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John Morgan: ‘Carolina Blue’ – Debut Album Review

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John Morgan shares his brand new debut album, Carolina Blue, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

Singer-songwriter John Morgan is ready to step into the forefront as an artist with the release of his debut album, Carolina Blue, out now. For the rising star, who has amassed a multitude of top ten hits as a writer, his debut full-length project shows him on the verge of stardom.

Signed to Jason Aldean’s Night Train Records imprint through BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Morgan’s debut features twelve new songs. He co-wrote the dozen tracks alongside Nashville hitmakers like Will Bundy, Tyler Hubbard, Tully Kennedy, Ben Hayslip and more. The Carolina native also played guitar on every song on the LP, which was produced by John and Brent Anderson.

Born and raised in the small town of Sylva, NC, Morgan grew up playing guitar and travelling with his family playing bluegrass music. He eventually transferred those skills to songwriting, making his way to Nashville in 2019 and immediately emerging as a powerful force in the community. “One of the blessings of being a songwriter first is that you write so many different things that your catalog becomes very broad. I’ve explored all kinds of sounds and in doing that it helped me eliminate what I’m not,” Morgan revealed in a statement.

Throughout the LP, Morgan stays true to his country roots, sliding effortlessly from rousing uptempo tunes to impassioned ballads, all with a unique lyrical style. “I try to hold a standard of making sure every line counts lyrically and then once you’ve got that you can be super creative on the sound part of it,” He says. “Hopefully that comes through in this album.”

The album roars in immediately with its opening track, “Way Out Would,” a muddy and twangy celebration of country living that pairs roaring electric guitars with twang before building to an energetic climax. Likewise, Morgan’s recent number one hit is the rousing “Friends Like That,” which pairs him with Aldean. On the bromance anthem, the pair trade verses about relying on good friends in tough times.

“I’m doing alright for the shape // I’m in Sitting by the fire with some damn good friends // Willie on my left, Jack on my right // Blowin’ that smoke on a Friday night //  Waylon turned up on the JBL // Girl, you probably think I’m going through hell // But I don’t care if you never come back  // ‘Cause who needs you when I got friends like that?”

“Crickets” provides a moment of levity, a bouncing summer anthem that’s perfect for barbecues and bonfires. “It’s a very catchy song,” he says of the playful track. “You’ve got to have some meatier songs with some strong messages, but you’ve also got to have something that’s fun, something that has a really solid lyric and storyline and that feels good.”

While Morgan can roar through an uptempo or a summer romp with the best of them, he truly shines on anthemic, building ballads. This includes the gorgeous “One More Sunset,” which finds him promising his last moments to someone special. Alternatively, “Kid Myself” finds him dealing with the fallout of a relationship that was never meant to last, while “She’ll Always Be” is a gorgeous sun-soaked heartbreak ballad about the one who got away.

Morgan is increasingly romantic on songs like the swoonworthy  “A Lot To Say About You,” and the midtempo new perspective of “I Know Better.”

“Cause I know better days // Better nights A better way of living lost in your eyes // Up on cloud nine feeling things I thought I’d never // There ain’t no better smile // Ain’t no better kiss // Ain’t a memory I’ve made that compares to this // I thought the best part of my life was in the past forever But now that I know you I know better // Ooh baby, I know better”

Much of the Carolina native’s album finds him longing for home, evidenced on songs like the title track (“I’m doin’ fine, but tonight I’m kinda Carolina blue”), the soulful “Long Ride Home,” and “Without ‘Em,” a poignant celebration of the working class.  “You won’t ever see their names in lights, Most people just pass’ em on by,” He sings of the people who make the world what it is. “Might not think too much about ‘em, but this world wouldn’t turn without ‘em.”

Carolina Blue ends with “How to Get Her,” a catchy uptempo that finds him musing about knowing how to get a girl, but not knowing how to get her back after a breakup. It’s clever turns of lyrics like that that elevate John Morgan’s music above the pack, while the song builds to a great instrumental section that’s perfect for a live show.

“I hope there’s relatability in how I write,” Morgan says of the album. “I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve never been good at that, and I think people can snuff that out pretty quick. I hope these songs give people a message that there’s value in whatever they are doing. Hopefully, people will just feel their worth.”

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Long Ride Home
  2. Friends Like That
  3. I Know Better
  4. How to Get Her
  5. Crickets

Carolina Blue Tracklist:

  1. Way Out Would (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Randy Montana)
  2. Long Ride Home (John Morgan, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, Lydia Vaughan)
  3. Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean) (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)*                                                                       
  4. One More Sunset (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Michael Dulaney)
  5.  Know Better (John Morgan, Rocky Block, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
  6. She’ll Always Be (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lydia Vaughan)
  7. Carolina Blue (John Morgan, Smith Ahnquist, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
  8. Kid Myself (John Morgan, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt)
  9. Crickets (John Morgan, Zach Abend, Lydia Vaughan)
  10. A Lot To Say About You (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards)
  11. Without ‘Em (John Morgan, Austin Goodloe, Ben Hayslip)
  12. How To Get Her (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Hunter Phelps)
john-morgan-carolina-blue

John Morgan shares his debut album, ‘Carolina Blue,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with John Morgan, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Carolina Blue is 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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Tucker Wetmore: ‘What Not To’ – Debut Album Review

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Tucker Wetmore shares his brand new debut album, What Not To, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

For Tucker Wetmore, his debut album, What Not To, reflects on the pivotal moments in life that have crafted him into the person he’s still becoming. “What Not To is an album that talks about living. It’s a diary of life and what you can take away from it, if you allow yourself to learn,” he shares. “There’s no such thing as a bad experience or a bad time. It’s all just an opportunity to grow.”

