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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NYCS First Impression: Farewell Angelina ‘Women & Wine’

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Farewell Angelina EP Women & Wine

After a banner year in 2018 vocal group Farewell Angelina is kicking off the new year with even bigger strides with the release of their second EP Women & Wine. With seven songs, the generous EP gives an insight into what the future holds for the ladies of the group.

The first song on the EP, the title track, “Women & Wine” is a feel-good anthem that almost every lady out there can relate to “Nothing goes better than your friends together on a random Tuesday night / When your world is upside down it will always set you right / So pour it out drink it up / In Waterford or a Dixie cup”

Next up is a song titled “More Problems” which is a sassy tune with rock undertones. The simple lyrics are in a way a metaphor, that literally yet perfectly, explain that the more stuff you have in your life the more it will cost you and the ‘more problems’ you will have. “All that stressin it’s too expensive/Can’t ask for more without a price to pay”

 The harmonies of the band are excellently represented in the third song, “Ghosts”. The subject matter of the song- lonesome, doubt, tough times, and being haunted by habits of the past- can all be overcome by calling on  “Those familiar voices / They’re coming from the other side / Even the ghosts are singing tonight.” Although you might think you are alone, you aren’t, because those before you have been through it and found success.

“Vintage” is the definition of a windows-down summer-drive love song. It highlights the feeling of finding an old-school love that you’d never thought you would find or even still exists. “You’re vintage you’re classic / You’re made of old school magic / You’re a mixtape 68 Camaro heavy metal frame”

 The fifth song on the EP, “Forever By My Always”, has a late 90s’ sound, similar to that of Faith Hill or Martina McBride, and is a delicate profession to the love of your life, despite all of their irritating habits. “If the world started shaking / The sun it quit chasing the moon / If the sky started fallin’ /  I’d be the one calling out for you” 

The second to last track, “Baby”, is a heartless breakup song about letting go of a love gone wrong that just wasn’t right for you. The feeling of freedom after saying goodbye in this jam is palpable. “My baby’s gone and he ain’t coming back / My heart don’t even hurt so what kind of baby is that”

Last up on the EP, “I Feel You”, is a powerful heart-wrenching ballad about not being alone even in the darkest of days. Someone or something is always there in any situation “I feel you in everything I do/ Every storm that I drive through / Every day that’s black and blue / I feel you even when you’re not here.”  The telling lyrics can be interpreted differently by every person yet still convey the same message.

Check out live acoustic versions of the tracks “Women & Wine” and “Baby” plus a Q + A with the girls during our recent live swag session in the video below.

Keep up with Farewell Angelina at farewellangelinamusic.com, and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Women & Wine 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: King Calaway’s Self-Titled Debut EP

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King Calaway Self-Titled EP

If there’s any question as to which new country act is bound to be the genre’s next big thing, look no further than King Calaway. The six-man band released their self-titled debut EP today (Jan 25.) via BBR’s Stoney Creek Records. Based on the mounting buzz and the cleverly-crafted EP, this group is undoubtedly poised for superstardom.

What makes King Calaway unique is the fact that the group is comprised of six individual musicians from three different countries, each with a diverse musical background and varied experience that includes international tours, television and award show appearances, and even American Idol golden tickets. Interestingly, the band does not boast a true frontman, but instead features Jordan Harvey, Chad Michael Jervis and Simon Dumas trading off on lead vocals, backed by multi-part harmonies from drummer Chris Deaton, lead guitarist Caleb Miller and bassist Austin Luther. Additionally, each member is a well-rounded musician, resulting in a sound that is heavily influenced by the likes of the Eagles, Keith Urban, and Ed Sheeran.

Formed in 2018, the sextet teamed with Ross Copperman and Robert Deaton for their debut project. “The six musicians who make up King Calaway are a fresh take on contemporary country music,”says Deaton. “These young men hail from all corners of the globe, but when put together on a stage, they are one and magic happens.”

On their debut EP, King Calaway enlisted a plethora of Nashville’s biggest songwriters and artists to contribute songs. The EP features the likes of Copperman, Jon Nite, Josh Osborne, Andy Albert, Teddy Geiger, Mitchell Tenpenny, Devin Dawson, Jordan Schmidt, and more.

