Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, Jon Randall: ‘The Marfa Tapes’ – Album Review

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The Marfa Tapes from Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall is officially available now, May 7th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

For the last few weeks, country fans have anticipated the release of Miranda Lambert’s latest project, a collaboration with fellow musicians Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. The record is a culmination of intimate songs that the threesome wrote and recorded together in the tiny town of Marfa, Texas. Today, the singer-songwriters officially debuted the body of work, an album called THE MARFA TAPES.

Each of the fifteen songs off the project are standouts in their own right. There are songs about love, life, nostalgia, and heartbreak, all anchored by beauty, acoustics, and a unique connection between the three talents. Fans get a taste of what it’s like to be an artist, whose number one goal is to create music that they love with every anecdote that the trio chooses to share with us at the end of each raw and beautiful song.

The record kicks off with the previously released “In His Arms,” a timeless tale of longing for a distant love. “I Don’t Like It” led by Ingram is another love-centered song that we all can relate too. Love also plays a crucial part in other songs off the record like “Anchor” and “Am I Right Or Amarillo.”

Songs like “The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow,” “Geraldene,” and “Tin Man” explore the dark side of love. The heart-achingly beautiful songs all tap into different feelings associated with love loss. Similarly, “Breaking A Heart” honestly portrays how difficult it is to be the heartbreaker and how difficult it is to be the heartbroken. The track is one of our all-time favorites on the record.

The trio also makes sure to pay homage to their roots on this record, as their beginnings in Texas are one of the reasons they all came together to write and record, over these five special days. Songs like “Waxahachie,” “Homegrown Tomatoes,” and “We Always Have The Blues” bring the nostalgic feel that this record needed. Their appreciation for their craft seeps through on each of these three tracks.

“Ghost” is one of those songs that portray hurt, love, and nostalgia all in one, a feat that is hard to convey with such a simple arrangement. On the other hand the closing track, “Amazing Grace (West Texas)” makes sure to convey to the listener that Marfa, Texas has a special place in the hearts of each of the three creators. Their bond is pure, sentimental, and beautiful.

THE MARFA TAPES is country music at its finest. Lambert, Ingram, and Randall bring heart, grit, and pure appreciation for the genre to their one-of-a-kind record. The truth and honesty within each song is refreshing, and the record is a true creative masterpiece by three incredible musicians.

Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall's 'The Marfa Tapes' is available now, May 7th

Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall’s ‘The Marfa Tapes’ is available now, May 7th

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

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

The Marfa Tapes 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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Michael Ray Releases an Autobiographical Song Called “Picture”

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Michael Ray’s new song, “Picture” is available everywhere you buy or stream music now, May 7th. Written by Ray with HARDY and David Garcia, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the reflective new track.

Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray always releases music that fits him as a singer, but his newest release, “Picture’ out today is something special. Written during a tough time in Ray’s life with songwriters Michael Hardy (HARDY) and David Garcia, the new song is a reflective and emotional tune that every country fan needs to listen to.

“This last year has made me so appreciative of the people who can just sit still with me, reflect and reminisce,” shared Ray on his Instagram earlier this week, “It’s one of my favorite things about growing up in the south, and I hope we never lose it. My new song “Picture” is very autobiographical in that way. I hope that when y’all hear this song, it’s not something that brings sadness. I hope it’s something that brings joy and serves as a reminder that’s it okay to slow down and be present… because you’ll never regret the time you take to be with your family and friends.”

Ray was inspired to write this song after the passing of his uncle back in June 2020. Though the song is a tribute in some ways, it is also a reminder to fans to appreciate and live life with joy and happiness as much as possible. The song is one of the singer’s most personal and emotional songs to date.

“One day we’re barefoot, young and alive // the next we’re a story in a three-by-five // That somebody’s sure glad to have”

We are loving this new wave of artistry by the singer-songwriter, and it seems more music like “Picture” and current single, “Whiskey And Rain” are on the horizon. Keep an eye out for more new music coming down the pipeline by Ray soon!

Michael Ray's "Picture" is available now, May 7th

Michael Ray’s “Picture” is available now, May 7th

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

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

“Picture” 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.

Kameron Marlowe Releases Sultry New Song “Tequila Talkin’”

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Kameron Marlowe’s sultry new song, “Tequila Talkin'” arrives just in time for Cinco De Mayo. Available everywhere you buy or stream music now, May 5th, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

One of our new favorite singer-songwriters, Kameron Marlowe is blessing us with new music today! We named Marlowe one of our 2021 NYCountry Swag Artists to Watch for good reason, and his new single, out today is a perfect example. The singer dropped “Tequila Talkin’” as his first new song, since the release of his debut self-titled EP.