For the Washington native, those experiences are on full display throughout the LP’s 19 tracks, laden with heartbreak, heartache, new love, joy, and everything in between. Wetmore co-wrote on 11 of the album’s tracks, enlisting additional contributions from Nashville writers including Tucker Beathard, Chase McGil, Jameson Rodgers, Jordan Reynolds, and more. Produced by Chris LaCorte, the album weaves through various stories that Wetmore describes “like red yarn connecting a bunch of pins on a wall.”

The album kicks off its story with “Whatcha Think Is Gonna Happen,” a moody midtempo that finds Wetmore battling with his own vices and temptations. Over a catchy beat, he admits, “It ain’t all that complicated, I just can’t turn down temptation.” Battling those external and internal demons becomes a prevalent theme in Wetmore’s story, as he deals with the bottle and his own generational traumas throughout his relationships.

 

On songs like the summer-ready “Bad Luck Looks Good On Me” and the catchy “Casino,” the 25-year-old warns a woman not to gamble on him admitting that love is a lot like a game of chance. “Casino” is a clear standout on the record, pairing a catchy hook with even catchier lyrics. 

“​​She’s a casino I’m a stone-cold joker that keeps on throwing dice //  Spinning a wheel putting it all on red but the house wins every time //  Queen of breaking my heart been counting my cards   // I should get up and leave but I won’t //  I’m a sucker for another hand // And one more dance with this damn casino”

“Brunette” is a gallop of a song, taking listeners on a journey through Wetmore’s psyche with its clever metaphor to his own battle with anxiety in relationships. In fact, the music’s near franticity crafts an incredible scene that could easily be used in a movie or TV soundtrack.

The album’s title track may be the most personal on the album, a sparse reflection of a broken family and an absentee father, as Wetmore longs to break the cycle and be a better man. “I gotta admit I don’t know what to do,” He muses, voice laced with emotion. “But thanks to you I know what not to.”

“That was one of the toughest songs I’ve ever written, but also one of the easiest too, because it just kind of fell out onto the paper,” Wetmore says of the title track. “I write from experiences, feeling, and emotion, and it often comes from a higher power that I really don’t understand. That’s how writing that song felt.”

While Wetmore shines on heartache, he can also craft a radio-ready earworm. This is evidenced on songs like “3,2,1,” “Break First,” and the sun-drenched “Silverado Blue.” While “Break First” is a super catchy ode to an opposites attract relationship, “Takes One to Break One” finds him looking for a new habit to help him break an old one.

“When I Ain’t Looking” is a gorgeous ballad about finding love when you’re least expecting it, while “Give Her The World” is an ode to a girl who’s on the receiving end of his love, and can’t quite accept it. Likewise, the mega-hit “Wind Up Missin’ You” is a breezy and thrumming ballad about an instantaneous connection that may lead to heartbreak if it doesn’t work out.

“You look like waves on a sunset //  And you can crash on me all night // You look like wine in a truck bed // A little what I’m doing for the rest of my life cause // You look like I’m done looking  But girl the hard truth is // If this night don’t turn into two //  You look like I’m gonna wind up missin’ you”

Much of the album is soaked in whiskey, with Wetmore wondering if it’s the cause of his relationship problems. Things are on and off on songs like “Whiskey Again” and “Goodbye Whiskey,” which features a musical interlude that sounds straight out of a Coldplay anthem. Likewise, “Drinking Boots” finds him one shot away from calling an ex, while “Drunk on Her” finds him nearly addicted to a woman he can’t quite quit.

The album ends on a slower and introspective note with “Wine Into Whiskey” followed by “Whiskey Again.” While the former is a heartbreak ballad, it finds Wetmore accepting blame for being the heartbreaker in a relationship. “If I was her I’d damn sure hate me,” He sings, voice full of regret. “I turned her love into pain and her wine into whiskey.”

The album ends with “Whiskey Again,” a mournfully sparse ballad that finds him battling heartache at the bottom of a whiskey glass.  “Whiskey again // I swore that I was done with you // But here we are old friend,” he laments. “Misery misery // Misery’s what I’m in.”   

“I didn’t want this album to be just songs — I wanted them to be songs with purpose…” Wetmore says of the LP. “Music makes you feel something. When I was going through things as a kid, I turned to music and it didn’t let me down. I hope What Not To does the same for everyone who listens.” 

