NYCS First Impression: Jimmie Allen ‘Mercury Lane’

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Jimmie Allen Mercury Lane

Last November, during our Swag Session with Jimmie Allen, we said we couldn’t wait to watch his career blossom, as he garnered more and more fans and mainstream success. Today (10/12) marks an incredible milestone for the singer-songwriter. His debut album, Mercury Lane is now available everywhere music is sold. Mercury Lane is truly a passion project for the singer. The record shows perseverance and versatility, two characteristics that describe Allen too. It is clearly personal to the Stoney Creek Records recording artist, as the record is named after the street in Delaware, where he grew up and learned the lessons that have led him to this point in his career.

The record is a complete body of work, offering a song for all music lovers. Allen, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch,  adds some flavor to mainstream country music, mixing in some rock, pop, and R&B influences into the album, produced by Ash Bowers and Eric Torres. From love songs to inspiring songs to songs to drink to, the singer is proving that he is the full package. The recording artist co-wrote on eight of the fifteen tracks, including “Make Me Want To,” Back of Your Mind,” and his hit single, “Best Shot,” with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters.

Each track shows a different part of the singer’s personality and range as a vocalist, songwriter, and as a human being. “Deserve To Be,” one of the slower songs on the record tells the story from Allen’s perspective about a girl, who deserves to have the most fulfilling life and be treated like someone’s “world.” The track is sure to resonate with the millions of fans, who already fell in love with the lead single “Best Shot”, which is climbing up the charts.  The singer expresses another side of his personality with “Underdogs.” With its catchy hook and smooth beat, the song is bound to be a fan favorite. It is Allen’s take on an anthem for people, who are different, and trying to push through adversity. Although the singer didn’t write this one, we can see how the lyrics relate to his 10-year journey to ‘make it’ in the music industry.

If you’re looking for a new tailgate song, don’t worry, Mercury Lane has that too. The soulful track, “County Lines,” which Allen recently released a lyric video for, is sure to become a staple at summer tailgates. “County Lines” has an R&B vibe, with a catchy chorus that keeps listeners wanting to tap their toes and sing along from first listen.

Following the release, the Delaware native announced via his Twitter, three album listening parties, beginning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 14th. After a short stint in the U.K. with Chase Rice, Allen will embark on Scotty McCreery’s tour, which hits New York on January 26th and Kane Brown’s tour in November, where he will definitely be playing music off his new record.

Mercury Lane Track List & Songwriters:

  1. “American Heartbreaker” — (Jimmie Allen, Lance Miller, Chris Stevens, Ash Bowers)
  2. “Make Me Want To” — (Jimmie Allen, Paul Sikes, Jennifer Denmark)
  3. “Deserve to Be” — (Jimmie Allen, Danielle Blakey, Tripp Howell)
  4. “How to Be Single” — (Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Jimmy Robbins)
  5. “Wait for It” — (Ash Bowers, Thom McHugh, Steve Williams)
  6. “High Life” — (Lance Miller, Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Chris Stevens)
  7. “21” — (Brandon Hood, Josh Jenkins, Ash Bowers)
  8. “Underdogs” — (Ash Bowers, Brandon Lay, Jonathan Singleton)
  9. “Like You Do” — (Jimmie Allen, JP Williams, Josh London, Jason Mizell)
  10. “Back of Your Mind” — (Jimmie Allen, Matthew McVaney, Devin Tolentino)
  11. “Boy Gets a Truck” — (Ash Bowers, Aaron Scherz)
  12. “County Lines” — (Brett Tyler, Ben Burgess, Matt Dragstrem)
  13. “Best Shot” — (Jimmie Allen, Josh London, JP Williams)
  14. “Warrior” — (Jimmie Allen, Casey Beathard, Ash Bowers)
  15. “All Tractors Ain’t Green” — (Jimmie Allen, Brandon Hood, Tim Nichols)

Mercury Lane 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.

