Lauren Watkins: ‘The Heartbroken Record’ – Debut Album Review

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Lauren Watkins releases her brand new debut album, The Heartbroken Record, out now, June 2st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

With a honeyed vocal tone that evokes a mix of the country greats with today’s modern female superstars, rising singer-songwriter Lauren Watkins is full of promise. The Nashville native’s debut album, The Heartbroken Record, out now, features 17 new tracks that take listeners on a journey.

Each track was co-penned by Watkins, enlisting Music Row heavy-hitters like Nicolle Galyon, Lance Miller, Andy Sheridan, and more, to lend their talents. Collaborators include Ashley Monroe, Sheryl Crow, Carter Faith, and Jake Worthington, each who lend their voices to the Joey Moi-produced debut.

Released via Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters, the album centers around the universal theme of heartbreak but touches on everything from wallowing to revenge to moving on. “It’s the one thing that connects everybody, because no matter who you are, what your status is or how much money you have, we all feel heartbreak – it makes us the same,” Watkins revealed in a statement. “And I happen to think that as much as it can be sad, it’s a beautiful, necessary part of life.”

For Watkins, much of her debut project reads like an extremely well-written and poignant journal, her voice and style recalling icons like Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraces, LeeAnn Womack, and more. “I didn’t want to just put an album out – I wanted it to be purposeful,” she says. “It’s the past several years of my life, and that was just so much heartbreak and dramatic girl-feelings, but I think in a really deep and relatable way… and it just needs to get off my chest.”

Sonically, the album tends to embrace the influences of 90s country and a rootsy twang, with moments of singalon- worthy anthemic empowerment.  “I brought all my influences to the table – from Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson to Miranda Lambert – and tried to cover every emotion that comes with heartbreak. The good, the bad, and the ugly,” she reveals. “It’s exactly the space in country I thought was missing and wanted to fill. It’s sweet and warm, but also gritty and tough at the same time, and that’s my favorite thing. I love it.”

The album’s opener “Leavers Leave” is an immediate attention-grabber with its mid-tempo 90’s inspired melody that finds her vocals floating over the inevitable facts of life. Likewise, the album’s titular track is equally poignant, as she finds herself spiraling like a broken record after a heartbreak.

While Watkins shines on ballads, she’s also right at home on up-tempo tunes, evidenced on the clever kiss off, “One Trick Pony” and “Sad Songs and You,” which finds her musing that “the only things that ever make me cry are sad songs and you.” The tune is a twangy two-stepper just made for the Opry stage, while the earwormy “Gallatin” bounces along with a summery and endlessly catchy Shanty-esque cadence.

“Mama I Made It” finds her channeling her inner Reba, cleverly turning tongue-in-cheek phrases on the lyrical disaster of her own making, while “Stuck in Her Ways” is a reflective acceptance that she’s not about to change who she is.

“I keep a six pack in the Fridge // And a rocking chair out back // I keep a light on, on the porch // And a key under the mat // I don’t park in that spot where you parked your Chevrolet // I ain’t sitting ‘round hoping you’ll come back someday // I’m just stuck in my ways // Yeah I’m stuck in my ways”

The collabs on the album provide another set of highlights, truly allowing Watkins to experiment with different sounds and styles. On “Set My Heart On Fire,” she joins forces with Sheryl Crow in an attempt to not be swayed by another bad boy. It’s rootsy and guitar-driven, much like much of Crow’s catalog. Likewise, “Pretend You’re Coming Home” finds Watkins trading verses with the ethereal Ashley Monroe, the pair longing for a simpler time when someone was still coming home. “Around five every night, I go back in time,” they sing. “Even though you’re gone, I pretend you’re coming home.”

On “Fly on the Wall,” she harmonizes with Jake Worthington, whose pristine baritone perfectly complements her emotive twang as they deal with the waltzing aftermath of moving on. Carter Faith joins in on “Cowboys on Music Row,” the pair musing over the sad state of today’s cowboys and country singers, longing for the days of the “redheaded stranger” or a “real rodeo man.” It’s a modern take on Paula Cole’s “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?,” as they lament “Where oh, where oh, where did they go, There ain’t no cowboys on music row.”

On “Settling Things,” Watkins shows shades of Musgraves’ “Merry Go ‘Round,” musing that “we’re all kind of happy, we’re all kind of bored.” Likewise, “Burn the Bridge” has her realizing that some things just can’t be saved and it’s better to move on and move forward. It’s a catchy and lush moment of acceptance. 

