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Blake Shelton: ‘Body Language’ – Album Review

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Blake Shelton’s new album, Body Language, featuring “Happy Anywhere,” “Minimum Wage,” and the title track co-written by The Swon Brothers is out now, May 21st. Read our full review of the project below.

For an artist like Blake Shelton, it would be easy to rest on his laurels, his greatest hits, and his seemingly permanent seat on NBC’s The Voice. However, Shelton has continued to release new music, including a greatest hits collection in 2019 and 2017’s Texoma Shore. Today, May 21, Shelton released his first full-length offering in nearly four years, Body Language.

The album opens with “Minimum Wage,” a hooky uptempo which finds Shelton comparing his woman’s love to money, as that love can “make a man feel rich on minimum wage.” Despite initially capturing some negative and unwarranted social media attention, the song is the perfect intro to Body Language with an anthemic sound that is somehow typical of Shelton while also introducing a new, more confident troubadour. 

The title track features former “Team Blake” members, The Swon Brothers, and was co-written by the 2013 The Voice contestants, along with Matt McGinn and Ryan Beaver. When the duo played the song for their mentor, Shelton was immediately taken aback and asked to record what has become one of his favorite tracks. “It’s such a cool phrase,” Shelton says of the title track. “The song has really proven itself over time. Even after my producer Scott [Hendricks] put the album together and listened and lived with it for a while, it jumped out every time and still never gets skipped listening back.”

The sunny side of Shelton is on display on songs like “Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow?,” “The Girl Can’t Help It,” “Happy Anywhere” and “Makin’ It Up As You Go,” which is the perfect summer track, despite being a breakup song. “How long does it take for a heart to unbreak?” Shelton croons breezily. “I’m just makin’ it up as I go.” Meanwhile, “Happy Anywhere” features Shelton’s fiance, Gwen Stefani, and highlights airy steel guitar punctuated by Stefani’s background vocals. 

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows on Body Language, however, as Shelton is feeling bittersweet on “Now I Don’t,” reminiscing about his ex and all the ways he’s moved on from his broken heart. Co-written by Jessi Alexander, Alysa Vanderheym, and Michael Hardy, the song has Shelton defiant in the face of heartbreak. “I took a pretty good beatin’ to bounce back // Now I’m back on my feet laughing at the fact // That I ever used to wish I could get you back,” Shelton sings. “‘Cause now I don’t.”

While Shelton experiments with different sounds on Body Language, one of the album’s most tried and true country songs is “Corn,” a tongue-in-cheek ode to the vegetable Shelton has most often surrounded himself with. While it may be silly, it’s a fun and fiddle-filled three minutes. If Luke Bryan’s “Rain Is a Good Thing,” had a long-lost cousin, “Corn” would certainly be it.

“Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You” is Shelton at his most Shelton, with its modern meets traditional country sound, while “Neon Time” is another beachy anthem. Co-written by Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, and Ben West, the track is a musical vacation, an ode to slipping into a bar and escaping real life for the weekend. “Yeah, we’re living on neon time // Smoking up the room and clearing our minds // Little lean back and kick it // Little cold beer with it,” Shelton croons. “Let it hit ya just right, yeah // Something ’bout the way the neon shines // It goes perfect with a Friday night // You ain’t thinking ‘bout 9 to 5 // When you’re living on neon time.”

The album ends with “Bible Verses,”  a somber and introspective look at a complicated relationship with religion. “As far as saving me goes, it’s a battle up a hill,” Shelton admits as he tries to find solace in the Bible, feeling like he’s not measuring up to what’s inside. For now, Shelton is trying to give himself a little grace, as he longs for a better day. “That I can open up the good book // And heaven don’t look like it’s out of reach // When it feels like those apostles are giving me the gospel // And not the third degree,” He reflects on the stunning track. “Like bible verses and not the bible versus me.”

On Body Language, Blake Shelton stays true to himself, releasing a classic Shelton collection that still manages to sound new and fresh. With songs like “Bible Verses,” “Happy Anywhere,” and “Neon Time,” Shelton has ensured that he’ll achieve the one goal he had with putting out this album. “I want to have some great country songs to sing,” he revealed. “I want people to hear the album and enjoy it.”

Shelton will be hitting the road later this year for the Friends and Heroes Tour 2021, kicking off August 18 in Omaha, Nebraska. The tour will hit Philadelphia on September 2, featuring special guests Martina McBride, Tracy Bryd, Trace Adkins, and Lindsay Ell.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Body Language
  2. Happy Anywhere
  3. Corn
  4. Neon Time
Blake Shelton's new album, Body Language is available now, May 21st, on all streaming platforms

Blake Shelton’s new album, Body Language is available now, May 21st, 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 Blake Shelton announcements and releases.

