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5 Things to Expect from Dustin Lynch’s New Album ‘Blue In The Sky’

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Dustin Lynch’s fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky is out now, released on February 11th. Here are five things to expect from the project.

  1. Dustin Lych included the new version of his 6-week #1 song “Thinking ‘Bout You” with Mackenzie Porter on Blue In The Sky. 

“I remember in October being like ‘we’re done for the year’, and it was like another gear was set. All of a sudden November was TV, and an award show performance [with Mackenzie], and it was a lot of fun… to have a 6-week #1 is something you can’t predict or expect… it’s definitely a song to be proud of.”

  1. The new album was written mostly summer into fall, and many of the songs are a result of a writer retreat Lynch went on.

“The writing retreat gave us a song called “Tennessee Trouble” – we wrote that one in Park City, and we literally wrote the song on the last day of the retreat. Throughout covid, the creative process was completely different from what I’m used to. Usually, I’m writing when I’m out on the road.”

  1. Some of the songs come as a result from Lynch breaking up with his girlfriend over covid. 

“I was in a relationship, my girlfriend moved in with me because we didn’t know if the world was going to end, we learn how to live together, we break up, I get through those weeds and embrace going out with the boys again, and so I come out on the other side of that relationship knowing a lot more about what I want out of life.”

  1. His proudest writing moment on the album is “Pasadena”. 

“One of the coolest moments for me as a creative, just as a songwriter in Nashville is Pasadena, because I wrote that song in 2013, and it just shows you that as we write songs… timing is just a huge thing and so is this wonderful journey we’re on of creating. I wrote that song after playing a Rodeo show in Pasadena.”

  1. While the album has a lot of fun, light moments, Lynch definitely shows a bit of a darker side of himself on this record too. 

“One of my driving forces these last few years while making music was let’s make it fun… I don’t wanna bring the crowd down too much in a live show. Even if we’re writing about a breakup, I try to steer it from the darker tones… [but] ‘Break It on a Beach’ is definitely the most autobiographical song we have on here. It’s literally how [my breakup] went down. I didn’t want to carry on [a relationship] that wasn’t right for me or her [and that’s what the song is about].”

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Dustin Lynch’s new album ‘Blue In The Sky,’ out this Friday.

Click her for a full album review of Dustin Lynch’s record Blue In The Sky.

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

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

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WATCH: Morgan Wallen Brings Out ERNEST for Surprise Performance at MSG

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Morgan Wallen surprised fans tonight, February 9th, bringing out ERNEST to perform their duet, “Flower Shops” during his sold-out NYC show at Madison Square Garden. Watch the video below…

Check out more exclusive clips from the show on our Instagram, here.

ERNEST and Morgan Wallen, longtime friends and label-mates, officially released the full version of “Flower Shops” on December 31st, 2021. The song immediately debuted at #1 on Apple Music Country, Spotify Country and iTunes overall. The two first teased the track back in August for fans on social media followed by several surprise performances during Wallen’s 2021 Fall tour. The song currently serves as ERNEST’s debut single to country radio and we predict that Wallen and ERNEST have a massive hit on their hands.

Morgan Wallen and ERNEST perform "Flower Shops" at Madison Square Garden // Photo Credit: John Shearer

Morgan Wallen and ERNEST perform “Flower Shops” at Madison Square Garden // Photo Credit: John Shearer

Launching on February 9th, Morgan Wallen’s The Dangerous Tour kicked off with two SOLD OUT Nights at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. With epic sets from opening act, Larry Fleet, and direct support from HARDY, the show from beginning to end did not disappoint.

More Standout moments of the show included:

  • An entrance from Morgan Wallen that had fans cheering at a decibel level averaging 30dBs louder than the average game at the arena… [WATCH HERE]
  • HARDY welcomed Lindsay Ell for his number one song “ONE BEER” during his opening set (WATCH HERE)
  • Morgan Wallen surprised the crowd when he brought out ERNEST for a live performance of their duet, “Flower Shops” (WATCH HERE)
  • HARDY returned to the stage to perform “He Went To Jared” with Wallen (WATCH HERE)
  • Morgan Wallen brought show opener, Larry Fleet back out for “Where I Find God” (WATCH HERE)
  • An emotional Wallen closed out Night 2, “I can’t say thank you enough…” (WATCH HERE)

Morgan Wallen’s ‘The Dangerous Tour’ continues throughout 2022. Check out all the dates and details here.

ERNEST continues his trek out on the road with Chris Lane on his 2022 ‘Fill Them Boots Tour’. Check out the full list of dates here.

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ERNEST and Morgan Wallen’s new song “Flower Shops” is out now

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

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

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

“Flower Shops” 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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5 Things to Expect from Joe Nichols’ Album ‘Good Day For Living’

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We chatted with country singer, Joe Nichols about his new album, Good Day For Living, out this Friday, February 11th. Here are five things to expect from the upcoming project.