“Yeah I burned up a backroad // On my way outta town and // I Lit up a cigarette // To put that old flame out // Gonna burn down the bar // Burn some pictures in the yard // ‘Cause it is what it Is // If you can’t mend the fence // Burn the bridge”

Songs like “Anybody But You,” “Shirley Temple,” and “Jealous of Jane,” find her trying, with varying degrees of success, to move on. On “Anybody,” she admits that “the only way to fall out of love is to hate you,” while “Jealous” has her admitting that she “don’t want him back, but I don’t want him to want her.” 

The album ends with “Too Much to Dream,” an ethereal showcase of Watkins’ gorgeous twang and brilliant lyricism. Here, she’s still trying to move on, finding an escape in her dreams.

“So if I seem like I’m a ten out of ten // I owe it to a few sheets to the wind // Tucked me in faster than I could cry // I had too much to dream last night // So if I seem like I’m a ten out of ten // I owe it to a few sheets to the wind”

With seventeen tracks centered around the central theme of heartbreak, it would’ve been easy for The Heartbroken Record to come off as same-ish and one dimensional. However, that’s not the case here. Instead, Watkins delivers a multi-faceted and humanized take on broken hearts and the aftermath in a way that shows that healing may not always be linear. It’s truly a work of art that the singer-songwriter should be proud of as she moves into her next chapter, personally and professionally.

The Heartbroken Record Tracklist:

  1. Leavers Leave (Lauren Watkins, Lance Miller, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  2. Mama, I Made It (Lauren Watkins, Rocky Block, Lauren Hungate)
  3. Heartbroken Record (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Caroline Watkins)
  4. Sad Songs And You (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate)
  5. Set My Heart On Fire (feat. Sheryl Crow) (Lauren Watkins, Emily Landis, Summer Overstreet, Lydia Vaughan)
  6. Stuck In My Ways (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, David Garcia, Emily Landis)
  7. Gatlinburg (Lauren Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Ashley Monroe, Caroline Watkins)
  8. Anybody But You (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Mark Holman, Ernest Keith Smith)
  9. Settling Things (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird)
  10. One Trick Pony (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan, Caroline Watkins)
  11. Fly On The Wall (feat. Jake Worthington) (Lauren Watkins, Andy Sheridan, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  12. Shirley Temple (Lauren Watkins, Nicolle Galyon, Meg McRee)
  13. Pretend You’re Coming Home (feat. Ashley Monroe) (Lauren Watkins, Ashley Monroe, Mark Trussell)
  14. Jealous Of Jane (Lauren Watkins, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Caroline Watkins)
  15. Cowboys On Music Row (feat. Carter Faith) (Lauren Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Ashley Monroe, Caroline Watkins)
  16. Burn The Bridge (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Emily Landis, Mark Trussell)
  17. Too Much To Dream (Lauren Watkins, Forrest Finn, Nicolle Galyon)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Gatlinburg
  2. Leavers They Leave 
  3. Burn the Bridge
  4. Cowboys on Music Row
Lauren-watkins-debut-album

Lauren Watkins shares her debut album, ‘The Heartbroken Record,’ 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 Lauren Watkins releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.

To keep up with Lauren Watkins, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

The Heartbroken Record 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.

petty-country-album

Here Is PETTY COUNTRY: A Country Music Celebration – Album

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Various country artists join forces to pay homage to Tom Petty on  new album, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen here.

Lately, country music has been doing a great job honoring superstars both in and out of the genre. Tom Petty is one of those artists that have seemingly transcended generations, so it makes perfect sense that current day county artists would honor Petty’s legacy. In an awesome 20-track album, country artists like George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, and many others join forces to honor Petty and the songs he has given us. The project is called Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty,

The tribute album is the perfect way to introduce Petty’s music to a younger generation and breathe new life into the classic hits. In a recent press release, Red Light Management president, Will Botwin shared, “We were seeking to connect how influenced Tom was by country music — and, in turn, how much influence and love he has had from country artists. We feel the 20 great performances of his songs by a wonderful variety of country music artists on the Petty Country album accomplishes this in a very authentic and powerful way. His songs are a natural fit with country music artists & fans.”

Listen to PETTY COUNTRY now!