We’re pretty sure it will do just that.

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Casino
  2. 3,2,1
  3. Break First
  4. When I Ain’t Lookin’
  5. Brunette

What Not To Tracklist:

  1. Whatcha Think Is Gonna Happen? (Matt Jenkins, Ben Stennis, Michael Tyler)
  2. 3,2,1 (Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet, Jordan Reynolds)
  3. Bad Luck Looks Good On Me (Tucker Wetmore, Julian Bunetta, Jackson Foote, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones)
  4. Casino (Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce and Michael Tyler)
  5. Takes One To Break One (Matt Jenkins, Josh Miller, Ben Stennis)
  6. Brunette (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass)
  7. Wind Up Missin’ You (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
  8. Give Her The World (Tucker Wetmore, Madison Kozak, Chase McDaniel)
  9. Goodbye Whiskey (Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Ross Copperman, Jacob Hackworth)
  10. When I Ain’t Lookin’ (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
  11. Drink Alone (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)
  12. Bad Habit (Tucker Wetmore, Corey Crowder, Chris LaCorte, Jameson Rodgers)
  13. What Not To (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)
  14. Break First (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
  15. Drinkin’ Boots (Demo) (Tucker Wetmore, Jared Keim, Michael Lotten)
  16. Drunk On Her (Jaxson Free, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Chris Tompkins)
  17. Silverado Blue (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
  18. Wine Into Whiskey (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
  19. Whiskey Again (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Jameson Rodgers)
tucker-wetmore-casino

Tucker Wetmore releases debut album, “What Not To,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Tucker Wetmore, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

What Not To is 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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Warren Zeiders: ‘Relapse, Lies & Betrayal’ – Album Review

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Warren Zeiders’ new project, Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal is out now, March 14th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Known for his emotive rasp and sturdy growl, rising country star Warren Zeiders is back with his most powerful and impactful project to date, Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal. Over the course of the LP’s 21 tracks, Zeiders deals with heartbreak, introspection, healing, and growth, as both a person and an artist.

For the ambitious project, the “Pretty Little Poison” singer enlisted hitmakers Ross Copperman and Mike Elizondo to help him produce the album. The Warner Records star also co-wrote 17 of the album’s songs, alongside the likes of Chris Stapleton, Erik Dylan, Eric Paslay, Ali Tamposi, Ryan Beaver, and more.

Throughout the album’s winding tracks, Zeiders mixes pure country with hints of blues, alternative, and rock, his emotive voice truly making each track unique. The project opens with “Relapse,” a driving and uptempo ode to falling back into an unhealthy relationship with an ex. While they both know it’s bad, they do it anyway, relapsing into each other. It’s a theme that traverses many of the album’s songs, reminding listeners that love is sometimes messy and intoxicating.

“Crying Whiskey” finds Zeiders on the receiving end of a relentless drunk dialer, while “Withdrawal” is a whiskey-drenched breakup song, the singer-songwriter grappling with the physical pain of breaking up. Likewise, “Intoxicated” and “Addictions” both find Zeiders likening love to an illicit substance as he deals with the ache of longing.

“Lies” is a raspy, rhythmic, and drum-heavy confrontation that finds him dealing with deception, while “Bad” is an almost frenetic look at a woman who’s just all kinds of wrong. On the latter, the almost ska-tinted chorus provides a clever juxtaposition of music and lyrics, pairing sing-songy melodies with downtrodden lyrics in the best way.

“Take It to the Grave” is a truly electric moment with roaring guitars tearing through the dark and rock-tinted track as he examines the destruction left in his own wake. “All the hell I’ve raised,” He growls forcefully, “I’ma take it to the grave.”

“Betrayal” draws listeners in immediately and pulls them straight to the Pennsylvania native’s side, as he muses, “This is a story about betrayal…Shame on me if ya fool me twice.” Likewise, “You For a Reason” and “Can a Heart Take” are both stunningly powerful heartbreak ballads that allow him to flex his incredible vocal prowess.

“Love in Letting Go” is a clear standout, pairing Zeiders with the angelic voice of Lanie Gardner. The ballad allows Zeiders to show his softer side, perfectly complimenting the lush tone of Gardner’s voice, creating an especially poignant and beautiful harmonic moment. While many duets deal with love found, this one struggles with the confusing feelings that come from love lost.

“There’s love in letting go // Ain’t no shame in coming close // You know it wasn’t all worth nothing // If we didn’t end up being something // You’ll never be someone I wish I didn’t know // There’s love in letting go”

Songs like “Fight Like Hell,” “Death of a Cowboy,” “Without You,” and “Everything Comes to Go Away” continue to find him failing to surrender in the battle for love. On the uber-catchy”Without You,” he promises unending love, even in the face of a breakup.