To keep up with Blake Shelton, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and  Facebook.

Body Language 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.

Old Dominion Release Summer Jam, “I Was On a Boat That Day”

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Old Dominion dropped a brand new, carefree summer jam, “I Was On a Boat That Day”. Available now, May 21st, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

It’s been a little while since we’ve heard new music from the Old Dominion, but they’re back with a perfect carefree summer jam. “I Was on a Boat That Day” is all about letting loose of all of life’s responsibilities and not worrying about anything but having a good time.

The song paints a picture of the subject going through a breakup, but instead of dwelling on the situation, they are just living carefree in the moment and taking their mind off of things by enjoying themselves on a boat. Who doesn’t love a good boat day? There are no broken hearts here, as the subject is not worried about anything else like what may have happened yesterday or what the future might hold. They have friends, perfect weather, the water, a boat, and drinks to enjoy. Isn’t that where we’d all rather be right now!?

“Is she gone for the summer? // gone for the night? // gone for the weekend or the rest of my life? // was she laughing? was she crying as she walked away? // I can’t say, I was on a boat that day // The river was rollin’ // I was getting my float on / She was telling me so long // I was already so long gone”

Old Dominion's new song, "I Was On A Boat That Day" is available now, May 21st, on all streaming platforms

Old Dominion’s new song, “I Was On A Boat That Day” is available now, May 21st, 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 Old Dominion announcements and releases.

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

“I Was On a Boat That Day” 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.

Lacy Cavalier Releases Brand New Song “Figured Out”

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Lacy Cavalier’s new song, “Figured Out” is available now, May 16th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new track.

For years now, Lacy Cavalier has been one of our most favorite independent artists. She has an incredible vocal range and truly bares her soul in her music. Lately, it seems that the singer-songwriter has found some happiness, writing and recording music that reflects that. Her newest song, “figured out” is out now.

Written by Cavalier with Kyle Schlienger, Nick Luebke, and Brian Phillips, the new song is all about love. The songstress sings about finding someone that truly gets her utilizing imagery that would make anyone swoon. “Figured Out” is the follow-up track to Cavalier’s sassy song “Eat It.”

Lacy Cavalier's new song, "Figured Out" is available now, May 16th, on all streaming platforms

Lacy Cavalier’s new song, “Figured Out” is available now, May 16th, on all streaming platforms

“You got it figured out // Imma sit back and watch cuz // You know your way around // Like I swear nobody else does // Using fingertips like a paintbrush // I’m your work of art that’ll never be done // You got it figured out”

Calling it a “Sunday morning song,” the singer decided to release the song with a playlist of some of her favorite tunes that fit with the vibe of the new track. She added on her social media platforms, “I’m putting this song out on a Sunday bc when I pictured y’all listening to it’d hoped it was Sunday morning while you’re either being lazy & still laying in bed, or getting ready for church, or doing chores, or cooking, or riding around in the car when it’s beautiful out.”

Whenever you decide to listen to it, we’re sure that fans of music everywhere will fall in love with Cavalier’s newest tune.

Check out more from Lacy Cavalier when she joined us for an acoustic session and interview back in July 2019 in the video below.

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

To keep up with Lacy Cavalier, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Figured 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.

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Miranda Lambert Drops An Emotive Quarantine Song

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Miranda Lambert just released a brand new song, “They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks”, available everywhere now, May 18th. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

This past year has been a difficult one for all of us, but for the entertainment industry, it has been detrimental for so many reasons. Like many artists, Miranda Lambert took solace in her craft as a singer and as a songwriter to share her pain, her feelings, and her experiences with the world. Fresh off her collaborative album with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall, The Marfa Tapes, the songstress releases the ultimate heartbreaking quarantine ballad, “They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks.”

For many of us, watching our favorite venues close down and the concerts we looked forward to get canceled was shocking. A year without live music is something none of us could ever see coming. On her new song, Lambert laments about this exact thing. Full of emotion, the entertainer sings about venues facing losses, the pain in the industry, and the shock and dismay everyone went through during the pandemic.

“They’ve closed down the honky-tonks // And now my world ain’t turning // The jukebox ran out of change // And the neon lights ain’t buzzing // There ain’t nothin’ sadder // Than covering Haggard // And nobody singing along // Y’all they’ve closed down all the honky-tonks”

Penned by Lambert, the song truly encompasses how musicians, fans, and music lovers everywhere felt the last year. We appreciate her honesty and vulnerability on this heartbreakingly beautiful song. Hats off to Lambert for always keeping it real!