PETTY COUNTRY Track List:

  1. I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT / CHRIS STAPLETON
  2. WILDFLOWERS / THOMAS RHETT
  3. RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM / LUKE COMBS
  4. SOUTHERN ACCENTS / DOLLY PARTON
  5. HERE COMES MY GIRL / JUSTIN MOORE
  6. AMERICAN GIRL / DIERKS BENTLEY
  7. STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART AROUND / LADY A
  8. I FORGIVE IT ALL / JAMEY JOHNSON
  9. I WON’T BACK DOWN / BROTHERS OSBORNE
  10. WYNONNA REFUGEE (FEAT. LAINEY WILSON)
  11. ANGEL DREAM (NO. 2) / WILLIE NELSON, LUKAS NELSON
  12. LEARNING TO FLY / ELI YOUNG BAND
  13. BREAKDOWN / RYAN HURD FT. CARLY PEARCE
  14. YER SO BAD / STEVE EARLE
  15. WAYS TO BE WICKED / MARGO PRICE FT. MIKE CAMPBELL
  16. MARY JANE’S LAST DANCE / MIDLAND
  17. FREE FALLIN’ / THE CADILLAC THREE FT. BRELAND
  18. I NEED TO KNOW / MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES
  19. DON’T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE / RHIANNON GIDDENS FT. SILKROAD ENSEMBLE, BENMONT TENCH
  20. YOU WRECK ME (LIVE) / GEORGE STRAIT
petty-country-album

PETTY COUNTRY 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 releases.

PETTY COUNTRY 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.

kashus-culpepper-single

Kashus Culpepper Shares New Single “After Me?”

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Kashus Culpepper shares new single “After Me?,” out now, June 21st, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

There are few things we love more than championing new artists in country music. Big Loud Records newest signee, Kashus Culpepper is a new artist we are really excited about. The singer-songwriter inked a deal with Big Loud this year, and is finally releasing his first career single. Culpepper’s new song “After Me?” is out now.

“Truly honored to be a part of the Big Loud family,” Culpepper shared in a recent press release. “They’ve believed in my music and songs since the beginning. Their intense love of music, and the rich history of it all matches mine, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be surrounded around like-minded people. I’m so excited to be part of this lineup of artists that I’ve listened to for so long. Once again, thank you for believing in my music! Much love!”

When it comes to his debut single, “After Me?” is the perfect introduction to the country crooner’s unique sound. The song speaks to his raw talent, perfectly scratching your brain with each and every note that’s sung. “After Me?” sucks you in from the jump, as, Culpepper’s mesmerizing vocals make the listener hang on his every word. We look forward to seeing the type of music the singer continues to release on his journey!

Kashus-Culpepper-single

Kashus Culpepper shares brand new single, “After Me?,” 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 Kashus Culpepper releases.

To keep up with Kashus Culpepper, follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

“After Me?” 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.

caylee-hammack-the-hill

Caylee Hammack Drops Brand New Song “The Hill” Out Now

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Caylee Hammack’s new song, “The Hill” is out now, June 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

In a new era of music for singer-songwriter, Caylee Hammack, she is leaning into her eclectic musical influences. As always, her songs speak to her personal stories, as well as, provides a healing space for her fans. Hammack’s brand new song, “The Hill” fits the bill effortlessly.

“The Hill” marks the next creative chapter for the Capitol Record Nashville’s recording artist. The song speaks to her talent at weaving in unique influences and sharing true pain and emotions through song. On this track, Hammack laments about finally surrendering and waving the white flag, trying to hold on to a relationship that may have run its course. Despite its heartbreaking lyrics, the song feels like a battle cry for anyone who has experienced this type of heartbreak.

“These eggshells we walked on // Cut us like barbed wire // Pride has kept us holding on // We’re both getting tired // Your side or mine // A real fine line we’re painting // A mess we’re making of love // Who really cares who’s right or wrong // If this is the hill we’re dying on”

Hammack is an incredible artist in the country music industry. For years, she has shared her vulnerability through her music, showcasing the healing can often come through a song. We are excited to see what is next for the singer, as she embarks on this new chapter.

caylee-hammack-the-hill

Caylee Hammack shares new song, “The Hill,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

“The Hill” 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.

Troy Cartwright Drops New Single “Lincoln Continental”

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Troy Cartwright shares new single “Lincoln Continental,” out now, June 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

Troy Cartwright knows exactly who he is an artist in country music. Since deciding to go independent, he has been creating and releasing music that feels distinctly “him.” Each and every release feels almost more authentic than is predecessor. Today, Cartwright adds to his growing music catalog with a song called “Lincoln Continental.”