For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Jimmie Allen, visit jimmieallenmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Morgan Evans ‘Things That We Drink To’

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Morgan Evans

Since the 2017 release of his debut American single “Kiss Somebody,” Australia’s Morgan Evans has been lauded as one of country music’s next big things. Today, Evans released his debut album on Warner Music Nashville, Things That We Drink To. While much of the album reads as a love letter to Evans’ wife, Kelsea Ballerini, and believe me, it’s swoon-worthy, the overall body of work is a solid and diverse debut.

Evans, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch, co-wrote all eleven songs on the album with producer, Chris DeStefano and a handful of Nashville’s hottest hit-makers including Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, Jaren Johnston, and Jon Nite. Additionally, Evans joined forces with DeStefano to play every instrument on the LP.

“My album is a collection of songs that I wrote over the last two years,” said Evans in a statement. “It’s my story. It’s leaving behind everything and everyone you know to chase down a country music dream on the other side of the world. It’s the excitement of the unknown, it’s the fun, it’s the loneliness and it’s the struggle. It’s losing someone and finding the strength to keep your head up and make them proud. It’s meeting a girl, falling hopelessly and marrying the love of your life. It’s the Things That We Drink To.”

The album opens with “American,” an anthemic up-tempo about an American girl who enchanted Evans from the get-go. It’s immediately evident that the track is about Ballerini, without ever veering into cheesy. He credits feeling at home whenever he’s with his American girl.  “She’s American, making my world better than it’s ever been,” He sings. “One part Norma Jean, and one part Marilyn. She’s making me fall in love with everything…American.”

The album continues up-tempo with the aforementioned “Kiss Somebody” and “I Do,” both which provided Evans’ with his initial introduction to the U.S. country scene. There’s “Day Drunk,” which like the former two tracks appeared on his EP, and is easily one of the ear-wormiest tracks on the album. The song celebrates living in the moment and getting day drunk, enjoying happy hour on the hour. It’s sure to be a staple of Evans’ live shows and merchandise for years to come, and we fully expect this to be the song that the crowd sings back at the top of their lungs, drinks buoyantly raised in the air.

 

While other songs simply allude to Evans’ relationship with Ballerini, the golden-voiced blonde lends her vocals to the album’s first ballad, “Dance with Me.” Written by Evans and DeStefano, the romantic track is easily a future first-dance classic. Using Ballerini on background vocals here makes it all the most personal, but also adds a haunting hint to an already sweet track.

Other highlights of the album include the title track, “Things That We Drink To,” a sparse piano ballad made uber-powerful by an anthem of voices in its chorus. “We Dream” creates another compelling moment, using a choir of children’s voices to emphasize the song’s wishful meaning. They remind us, “When we look at the world and don’t like what we see, we close our eyes and we dream.”

The album concludes with “Young Again,” which has been a favorite of ours since we first heard it. Channeling his inner Ed Sheeran, “Young Again” celebrates a perfect night out with friends that just can’t last long enough. “So what the clock says 3am?” Evans asks, “We will never be this young again.”

With Things That We Drink To, Morgan Evans has released a stellar debut album, cementing himself as Australia’s most exciting country music export since Keith Urban.

Things That We Drink To Track List & Songwriters:

  1. “American” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  2. “Kiss Somebody” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  3. “I Do” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley)
  4. “Song for the Summer” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, David Hodges)
  5. “Day Drunk” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Lindy Robbins)
  6. “Dance with Me” feat. Kelsea Ballerini – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano)
  7. “Me on You” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  8. “Things That We Drink To” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
  9. “We Dream” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Jaren Johnston, Jon Nite)
  10. “Everything Changes” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Blair Daly)
  11. “Young Again” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Kear)

Things That We Drink To 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.

