First Impression Archives

Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ Album Review

August 18, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Getting It Right is out now, August 18th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Alana Springsteen is an artist to look out for. For her debut album, Springsteen chose to split the record into three parts, giving specific groups of songs in each edition. Today, the final part of her debut record, Twenty Something is officially here. The third part is called “Twenty Something: Getting It Right” featuring six brand new songs.

While part one of the record, Messing It Up was heartbreaking, and part two, Figuring It Out was introspective, Getting It Right is inspiring and exciting. “I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for the release of Getting It Right. Not only because it marks all of my debut album TWENTY SOMETHING being out in the world, but also because I’m finally at a place where I can start talking about some of the really fulfilling moments I’ve experienced over the past year or so,” shared Springsteen in a new press release. “I’ve found my way out of a really dark season of heartbreak and self-discovery, and it’s been a real roller coaster of a ride. On the other side of all of that, I’ve found this really empowering, fulfilling, steady sense of self.”

The record kicks off with a beautiful song called “taylor did.” Springsteen shares how music is truly the backdrop to our lives. For her, Taylor Swift was a mainstay, helping her get through and understand many experiences in her life growing up.

The records continues with “different kinda country” and “cowboys and tequila.” Both songs showcase Springsteen’s undeniable talent. On “different kinda country,” the singer makes peace with the fact that her kind of country is beach-country. She sheds a light on that country music can sound and look different, but ultimately it is about the connection to home and music – something she does effortlessly. “different kinda country” is a true standout on the record.

On “cowboys and tequila,” Springsteen leans into her strong and sassy side. Cleary someone who knows what a broken heart feels like, the singer shares that both cowboys and tequila are “two things [she] doesn’t chase.” This song feels like the perfect addition to Springsteen’s live shows. On “thinkin’ straight,” Springsteen showcases her flirty side. Unapologetically herself, the rising artist brings a much needed fun-loving song to the project.

Similarly on “look i like,” the songstress leans into the vulnerability of falling for someone new. The song feels hopeful, which is a nice look on Springsteen. “I wrote ‘look i like’ with Shane McAnally and Pete Good,” shared this songstress in a recent press release. “I remember every second of that day because I had never written a song like this before. That session was the first time I remember feeling ready to explore the emotions that come with truly wanting someone again.”

On the last track of her debut project, “amen,” Springsteen bares her soul, setting the stage for her life, her music, and what’s to come. The confessional song is all about trusting yourself, knowing that things change, and that it’s okay to mess up sometimes. The addition of the voicemail from her mother embedded into the song adds to the theme of the track. “amen” is the perfect song to bookend the debut project.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something is an incredible debut by the rising star. Each of the three parts solidify her extraordinary talent and growing staying power. Getting It Right was the perfect note to end the impressive 18-song album with! Congrats to Springsteen for an incredible debut outing.

Twenty Something: Getting It Right Track List:

taylor did (Alana Springsteen, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Alysa Vanderheym)
different kinda country (Alana Springsteen, Josh Dorr, Nick Bailey)
cowboys and tequila (Alana Springsteen, Paul DiGiovanni, Parker Welling, Josh Dorr)
thinkin’ straight (Alana Springsteen, Shay Mooney, Ryan “Rykeyz” Williamson, Geoff Warburton)
look i like (Alana Springsteen, Shane McAnally, Pete Good)
amen (Alana Springsteen, Delacey, Sarah Solovay, Ido Zmishlany)

Part 3 of Alana Springsteen’s album, ‘Twenty Something: Getting It Right’ is 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 Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Twenty Something: Getting It Right 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.

The Frontmen Share Two New Country Songs for Fans

August 18, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

The Frontmen are sharing two new songs for country fans including, “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new songs here.

Back in March, The Frontmen officially signed with BMG/BBR Music Group. The trio comprised of Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar), Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), are absolute veterans in the country music industry. Combining their talents into an exciting new act is exactly what we all needed. Today, The Frontmen release two new songs,”It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas.”

On “It Was Always You,” The Frontmen bring their iconic voices to center stage. The song feels nostalgic and like coming home upon listening. It also feels stage-ready, clearly something that The Frontmen know a thing or two about. Similarly, on “God Blessed Texas,” The Frontmen prime a song that is fun and made for the live show. High-energy and uptempo, “God Blessed Texas” is a song that is hard not to sing and dance along to, even after just one listen.