Cartwright is a true expert at crafting lyrics that read like a story. On “Lincoln Continental” the singer is able to share his grandparents love story in a truly heartwarming and special way. Throughout the song he recounts memories of his Nanny and Papa’s love story, while feeling hopeful that he and his wife can have an epic love story too.

“Sitting on a red brick mantle in an easel back 4 by 6 // Nanny and Papa in a getaway car // Yeah they looked like kids // Summer of 59 // Now they’re 85 // Still in love as they were when they were kissin’ // Underneath confetti and rice // in that Lincoln Continental // Scootin’ just a little bit closer // White dress on leather seats // in that Lincoln Continental / Runs like day one when it’s older // Feels better than new // Something borrowed, powder blue // I hope one day that’s me and you”

“Lincoln Continental” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. His flair truly is a perfect blend of country lyrics with a buttery and easy vocal. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

troy-cartwright-lincoln-center

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “Lincoln Center,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“Lincoln Center” 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.

Carly Pearce: ‘hummingbird’ – Album Review

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Carly Pearce shares new album, humingbird, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

When we last caught up with Carly Pearce, she was fresh off a high-profile divorce and churning out some of the best songwriting in not only her career, but mainstream modern country music. Three years later, Pearce has continued to weave her web of authentic storytelling, but with a fresh, more healed perspective. Out today, June 7th, is Pearce’s fourth studio album hummingbird.

Pearce successfully pulls from heroes of hers, like Loretta and Tammy with the soaring fiddles, melancholy steel guitars, and twangy dobros in a way that becomes distinctive to only Pearce. This is heard throughout the entirety of hummingbird, especially the first four tracks. Second song “truck on fire” (co-written with Lady A’s Charles Kelley) is the perfect mix of classic enough that it’s a shock it hasn’t been written enough to sound exactly like Pearce. Few people can write a clever breakup song like her. Similarly, “still blue”, the following track, has that familiar neotraditional country sound and the familiarly clever turn of phrase that Pearce has developed.

There’s not a song on the project that feels like a throwaway, but there are some definite standouts with “my place”, “rock paper scissors” and “oklahoma”. The latter is lyrically very strong, but it is the vocal performance on “oklahoma”, which lands perfectly in the middle of the record, that reminds you why she is a two-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner. “my place” takes you everywhere you want to go when listening to a song. It’s melodically poignant in a way that Pearce continues to pull off time and time again.

Pearce herself is one of Nashville’s strongest artist-writers, but also believes in letting the best song win, which more major artists should follow. “things I don’t chase” is an example of that. While she did not write the song, it is woven in well with the rest of the album.

It is not that hummingbird is a revolutionary country album or even chronologically cohesive in the way her previous bodies of work are. What makes this album still a standout in Pearce’s discography is that it truly solidifies her roll as one of music’s strongest storytellers and vocalists. Pearce is distinctive in a way people spend their whole careers trying to figure out. Whether it’s your style or not, it’s hard not to love her music – you will always recognize a Pearce song, even from afar.

Keepin’ The Lights On Track List:

  1. country music made me do it | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  2. truck on fire | Written by Carly Pearce, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley
  3. still blue | Written by Carly Pearce, Natalie Hemby, Josh Osborne
  4. heels over head | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  5. we don’t fight anymore featuring Chris Stapleton | Written by Carly Pearce, Pete Good, Shane McAnally
  6. rock paper scissors | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
  7. oklahoma | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
  8. my place | Written by Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds
  9. things I don’t chase | Written by Robyn Dell’Unto, Kat Higgins, Ava Supplesa
  10. woman to woman | Written by Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate
  11. fault line | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
  12. pretty please | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  13. trust issues | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
  14. hummingbird | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds

Country Swag Picks:

  1. country music made me do it
  2. rock paper scissors
  3. woman to woman
  4. hummingbird
carly-pearce-hummingbird

Carly Perace shares brand new album, ‘hummingbird,’ 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 Carly Pearce releases.