Evans hits the New York area in December for Chris Young‘s “Losing Sleep Tour” along with Dan + Shay. Tickets and more information here. For upcoming news and announcements from Morgan Evans, visit morganevansmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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NYCS First Impression: Will Hoge Releases ‘My American Dream”

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Will Hoge

 

In his latest album release, My American Dream Will Hoge has plenty to tell us as he takes us through eight tracks of powerful storytelling where his songs stand as a true testament to what is going on in the world we live in today. Hoge’s songwriting has earned him multiple country music nominations, and it is no surprise My American Dream is an album that must be played all the way through. His thought-provoking and daring lyrics continue to impress after his last album Anchors debuted in 207.

He holds nothing back as his lyrics depict political views right from the beginning with opening track “Gilded Walls.” In one particular verse, Hoge says “And I work two jobs and raise a family, while you’re living on everything your daddy left behind, and it’s clear you don’t care about the folks down here, inside your gilded walls that shine.” With specific references to school shootings and air pollution, Hoge leaves no stone unturned when it comes to controversial topics.

Referencing our future, in the second track titled “Stupid Kids,” Hoge sings “You’re the only ones that are ever gonna make things change” and encourages youth to have a voice, to not quit and to keep marching on because the current generation has not figured it out yet. One song that stands out on My American Dream is “Thoughts and Prayers” where Hoge continues his lyrical protest; a somber acoustic ballad about people dying by gun violence and politicians not doing anything about it. He makes us all question how many times we can give our condolences after a loved one is lost and in the end, nothing changes.

Other highlights of the album and expressive lyrics are songs such as the title track, “My American Dream” and “The Illegal Line,” which brings light to small businesses shutting down due to production overseas and border patrol regulation. Hoge’s album has a country/rock bluesy vibe that will reel you into exactly what he is feeling and all of his gutsy emotions are heard through each verse. It is definitely a highly engaging album worth listening all the way through.  The album is available everywhere music can be found and he is on tour through December. Listen to the full album below and for tour dates and more information head to willhoge.com

 

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NYCS First Impression: Heather Morgan Releases Debut Album “Borrowed Heart”

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Heather Morgan, "Borrowed Heart"

Heather Morgan, “Borrowed Heart”

Singer-songwriter Heather Morgan has released her highly anticipated debut album, Borrowed Heart.

The Texas native has had major success as a songwriter, penning numerous hits for artists like Brett Eldredge, Maren Morris, Kenny Chesney, Danielle Bradbery, and many more. Now, it’s time for Morgan to let her voice shine and create a name for herself as a performing artist.

While searching for her own sound, Morgan spent many long days and late nights in the writing room, but it wasn’t until a spontaneous soul-searching trip to Joshua Tree, that Morgan found her unique voice.

From a small AirBNB tucked away in the Joshua Tree area, Morgan created the beautifully composed song “Your Hurricane”, which stands out clearly through the album, feeling the helplessness of love and how it overcomes us. Followed by her edgy, almost heavy metal track “Morning Light” which captures her feisty side.

Morgan’s personality beams through with every track on the album. It’s soulful, truthful, and without a doubt, relatable in every single lyric she’s singing. From beginning to end, the entire record is a masterpiece of storytelling. It’s clear and strong writing that doesn’t miss any important details.

In a recent press release, Morgan explains the idea behind the title track “Borrowed Heart”, which she co-wrote with Lori McKenna, “There is so much meaning to the words ‘Borrowed Heart’, together for me that goes beyond the song.” she says. “I have been writing with other artists for a while and it’s such a gift to create with them. You literally pass on parts of your story and your soul in the writer room to other people and they do the same. This title just seemed to fit the moment and summarize everything I put into it.”

Most of the songs on the album are composed by Morgan, along with some help from fellow Nashville songwriters and friends including Ross Copperman, Paul Moak, and Lori McKenna.

It’s clear that Morgan’s unique sound and previous experience in the songwriting scene was just the right step for her in creating this project.

Borrowed Heart 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.