The Frontmen are proving their staying power with each and every release. The veterans are breathing new life into the music we all need! Stay tuned for their debut EP, coming soon!

The Frontmen share two new songs called “It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas,” 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 The Frontmen releases.

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

“It Was Always You” and “God Blessed Texas” are 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.

Kelsea Ballerini: ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good)’ – EP Review

August 11, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Kelsea Ballerini reimagines her heartfelt last EP with a new version called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

Earlier this year, Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with a new EP and short film called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat. While the record was intended to be a therapeutic and creative outlet for Ballerini, fans fell in love with each and every song on the raw and honest record. Breathing new life into the project, the singer-songwriter is sharing a new version of the project for fans. She calls the new record Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).

“I thought when Alysa and I were making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, it was something I would release and never revisit. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, and that wasn’t the point of the music. Now, in hindsight and with a full heart, I want all those people who came alongside me and supported this album to know that I will never be able to fully express my gratitude, but (For Good) is my best attempt,” shared Ballerini in a recent press release. “And I also want them to know: we move on. The best part of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is knowing I don’t need to talk about this stuff anymore. My whole life is ahead of me, so this expanded version is to let people know there’s real freedom in breaking down, in facing the emotions because it gets you to where your life can really shine.”

While the original record boasted six songs, For Good adds one more song to the the story, that showcases that moving on is possible. “Mountain With A View” and “Just Married” remain the first two songs on the project. Both songs candidly share Ballerini’s breaking point at the end of her marriage.

The third song, “Penthouse (Healed Version)” marks the first monumental shift on the project. The new rendition is a live show recording of the singer breathing new life into the song with her fans by her side. Instead of singing “I kissed someone new last night. Now I don’t know where you’re sleeping baby,” Ballerini changes the lyric to “Now I don’t care where you’re sleeping baby.” The iconic change is a beautiful depiction of the messiness and beauty of healing.

On “Interlude,” Ballerini obliges fans and finally adds to the story. In an unapologetic and vulnerable way, the songstress shares more of her story, while sharing the “good girl” image that she no longer is trying to portray. While raw and personal, the song is truly a gift to fans who need to borrow from Ballerini’s strength, while they’re on their own path towards healing. Similarly, on an updated “Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay),” Ballerini includes the new verse that she sang during her Saturday Night Live performance.

On the last two tracks on the project, “Leave Me Again,” and the new song, “How Do I Do This,” Ballerini looks into the future with a new perspective. On the former, Ballerini vows to never lose herself again in a relationship. While heartache is painful, she wants her fans to know that healing is possible. On the new track, Ballerini shares around her experience getting back into the dating world. The single feels like the perfect way to end a ‘healed’ version of the project.

While Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was a true masterpiece, the new Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) is even better. This record may have started as a personal project for Ballerini, but it is truly now for everyone. “With the updated version, I am asking from my fans that they help this be ours and simply let the music be the music.”

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) EP Tracklist:

Mountain With A View
Just Married
Penthouse (Healed Version)
Interlude (Full Length)
Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay)
Leave Me Again
How Do I Do This

Kelsea Ballerini releases her new Ep, ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good),’ out now.

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.

Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) EP 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.

Ashley Cooke: ‘Shot In The Dark’ Debut Album Review

July 21, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Nicole Piering

Ashley Cooke’s debut album, Shot In The Dark is out now, July 21st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music here.

With a voice that’s powerful yet personable and an approachable style of lyricism that hearkens back to the early days of Taylor Swift or Kelsea Ballerini, country newcomer Ashley Cooke offers her powerful debut, shot in the dark, out now.

Of the 24 tracks on her Big Loud/ Back Blocks Music release, Cooke co-penned all but four, collaborating with Nashville heavy hitters ranging from fellow artists like Colbie Caillat, Lainey Wilson, and Ryan Hurd to acclaimed songwriters like Josh Kerr, Nicolle Galyon, and Josh Osborne.