The EP opens with the debut single, “World For Two,” a mid-tempo love song, co-written by Copperman, Josh Osborne, and James Abrahart. From the first notes, it’s clear that King Calaway’s harmonies are what makes them unique. The track evokes a bit of Extreme’s “More Than Words” mixed with Thomas Rhett and late-90’s Brit sensations BBMak to create something unique to country music. “World For Two” is a perfectly crafted piece of pop country, and we’d be shocked if it doesn’t end up topping the radio charts.

The EP picks up the pace on “No Matter What,” a fun, up-tempo track that will have you singing along by the song’s catchy second chorus. “I Do” is a lovelorn ballad that has our leading men crooning over the one that got away and the fact that they still think about the mistakes that led to the breakup. “What really hurts is/ I say the words/ You always wanted me to / I do/ Yeah I do/ Oh I do/ Think about you.”

One of the highlights of the EP is a cheerful, harmonic cover of the Stephen Stills classic, “Love the One You’re With.” Maybe it was the instant familiarity of the track, but this one immediately brought a smile to my face.

The EP ends with “Rivers,” which is much more pop than country (think “The Middle” or “This Feeling”), but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Looking at the crossover power of artists like Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, and Dan + Shay, and it’s abundantly clear that King Calaway is being groomed for multi-genre success. “Rivers” is an instant hit, ear-wormy and delightful, and we guarantee you’ll have it on repeat.

In many ways, King Calaway is the boyband that country music never knew it always needed. With a diverse group of six talented guys, this band is sure to have the girls swooning, snatching up their albums, and coming out in droves to their live shows. Watch out Why Don’t We and BTS, King Calaway is here to claim your crowns.

This past week, King Calaway hit the stage at New York City’s Bowery Electric for an exclusive show with NYCountrySwag. Additionally, they’ll make their Grand Ole Opry Debut on Friday, March 1. For more information on King Calaway, please visit kingcalaway.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify.

King Calaway 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: Gone West ‘Tides’

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Gone West

There are certain voices that are just meant to be together. On their own, each voice is powerful and special, but when combined, there’s a transcendent magic that occurs. This is the case with the likes of country super-groups like Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, and Little Big Town. Now, a new group has hit the scene, and we’d like to introduce you to Gone West.

The quartet is comprised of four accomplished singers and musicians, who have joined forces to create musical magic. Most notable is Colbie Caillat, the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter. Caillat is joined by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jason Reeves, singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young, and ACM and CMT nominated Nelly Joy.

On January 18, Gone West released their debut EP, Tides, and we’re already anxious to hear more. Together, the foursome co-wrote all of the EP’s four tracks, joined by some of Nashville’s biggest names, including Liz Rose, Eric Aries, and Tom Douglas. What’s most exciting about the debut project is the fact that it’s equally diverse and cohesive. Each of the four tracks shows a different side to the band, while all sounding alike enough to fit on the same project.

The EP opens with “Gone West,” a song describing how each of the band’s four members went west and ended up in California. “I’ve gone west, bring the best back with me,” They sing here, relaying the musical journey that led them to each other. Relying heavily on their harmonies over a toe-tapping melody, this song is remnant of Little Big Town’s earliest releases, as is much of the EP.

The quartet slows things down on the somber “Home is Where the Heartbreak Is,” telling the tale of a home that holds nothing but heartbreaking memories. “Love found somewhere else to live,” the quartet sing on this track, evoking the sadness of a broken relationship. “Where do you go when all that you know has slipped right through your fingertips?”

Things pick back up with “Confetti,” an endlessly fun track devoted to turning a broken relationship into a positive. Here, the quartet take a breakup and turn it into a celebration with a clever lyrical twist. “Yeah my heart didn’t break when I broke into that old bottle of fancy champagne / I’ve been saving for the perfect time/ You can’t rain on my parade / Got my freedom, gonna celebrate / When you left, I was so damn ready / No tears fell, just confetti.”

On “This Time,” the incredible harmonies of Gone West are on full display, as they urge “next time, there might not be a this time.” The song is an ode to living in the moment and not putting things off until tomorrow. “Life and love, they don’t age like fine wine, there’s no time to waste to taste the sweetest vine,” they sing, urging listeners to seize the day. “Let’s fill this cup, and drink it up tonight.”

Watch Gone West’s video for “This Time” here:

Gone West made their Opry debut on October 26th at Opry Goes Pink, a fundraising event at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN to raise breast cancer awareness and benefit Susan G Komen. The band also recently signed to Triple Tigers Records, the musical home of Scotty McCreery and Russell Dickerson.