For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements, visit heathermorganmusic.com, and follow the rising star on her journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Eric Church Releases ‘Desperate Man’

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Eric Church Desperate Man

Eric Church, Desperate Man

The term outlaw generally defines one who has broken the law.  Eric Church who released his sixth studio album, Desperate Man, available everywhere today, breaks the laws of the current country music trends by following his gut and releasing music that his fans will love, paying no mind to radio programmers or Billboard charts.

The character that Church plays in his latest video for the title track and debut single from the album showcases a fugitive on the run,  mainly from his record label and industry bigwigs alike as he tries to simply get his music to his fans.  The members of the Church Choir are rewarded each time he releases an album, the vinyl record shows up on their doorstep, sometimes before it is available anywhere else, a precedent he started with his 2015 album Mr. Misunderstood and will continue with this album.

Church doesn’t shy away from his political views on Desperate Man, rather chooses to confront what middle-class Americans are facing in the opening track “The Snake” as well as the album closer, “Drowning Man”.  The former grittily accentuates the greed our government is so often capable of while the latter focuses on the underdog, the struggles blue-collar workers are facing.

“Monsters” highlights several downfalls that the human race encounters including, pride, sickness, and darkness, which all take their lessons from the devil.  Church combats these monsters by facing them head-on with his faith.  (“I keep my faith intact/ make sure my prayers are said / cause I’ve learned that the monsters ain’t the ones beneath the bed”)

Interestingly enough, Desperate Man is released exactly one year after the mass shooting at Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas, where Church was a performer the night before the tragedy.  Although each member of our country community was hit hard by this senseless act of violence, he publicly showed his emotion during a performance at The Grand Ole Opry the following week and discussed the event during his in-depth interview with Rolling Stone earlier this year, telling them it was the last time he cried.

Desperate Man has it’s heavy, poignant songs but two of our favorites are “Hippie Radio”, a nostalgic look back at a life filled with music from the past and “Heart Like A Wheel” a sensual, sultry track which seems like the perfect sequel to “Like A Wrecking Ball” from his 2014 album The Outsiders. Sonically as a whole, the project explores new dimensions vocally all the while reinventing Church’s signature sound.

Announced last month, Church will begin his Double Down Tour in 2019 bringing his new music on the road. The tour stops in 18 cities, each city he will play two completely different shows, plus one show in Nashville. For the full list of tour dates, head to www.ericchurch.com.  Click here to take a look back at our all-time favorite Eric Church songs so far and take a listen to Desperate Man below.

 

Follow Church on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with new music, upcoming announcements and more. Plus follow our new country music playlist for your weekly updates on the hottest new country music.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Maggie Rose ‘Change The Whole Thing’

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Maggie Rose "Change The Whole Thing"

Maggie Rose “Change The Whole Thing”

Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose released her highly anticipated album, Change The Whole Thing today (Sept. 21).

Standing proud in her edgy album artwork, she strays away from the average country music front image. Her black and silver sparkle top infused with matching eyeshadow and backdrop set the mood for the entire album. Stamped with her affinity for finely crafted melodies, a blend of sounds, and complex storytelling, the project includes a variety of all types of music including American music melding Rock, Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Country and Gospel. While the album encompasses a plethora of sounds, they all come together very cohesively for an unforgettable group of songs.

Having being told there is something about her voice live, Rose set out to find out what exactly that was. The powerhouse vocalist nailed it down and recorded the songs for her newest project live in one take with her 13-piece “family band” at Starstruck Studios in Nashville, TN. “No one puts albums out like this” Rose said in her video for the album. To have a full live set of songs is something unique nowadays. The full-length LP features 12 songs, 12 live music videos, a 60-minute documentary.

The title track of the album “Change The Whole Thing” is about watching someone put their heart through hell although the song’s lyrics have a meaning as well. Listeners can embrace the chorus in the context of changing the world around them a little at a time.