To keep up with Carly Pearce, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

hummingbird 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.

huntergirl-debut-ep

HunterGirl: ‘Tennessee Girl’ – Debut EP Review

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HunterGirl shares her debut EP, Tennessee Girl, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

After coming in second on Season 20 of American Idol and making her Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year, country starlet HunterGirl is ready to make a statement with her debut label EP, Tennessee Girl, out now. Released through 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the EP features six new tracks written or co-written by the rising star.

For the project, HunterGirl, née Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, enlisted co-writers that included Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, and more. The collection is inspired by the likes of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and P!NK, showing the young singer-songwriter’s versatility and range as she effortlessly floats between the rocking uptempo of “Bad Boy” to the vulnerability of her first single, “Ain’t About You.”

“Tennessee Girl shows the different sides of my personality. I separate songs into two categories in my head, Blue Jean and Leather Jacket songs. Blue Jean songs are the ones I write in my bedroom opening my diary to the world. Leather Jacket songs are where I want to feel tougher and have fun,” She shares in a statement. “Most people have only seen the Blue Jean side of my personality, but with this 6-song EP, I have the chance to show the full picture of me as an artist.”  

“Bad Decisions” kicks off the album, leaning more leather jacket than blue jean as the singer admits that, like most twenty-somethings, she’s great at making bad decisions. Whether it’s having a few too many or choosing the wrong guy, it’s an utterly relatable anthem for any girl who’s ever been there. “I guess I’m good at making bad decisions,” she muses over roaring guitars and catchy pop beats. “Raise it up if you’re with me, let’s make a memory we might forget.”

Similarly, “Bad Boy” finds her dealing with those bad decisions, this time in the form of men. She’s looking for a tattooed, guitar-slinging bad boy that her daddy won’t approve of. It’s driving pop-rock-country that finds the Tennessee native attracted to guys who are no good and no good for her. With Kelly Clarkson-meets-PINK sensibilities, the track is a roaring gem of a crowd pleaser. 

“Yeah I know my daddy’s gonna really hate this song // Yeah I got it bad for someone bad for me // You can really kiss // I can barely breathe // Only kind of crazy // I could  ever need // And it’ll only be good, only be good to me… I really got it bad for a bad boy”

While HunterGirl can rock and roar with the best of them, the singer-songwriter truly shines on her more vulnerable ballads. Case in point: her single, “Ain’t About You.” Here, she deals with her own insecurities faced in the pursuit of her dreams, contemplating if she should give up. “It was the most honest and vulnerable I’d ever been in a song,” she reveals to Billboard. “I wrote it in my bedroom and never thought anyone would hear it. That song and people’s reception to it changed my songwriting because I realized people needed to hear the not-so-pretty parts of your life, the really hard things I was scared to say. After that it made choosing [songs for] the EP so much easier, because I’m like, ‘I’m just going to be myself and hopefully, it touches somebody else out there.’”

Likewise, “Clockworks” is a clear standout, a special and introspective ballad about the passage of time, and how you can never get it back. “Do you hear that? There goes another second that you can’t get back, take it from me,” She begins, immediately grabbing a listener’s attention as she sings about her grandfather as he battles with memory loss. “It’s like waking up one day full grown, and all you want is to put time in reverse, but that ain’t how the clock works.”

The EP ends with another clear standout, “Pretty Much,” which finds her grappling with the insecurities that are common among many women of all ages. Here, she ponders “If pretty is as pretty does/then who the hell decided what pretty was? And if perfect’s in, then count me out, ‘Cause I got better things that I can think about, there are days in the mirror when I don’t feel like enough, but I’m getting pretty good at not thinking ‘bout… pretty much.” Much like “Ain’t About You,” “Pretty Much” is an empowering anthem that once again finds her dealing with self-doubt and overcoming.

For HunterGirl, her new EP, Tennessee Girl, truly allows the rising star to showcase all sides of her personality from feisty firecracker to vulnerable chanteuse, and everything in between.

Tennessee Girl EP Track List:

  1. Bad Decisions (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor)
  2. Clockworks (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor)
  3. Weather in Tennessee (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Warren Garrett, Joybeth Taylor, Gabe Foust)
  4. Ain’t About You (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski)
  5. Bad Boy (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Greg Bates)
  6. Pretty Much (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, David Fanning, Josh Kear, Andy Sheridan)
HunterGirl_TennesseeGirl-ep

HunterGirl shares her debut EP, ‘Tennessee Girl,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

Check her website for tour dates, including with Luke Bryan on his Mind of a Country Boy Tour 2024.