Based on the masterpiece that is Tides, we cannot wait for a full release from Gone West. We fully expect big things from this foursome, and if things continue on this trajectory, we expect them to be country’s next huge super-group.

Tides Track List:
1. “Gone West” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves)
2. “Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Liz Rose)
3. “Confetti” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Eric Arjes)
4. “This Time” (Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Tom Douglas)

 

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NYCS First Impression: HARDY ‘Where To Find Me’ EP

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HARDY

Big Loud Records recording artist, HARDY has had major success as a songwriter, co-writing label-mate, Morgan Wallen’s smash hit “Up Down,” as well as, Florida Georgia Line’s songs “Simple” and “Talk You Out of It.” Already deemed, in a recent press release, as “the most exciting new lyricist in County today”, now, HARDY is putting his own spin on country music as a solo artist. The vocalist debuted his second EP, Where to Find Me earlier today.

HARDY’s latest project features four perfectly crafted tracks that feature witty lyrics, confidence, fresh sounds, and undeniable charm. The EP opens up with a creative love song entitled “I’ll Quit Lovin You”. The track puts the talented singer’s vulnerability and cleverness as a lyricist on display. The chorus will have country fans swooning at the heartfelt words and HARDY’s charming vocals. When you look at me / I just don’t believe that some things can’t last forever / I’ll quit lovin’ you / When country roads don’t wind and curve / When cold beer don’t quench your thirst / When there ain’t an ‘Amen’ in Church.”

HARDY continues to play with his traditional country sound in the next track off the EP, “All She Left Was Me.” The up-tempo track, co-written by the singer with rising country star, Morgan Wallen and songwriter Jesse Frasure, features that county boy charm that HARDY is becoming known for. Deemed a “starting-over anthem,” the jam will have fans singing along in no time at a live show.

Next up is arguably the most powerful song on the EP, named, “Signed, Sober You.” Featuring HARDY’s unique vocals and a quiet steel guitar, the ballad will tug at your heartstrings. The song is a take on going through a break-up and missing someone, especially when drunk. It is a reminder from “Sober You” on how to cope with the mixed emotions that are so prevalent, during the demise of a relationship.  “I know you think you miss her, but I promise you, you don’t / There’s healing in the lonely / Sit back, kick off your boots / And you’ll thank me in the morning like you always do / Signed, Sober You,” sings HARDY in the lyrical letter to himself. Although the lyrics are still a standout, HARDY really hones in on his voice and talent as a singer on this track.

Closing out the well-rounded EP is the title track, “Where To Find Me”. Written by HARDY with James McNair and Zach Abend, the song is as country as it gets. The bluesy, backwoods, hard-hitting track showcases HARDY’s gritty vocals and unapologetic pride in his home state of Mississippi. “I be staying in the woods or on the water / Top of a hill / Down in the holler / Anywhere where I can unwind / Drink a beer / Disappear / Put the world behind me / Y’all I was born in Mississippi / I’m redneck / I’m a hick / I’m a hippie.”

HARDY has quite the year ahead of him. He is currently on the ‘If I Know Me Tour’ with headliner, Morgan Wallen. The tour hits New York City’s Irving Plaza on February 21st. Additionally, HARDY will join forces with Wallen again on select dates of Florida Georgia Line’s 2019 ‘Can’t Say I Aint’ Country Tour’ kicking off this June. New Yorkers can catch the show at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre on July 20th. Tickets will be on sale via Ticketmaster soon. Make sure to keep up with HARDY via social media.

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NYCS First Impression: Tyler Hilton ‘City On Fire’

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Tyler Hilton City on Fire

It’s been nearly four and a half years since California native, Tyler Hilton has released a full-length studio album, but today he is back with his fifth studio record entitled, City on Fire. Hilton co-wrote each of the twelve original tracks with his longtime friend and guitarist, Jaco Caraco and even worked on the LP with his old roommate and member of Lady Antebellum, Charles Kelley who also contributed background vocals. Filled with a vast blend of genres, the singer-songwriter describes it as western indie-rock. Hilton created this record during a time of change in his life, dealing with losses of people close to him, along with the horrific wildfires in California. Persevering through it all, he is adamant that this is his favorite album of his entire career.