  1. Joe Nichols creates music, like this record, because he believes it is an incredible way to connect with people and fans.

“We all just want to belong. We all want to feel like we’re in the right place. We all want to feel like people know what I’m going through, and I think music does that, and lets people in the same room, and lets us know we’re all in this together.”

  1. Nichols’ recorded, “That’s How I Grew Up” because it is a true depiction of his childhood.

“That’s how I grew up, that kinda nails it as far as my kinda childhood. Kinda gritty, raw side of childhood. A lot of things unfair, but a lot of things I made unfair myself. I connected with that song and the emotions.”

  1. The singer cut “She Was” to pay homage to the experiences of his friend and record label executive, Benny Brown.

“I couldn’t not cut that song for him after it meant so much to him [and his story].”

  1. The single, “Good Day for Living” is meant to be an uplifting and jamming, feel-good tune.

“It’s a positive song. Don’t we need some positivity in the world?! I like this song because it puts me in a good mood, and that’s rare for me [with songs]!”

  1. Nichols’ collaboration with buddy Blake Shelton, “I Got Friends That Do” was decades in the making.

“Well we had this song “Friends That Do” that came through and man it felt good from the demo. […] It dawned on me to call Blake […] He said man, we’ve been trying to do this for years.” Nichols added later, “We went from having a hit to having a smash. We’ve known each other for decades, and we haven’t had the chance to get on a record together.”

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Joe Nichols’ new album is slated for release, this Friday, February 11th.

Check back this Friday for our full album review of Joe Nichols’ record Good Day For Living.

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

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

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Cole Swindell Releases New Love Song “I’m Gonna Let Her”

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Cole Swindell’s new love song, “I’m Gonna Let Her” is out now, February 4th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Cole Swindell is gearing up for Valentine’s Day with his new song, “I’m Gonna Let Her.” The romantic tune is about finding that special someone and allowing them to show you their definition of love. When you are in a relationship, you have to be willing to try new things and be open to vulnerability. Those two things will help you get to that next step in your relationship and that’s what this song captures. Filled with beautiful acoustics and powerful vocals, this is one of Swindell’s most personal songs to date.

“And I’m gonna let her // Keep on making this life of mine a little better // showing me all about love right down to the letter // So if she wants to think I’m thinking about forever // I’m gonna let her.”

Swindell teased the song by featuring the first verse as a sound on TikTok accompanied by a collage of photos featuring him and his girlfriend, Courtney Little. Little accompanied Swindell in his music video for “Some Habits”.

It’s been a big week for the Georgia native as he also announced his fourth studio album Stereotype will be released on April 9th. The thirteen-track record will feature a collaboration with HARDY and includes previously released tracks “Single Saturday Night”, “Some Habits”, and his duet with Lainey Wilson “Never Say Never”. 

We are loving what we’ve heard so far and we can’t wait to hear the rest of the album!

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Cole Swindell releases a brand new love song “I’m Gonna Let Her,” ahead of upcoming studio album, ‘Stereotype.’

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

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

“I’m Gonna Let Her” 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.

Karley Scott Collins Makes Her Debut with New Song “Heavenly”

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Sony Music Nashville signee, Karley Scott Collins makes her major-label debut with her new song “Heavenly,” out now, February 4th. Listen below.

Just last month, Sony Music Nashville announced their newest recording artist, Karley Scott Collins. The songstress is a true visionary. She writes music that is from the heart and has a voice that rivals any in the industry today. Today, Collins makes her debut with her new song “Heavenly.”

Written by Collins with Nathan Chapman, the tender new single is both beautiful and poetic. Inspired by a series of relationships with a bad ending, the new song is relatable to anyone who has ever experienced love and heartbreak. According to Collins “heavenly” is what she hopes will happen, when she meets her person.

“You make all my demons want a halo // Make the devil in me wish he was an angel // Yeah, you bring out the best in me // Yeah, you make me feel heavenly // Thank God He gave me you ’cause // You turn my sad songs into hallelujahs // Yeah, you bring out the best in me // Yeah, you make me feel heavenly”

Collins is an artist to watch out for this year. With just one song under her belt, the singer-songwriter is already proving to have the guts and the vocals to make herself a name-stay in country music.

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Karley Scott Collins’ new song “Heavenly” is available now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Karley Scott Collins, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Heavenly” 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.

Restless Road Performs “Growing Old With You” on The Bachelor

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Restless Road performed their brand new song, “Growing Old With You” on ABC’s ‘The Bachelor’ on Monday night, during one of the special date nights.