For the Parkland, Florida native, who began gaining buzz on TikTok during the Covid pandemic, this album release is the logical next step. “The last year of my life has been crazy and wonderful in so many ways, but I think the next year might be even better…It’s been full of bucket list moments for me… I made my Opry debut, signed my first deals, went on tours with my heroes, and lived a lot of life in the moments in between. This album is about all of that — and it’s about the magic that can come if you really take risks in life and love,” shared the singer-songwriter. “I can’t wait for each of you to hear it. Thank you to everyone who helped get me here, and thank you for making me feel so safe to take a shot in the dark.”

The album’s title track is just one of many standouts, a simple ode to the path to a new love, found unexpectedly in a dark bar and aided by some liquid courage. “Last call, first kiss a little bit drunk // Who knew two straight tequilas on a debit card // Would wind us up right where we are,” She sings. “So here’s to, two strangers in the back of a bar // Taking a shot in the dark.”

Likewise, songs like “next to you,” “good thing going,” and “back in the saddle” also celebrate the bloom of new love and the excitement that comes along with it. “next to you” is an especially poignant and sparse ballad that finds Cooke celebrating the type of love she didn’t know existed. “I’ve been living dreams lately // but they don’t hold a candle to // waking up next to you.” Similarly, the wedding-ready “never ‘til now” finds Cooke trading verses with Brett Young as they celebrate the person that makes everything makes sense. “I never wanted to tap my brakes // I never wanted to settle down // I was always one foot out the door // I never thought about turning ’round // Never saw myself with a white picket fence dug into the ground // Never ’til now”

Other duets contribute stellar moments on Cooke’s debut, enlisting rising country stars like Nate Smith and Jackson Dean, in addition to Caillat. Smith joins the singer-songwriter on the double entendre, heartbreak-laden “see you around,” while Dean lends his raspy voice to ““what are you on fire about?,” which finds the pair musing that the flame between them has burned out.

Meanwhile, it’s her blistering duet with Caillat that enables her to make a statement, similar to that of Carly Pearce’s hit “Next Girl.” Here, the pair trade verses about a toxic ex, warning his new girlfriend to be cautious with her new beau.

“This ain’t me being mean, girl // I just hate to see a good heart hangin’ on a string, girl // It sure looks a lot like love // But what you don’t see girl // Is all those cards slid so far up his sleeve girl // When he says you’re the only one // Take it from me, yeah it’s just another thing // That he doesn’t mean, girl // Aw that he doesn’t mean, girl”

That honesty continues throughout the album, weaving its way through songs like “getting into,” “gonna get,” and “tryin’ to love you.” On the former, she’s warning a suitor to be prepared for a relationship. “Before you get into my car, into my bed, into my heart, my head,” She warns. “Know what you’re getting into.” Meanwhile, “tryin’ to love you” has her caught up with someone who is perfect on paper, but isn’t quite clicking. “It ain’t your fault // it’s hard to start a fire when you can’t make one spark fly // the trouble with trying to love you // is I shouldn’t have to try.”

Relationships ending are a prevalent theme throughout the LP, weaving its way through tracks like “tastes like,” “moving on with grace,” “i almost do,” “your place,” and “build a bridge.” What Cooke does brilliantly here is show every aspect of a relationship ending and the range of emotions. The album opener, “tastes like” finds her comparing whiskey to a former flame, while “i almost do” has her struggling not to reach out to an ex. On “moving on with grace,” Cooke cleverly finds solace at the bar, unapologetically drowning her sorrows in Jack Daniels, while her ex has moved on with a girl named Grace.

Cooke also shines on ballads, including “enough to leave,” which finds her knowing she’s not right for someone and loving them enough to move on. Meanwhile, “it’s been a year” is a poignant look at how fast time passes and how much things can change in one year. “And I ain’t sayin’ it ain’t been a good one // It’s been a did a lot more than I thought I could one // It’s been three hundred sixty five of record lows and record highs // Loving and losing, fun and confusing, praying and shifting gears // For the minute you got, it’s probably a lot, more than you wanna hear // So all I’ll say is, it’s been a year”

The album’s closing track is one of its strongest standouts, as “state i’m in” is an especially poignant ballad that has her grappling with being a young touring artist while also comparing herself to her peers. With her pristine voice shining over twangy guitars, she examines her place in life.