To keep up with the singer-songwriter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Tennessee Girl 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.

matt-stell-born-lonely

Matt Stell: ‘Born Lonely’ – Debut Album Review

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Matt Stell shares debut album, Born Lonely, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

While Matt Stell has already made a name for himself with hits like “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” the singer-songwriter has yet to put out a full length album. That changes now with the release of his debut, Born Lonely, out now.

Featuring ten new songs co-written by the Arkansas native, Born Lonely is Stell’s step forward as an artist. Released via RECORDS Nashville, the collection features well-known co-writers including Ray Fulcher, Chris DeStefano, Jaron Boyer, Jon Nite, and Jordan Minton.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Born Lonely,” shares Stell in a statement. “When I started writing these songs, I decided to tell the truth – the good, the bad, the fun, the sad, all of it – and see what happened. It turned into the best batch of songs I’ve ever recorded.”

Stell kicks off the album with “Built by Broken Hearts,” an introspective and autobiographical tale of his upbringing in a broken home, detailing the Walmart parking lot handoffs between his parents, splitting him between Arkansas and Florida. He admits that he’s a bit damaged from his raising, making him the broken man he is now. “That’s why it feels like I’m home when I’m hurtin’ // It feels right when I’m falling apart,” he sings. “You understand why you’re made for goodbye // When you’re built by broken hearts.”

The album’s title track shares a similar sentiment, one that resonated so strongly with the singer that he tattooed it on his arm. “In a way that I have scar tissue from things that happened when I was a kid, and from the relationships that I have sabotaged, messed up, or have chosen poorly in terms of fit, there’s collateral damage,” he admits “This tattoo is a permanent reminder of where I have been and how I want to change for my future.”

While the song may tell a sad tale up front, it also finds Stell reckoning with his past and looking forward towards a brighter future. It’s truly a special moment for the singer, an anthem for the broken hoping to break that pattern.

“I think that you were born lonely // You wanna fall in love but you don’t know how // Hold back ’cause you think it’s only // Just a matter of time before it all goes south // Heartbreak hurts worse than goodbye // And that’s why you do what you always do // I think that you were born lonely // And I know ’cause I was born lonely too”

“Girl Gets Gone” and “Into the Sunrise” continue that anthemic vibe, soaring guitars accompanying his soaring vocals as he proclaims, “Into the sunrise, Burn through the moonlight, Baby, ’cause all night just won’t be enough.” With its boisterous proclamation and catchy hook, this track is just made for a live stage.

Alternatively, “Girl Gets Gone’ juxtaposes heartbroken lyrics with roaring guitars, drowning his sorrows on a bar stool, admitting “When a girl gets gone, the boy does too.” 

“What We Do Best” is a flirty and soulful ode to a toxic on-and-off again relationship that can’t seem to quit. “We’re the worst at pretending we’re nothing but friends,” He croons cheekily over bluesy guitars, inviting a woman to “do what they do best.”

“Take the Girl” is a hip-pop tinted jaunt about the buzz of new love, finding Stell a changed man thanks to the high that only someone special can provide. Meanwhile, “Breakin’ in Boots” finds him realizing that a girl is walking her cowboy boots over his heart. Partially inspired by a real-life run-in, he details a “cowboy killer” who will “burn you like the Bourbon in the bottle she’s shooting.”

“Smooth” provides a truly special moment on the album, Stell admitting, “My life got rough when my hands got smooth” after his family sold their farm. It’s a simple and sparse ballad, twangy guitars and shakers punctuating his confessional delivery. “Now the daily grind it never stops, I got an empty soul and a full inbox.”

“When they cut the trees down and dug up my roots // Now I’m stressed in loafers instead of sweating in boots // The price per acre can’t change the truth // My life got rough when my hands got smooth.”

“Hard Stuff” and “Cold Beer at a Time” are both catchy mid-tempos that use alcohol in different ways. While “Hard Stuff” finds him nursing both the bottle and a broken heart, “Cold Beer” is the album’s closing track that finds him looking towards the future. Here, Stell almost sounds buoyant and optimistic as he looks ahead, having left his emotional baggage on the earlier tunes. “A little more sip than shoot, A little more chill than makin’ moves,” he muses airily. “I’m getting by and taking life, One cold beer at a time.”

While Matt Stell could’ve continued to achieve success with breakup tunes and simple love songs, he looked inward on Born Lonely, releasing his best music to date.