“I’ll love you today, I’ll love you tomorrow, wherever you go // My love’s gonna follow, never held a ghost // But I’ll figure out how to, if you left me a world, without you, without you // I’ll never love again, I’ll never love again”

“Every Single Version of You” is a welcome change of pace, a stunning and sparse ballad that’s perfect for a wedding. It’s a story of an enduring love that will grow and change as the lovers do, Zeiders proclaiming, “I can’t wait to keep loving every single version of you.”

The album ends with the one two punch of the dark and moody “Devil I Know,” followed by the Stapleton-penned “Love on the Line.” While the former finds him musing that “The devil I know Is a hell of a lot better than the devil I don’t,” “Love on the Line” is an acoustic guitar-driven power ballad that builds to an epic climax.

The album’s final two tracks are perfectly representative of the collection as a whole, dealing with a broken heart and what’s yet to come. For Warren Zeiders, Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal is truly an emotional journey for both performer and listener alike.

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Without You
  2. Take it to the Grave
  3. Can a Heart Take
  4. Intoxicated
  5. Love in Letting Go with Lanie Gardner
  6. Bad

Relapse, Lies & Betrayal Track List:

Part 1:

  1. Can A Heart Take (Randy Montana, Ross Copperman, Ryan Beaver, WarrenZeiders)
  2. You For A Reason (Alex Maxwell, Rivers Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
  3. Bad (Ali Tamposi, Blake Pendergrass, Griff Clawson, Jacob Kasher, Nick Long, Warren Zeiders)
  4. Crying Whiskey (Tamposi, Pendergrass, Griff Clawson, Jacob Jasher, John Byron, Nick Long, Warren Zeiders)
  5. Lies (Pendergrass, Justin Ebach, Copperman, Warren Zeiders)
  6. Without You (Pendergrass, Ebach, Copperman, Warren Zeiders)
  7. Every Single Version Of You (Connor Mcdonough, Feli Ferraro, Riley Mcdonough)
  8. Everything Comes To Go Away (Ben Goldsmith, Cecilia Castleman)
  9. Withdrawal (Maxwell, Russell Sutton, Warren Zeiders)
  10. Take It To The Grave (Greylan Egan James, Mark Holman, Matt Roy, Warren Zeiders)

Part 2: 

  1. Relapse (Pendergrass, Ebach, Warren Zeiders)
  2. Intoxicated (Bart Butler, Benjy Davis, Mark Holman, Montana, Warren Zeiders)
  3. Betrayal (Tamposi, Pendergrass, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ebach, Warren Zeiders)
  4. Addictions (Maxwell, Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
  5. Stones Throw Away (Erik Dylan, Holman, Montana, Warren Zeiders)
  6. High Desert Road (Eric Paslay, Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
  7. Death Of A Cowboy (Joybeth Taylor, Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
  8. Fight Like Hell (Erik Dylan, Jared Keim, Beaver, Warren Zeiders)
  9. Devil I Know (Joe Clemmons, Mike Walker, Warren Zeiders)
  10. Love On The Line (Al Anderson, Chris Stapleton)

warren-zeiders-relapse-lies-album

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

To keep up with the singer-songwriter, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Visit his official website for tour dates and more.

Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

jordana-bryant-EP

Here Is Jordana Bryant’s EP ‘Right Key Wrong Porch’

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Jordana Bryant releases her new project, Right Key Wrong Porch EP, officially out now, March 14th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new songs below.

Jordana Bryant is a young, talented singer-songwriter in Nashville. She releases music that speaks to her life experiences, while also inspiring girls just like her to follow their dreams, confront their mistakes, and trust themselves. Today, the songstress releases her newest project. Right Key Wrong Porch is officially out now featuring six incredibly curated new songs for fans to enjoy!

When asked about the record, Bryant shared with us at Country Swag, “When you’re releasing a body of work you get to say a lot more about your artistry and really put out a message more so than when you’re realizing one song at a time. To me this project is really special, it’s kind of about the last year or two of my life, and I think that when a door doesn’t open, it just means it’s not the right door for you,” adding, later, “It’s proof that the right opportunity is still out there. You just have to stay true to yourself and keep going. That’s a big message that I’ve learned after the last year or two. […] I’m really excited to share that.”

Right Key Wrong Porch is an awesome project from Bryant. It’s a song that many people can find themselves in. Listen to the new EP ASAP!

Right Key Wrong Porch EP Track List

  1. Turns Out
  2. Miles Don’t Matter
  3. Something Like Us
  4. Remembering It Wrong
  5. Hot Mess
  6. When God Closes Doors
jordana-bryant-ep

Jordana Bryant shares new project, ‘Right Key Wrong Porch,’ EP out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Jordana Bryant, follow her on Instagram, TikTok,  Twitter, and Facebook.

Right Key Wrong Porch EP is 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.

kelsea-ballerini-patterns-deluxe

Here Is Kelsea Ballerini Album ‘Patterns (Deluxe)’

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Kelsea Ballerina releases her deluxe album, Patterns (Deluxe), officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new songs below.