Miranda Lambert's "They've Closed Down The Honky Tonks" is available now, May 18th

Miranda Lambert’s “They’ve Closed Down The Honky Tonks” is available now, May 18th

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

To keep up with Miranda Lambert, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Brown & Gray Released Brand New Single “First Light”

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Brown & Gray released a brand new song, “First Light”, available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

We had the pleasure of interviewing rising U.S. and U.K. singer-songwriter duo Kaci Brown and Sam Gray of Brown & Gray back in 2017. Since then the duo has defied odds, growing tier fanbase worldwide. Most recently the singers put out their new song “First Light,” following their touching song “Last To Know”.

As the brand new track was released and began being added to Spotify playlists, Brown & Gray took to social media to remind their fans how precious they all are to them. “We are very SMALL, independent fish in a very BIG, political pond with no bought likes or streams. No bought verification. No budget for main-stream radio,” began the artists, “Our hope is in people like YOU streaming and sharing your music, and FAITH that if we keep putting out great music, it’ll eventually pay off. Just keep streaming, y’all!”

Written by the duo with Kipp Williams and James Droll, “First Light” tells the story of pain to healing through a relationship. The imagery that the song conveys makes you appreciate the words that are being said through song. Brown and Gray take turns singing the verses, portraying both the male and female perspectives in a heterosexual relationship. Their talent truly shines in this hopeful and relatable song.

“Went out I was drunk and lonely // Told myself it was one night only // Wasn’t proud of the way you found me // Dancing with my broken heart // Didn’t care where the time was going // Before we knew it the bar was closing // The hell you do to me last night? // I’m waking up in love at first light”

If y’all are loving “First Light” as much as we are, make sure to download and stream the song as much as possible to help out this one-of-a-kind independent act in country music!

Brown & Gray's new song, "First Light" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Brown & Gray’s new song, “First Light” is available now, May 14th, 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 Brown & Gray announcements and releases.

To keep up with Brown & Gray, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“First Light” 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.

Filmore Releases Brand New Fun-loving Song, “Who Cares”

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Filmore released a brand new song, “Who Cares” available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Singer-songwriter Filmore continues to release music that we just cannot get enough of. The steady stream of releases that the singer drops continues to excite music fans everywhere. Filmore’s latest release is a fun-loving song called “Who Cares.”

Co-written by Filmore with Zach Abend and fellow singer-songwriter, Josh Kerr, “Who Cares” follows previous releases “Used To Be” and “Good Thing.” The new jam is all about following your gut and bringing out your confident side. The singer is unapologetically himself usually, but it is especially apparent in this brand new tune.

“Who cares if the whole world knows // We drink too much and we dance too close // Your lips on mine // And we lose all track of time // Who cares when the lights come on // When we leave, we don’t leave alone // If you don’t, I don’t so // So, who cares”

Filmore's new song, "Who Cares" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Filmore’s new song, “Who Cares” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

According to the singer in a recent press release, “’Who Cares’ is about [his] time in college and in Nashville and dating and meeting people during that time in life and not caring what people thought about us being together,” adding later, “The song is about taking a stance, and at the end of the day, all that matters are the two people in that relationship.”

It is just the beginning for Filmore and his blossoming career. With each and every song released, he continues to grow his fanbase exponentially. His signature pop-country sound is innovative, and we cannot wait to see his star continue to rise.

To get more of your Filmore fix, check out our Swag Session below where he joined us back in January 2020 to chat and play a few songs.

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

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

“Who Cares” 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.

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Newcomer Noah Hicks Joins Forces with Rhett Akins on “No More of ‘Em”

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Noah Hicks joins forces with Rhett Akins on brand new song “No More of ‘Em”. Available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

Earlier this week, singer-songwriter Noah Hicks signed an exclusive publishing deal with RED Creative Group, home of artist-songwriters like Travis Denning, Baker Grissom, and Adam Hambrick. To excite fans even more, the country music newcomer joined forces with mainstay, Rhett Akins on his debut single “No More of ‘Em,” out now.

Written by Hicks and Akins with Will Bundy and Jeremy Stover, the brand new song is country music nostalgia at its finest. The Georgia native wanted to release a song that was close to his heart and a story that could help fans get to know him and his artistry.

“Til there ain’t no more of ‘em // No more one light two-lane towns // Til there ain’t no straight pipe Friday night good ol’ boys chasing them girls around // I’m gonna spend my days just thanking the Lord // For every sunset sinking down on a wraparound porch // Til there ain’t no more of ‘em”

For Hicks, these moments serve as some of the best in his life so far. “I woke up this morning still pinching myself,” he shares in his latest instagram post, “5 years I’ve spent chasing this dream and it’s been one hell of a journey.. but this is only the beginning. Thank you to everyone who had a hand in making this song come alive.”

“No More of ‘Em” is the first song in a series of singles that Hicks has coming down the pipeline this year. Only time will tell if the singer will collaborate with more well-known artists or if his next release will be a solo feat. Whatever the case, we’re sure fans are going to flock to him for his passion and talent!