Speaking to Whiskey Riff, she revealed of the song, “I was in a tour van, touring around the country as we do as young artists, and I was scrolling through Instagram and I was seeing so many of my friends posting that they’re getting married, or having babies, and all these exciting things in their life. And I was just so excited for them. And I took a deep breath and I realized, like, ‘Wow, I’m so excited for them and I’m so happy for me that I’m in such a different phase of my life than they are.’ And it’s beautiful that we can have such different lives at the same age…”

On Shot In The Dark, Ashley Cooke is unfiltered and unfettered, positioning herself as a powerful female country artist for the next generation.

Country Swag Picks:

see you around (with Nate Smith)
mean girl (with Colbie Caillat)
shot in the dark
moving on with grace
state i’m in
enough to leave

Shot In The Dark Track List:

tastes like (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Emily Weisband, Corey Crowder)
it’s been a year (Ashley Cooke, Will Weatherly, Brett Tyler)
see you around (feat. Nate Smith) (Ashley Cooke, Brett Tyler, Will Bundy)
shot in the dark (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Emily Weisband, Corey Crowder)
moving on with grace (Ashley Cooke, Rocky Block, Jake Mitchell)
getting into (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly)
enough to leave (Ashley Cooke, Matt Roy, Lauren Weintraub)
i almost do (Ashley Cooke, Trevor Rosen, Josh Osborne)
mean girl (feat. Colbie Caillat) (Ashley Cooke, Colbie Caillat, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy
Robbins)
running back (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly)
good thing going (Ashley Cooke, Matt Dragstrem, Brett Tyler, Geoff Warburton)
next to you (Ashley Cooke)
good to be back (Ashley Cooke, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym)
what are you on fire about (feat. Jackson Dean) (Lainey Wilson, Jason Nix, Luke Dick)
say no more (Devin Dawson, Donovan Woods, Travis Wood)
tryin’ to love you (Ashley Cooke, Hillary Lindsey, Chase McGill, Jimmy Robbins)
back in the saddle (Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Jordan Minton)
your place (Ashley Cooke, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
dirt on ’em (Ashley Cooke, Jessi Alexander, Aysa Vanderheym)
build a bridge (Sasha Sloan, Ryan Hurd, Geoff Warburton, Henry Agincourt Allen)
get you (Ashley Cooke, Jacob Durrett, John Byron)
never til now (Ashley Cooke, Matt Roy)
gonna get (Ashley Cooke, Sasha Sloan, Blake Pendergrass, David Garcia)
state i’m in (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Jordan Reynolds)

Ashley Cooke’s debut album, ‘Shot In The Dark’ is officially out now.

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

To keep up with Ashley Cooke, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

A Shot In The Dark 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.

Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out’ Album Review

July 14, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Part 2 of Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is out now, July 14th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music below.

Alana Springsteen is an artist to look out for. For her debut album, Springsteen chose to split the record into three parts, giving specific groups of songs in each edition. Today, part 2 of her debut record, Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is officially here, featuring six brand new songs for fans to fall in love with.

While Messing It Up was heartbreaking and emotional, Figuring It Out has some edge to it. It feels like an elevated, more mature version of Springsteen. The record kicks off with the title track “twenty something,” one of the best on the project. The song speaks to growing up and all of the nuances. “twenty something” embodies the true heart of the record. Young adulthood is messy, but special, something this album conveys beautifully.

Next-up, “chameleon” is a song about insecurity masked with an edgy and catchy melody. Springsteen sings about shape-shifting to fit the needs of a guy she is trying to gain approval from. With lines like “I rather lie than be lonely” and “my defense mechanism is never really letting you know me,” it is clear that the songstress knows what it feels like to guard her heart.

The introspective honesty is on full display throughout the record, especially on “when we were friends.” Written by the songstress with Sasha Alex Sloan and Pete Good, “when we were friends” is a song for anyone who has ever gone through a friendship break-up. While romantic break-ups are common topic in music across genres, it is rare that an artist touches on the unique pain and heartbreak that comes from losing a friend. “when we were friends” brings the authenticity and nostalgia that friendships often bring.

Springsteen brings a celebratory and unapologetic vibe to the new album with “here’s to all my exes” and “hypocrite.” The former is an anthemic song about all the lessons learned from dating and romantic relationships. The song is the embodiment of growth, and the perfect track to have on a record called Figuring It Out. Similarly, on “hypocrite” Springsteens sings about life’s nuances.

