaking, allows fans to form a personal connection with the artist and makes you want to genuinely root for her success.

Overall, Duski’s debut EP is a great body of work, giving us a sneak peek of what we can expect to hear on a full-length album of hers in the future. Midwestern Girl is available across all platforms. Make sure to keep up with Duski on Instagram and Twitter.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Ashley Monroe ‘Sparrow Acoustic Sessions’

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Ashley Monroe Sparrow

Singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe released her latest EP entitled Sparrow (Acoustic Sessions) last Friday, which features five stripped-down versions of her songs from her fourth solo record. The rawness of the acoustic album highlights the classic timeless voice Monroe has.

Monroe has perfected the art of storytelling. The first track off of the album “Orphan” reveals the desperation of a person who is lost and wonders how they will make it alone in life. Expressing her sorrow and confusion, Monroe sings, “Nobody told me what I should do/When the world starts to rumble and shake under you/How does an orphan find its way home?/Reach out with no hand to hold/How do I make it alone?”

Monroe dives deep into the art of exploring a woman’s sexuality with her second song “Hands On You.” It is a provocative and seductive song where she reminisces on a past love and longs to be back in that relationship again. “Hands On You” in its acoustic entirety creates an even further sensual listening experience of regret and the passion that no longer exists.

The third track, “Wild Love” was inspired by her first trip to London. Monroe continues to show her sensual side and describes a longing for a love that is untamed and dangerous that will wash over her “like the Barcelona rain.” The acoustic version of “Wild Love” enhances and dramatizes the song and feeling of desperation.

“Paying Attention” is somehow even more heartbreaking in the acoustic rendition as Monroe sings about a love that is no longer in her life. A melancholy feel is created with a simple guitar strum and a violin in the background, as she sings “You promised I’d miss you when you walked away/You were right when you told me I’d be sorry someday/Well, I’m paying attention to you/Oh now, I’m paying attention to you.”

The last track of Sparrow (Acoustic Sessions) is “Keys To The Kingdom,” an emotional religious tribute connecting music to loved ones who have since passed on. With a simple piano playing in the background, the solemn track is beautifully composed and executed.

Sparrow (Acoustic Sessions) showcases Monroe’s unbelievable vocal capability and captures the creativity of her talented songwriting. Take a listen to the full EP below.

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NYCS First Impression: Florida Georgia Line ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’

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Can't Say I Ain't Country

Platinum-selling country duo, Florida Georgia Line have officially released their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. The LP features collaborations by country singers, Jason Aldean and HARDY, as well as, reuniting the duo with Jason Derulo on one of the nineteen tracks. On Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, Hubbard and Kelley continue to explore their signature sound and their mutual love of multiple genres of music, and it evident from start to finish.

The record opens with the title track, which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song explores the criticism that Florida Georgia Line often hear, that their sound does not fit the country music mold. In typical Florida Georgia Line fashion, the boys push back, delivering the definitive country jam. Both the lyrics and the instrumentals give fans the country flavor that they are often accused of missing. “You can say I’m a redneck / You can say you don’t like my truck / You can say that I talk and I dress all funny / But you can’t say I ain’t country.”

One of the best examples of their ability to blend genres is “Talk You Out of It,” which was one of the songs released a few months ago. The track melds R&B influences with Hubbard and Kelley’s voices effortlessly. It is sexy, sultry, and super catchy. The song showcases their love for infusing different genres into their music in the best light. In the same vein, their track with Jason Derulo, “Women,” is a refreshing love letter to all women, mentioning that “we’re all better off with them right by our side.” Derulo is the perfect collaborator for this song.

Another ballad featured on the album is their final track entitled “Blessings.” The song has the same feel as past hits, “Dirt” and “God, Your Mama, and Me.” Hubbard and Kelley pour their hearts out, as they sing the sentimental lyrics. The arrangement is simple, focusing on their story-telling lyrics and their beautiful harmonies. It is clear that the duo drew inspiration from their relationships with their wives when they helped write this track. “I can’t count them on one hand / But when I look there on your finger / I say I’m a lucky man / God made two lovers out of strangers / Little house on a little land / A little creek, a little jeep / Same old moon that everybody sees / It sure ain’t hard to count your blessings.”

For fans who love Florida Georgia Line for their fun party tracks, don’t worry, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, has some good ones! The uptempo, “Y’all Boys” featuring rising country singer, HARDY is going to be the perfect addition to their live setlist. The cheeky song is as country as it gets, and will make a perfect tailgate song. Charming and catchy “Y’all Boys” will most definitely be a summer anthem in no time. Although more of a mid-tempo vibe, Florida Georgia Line’s collaboration with country superstar, Jason Aldean, “Can’t Hide Red” is sure to be an instant hit as well. The track showcases their southern pride, mixed with some hip-hop flavor. The song will have everyone singing and dancing along from the first listen.

Although we love the party songs, Florida Georgia Line really shine on tracks like “People Are Different” and “Sittin’ Pretty.” Both songs focus on the creative lyrics, show off Hubbard and Kelley’s song-writing skills and display honest messages that fans are sure to identify with.

Overall Florida Georgia Line deliver a solid record with Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. Hubbard and Kelley embrace their country roots throughout each of the tracks, while still staying true to their signature sound. The album is unapologetically Florida Georgia Line, and that is what makes it special.

Can’t Say I Ain’t Country 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.

Make sure to catch Florida Georgia Line this summer, on their ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ tour, featuring Dan + Shay, and Morgan Wallen, with special guests, HARDY and Cannan Smith at select shows. New Yorkers can catch the concert at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre on Saturday, July 20th. For more information, head to floridageorgialine.com.

 

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Cassadee Pope ‘Stages’

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stages

Leaving her record label in 2017, Cassadee Pope just released her anticipated, vulnerable album stages as an independent artist. The record includes 11 tracks, 8 co-written by Pope, giving a personal look into her life over the past year.

The singles she released prior to the album release, “Take You Home,” “One More Red Light”, and “If My Heart Had A Heart” was just a glimpse of what has finally arrived. Her catchy track “FYI” shows a sassy, fierce side to the album. The lyrics focus on how she won’t bite her tongue on this “boy trying to make girl jealous” situation. The melody built up in the lyrics “While he was flyin’ you to Vegas and all our favorite places / Always runnin’ ‘round with each other / He was sayin’ that he missed me, and damn girl you look pretty / I don’t think you’d like how he was lookin’ at me,” Pope unleashes the power of her voice and fiery side she’s taking on.

Her catchy track “Distracted,” was penned with some of Pope’s talented friends and fellow artists Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, and RaeLynn.  This playful love song has a groovy, country twang feel that makes the song a highlight on the album. Other songs on the album including “Don’t Ask Me” and “I Feel Good” are the most relatable track for anyone going through a breakup. They’re vulnerable, real, and personable. Pope also included “Gavi” an emotional tribute to one of her close friends and musician, Jason Gaviati, who passed away in 2015. The 90-second track includes Gaviati playing a heart-wrenching piano melody that hits close to home.

Pope’s new album stages is an inspiring, personal record that’s worth the listen. Make sure to catch Pope out on the CMT New Women Of Country Tour 2019 to see her perform these beautifully penned tracks.

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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