On the heels of releasing their brand new, romantic song “Growing Old With You,” Restless Road was invited to perform on ABC’s hit show ‘The Bachelor.” The trio previously teased the song on social media. Fans showed their approval for the song almost instantly. Their performance on The Bachelor was just as great! Watch the video here.

This season’s lead, Clayton Echard, and his date headed to an undisclosed location. They were surprised with the trio’s incredible love song. When asked to perform on the show, Restless Road were both shocked and humbled by the invitation. The trio clearly appreciate every opportunity.

“What you say we put us down some roots // Find a house up on a hill // Travel ’round the world // Put some pictures on the shelf // Hold you close and keep the faith // Raise some kids with our last name // Well, come on baby what you say we do? // I feel like growing old with you // I’m growing old with you”

Restless Road joins a long list of country artists, who performed on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette franchise respectively. Both Chase Rice and Laine Hardy were recent guests on the shows. We wonder who will be next to join the list!

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

To keep up with Restless Road follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Growing Old With 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.

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Caitlyn Smith Shares Her Rendition of “High” Recorded by Miley Cyrus

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Caitlyn Smith shares her rendition of “High,” which was previously recorded by Miley Cyrus. Listen to the new song below.

It is always exciting, when a country artist is as fantastic of a vocalist as they are a songwriter. This sentiment describes Caitlyn Smith to a tee! Recently, she even earned a cut on Miley Cyrus’ album Plastic Hearts with her song “High.” Today, Smith releases her own rendition of the incredible song.

Because of how much Smith loved “High,” it was important for her to release her version of the track. Smith’s rendition is piercing, haunting, and vocally driven. With more instrumentals than Cyrus’ version, the songstress brings a whole new life to the already incredible song.

“And in my head I did my very best // Saying goodbye, goodbye // And I don’t miss you but I think of you // And don’t know why // I still feel high // I still feel high // Sometimes I stay up all night // ‘Cause you don’t ever talk to me in my dreams // And I think about eventually you’re holding me // And dancing to the record like a movie scene”
“High” is the first song off Smith’s upcoming, self-produced project. Smith is in a league all of her own. Her songwriting and vocal abilities are mesmerizing and enticing. We should all be excited for what is to come!
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Caitlyn Smith’s version of “High” is out now.

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

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“High” 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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Maddie & Tae: ‘Through the Madness Vol. 1’ – EP Review

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Maddie & Tae’s newest EP, Through the Madness Vol. 1is officially out now, January 28th, and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

On Through the Madness Volume 1, Maddie and Tae are stronger than ever. As a duo, the pair of Madison Font (formerly Marlow) and Taylor Kerr (formerly Dye) has become known for their intrinsic and ethereal harmonies paired with vulnerability-laden songwriting. This continues on Through the Madness, showing the pair getting better and better with each subsequent release.

Featuring eight brand new tracks, each song on Through the Madness Volume 1 was co-written by the duo, hearts fully on display with each lyric. They also enlist some of Nashville’s biggest names here, including Tae’s husband, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton, Barry Dean, Luke Laird, and Jimmy Robbins.

Following in the footsteps of 2020’s The Way It Feels, this eight-song collection continues to show their growth as both individuals and a duo. Yet, some songs date back even further than that release. Kerr explains that one of the album’s highlights, “Don’t Make Her Look Dumb” isn’t exactly new. “We wrote ‘Don’t Make Her Look Dumb’ less than a month after “Die From A Broken Heart,” which was five years ago. Everyone loved the song, but Maddie and I felt like we’d already done it.” At the suggestion of their A&R rep, they brought in Morgane Stapleton, best known for performing with her husband, Chris.

Another highlight is the pair’s collaboration with Lori McKenna, “The Other Side.” The song embraces overcoming hardships, the trio harmonizing magically. “I know your heart is heavy// And your feet feel unsteady // That highwire is ready to break // Don’t forget // That there’s strength in the weakness // And light in the pieces // Even broke down hearts know how to shine,” They sing on the uplifting ballad. “Oh, there’s wisdom in the waiting // Peace in the patience // Time always takes care of the changing time // And if you need a hand // Then reach for mine // You’re closer than you think // To the other side.”

On the album’s opener, “What It’s Like Loving You,” the pair whimsically wonder about a relationship with someone new, wondering what it’ll be like. “If it’s anything like tonight,” they muse. “I could get used to // What it’s like loving you.” Meanwhile, they flip the script on “Woman You Got,” outlining the imperfections that make loving them an adventure. “I know you know me, but if I know me,” they sing teasingly. “I’m gonna drive you crazy.”

On “Wish You the Best,” the pair do what they do best, and turn a clever phrase into an incredible lyric. Since the “Girl in a Country Song Days,” they have shined with their lyrical prowess and this country kissoff is no exception. “I wish you the best, but you’ve already had it.”