On the final track, “ghost in my guitar,” the singer-songwriter enlists the help of Chris Stapleton, who lends his guitar skills to the incredible country song. The edgy and vibey song is a heartbreak song disguised by strong vocals and alluring lyrics.

Springsteen is the real deal! Twenty Something: Figuring It Out is an incredible accompaniment to the singer’s growing catalog of music.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out Track List:

twenty something
chameleon
here’s to all my exes
hypocrite
when we were friends
ghost in my guitar ft. Chris Stapleton

Alana Springsteen shares part 2 of her debut album, ‘Twenty Something: Figuring It Out,’ 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 Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Twenty Something: Figuring It Out 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.

Here is Chris Janson’s Album ‘The Outlaw Side of Me

June 16, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Chris Janson releases his newest album, The Outlaw Side of Me, out now, June 16th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

Big Machine Records recording artist, Chris Janson is back with his fifth studio album. With fourteen new songs including collaborations with Brantley Gilbert, Darius Rocker, Dolly Parton, and Slash, The Outlaw Side of Me is quite possibly Janson’s best to date.

“From the minute I started this album ’til the minute we finished, I enjoyed every second. This record encompasses all sides of me: the lover, the party guy, the conservationist, the family man… I love these songs, and I had such a good time making the music. The Outlaw Side of Me is my favorite album to date,” shared Janson in a recent press release.

Listen to the new album below!

The Outlaw Side of Me Tracklist:

Rowdy Gentle Man
Honkytonk Minute
Outlaw Side of Me
All I Need Is You
Hank the Hell Out of the Honkytonk (feat. Brantley Gilbert)
Dirt in My Life
Tap That
Good Folks Goin’ to Work
G.O.A.T.
Get It Right
Every Day of the Week (feat. Darius Rucker)
21 Forever (feat. Dolly Parton and Slash)
Days in the Field
21 Forever (feat. Slash)

Chris Janson’s new album, ‘The Outlaw Side of Me’ is 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 Chris Janson releases.

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

The Outlaw Side of Me 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.

Here is Colby Acuff’s Debut Album ‘Western White Pines’

June 9, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Colby Acuff shares his debut album, Western White Pines, officially out now, June 9th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Sony Music Nashville recording artist Colby Acuff is officially marking his major-label debut. With ten brand new songs, his debut, Western White Pines is an incredible first outing for the rising artist. Each of the ten new songs showcase Acuff’s incredible artistry and talent.

“When I started playing music, I never thought that I’d get a record deal. I’ve always had the mentality that we’d have to go out and do it all on our own. What I realize now is that there are some amazing people in the business who truly understand me,” shared the singer in a recent press release. “Western White Pines is a project full of some of my favorite songs. The record is unique in all aspects of the word. You will never hear the same song twice, but you will know that it’s a Colby Acuff record.”

Listen to the new album below!

Western White Pines Track List:

Western White Pines
One Day At A Time
Playing God Again
Outlaw in Me
Boy And A Bird Dog
Better Man
Hard Livin’ Life
Welcome to Toms
All I Got
Rolling With The Wind

Colby Acuff makes his major-label debut with his new record, “Western White Pines,” 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 Colby Acuff releases.

To keep up with Colby Acuff, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Western White Pines 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.

Corey Kent: ‘Blacktop – Album Review

June 2, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Nicole Piering

Corey Kent releases his newest album, Blacktop out now, June 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

Country newcomer Corey Kent is ready to establish himself as a force in country music. Today, the Sony Music Nashville newcomer released his major-label debut project, Blacktop, featuring the Platinum #1 hit, “Wild as Her.” Produced by music royalty, Jay Joyce, the album features a collection of ten new songs, eight of which were co-written by Kent.

The album’s name holds a double meaning for Kent, who has pounded the pavement as a touring artist for years before achieving success, while he also picked up work at a pavement company after a publishing deal fell through. “I think my path has been so winding to get here, that if this would’ve happened five years ago, I wouldn’t have had the ability to appreciate it like I do now,” He reveals.