Born Lonely Track List:

  1. Built by Broken Hearts (Matt Stell, Seth Alley, James McNair)
  2. Breakin’ in Boots (Matt Stell, Nate Cyphert, Joe Fox, Ben Stennis)
  3. Born Lonely (Matt Stell, Jake Mitchell, Benjy Davis)
  4. Girl Gets Gone (Matt Stell, Joe Fox, Jordan Minton, Travis Wood)
  5. Into the Sunrise (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Kyle Sturrock)
  6. Smooth (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano)
  7. The Hard Stuff (Matt Stell, Ray Fulcher, Jared Mullins)
  8. What We Do Best (Matt Stell, Andrew DeRoberts, Jon Nite, Kyle Sturrock)
  9. Take the Girl (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox, Nate Cyphert)
  10. One Cold Beer at a Time (Matt Stell, Jaron Boyer, John Marlin)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Born Lonely
  2. Girl Gets Gone
  3. Smooth
  4. Into the Sunrise
matt-stell-debut-album-born-lonely

Matt Stell shares debut album, ‘Born Lonely,’ 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 Matt Stell releases.

Visit his official website for tour dates and more.

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

Born Lonely 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.

graham-barham-song-whiskey-whiskey

Graham Barham Releases New Song “Whiskey Whiskey” Out Now

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Graham Barham shares brand new song, “Whiskey Whiskey,” out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Sony Music Nashville recording artist, Graham Barham knows how to craft a catchy song with memorable lyrics. His song “BREAK IT IN A BAR” currently has 16 million streams on Spotify alone, and it seems there is no stopping his rising star. Today, Barham is adding to his catalog with a heartbreaking, yet catchy song called “Whiskey Whiskey.”

According to Graham, “‘Whiskey Whiskey’ is about going through a really bad breakup and only being able to cope with it by forgetting with the help of some whiskey.”  The concept is clearly embodied throughout the song. It is obvious the protagonist is going through some hurt, as whiskey seems to be the only thing that can numb the pain. Barham’s gravely and moody vocals keep the listener wanting to listen to the track again and again.

“Ooh the only thing that can handle this hell // Is that handle on the shelf, so  // Whiskey whiskey, get me drunk / Hit me like some kinda drug // Fix me, fix me for the night // Take my mind and make it numb // Yeah turn my world to black // Like that Number 7 Jack // Cause she don’t miss me, miss me // Tonight I’m counting on you whiskey whiskey”

We are excited to see what comes down the pipeline next for the singer-songwriter. “Whiskey Whiskey” is another step in the direction of greatness!

whiskey-whiskey-graham-barham

Graham Barham shares new song, “Whiskey Whiskey,” 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 Graham Barham releases.

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

“Whiskey Whiskey” 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.

pryor-baird-new-song

Pryor Baird Shares New Song “Beauty In The Broken” Out Now

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Pryor Baird shares brand new song “Beauty In The Broken,” out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Every now and then there’s a country song that stops you in your tracks. It does not matter if it is by a mainstream country artist or by a newcomer, either way the song speaks to the masses in a way that feels vulnerable and important. Rising singer-songwriter, Pryor Baird’s new song, “Beauty In The Broken” is that type of song.

Written by the singer with Jared Hampton and Tate Howell, “Beauty In The Broken” is a testament to life’s ups and downs. As the beautiful hook states, “It’s okay if you ain’t alright.” The message is clear and poignant, a reminder that many people often need to hear. To accompany the incredible lyrics, Baird’s vocals are exquisite.

“‘Cause you’re going to drink too much and stay up too late // Need someone when your heart breaks // You’re going to drive too fast and get pulled over // Need someone, cry on shoulders // Gonna make mistakes, fall apart // Lose your way when you’re in the dark // Just don’t lose faith // Keep moving down the road // Yeah, don’t be afraid to leave your heart wide open // There’s beauty in the broken”

“I think it’s relatable to everyone because we’ve all been broken at one point or another in life, but there’s a beauty in the darkness. If you’re broken, or know somebody that is, this song is for you,” shares Baird in a recent press release.

“Beauty In The Broken” is a standout track that’s worth the spin. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.

pryor-baird-song-beauty

Pryor Baird shares new song, “Beauty In The Broken,” 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 Pryor Baird releases.

To keep up with Pryor Baird, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter. 

“Beauty In The Broken” 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.