The record opens with the title-track and lead single, “City on Fire,” which tells the story of a man losing everything he cares about and what lengths he would go to reconcile that inside himself. Moving into the second track, which happens to be the second single released from this record, “How Long ‘Til I Lose You” is a mid-tempo tune that deliberates the question of when you will lose someone, rather than the if.
“How long ’til I lose you? / How long ’til I’m swept up, carried away / Hanging on to all that I can / How long ’til I lose you?” Hilton sings in the chorus.

One Tree Hill fans may favor the third track, “When the Night Moves” as it is the only duet on the LP, featuring Hilton’s former co-star and tour mate, Kate Voegele, who portrayed Mia Catalano on the hit television series. Though this is far from the first time the two have collaborated, their sublime harmonies on this uptempo tune are a true standout on the record. They harmonize on the chorus, “When the night moves / Us closer together / We move too / The heat of the moment / We fall into / We can make it last forever if we try / When the night moves”. 

“Anywhere I Run” has an old western anthem vibe, while, “The Way That She Loves” is an uptempo heartfelt love song. Hilton’s blend of the rock, country and blues genres continue to be the backdrop for his unique storytelling throughout the entire record.  “Get Down,” is a moody bluesy tune in which Hilton performed in the holiday Lifetime television movie he was a guest star in with a few of his former One Tree Hill castmates, entitled The Christmas Contract.  “I Don’t Want to Be Scared” and “When I See You, I See Home” are the two most vulnerable tracks on the record. While one is romantic and one analyzes distinctive struggles, the singer-songwriter uses his lyrics in both songs as a way to showcase raw emotion.

“Find Me One” is the one bluegrass country tune from Hilton we never knew we needed. From the evident string instruments to his modified bluegrass vocals, this song is a highlight of the entire album. The record closes out with Hilton’s own acoustic stripped down rendition of superstar Rihanna’s double-platinum 2012 smash hit “Stay.” He truly made the song his own with the altered rhythm and vocals.  Overall, this album candidly captures Hilton’s authentic and personal musical style for the first time in his interminable career.

He will head out to promote this project on his twenty-three date headlining ‘City on Fire Tour’ next month. The tour will stop in New York City on Saturday, March 2nd at The Loft at City Winery. Tickets are available here. Visit https://tylerhilton.com for a full list of dates.

City on Fire is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below.

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NYCS First Impression: Cody Johnson ‘Ain’t Nothin To It’

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Ain't Nothin To It

Singer-songwriter Cody Johnson has had an incredible career thus far, building up a huge fanbase in Texas and creating the music he is proud to put his name on.  While predominantly putting music out on the Texas Radio Airplay and the 8-12 states it consists of, this is the first time Johnson receiving mainstream recognition. In 2018 he signed with Warner Music Nashville and is gearing up for the release of his very first major label studio album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It out today.

Johnson’s traditional country sound and real-life experiences are reflected on Ain’t Nothin’ To It and the songs are more true to Johnson than ever before. While on the road, Johnson has been performing new songs off the album in his live show, so fans have gotten a preview of what is to come.

The title track sets the tone for the whole album with its pure country vibes. “Ain’t Nothin’ To It” is about relationships, looking back on them, and timelessness advice. Between not telling her everything your thinking, quitting smoking, and crawling into bed and listening, it is a song everyone needs to hear. “One says dad now how’d you do it the other just laughs and says there ain’t nothing to it.” These lyrics make a relationship seem easy although shortly after addresses that “when you see her turn 55 you will be glad you quit drinking, got up and went to work and church, and just listened.”

One song that touched our heart was “Fenceposts”. The intro is a classic old country feel that makes you feel like sitting on a porch in a rocking chair. The song stems from Johnson and his wife looking at a piece of property in the country. While walking around he can picture her coming up the hill leading up to a house with flowers on the window sill. He begs his wife not to tell the in-laws about new land until the paperwork is done and not to worry about the money because he has a couple things he can sell but right now it is “between you and me and these here fenceposts.”

Bringing a more upbeat tone to the album are songs “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Honky Tonk Mood”. Each one has a solid Toby Keith vibe and it sounds like Johnson is about to bust into a bar and raise some hell.