Throughout Blacktop, Kent focuses heavily on sounding uniquely himself, adhering to the mantra that “Nobody great ever sounded like anyone else.” It’s that attitude that has earned him a loyal following, as he’s always remained true to himself. That included leaving Nashville because it didn’t feel quite right and setting his roots in Texas, an influence which can be heard throughout the LP.

“We sound like us because that’s never happened before, and that’s what I feel like this record is,” the Oklahoma native reveals of the album that is punctuated by tracks like “Wild As Her,” “Something’s Gonna Kill Me,” “Man of the House,” and “Once or Twice.”

While “Wild as Her” was Kent’s first foray into chart stardom, “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” is an immediate standout, a driving and radio-ready anthemic ode to seizing the day. Here, Kent proclaims, “Ain’t no way around it // One day I’m gonna die // If something’s gonna kill me might as well be // What makes me feel alive.”

“Life is not just surviving. It’s about creating experiences and feeling a rush and being exhilarated and making those memories you can’t ever forget,” He says of the song. “This record took me from working at a pavement company to being on the road full-time, and having one of the biggest songs of the year. It changed my life. I got kicked in the teeth by life, but I got up, spit out the blood and kept going. And now here we are.”

Similarly, “How You Know You Made It” and “Hood of That Car” both have that radio-ready anthemic feel, hooky choruses and feelgood melodies that are sure to continue Kent’s rise to superstardom. While “How You Know” celebrates the simple moments that mean success to Kent, “Hood” is a celebration of fooling around and falling in love on the hood of a car.

Likewise, “Bic Flame” is another heartfelt celebration of the simpler times, Kent realizing that despite his young age, he’s an old soul at heart. “You say I’m an old soul, But what’s so wrong with that?” He asks, musing “In a crowd full of cell phone lights, I guess I’m still a BiC flame guy.”

There’s love lost on tracks like “Gone As You” and “Long Story Short,” with the former finding him “gone” thanks to a bottle, while the latter finds him placing blame on the woman who cut their relationship a bit too short too soon. “You turned off the song right before that last chorus played,” he croons, voice laced with emotion on the catchy guitar-laden track. “Guess you and I just weren’t on the same page.”

“Man of the House” also shows Kent’s softer side, finding him at his most vulnerable as he tries to fill the shoes left behind by his father. On the stirring ballad, he struggles with the shadows of his past as well as how those things still affect him today. “Be strong when you ain’t// And hold on when you can’t // They can’t tell you but they need you // And you can’t let ‘em down // So hide those shakin’ hands // Be a rock when you feel like sand // It turns out all I was back then // Is all that I am now // Just a boy trying to be the man of the house.”

The album’s final track, “Once or Twice” closes out the album with a poignant touch, finding the singer-songwriter facing his demons. His voice is on full display over the lush ballad, his voice ripe with emotion. “I’ve never looked for trouble // But trouble’s found me all of my life // And there’s a time to walk away // And there’s a time to hold your ground and fight,” He declared. “I’ve never seen the face of God // But I’ve stared down the devil once or twice.”

It’s that kind of raw vulnerability mixed with catchy hooks that permeate Blacktop and are certain to establish Corey Kent as a future superstar in country music.

Country Swag Picks:

Hood of That Car
Something’s Gonna Kill Me
Man of the House
How You Know You Made It

Blacktop Tracklist:

Wild as Her (Kelly Archer/Brett Tyler/Morgan Wallen)
Long Story Short (Corey Kent/Lydia Vaughan)
Something’s Gonna Kill Me (Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan)
Man of the House (Corey Kent/Austin Goodloe/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan)
Gone as You (Casey Brown/Matthew McGinn/Travis Wood)
BiC Flame (Corey Kent/Jack Hummel/Jon Sherwood)
Call It a Night (Aaron Eshuis/Ryan Hurd)
How You Know You Made It (Corey Kent/AJ Pruis/Smith Ahnquist)
Hood of That Car (Corey Kent/Blake Chaffin/Jack Hummel/Jacob Lutz)
Once or Twice (Corey Kent/Lee Miller)

Corey Kent shares new album, ‘Blacktop,’ 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 Corey Kent releases.

Kent is set to hit the stage as part of Jason Aldean’s Highway Desperado Tour this summer. For tour dates and more, visit Kent’s official website here.

To keep up with Corey Kent, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Blacktop 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.