Kelsea Ballerini is at the absolute top of her game! She released arguably the biggest album of her career, PATTERNS, is currently on a sold-out tour, and is even a judge on the hit show The Voice. Somehow, the songstress has also found time to release the deluxe version of her album. Today, Ballerini shares PATTERNS (Deluxe) featuring five brand new songs.

The singer took to Instagram to share the news of the record stating,”it just so happens i wasn’t done unpacking🤍 patterns (deluxe) out march 7th!!! IM SO EXCITED.” The extended project features five new songs, including “Future Tripping” and “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak.”

PATTERNS remains Ballerini’s best record to date, with the deluxe version making an arguably perfect album even more perfect!

Patterns (Deluxe)  Track List:

  1. Patterns (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  2. Sorry Mom (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  3. Baggage (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  4. First Rodeo (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  5. Nothing Really Matters (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
  6. How Much Do You Love Me (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
  7. Two Things (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  8. We Broke Up (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  9. WAIT! (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
  10. Beg for Your Love (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  11. Deep (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
  12. Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan) (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan)
  13. I Would, Would You (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
  14. This Time Last Year (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
  15. Did You Make It Home? (outro) (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
  16. To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
  17. Future Tripping (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
  18. Put It To Bed (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
  19. Cut Me Up (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
  20. Hindsight Is Happiness (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
kelsea-ballerini-patterns-deluxe

Kelsea Ballerini shares the deluxe version of her album, ‘Patterns,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Kelsea Ballerini, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Patterns (Deluxe)  is 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.

tyler-rich-hello-california

Tyler Rich: ‘Hello California’ – Album Review

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Tyler Rich shares his sophomore album, Hello California, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

For Tyler Rich, his new album, Hello California, out now, represents a shift back to his musical and personal roots. Born and raised in the Golden State, Rich lends those influences to the follow up to his 2023 EP, I Know You Do.

Produced by Californians Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman, the independent project features ten new tracks, nine of which Rich co-wrote along with the likes of Eric Paslay, Parker Welling, Steven Lee Olsen, and more.

“This album has been a long time coming, and it’s my first chance to release music straight from the heart, with no limits,” shared Rich in a statement. “After ten years in Nashville, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the success that came from navigating the industry. Now, as an independent artist, I finally get to take the reins and do things my way.”

The album sets the stage with its titular track, a lush and anthemic alt-pop-country love song dedicated to his home state. Here, he shines on his love for both California and a special woman as he flexes his powerful voice. “Hello California, the sunshine on my face,” He sings. “Girl you feel like home when you look at me that way.”

“Whiskey Go Bad” is an immediate standout, crafted perfectly for a memorable moment in a live show. It’s a twangy and fun countrified uptempo and a stomping, shanty-esque celebration of living life in the moment. “Life’s too good to let the whiskey go bad,” He proclaims on the lively and jovial track.

Similarly, “Cigarettes (Lie to Me)” is another driving uptempo with its roaring and funky guitars that pair perfectly with a call and response chorus that is going to set live audiences on fire, chanting “hey, hey, hey!”

Rich perfectly toes the line between lovelorn and heartbreak ballads, shining on the romantic “Right Tonight,” the wedding-ready “Drive Me Home,” the impassioned “Gets Me Every Time,” and the heartbreaking “What Do I Know?” “What Do I Know?” finds him dealing with his heartbreak, while “Gets Me” reminds a woman in his life of all the things he loves about her.

“Gets Me Every Time is about those moments in life that never get old,” Rich explains. “Whether it’s a nostalgic memory or a moment with someone you love, the song reflects those unforgettable experiences. Maybe it’s hearing an old song, visiting your hometown, or spending time with lifelong friends. The lyrics draw a parallel to how a romantic partner’s every action hits you the same way, over and over, just like those cherished memories. It’s about that timeless kind of love that feels new every time.”

Meanwhile, “All the Small Things” is a reminder that life is made great by its little moments, and not money or fame. “You can lose it all in a New York minute// Makin’ that money won’t make you a livin’// Time runs out but you can make it count,” He proclaims. “With the right kind of memories// You can have it all In the pictures up on the wall// And I hope I fill the bigger picture frame// With all the small things.”

Rich continues his introspection on songs like “Give Up To Get It” and “Home We Choose,” both creating special moments on the album. The latter finds him examining the sacrifices made for his success, while longing for more time to enjoy his life and career. Alternatively, “Home We Choose” is a clever way to look at where you settle your roots as an adult. It breathes fresh air into the idea of a hometown song, as he looks at where we choose to place our roots.

“We’re all looking for some somewhere to be found // A steady place where we can plant our roots // We’re all lost until we find some solid ground // Front porch step where we can set our boots // Whether it’s states away or two doors down // A place that’s old or new // We all got a hometown and a home we choose”

On Hello California, Tyler Rich returns to his roots, releasing a polished collection of anthemic country and poignant ballads.

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Hello California
  2. Whiskey Go Bad
  3. What Do I Know?