The world wasn’t broken in a day/ It ain’t gotta stay this way forever/
But you ain’t got to change the whole damn thing/ You just have to leave it a little better /

Between her song “Do Right By My Love”, the first track off the album that has a bluesy feel, and “Hey Blondie”, with a Footloose vibe, the album gives fans a variety of beats to jam along to. The most diverse song on the album, “Smooth”, offers fans a rhythm and blues theme that transports you back to old New Orleans.

Maggie Rose just embarked on her “Change the Whole Thing” tour and will play shows through December. New Yorkers can see her on tour November 19th at Rockwood Music Hall. For additional tour dates and more information, visit maggierosemusic.com

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NYCS First Impression: Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

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Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

Tyler Rich Releases Self-Titled Debut EP

The Valory Music Co. recording artist Tyler Rich has released his highly anticipated self-titled debut EP, available everywhere today. The project features four tracks including his breakout single “The Difference” and advance single “11:11”.

“I’m beyond ecstatic to finally get my debut EP out to the world after all of the time we spent writing and creating!” shared Rich in a recent press release. “I believe these first few songs really show who I am as an artist and what fans can expect out on the road.”

The rising star took to Instagram Live just after midnight on Thursday evening, to chat about the new music. To celebrate, Rich said he was drinking pumpkin beer and gearing up to watch American Horror Story with a few buddies nearby and a man’s best friend by his side, his dog Abby. Rich answered questions from fans on Instagram before grabbing his guitar and singing a few clips of each song.

The leading single from the EP and SiriusXM The Highway No.1 hit “The Difference”, was released earlier this year and is currently sitting at #35 on Billboard Country Airplay. The catchy song marks Rich’s introduction to country music fans and country radio. While Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson and Jacob Durrett penned the track, Rich was immediately connected to it’s lyrics and beach-like, California vibe. After learning that fellow Cali-native, Devin Dawson was a co-writer on the track, Rich knew that the song was meant to be for him.

“Despite what some may say, people are always looking for that one person who is going to change their life. They are looking for a person that’s going to be the difference and I felt like it was a song people needed to hear,” Rich explains in an exclusive live interview with NYCountry Swag seen in the video above.

As “The Difference” continued to climb the charts, Rich released the second single from the EP, “11:11” back in June, giving fans another taste of what’s to come. “11:11” marks one of the last songs that the famed songwriter Andrew Dorff co-wrote [along with Jon Nite and Lindsay Rimes] before he passed away suddenly in 2016.

“11:11” puts a twist on the common idea that people make a wish when the clock hits those mirrored double digits. For someone going through a break-up, that time could be a painful reminder of the person they wished they still had. The lyrics are honest and vulnerable, making it a relatable post-breakup song.

It’s 11:11 and I can’t help make a wish / I wish you wouldn’t have left, no, not the way that you did / 
Why the hell did I say things that I didn’t mean / Why didn’t I say you were everything, everything

With the release of the EP, comes two brand new songs, “Adrenaline” and “Take It Or Leave It”. Both of which, Rich co-wrote. “Take It Or Leave It” tells the story of giving the other person the reigns in deciding whether to pursue the next steps towards a relationship.

Girl, there’s no pressure, it’s just whatever you want / I’ll be right here waitin’ / 
With my mind racin’ / Either way, babe, it’s your call

“Adrenaline” is about finally getting over a lost love, when the right person comes along. The lyrics flow into each other navigating the feelings of a new love interest giving you that extra rush adrenaline-like feeling.

Your kiss is makin’ me feel again / Those lips are stronger than medicine
I’m fallin’, I’m all in / You brought me back to life / More alive than I’ve ever been

Overall, the EP is one that country fans can easily keep on repeat. Rich’s charismatic personality in his live shows and distinctive vocals make him a promising act to follow. No official announcement has been made regarding a full-length album, but Rich has teased at the idea that fans might see something in early Spring 2019.

Rich makes his Opry debut next week before joining fellow Californian, Brett Young on the road for his headlining “CMT On Tour: Here Tonight” Tour. The show stops in NYC this December making it one of the hottest tickets for New York country music fans this winter. For more dates and ticket information, visit tylerrich.com.