Jelly Roll: ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ – Debut Album Review

June 2, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Nicole Piering

Jelly Roll releases his debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel, out now, June 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new project here.

There are some artists who spark the country scene as an ember, burning slowly and steadily until they finally reach stardom. Jelly Roll is not one of them.

Instead, the Nashville native is an immediate wildfire, burning up the charts and leaving nothing in his wake. The singer-songwriter spent 25 unprecedented, consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart, breaking the record for the most weeks spent at #1, and his debut country album exemplifies why.

With a background in hip-hop and rap, a transition to country may not have seemed the most logical step, until you hear his voice. With a talent that effortlessly transitions between poignant ballads and arena-ready rock anthems, Jelly Roll is the kind of artist who would have the coaches on The Voice shocked upon turning their chairs. Yet, without question, the BMG/Stoney Creek Records is a vocalist who would undoubtedly find a home in any genre. This is evident through Whitsitt Chapel, which finds the former convict dabbling in everything from pure country to anthemic rock to beat-laden hip-hop and rap.

Today, June 2, the musical enigma released his debut country LP, featuring thirteen new co-written tracks. Other contributors to the album include Miranda Lambert, Hardy, Brantley Gilbert, and Ashley McBryde, while he also trades verses with Gilbert, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf, and Lainey Wilson.

Throughout Whitsitt Chapel, named after the church Jelly grew up attending, there’s often a battle between faith and felony, Jelly musically struggling with both his past and his present, his angels and his demons. Yet, the singer-songwriter isn’t hiding who he is. “This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life. I wanted to create a project that felt hopeful,” He says in a statement. “I believe the worst feeling a person can have is feeling hopeless or worthless. This is therapeutic music. Real music for real people with real problems.”

While much of the album is autobiographical, it’s also very much a concept album, dealing with the battles of a man torn between heaven and hell, addiction and sobriety, falling and faith. These themes weave their way through almost all of the songs on Whitsitt Chapel, with Jelly Roll offering both lyrical and vocal brilliance through his delivery.

Opening with “Halfway to Hell,” Jelly Roll immediately sets the stage for what’s to come in the form of a blazing uptempo which finds him a walking contradiction, struggling with where he stands. Over roaring guitars, he proclaims, “I don’t know if I’m halfway to heaven or halfway to hell // My angels and demons at war with myself // One foot in the fire and I still can’t tell // Am I halfway to heaven, halfway to heaven or hell?”

Likewise, “The Lost,” “Church,” “Dancing with the Devil,” and “Nail Me” explore similar themes. The Lambert co-penned “The Lost” is a rock laden ode to being a misfit, the country star proclaiming “I’m better with the lost than the found,” musing “You’d be surprised at the places I find Jesus.” Alternatively, both “Church” and “Nail Me” find the Tennessee native leaning more into his country roots, as “Church” finds him finding God in a truck, while “Nail” shines a light on hypocrisy among those who proclaim their Christianity, but turn their back on him. “Nail me to the cross outside of your ivory tower // Where you sit so high on that horse you rode // As I sit here alone, So hit me with the stones you cast, your shadow looks back while you stare through glass,” He sings. “You don’t think I know I’m the jester before your throne.”

Jelly’s background in hip hop weaves its way through songs like “Behind Bars” and “Unlive,” two of the more unique tracks on the LP. While “Behind Bars” has him trading verses with Gilbert and Jennings, lamenting that “most my friends are behind bars,” “Unlive” finds him accompanied by rapper Yelawolf as they admit “you can’t unlive where you’re from.”

One of the album’s most poignant moments comes in the form of “She,” a song penned to shine a light on addiction. “‘She’ is about the struggle of addiction. ‘She’ is talking about the elephant in the room and addressing head on the heroin and fentanyl epidemic that is sweeping the nation; the pharmaceutical pill problem that is sweeping the nation, and has been for a long time,” Jelly revealed in a statement. “And I feel like it’s the artist’s responsibility to speak for those who sometimes can’t always speak for themselves.”

Other songs that touch on relationships threatened by addiction include “Kill a Man” and “Hold On Me,” where he can’t escape the holds of addiction that prevent him from love (“I know you’re all I need, but I just can’t break free”). “Kill A Man” is punctuated with angsty female background vocals, Jelly admitting that “I was bulletproof, but baby loving you could kill a man.”