Hello California Track List:

  1. Hello California (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
  2. Gets Me Every Time (Jason Massey, Travis Wood, Tyler Rich)
  3. Cigarettes (Lie To Me) (Dylan Guthro, Lalo Guzman)
  4. Give Up to Get It (Blake Bollinger, Steven Lee Olsen, Tyler Rich)
  5. All The Small Things (Jason Gantt, Jason Nix, Tyler Rich)
  6. Whiskey Go Bad (Blake Bollinger, Reid Isbell, Tyler Rich)
  7. What Do I Know (Eric Paslay, Jason Massey, Tyler Rich)
  8. Right Tonight (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
  9. Drive Me Home (Josh Mirenda, Michael Tyler, Tyler Rich)
  10. Home We Choose (Emily Falvey, Lalo Guzman, Tyler Rich)
Tyler-rich-hello-california

Tyler Rich shares new album, ‘Hello California,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Tyler Rich, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook. Visit his official website for tour dates and more.

Hello California is 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.

caylee-hammack-bed-of-roses

Here Is Caylee Hammack’s Album ‘Bed of Roses’

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Caylee Hammack releases her sophomore album, Bed of Roses, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Caylee Hammack is gifted at bringing her own flair to country music. Her music is unique blend of 70s soul and red-dirt rock, with the storytelling that the country genre does the best mixed in. Today, the singer-songwriter releases her sophomore album, featuring thirteen new songs. Bed of Roses is officially out now!

“Your bed of roses is the bed you make—you get to decide how you spend your time and how you plant your garden,” shared Hammack in a recent press release. “Good love is flowers that come back every year. Bad love, it’s just the thorn. Sometimes you’ve got to till shit up. You’ve got to work through things, and it’s not going to be fun. And then one day, your friends come over and you sit as a family on the back porch in the garden. And when they compliment the roses near the gate or the cherry tomatoes speckled about in the pasta, you get the pleasure of realizing, ‘I grew that, I put love, time and belief into something, and it paid off.’”

Make sure to listen to Bed of Roses ASAP!

Bed of Roses Track List:

  1. Bed of Roses (Caylee Hammack, Benjy Davis, Jeff Hyde)
  2. Breaking Dishes (Caylee Hammack, Mikey Reaves, Gordie Sampson)
  3. What My Angels Think of Me (Caylee Hammack, Meg McRee, Jake Mitchell)
  4. Back Again (Caylee Hammack, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate)
  5. Mammas (Ed Bruce, Patricia Bruce, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald, Trent Wayne)
  6. No I Ain’t (Caylee Hammack, Mark Trussell, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
  7. The Hill (Caylee Hammack, Tenille Townes, Logan Wall)
  8. The Pot & The Kettle (Caylee Hammack, Connor Thuotte, Stephen Wilson Jr.)
  9. Bread & Butter (Caylee Hammack, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde)
  10. Cleopatra (Caylee Hammack, Meg McRee, Jake Mitchell)
  11. How Long (Caylee Hammack, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas)
  12. Oh, Kara (Caylee Hammack)
  13. Tumbleweed Men (Caylee Hammack, Joe Clemmons, Benjy Davis)
caylee-hammack-bed-of-roses-album

Caylee Hammack shares new album, ‘Bed of Roses,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Caylee Hammack follow her on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Bed of Roses is 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.

kat-luna-that-girl

Here is Kat Luna’s New EP ‘That Girl’

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Kat Luna shares her new EP, That Girl, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new project below.

Breakthrough singer-songwriter and Sony Music Nashville recording artist, Kat Luna is ready to continue taking the country music genre by storm! Luna infuses her heritage into a cool blend of Spanish and English music. Today, the singer-songwriter shares her newest EP called, That Girl featuring eight tracks.

“This EP is the most honest and personal music I have ever written and I am so excited to share it. This project is a time capsule of a particular part of my life and it really embodies my story of finding myself and my true happiness.  I can’t wait for everyone to hear it and I hope it helps others in their journey too,” shared the songstress.

Listen to Luna’s brand new EP That Girl ASAP!

That Girl Track List:

  1. I Don’t (Spanglish Version) (Kat Luna, Emma Kleinberg, Robyn Dell Unto, Erika Ender)
  2. Left Right (Spanglish Version) (Kat Luna, Cole Miracle, Austin Taylor Smith, Erika Ender)
  3. That Girl (Spanglish Version) (Kat Luna, Rhett Akins, KK Johnson, Erika Ender)
  4. Young Again (Kat Luna, Ben Goldsmith, Lauren McLamb)
  5. Happiest I’ve Ever Been (Spanglish Version) (Kat Luna, Josh Kerr, Peytan Porter, Erika Ender)
  6. Tú No (I Don’t Spanish – Version) [Bonus track] (Kat Luna, Emma Kleinberg, Robyn Dell Unto, Erika Ender)
  7. Left Right (Bonus Track) (Kat Luna, Cole Miracle, Austin Taylor Smith)
  8. I Don’t (Bonus Track) (Kat Luna, Emma Kleinberg, Robyn Dell Unto)
kat-luna-that-girl

Kat Luna shares her new EP, ‘That Girl,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Kat Luna, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

That Girl is 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.

mackenzie-carpenter-debut-album

Mackenzie Carpenter: ‘Hey Country Queen’ – Debut Album Review

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Mackenzie Carpenter releases her debut album, Hey Country Queen, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

With the kind of voice that immediately draws you in and the kind of lyrics that immediately grab your attention, Mackenzie Carpenter is ready to make her debut with Hey Country Queen. Already hugely successful as a writer on songs like Lily Rose’s “Villain” and Megan Moroney’s “I’m Not Pretty,” the undeniable Carpenter is ready to take a step forward as an artist.