Noah Hicks' new song, "No More of Em'" ft. Rhett Akins is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Noah Hicks’ new song, “No More of Em'” ft. Rhett Akins is available now, May 14th, 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 Noah Hicks and Rhett Akins announcements and releases.

To keep up with Noah Hicks, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
To keep up with Rhett Akins, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“No More of ‘Em” 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.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 5/14/21

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – 5/14/21

  • ALAN JACKSON – After nearly six years, Alan Jackson is back with a brand new album and a long over-due return back home. Check out Where Have You Gone here. – More >>
  • DUSTIN LYNCH & CHRIS LANE – Grab some salt and a lime, “Tequila on a Boat” by Dustin Lynch featuring Chris Lane is out now! – More >>
  •  JAMES BARKER BAND – James Barker Band celebrates their new record deal with the release of “Over All Over Again”, a catchy tune we can all relate to about those relationships that are never really over. Listen Here… – More >>
  •  ANDREW JANNAKOS – Andrew Jannakos’ new song “Somebody Loves You” is a type of honesty, integrity, and hope that we can all use more of right now. Listen to the new upbeat track here… – More >>
  •  WILLIE JONES – Willie Jones is an anomaly, a true artist born to stand out, and his new song “Down by the Riverside” showcases exactly why. – More >>
  •  ALANA SPRINGSTEEN – Alana Springsteen makes us all want to fall in love with her new song “California”. Listen here. – More >>
  •  LAINE HARDY – Ahead of his return to American Idol this Sunday for a special appearance, season 17 winner Laine Hardy just dropped a brand new feel-good love song, “Memorize You”. – More >>
  • NOAH HICKS & RHETT AKINS – Country newcomer Noah Hicks teamed up with Rhett Akins on a nostalgic new track, “No More of ‘Em”…- More >>

Take a listen to all of these tracks and more 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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Laine Hardy Releases Feel-good Love Song, “Memorize You”

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Laine Hardy’s new song “Memorize You” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

Country newcomer and American Idol season 17 winner, Laine Hardy released a new song today, May 14th, called “Memorize You.” This follows the singer’s other recent notable singles including “Tiny Town” and “Other LA.”

“Memorize You” is a feel-good, summertime groove written by Michael Tyler, Eric Arjes, and Steven Dale Jones, and produced by Michael Knox, who works with other Nashville stars such as Jason Aldean and Thomas Rhett. The singer in the track meets a girl at the bar who then gets stuck in his head. However, you can only get to know so much about a person in one night, so he makes it his mission to learn more about her — everything from her favorite drink to her childhood stories. His assertiveness in getting to know this girl is comparable to Chris Lane in his song “I Don’t Know About You” but Hardy expresses it with a little more confidence over a more upbeat tempo.

“Every day before me, what’s your story // Baby, every single line // What makes you laugh, makes you dance, makes you fall like only love can do? // Give me some time with your smile // Baby, I wanna memorize you”

The Louisiana-native plans on having new music out this fall. He also has a dedicated and growing fan base, who he plans on seeing on the road again this summer. For tour dates, visit his website and be sure to tune in to American Idol this summer where the former winner will return for a special appearance.

Laine Hardy's new song, "Memorize You" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Laine Hardy’s new song, “Memorize You” is available now, May 14th, 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 Laine Hardy announcements and releases.

To keep up with Laine Hardy, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Memorize You” 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 Releases Brand New Song “California”

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Alana Springsteen’s new song, “California” is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song.

Fiery singer-songwriter, Alana Springsteen is becoming one of our new favorites lately. Earlier this year, she released an incredible duet with Roman Alexander called “Trying Not To” and today she finally released another new solo song. After teasing the song on her social media platforms, the country-pop songstress is dropped her next track, “California.”

The new song is one of those tracks that makes you feel like you are floating on a cloud. Between the effortless lyrics and the smooth quality of Springsteen’s voice, you truly feel at ease, when listening to the song. Inspired but the vibes of California and the summer weather, “California” is all about the magic of a West Coast romance. Digging deeper into the song, fans will find that the singer is trying to make sense of reality, deciding if it’s the state or the person she is falling for.

“Maybe it’s us or maybe I’m just // Falling in love with California // I can’t decide // If it’s in my mind / It’s just the way that the lights in Santa Monica shine on you // Baby, it’s just a view baby // I’m confused // I can’t tell”

Co-written and co-produced by the rising artist, “California” will become one of your new favorites. Springsteen is an artist you’re going to want to keep your eye on. She is truly wise and talented beyond her years!

Alana Springsteen's new song, "California" is available now, May 14th, on all streaming platforms

Alana Springsteen’s new song, “California” is available now, May 14th, 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 Dustin Lynch, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“California” 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.