On “Save Me,” Jelly Roll joins vocal forces with Lainey Wilson, creating a power ballad for the broken. “All of this drinkin’ and smokin’ is hopeless// But feel like it’s all that I need // Somethin’ inside of me’s broken,” They sing. “I hold on to anything that sets me free // I’m a lost cause // Baby, don’t waste your time on me // I’m so damaged beyond repair // Life has shattered my hopes and my dreams.”

“Need a Favor” finds Jelly Roll admitting that, like many people, he only looks to God when he needs something, while the album’s final track, “Hungover in a Church Pew” is a sparse country tune that finds him sweating off the night before in the chapel. “This ain’t the first, won’t be the last time// I’m hungover in a church pew, Girl I hurt you but I hurt me too,” He sings. “I’m coming down on a Sunday morning // Hands shakin’ my forehead pouring // Lord knows all the hell you put me through // I bet the devil never thought this is what I’d do // I’m hungover in a church pew.”

There’s a reason why Jelly Roll has become an almost immediate country superstar, and this is on full display on Whitsitt Chapel. Here, he manages to take listeners back to his hometown church, lyrically dancing with the devil and battling his demons in the shadow of his faith. The resulting LP is a raw and autobiographical look at a man who falls and gets back up again, not afraid to discuss both his failures and his faith.

Country Swag Picks:

Halfway to Hell
Nail Me
Church
Save Me

Whitsitt Chapel Tracklist:

Halfway to Hell (Jason DeFord, Jesse Frasure, Matt Jenkins, Jessie Jo Dillon*)
Church (Jason DeFord, Michael Hardy, David Garcia**)
The Lost (Jason DeFord, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert*)
Behind Bars (with Brantley Gilbert and Struggle Jennings) (Jason DeFord, Brantley Gilbert, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis, Brock Berryhill, Austin Nivarel***)
Nail Me (Jason DeFord, Kevin Gruft, Austin Nivarel^)
Hold on Me (Jason DeFord, Hillary Lindsey, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Whitworth^)
Kill a Man (Jason DeFord, Riley Thomas, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth^)
Unlive (with Yelawolf) (Jason DeFord, Ashley McBryde, Andrew Baylis, Zach Crowell, Michael Wayne Atha^)
Save Me (with Lainey Wilson) (Jason DeFord, David Ray Stevens^^)
She (Jason DeFord, Austin Nivarel, Kevin “Thrasher” Gruft^^^)
Need a Favor (Jason DeFord, Austin Nivarel, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta*^)
Dancing With the Devil (Jason DeFord, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell^)
Hungover in a Church Pew (Jason DeFord, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell^)

Jelly Roll’s debut country album, ‘Whitsitt Chapel’ is 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 Jelly Roll releases.

Jelly Roll will be headlining his 44- date Backroad Baptism tour, with tour dates listed on his official website here.

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

Whitsitt Chapel 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.

Here is Chapel Hart’s Album ‘Glory Days’

May 19, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Chapel Hart shares their album, Glory Days, officially out now, May 19th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

The talent ladies of Chapel Hart are giving fans a real treat with their brand new album, Glory Days. The eleven track project showcases the singer-songwriters at their absolute best. With each of the songs penned by the women, Glory Days is a true embodiment of hard work, dedication, and pure talent.

“I’ve never been more excited about delivering new music to our fans,” shares Danica of Chapel Hart. “We’ve been through so much together and sharing the highs and lows of our ‘GLORY DAYS’ through song has indeed been the joy of our lives!”

Listen to the new album below!

Glory Days Track List:

Glory Days (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, Jim Beavers)
Fam Damily (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle Billy Dawson, Erin Kinsey)
Dear Tequila (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, Mark Carson)
American Pride (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)
Home Is Where The Hart Is (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, Mark Carson)
Love In Letting Go (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)
If You Ain’t Wearin’ Boots (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, Steve O’Brien)
This Girl Likes Fords (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)
Perfect For Me (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, Leslie Satcher)
Redneck Fairytale (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)
Welcome To Fist City (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)

Chapel Hart’s new album “Glory Days” is 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 Chapel Hart releases.

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

Glory Days 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.