On her debut album with The Valory Music Co, the Georgia native reveals herself as a true force to be reckoned with. Carpenter co-wrote each of the album’s thirteen tracks, and it’s truly representative of a young woman in her prime. “This album has been a long time coming, and I’m so excited to finally share these songs with you. I’ve lived with them for years, and now it’s time to set them free,” shares Carpenter. “Hey Country Queen captures the essence of girlhood, heartbreak and love, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.”

Carpenter kicks things off with the bluesy and twangy “Dozen Red Flags,” a tongue-in-cheek look at a dude whose good qualities overshadow the fact that he was a walking red flag. “This one’s for the girls who’ve ever fallen for the guy with more red flags than green,” says Carpenter. “‘Dozen Red Flags’ is flirty, fun and all about knowing he’s trouble but diving in anyway—because let’s face it, he’s cute. The song covers a little heartbreak, a lot of lessons and a fun debrief with your girls.”

“But, man, he was cute and, damn, he was funny // My brother thought he was the man // If violets are blue, then I’m such a dummy // To think he’d have roses in hand I would’ve settled for tulips or daisies // I ain’t picking petals ’cause all that he gave me // Was reasons for running And a couple dozen red flags”

“I Wish You Would” is an immediate standout, a perfect dancehall duet that allows Carpenter to riff off of Midland’s Mark Wystrach as they play a pair of fated lovers, unable to resist each other amongst the promises of neon lights and endless drinks. “‘I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)’ is a fun, flirty tune about wanting someone to be more forward, quit guessing and make the first move. It’s about craving a spark with someone and longing for more than a few glances with that person you’ve noticed from across the bar,” shares Carpenter. “Midland has always been a dream collaboration, and they bring a smooth classic vibe to the song.” 

“I loved ‘I Wish You Would’ from the jump when Mackenzie and Jamie Moore sent it our way. When I went to lay my part, I was thrown back in time to the era of Conway and Lorretta Lynn and Kenny and Dolly iconic duets,” adds Wystrach. “The melodies are hypnotic, and the soaring hook is pure Country gold. The structure of the song is non-symmetrical, so it keeps revealing new sonic surprises leaving you wanting to hear it again and again.”

Carpenter also shines on ballads that are full of ache and heartache, evidenced on songs like “Red Wine Blue,” “Jesus, I’m Jealous,” “Guys Like You,” and “The Other Side.” While “Red Wine Blue” was inspired by a message from Dolly Parton that came to her in a dream, “Guys Like You” has her musing about a “guy’s girl” who everyone loves. “The Other Side” is a whimsical wonder that finds her dreaming what a certain love would be like, while “Jesus, I’m Jealous” is a gorgeous ballad that finds her longing for love, watching it all around her.

“But, Jesus, I’m jealous, just had to tell you // Watchin’ the two of ’em head over heels // I guess I was hopin’ I wouldn’t be lonely // And maybe by now I would know how that feels // He’s spinnin’ her ’round like she’s Cinderella // I shouldn’t be starin’, but hell, I can’t help it // Jesus, I’m jealous”

While many of the album’s ballads center around heartache, “Country Queen” and “Only Girl” tell very different stories. “Only Girl” is a sparse and poignant ballad that’s ready for a wedding song or Instagram post, celebrating the love of a man who treats a woman right.

“He looks at me like the only star in his sky // He holds me tight like he’ll never say goodbye // I know there’s millions and billions of people // Living in this world But he loves me like I’m the only girl // l Like I’m the only girl”

While Carpenter shines on ballads, she can also throw down a countrified romp with the best of them. Highlights include “Don’t Mess with Exes,” which finds her channeling her inner Miranda Lambert, while “Sound of a Heartbreak” is a driving and catchy up tempo and “Gowgirl LIke Me” channels a bit of hip-hop-meets-bro-country. “Boots On” is the perfect country pop romp, flirty and seductive as she entices her man to come home, promising that she ain’t got nothin’ but her boots on.