While every song on this album speaks volumes, the last few tracks really do a great job of wrapping it up although stand tall on their own. Johnson’s latest single “On My Way To You”, which has broken the Top 25, is a current fan favorite. Two other songs including “Dear Rodeo” and “Where Cowboys Are King”, take you back to the George Strait era with their smooth sound and real cowboy vibe. “I get back there every now and again, I turn a few steers and rope in pens…Just Couple of days and I am gone again, chasing this ol’ six-string oh but I sure would love to be where cowboys are king”

Johnson joined us for our Swag Session earlier this week told us, “Because of ten years of being on my own, I wasn’t afraid to step out of the box a little bit, I felt like it was still going to be me,” speaking about the full-length album.

Ain’t Nothin’ To It 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: Rob Baird ‘After All’

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Rob Baird

It’s been few years since Rob Baird’s last album, Wrong Side of the River was released. On Jan 11th the fourth studio album by the Memphis, TN native, After All, hit the shelves describing a fast and hard relationship in where Baird co-wrote ten tracks, making it deeply personal.

Baird writes an unfiltered and unapologetic 10 album track about that relationship leaving nothing unsaid. The project reflects on all the stages of grief from the loss of a partner and ultimately closes out with retrospect and peace.

This album for Baird, now based in Austin, took a year and a half to perfect – and it was worth all the wait. There’s the desperate pleading in “Give me Back my Love” (We all got love that never made sense/we all got love we never could keep) an unforgettable sound in the sexy yet angry track “Ain’t Going Back To You” (Even when I can’t give up every piece of us/I’d rather turn to dust) and some hostility in “Greedy Eyes” (Their never satisfied/always wanting more). The smoothness of Baird’s vocals and the use of both acoustic and electric guitars help set the tone for this album.

Baird does have his share of songs content with the end of the relationship and the hope for the future. The title track “After All” describes the ultimate end the singer knew was coming yet his final song on the album “Best That I Was” perfectly sums up the story told throughout these 10 songs. Baird’s perfect rasp allow any listener to live the emotion in the singer-songwriter’s words ‘Now I can trust/All that was us/ was the best that I was’.

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NYCS First Impression: Carlton Anderson Self-Titled EP

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It’s rare to accidentally discover a new artist and find yourself immediately captivated, wishing there was more than just three songs available on Spotify. However, this was this case when I stumbled upon Arista Nashville artist Carlton Anderson’s debut EP, released January 11. Featuring three songs, the collection is the perfect introduction for Anderson, displaying both a sizable voice, a recognizable style, and a bit of variety.

The Cypress, Texas native released his debut single, “Drop Everything,” in May 2018, and that track is the third in this collection. It’s a fun up-tempo inviting a woman to drop everything, including both her plans and her man to be with him. “I don’t see a ring on your pretty little hand,” Anderson croons confidently, and you have to wonder how many times this line has worked for him. The song, co-written by Rhett Akins, Matthew Dragstem and Ashley Gorley, should certainly make its way to country radio in the near future.

The first track on the EP is “Country Music Made Me Do It,” co-written by Jessi Alexander, and John and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne. The influence of Brothers Osborne is incredibly apparent here stylistically and that’s not a bad thing. Anderson blames country music on why he didn’t make it home to the woman in his life and this tongue-in-cheek explanation is sure to have you singing along. Lyrically and stylistically, this song seems the most familiar, probably due to the fact that it could have easily been on Brothers Osborne’s record. However, Anderson offers his own spin, and the results are fantastic.

Rounding out the EP is “Keep Abilene Beautiful,” a ballad that shows another side of Anderson. The track tells of getting back to where you came from, and it was co-written by Anderson, Tony Lane, and Tom Douglas. On the ballad, his voice is strong and emotive as he pleas, “Keep Abilene beautiful, baby.” Anderson took to his Facebook page to share a bit about the writing process. “I had some memories of some time I spent out in Los Angeles, a place I knew I had no business being, and with a little from each of our stories, the song came together. I threw out a verse that neither one of them hated and just tried not to say anything stupid the rest of the write. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t from Abilene, or if you couldn’t even point it out on a map of Texas. This song is about getting back to where you belong, with the ones you love.”

With a unique mix of contemporary and classic, Carlton Anderson’s debut collection of songs is a must-listen. We expect big things from him, and he’s already well on his way. Anderson made his Grand Ole Opry Debut on the same day he released his EP, January 11. Additionally, he’s currently opening select dates for Aaron Watson and will appear at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California on Friday, April 20.

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