TYLER RICH EP TRACK LIST:
1. “The Difference” | Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Burgess, Devin Dawson, Jacob Durrett
2. “Adrenaline” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jordan Baum, Johan Lindbrandt, Michael McNamara
3. “11:11” | Written by Andrew Dorff, Jon Nite, Lindsay Rimes
4.“Take It Or Leave It” | Written by Tyler Rich, Jaron Boyer, Ben Stennis

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Carrie Underwood ‘Cry Pretty’

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Carrie Underwood Cry Pretty

There’s no denying the power of Carrie Underwood within the country music community. The golden-voiced superstar has been a fixture in the genre since her American Idol win back in 2005. Today, Underwood releases her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, which only further serves to cement her role as the reigning queen of country. However, unlike previous efforts, Cry Pretty shows Underwood stretching her sonic wings, veering in different directions musically, topically, and emotionally.

Sonically, Cry Pretty shows Underwood exploring different sides of her voice, hints of a more R&B/ soulful tone lacing many of the album’s tracks. The LP contains thirteen songs (including a bonus track “The Champion”), with each showing a different side of Underwood. For the first time in her storied career, many of these lyrics sound like they’re coming directly from the singer’s heart, rather than presenting her in character. The album also allows her to wear both her producer hat, co-producing with David Garcia and her writer hat, having written on nine of the album’s tracks.

While Underwood has always excelled in the art of the story song, as evidenced by the likes of “Last Name” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” she truly shines when she lets down her guard and sings from the heart. Nowhere on the album is this more evident than on track 12, entitled “Kingdom.” The song, co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Dave Barnes, plays as a love song to Underwood’s own husband and children, remarking that their perfectly imperfect life is their kingdom.

Cry Pretty also shows Underwood tackling some difficult subjects, touching on the long-term and long-reaching effects of a single bullet in “The Bullet.” She also hits on the topics of school shootings and politics in “Love Wins.” While she doesn’t overtly advertise an opinion within these songs, she uses her platform to draw attention to some tough topics, and “The Bullet,” co-written by Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, and Allen Shamblin, provides one of the album’s most poignant moments.

On the album, Underwood also shows off a more lighthearted side, releasing what could be described as her first party song. It would be safest to liken “Southbound,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Josh Miller, to a Little Big Town song in the vein of “Pontoon” or “Day Drinking.” While the song is certainly a departure for Underwood, it does work here, and we expect to hear it blasting at tailgates for the next fifty years. “The Song That We Used to Make Love To” also veers into a more poppy sound for Underwood than listeners may be used to hearing, but with a voice like hers, it works.

“Low” and “Backsliding” show off the groovy side of Underwood, revealing a more R&B side to her voice. “Backsliding,” written by Underwood, Garcia and Hillary Lindsay, is an ode to going back to an ex that you most definitely shouldn’t, and interestingly, wouldn’t sound out of place on a Thomas Rhett album. Alternatively, “Low,” written by the same writing team as “Backsliding” really allows Underwood to show off a different and underused side of her voice. Rather than focusing on belts and glory notes, she explores different tones, riffing and running the notes from high to low.

Other highlights of the album are “Ghosts on the Stereo,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and the late Andrew Dorff, and “Drinking Alone,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Brett James. On the latter, Underwood laments the old adage that misery loves company, while the former tells of her “having a ball with Hank, Haggard, and Jones.”

For Underwood fans, Cry Pretty is a unique but engaging offering, stretching the singer outside of her normal realm, yet still keeping her planted in her musical roots. For country music purists, the overall body of work might veer too much away from the Underwood of “I Told You So” and “Jesus Take the Wheel,” but for fans of music as a whole, Cry Pretty offers something for everyone.

The album is available to buy or stream everywhere today.

Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Track List:

  1. Cry Pretty (Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
  2. Ghosts On The Stereo (Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, Andrew Dorff)
  3. Low (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  4. Backsliding (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Southbound (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  6. That Song That We Used To Make Love To (Hillary Lindsey, Jason Evigan)
  7. Drinking Alone (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  8. The Bullet (Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, Allen Shamblin)
  9. Spinning Bottles (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  10. Love Wins (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
  11. End Up With You (Hillary Lindsey, Brett McLaughlin, Will Weatherly)
  12. Kingdom (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Dave Barnes)
  13. *Bonus Track* The Champion (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris)

 

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NYCS First Impression: Jillian Jacqueline Releases ‘Side B’

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Jillian Jacqueline Side B

Jillian Jacqueline just released her new and anticipated EP, Side B, as a sequel to her first critically acclaimed EP, Side A. that was released in 2017. Signed with Big Loud Records, Jacqueline is taking over country music with her new school vibes and raw vocals.

Most fans did not hear of Jacqueline until her first release but in actuality, she has been performing since she was a young girl. At nine years old she auditioned for a part in Kenny Rogers’ Broadway Christmas show. She not only received the part but she won the attention of none other than Kenny Rogers himself. She spent several years touring with Rogers in his holiday show.  Read more about her backstory in our Swag Spotlight with the singer-songwriter.

Jacqueline’s beautiful and unique vocals are not her only strong point as she co-wrote all of the songs on her EP. The tracks were composed alongside some of Nashville’s greatest songwriters, Natalie Hemby, Bob DiPiero, Lori McKenna and more.

The EP consists of six songs, “Priorities”, “Tragic”, “If I Were You”, “Friends”, “Sad Girls”, and “Somebody”. She dropped the track “If I Were You” first collaborating with the vocal powerhouse himself, Keith Urban, which is already gathering millions of streams. Jacqueline also came out with her beautiful song “Sad Girls” last week, which is Jacqueline’s representation of heartbreak Rolling Stone explains “not as a grand crescendo, but as quietly devastating attrition that eventually reduces us to dust.”

The EP itself was a total surprise for the rest of us. Jacqueline’s bounce back from the heartbreak in Side A has made Side B the comeback of how everything comes full circle. She shares in a recent press release “These songs are the culmination of years of deeply personal experiences, hard lessons learned and finding the joy in the small moments. Also, they make me dance.”

In celebration of Jacqueline’s EP, she’s hitting the road with Kip Moore on the AFTER THE SUNBURN TOUR beginning September 28. You can look for future tour dates here and you can listen to Side B below.

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First Impression: Abby Anderson Releases Debut EP

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Abby Anderson

We first introduced you to heartfelt singer-songwriter and Dallas native, Abby Anderson and her new single, “Make Him Wait,” back in May when we posted our Swag Session interview with the rising star. Today, September 8th, Anderson released her debut five-song EP entitled I’m Good, and it’s more than good! The sultry, honest, and fun, EP, I’m Good can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available.

The EP begins with the title track, “I’m Good”  which embodies female empowerment, as the lyrics discuss a woman no longer wanting to be in a relationship with a man that does not treat her like a priority. Anderson sings “If you’re thinking I’m on the fence / thinking I want you back, nah / Baby I’m good.”

Another notable song is the powerful ballad, “Make Him Wait.” The single is a plea to girls to take their time in relationships and to not feel the pressure to become intimate or marry until they are ready. The song naturally flows like a story, and the message is clear to the listener.

For fans that prefer a more upbeat track, Anderson has that too! “Dance Away My Broken Heart,” written by country music elites, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and Rhett Atkins, as well as, Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, is a feel-good song that would make a perfect next single.

The collection of songs really showcase Anderson as a rising talent in a country music, an artist to look out for and gives you a taste of what’s to come in a full-length album. Catch the singer, as she joins Brett Eldredge on his The Long Way Tour kicking off on September 13th in Denver, Colorado. The tour stops at The Theater At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 12th. Anderson will also be making her Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow night.

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Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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