“Gone Fishin’” is a gritty, 80’s country story song of the best type, finding her serving up a bit of vengeance on the lake. “He’s gone fishing out in the dark // Wasn’t hard to fit him in the trunk of my car // Had to scrub down the dock and his tackle box // Used a whole damn gallon of Clorox,” She muses. “He’s gone fishing I’m at the bar // Perfect alibi drinking PBR //  Nobody even knows he’s missing, Bet he’s wishing //  He’d never gone fishing”

Inspired by the country queens that paved the way for her, Mackenzie Carpenter’s Hey Country Queen is the perfect introduction to the rising superstar who is clearly one of the genre’s next big queens

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Dozen Red Flags
  2. Boots On
  3. I Wish You Would (ft. Midland)
  4. Jesus, I’m Jealous
  5. Gone Fishin’

Hey Country Queen Track List:

  1. Dozen Red Flags (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  2. Boots On (Mackenzie Carpenter, Rhett Akins, Brandon Hood, Ben Williams)
  3. Only Girl (Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  4. I Wish You Would (ft. Midland) (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore, Chris Tompkins)
  5. Don’t Mess With Exes (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  6. Gone Fishin’ (Mackenzie Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  7. Red Wine Blue (Mackenzie Carpenter, Luke Laird, Anna Vaus)
  8. Jesus, I’m Jealous (Mackenzie Carpenter, Steve Moakler)
  9. Sound Of A Heartbreak (Mackenzie Carpenter, Brandon Hood, Liz Rose)
  10. Cowgirl Like Me (Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, Lauren LaRue)
  11. Guys Like You (Mackenzie Carpenter, Nicolle Galyon, Brandon Hood)
  12. The Other Side (Mackenzie Carpenter, Mia Mantia, SJ McDonald)
  13. Country Queen (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ben Johnson)
Mackenzie-carpenter-hey-country-queen-debut-album

Mackenzie Carpenter shares her debut album, ‘Hey Country Queen,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Mackenzie Carpenter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook. Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

Hey Country Queen is 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.

craig-morgan-american-soundtrack-EP

Craig Morgan: ‘American Soundtrack’ – EP Review

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Craig Morgan shares his new EP, American Soundtrack, out now,February 28th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

When you think of Craig Morgan, there are a few things that immediately come to mind: faith, patriotism, passion, county living, and that signature voice. On his new EP, American Soundtrack, all of those are on full display. 

Over the course of six new songs, the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville artist takes listeners on a journey through all the things in life that are important to him. “I try to celebrate God, family and country in my music and in everything I do,” He shares. “That’s what I have always done and I’ve come to realize it’s my platform. I don’t stress about things as much as I used to. I just try to write, sing, produce and play the best music that we can and go where I think God wants me to be.”

Morgan co-wrote five of the EP’s six new tracks, aiming to create something special for his fans. The lone exception is the stunning “God’s Problems,” an impassioned ballad that finds the Grand Ole Opry Member desperate to live his life in a way that’s easy on God. “I live that song. I truly do,” he says. “I believe in what it says and every day I work hard to not be one of God’s problems. I try not to be one of those guys that God is having to work hard at trying to straighten up. There’s a resurgence in our society right now of people trying to overcome adversities and to do better in life. You can see it in our format. Jelly Roll, especially, is the template for that. He’s changing people’s lives, and I’d like to think that I’m doing the same thing.”

Similarly, “Blue Collar Prayer” is an emotional moment for Morgan, a slide guitar-laden look at simple people and the things they long for to make their lives better. While some may pray for things like money and fame, the protagonists in the story are working-class people like a farmer in need of rain and a pregnant waitress hoping for the best for her child. 

“You might not see them every Sunday // In that little white clapboard church // ‘Cause she’ll be serving biscuits and honey // He’ll be in overalls and tractor dirt // I bet my last dime, they’ll both take the time // To talk to the man upstairs // For a real life, red, white, and blue collared prayer.”

“Country Education,” “Roots” and “Who I’m From” each celebrate the upbringings that make Southerners, and Craig Morgan, who they are. While “Roots” is a twangy celebration of the raising that formed him, “Who I’m From” is a tale of who he is and who he came from. It’s a unique spin on the typical hometown song, celebrating those who have influenced his life.

The album’s title track is an especially catchy and jubilant moment, name dropping the songs that accompany many of life’s biggest moments, ranging from “Sweet Home Alabama” to “Ring of Fire” to “Hotel California.”

For Craig Morgan, American Soundtrack represents the best of who he is as an artist and a person. “I hope these songs create positive energy,” shares the Tennessee native. “I want people to feel inspired. I want people to laugh and enjoy what we do, but I also hope it makes them feel motivated to do good, to live a good life and to be kind. I believe we should live our lives in accordance with God’s truth; in honesty, fairness, kindness, love, and generosity. When you are doing all those things everything else will just fall into place.”

American Soundtrack Tracklist:

  1. American Soundtrack (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Dan Couch)
  2. Roots (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Rob Pennington)
  3. God’s Problems (Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby, Carlo Colasacco, Styles Haury)
  4. Country Education (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby)
  5. Blue Collar Prayer (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Matt Willis)
  6. Who I’m From (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Chris Wallin, Ira Dean)

*Produced by Phil O’Donnell and Craig Morgan

Craig-morgan-american-soundtrack

Craig Morgan shares latest project, ‘American Soundtrack,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

American Soundtrack is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.