Both “Madness” and “Strangers” are heartfelt love songs, with “Madness” as an ode to enduring love, promising that “if the world goes mad // I’ll love you through the madness.” The collection ends with the piano-driven “Strangers,” reflecting on the power of the kind of love that makes life before it seem irrelevant. While the song can most easily be interpreted as a love song to a significant other, it can easily be applied to a mother of a child, with Kerr welcoming her first daughter unexpectedly on January 17, nearly three months early.

For Maddie & Tae, Through the Madness Vol. 1 is a natural progression in their musical journey. It shows them evolving and growing while still remaining true to their roots with a combination of clever lyrics, powerful meaning, and pure country harmonies.

Through the Madness Vol 1. EP Tracklist:

  1. What It’s Like Loving You (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton)
  2. Woman You Got (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Mark Holman, Laura Veltz)
  3. Don’t Make Her Look Dumb (Feat. Morgane Stapleton) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)
  4. Grown Man Cry (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Eric Arjes, Jordan Minton)
  5. Madness (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale)
  6. The Other Side (Feat. Lori McKenna) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Lori McKenna)
  7. Wish You The Best (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)*
  8. Strangers (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Adam Hambrick, Jimmy Robbins)
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Maddie and Tae’s new EP, ‘Through the Madness Vol. 1’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Maddie & Tae, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Through the Madness Vol 1. EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Jordan Fletcher: ‘True Stories’- EP Review

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Jordan Fletcher releases his new EP, True Stories, out now, January 28th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Jacksonville-born artist, Jordan Fletcher is a singer-songwriter on the rise. He is an artist you are going to want to add to your radar ASAP. Today the talented artist released his debut EP, entitled True Stories.

True to its name, the four songs are an authentic and honest approach to storytelling that country music does so well. According to Fletcher, all of his songs are autobiographical, which makes the EP even more captivating. “If I’m singing it, it’s got to be true. If you wanted a childhood video of me on VHS, this is what you would see. I’m not making this shit up or shying away from what I believe. I’m telling my story,” shares the singer in a recent press release.

The record kicks off with “Firebird,” a laidback jam. Vocally driven with thought-provoking lyrics, Fletcher sings about a car that has a lot of stories and memories wrapped up in it. The song feels both personal and innovative.

Fletcher continues the intricate vibes with “Still Those Kids.” A slower number, the track is a love song at its finest. Clearly inspired by his relationship with his now-wife, the singer takes listeners on a journey down memory lane of their relationship. He does not try to reinvent the wheel with this song but manages to create something that feels fresh, yet nostalgic.

LYRICS

Clearly inspired by love in all its glory, Fletcher’s voice shines on “I Know You Are But What Am I.” He tackles the tough theme of recognizing yourself without the one you love. Fans of songs that show true artistry will fall in love with this track; despite, the desperation it conveys.

The record culminates with another poignant song, “Rather Be Broke.” On this track, Fletcher doubles down on love. Without love, nothing else matters. Moreover, being rich in love is more important than anything else.

We truly fell in love with Fletcher’s debut EP. Each song makes you yearn for more music from the budding artist. It is refreshing to see an artist come out of the gate being unequivocal true to both their artistry and humanness.

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Jordan Fletcher’s brand new EP, ‘True Stories,’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

True Stories EP Tracklist:

  1. Firebird
  2. Still Those Kids
  3. I Know You Are But What Am I
  4. Rather Be Broke

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

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

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

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Adam Doleac Releases New Song “Drinkin’ It Wrong”

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Adam Doleac’s new song, “Drinkin’ It Wrong” is out now, January 28th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the track below.

Adam Doleac has a brand new song titled “Drinkin’ It Wrong”. Like most drinking songs, it has a fun, upbeat message. “Drinkin It Wrong” focuses on all the ways you should be consuming your beverage: fast, carefree, and with a little buzz.

“If you’re slow, slow sippin’ // If your cup ain’t tippin’ // If that buzz ain’t kickin’ // Yeah, you’re drinkin’ // But you’re drinkin’ it wrong”

We at Country Swag have been big fans of Doleac from the beginning and whether he puts out a love song or a song about drinking, we always seem to be immediately hooked. In a world that can be dark and scary, “Drinkin’ It Wrong” takes you to a fun, stress-free place where work and other worries can be put on the backburner.

“If you got work on your mind // If your worries ain’t gone // If it ain’t hitting you right // Well, you’re drinkin’ it wrong // If that bottle ain’t cold // You been holding it too long // I don’t know what you’ve been told // But you’re drinkin’ it wrong”

This is the perfect follow-up to Doleac’s  “Somewhere Cool With You” and “Key to the City.”

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Adam Doleac’s new song “Drinkin’ It Wrong” is out now.

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

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

“Drinkin’ It Wrong” 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.