Written with incredible songwriters, Ray Fulcher and Dan Isbell, Marlowe manages to create another song that we just cannot get enough of. “Tequila Talkin’” is a smooth, romantic, and sultry jam, all about falling in lust/love at first sight. The artist relies on his smoldering vocals to paint the picture of a romantic encounter between two new lovers.

“That ain’t the tequila talkin’ babe // The way you’re smiling has got me thinking maybe // We should let the salt and the lime have its way // We’ll make up our minds tomorrow, but either way // Baby, I’m fallin’ // And that ain’t the tequila talkin’”

Although the song is not reinventing the wheel, the track feels new and innovative, when sung by Marlowe. “Tequila Talkin’” fits in perfectly with the singer’s former releases, and we’re sure the song is going to resonate with fans across the country genre. Currently, Marlowe’s debut single to country radio “Sober as a Drunk” continues to gain traction. This new jam is sure to create even more buzz around the promising new artist.

Kameron Marlowe's "Tequila Talkin'" is available now, May 5th

Kameron Marlowe’s “Tequila Talkin'” is available now, May 5th

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

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

“Tequila Talkin’” 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.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 4/30/21

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – 4/30/21

  • THOMAS RHETT – Dropping the first 11-tracks off his two-part double album, Thomas Rhett’s Country Again: Side A is out now! Check out the project here. – More >>
  • CHRIS LANE – After releasing new music just last week, Chris Lane is back with another new track, “Summer Job Money”. – More >>
  • HUNTER PHELPS – Singer-songwriter, Hunter Phelps just released an infectious new jam, “Whiskey Mode.” Check it out here. – More >>
  • MITCHELL TENPENNY – Fans begged and Mitchell Tenpenny delivered! Officially releasing the crowd-favorite track, Listen to “To Us It Did” here. – More >>
  • JADEN HAMILTON – Jaden Hamilton dropped a catchy new track, “Heaven’s Jukebox” and it’s got us all wondering, ‘If heaven’s got a jukebox’, what country songs would you want to see on it? – More >>
  • PRISCILLA BLOCK – Priscilla Block delivers an emotive, sassy, and impressive record with her self-titled EP, out now! – More >>
  • JACKSON DEAN – Jackson Dean makes his official debut to the country music world with the release of his self-titled EP. – More >>
  • LILY ROSE – Lily Rose tells an incredible story of “overnight sensation” in brand new song, listen here. – 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.

Jackson Dean Releases Debut Self-Titled EP – Full Review

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Jackson Dean makes his official debut to the country music world with the release of his self-titled EP available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Jackson Dean's self-titled debut EP is available now, April 30th

Jackson Dean’s self-titled debut EP is available now, April 30th

It is quite rare to come about such a true musician in a world where music is so readily accessible through both absorption and creation. It is, even more, few and far in between for an artist to inspire, to demand attention with their tone, and keep the listener engaged through lyrics. Though, it may be above any social or intellectual strata to say that music is seldom what it was created to be: beauty in a melody, Big Machine Records has signed the vessel for it. Jackson Dean’s talent is undeniable. In the recently released debut single “Wings”, it could not have been more clear that this Maryland newcomer is no amateur at all.

While the music released thus far from Dean is polished, gritty and all things mature, it is even more compelling to learn that he is at the young age of 20 years old. Let that sink in. Though, this older-than-I-am confidence may have come more as obligation or responsibility than choice. With a seemingly distinct experience of living in a one-room cinderblock of concrete floors in the backyard of his grandfather’s house without any heat or plumbing, and living in an otherworldly universe of flying to Nashville every week to write songs, the grit and grind were embedded in Dean from the start.

“Living in that shack was hard, but I was living on my own, going to work when everyone else was going to school,” Dean shared in a press release. “It felt like another big step, a really big step to grow up a little bit more… and there are experiences I took from there most people who come after me will never know or understand.”

This self-titled EP is a first-look into the artistry and heart-on-your-sleeve type of character encompassed by this musician. “Fearless” may be considered the summarization of everything Dean has laid on the public line thus far, perhaps an entire known identity wrapped up in a song. With a hook at the end of the chorus that is shockingly attractive, emphasized by a toned back instrumental accompaniment that allows listeners to take in the construed glory, this production has something for everyone to hold on to. “Don’t Come Lookin’” walks the same line with a stronger presence of country-rooted influences that teeters on a Brothers Osborne sound. A story that aims to be off-the-grid, and intentionally goes off course because if you ain’t getting lost, you ain’t getting nowhere, this track is a rough-edged narration of spending time outdoors.

“It’s just so badass,” Dean laughs in a press release. “It’s something I used to say to my Mother, when I’d head out into the woods – very Daniel Day-Lewis in ‘Last of the Mohicans.’ Me and Luke were looking for something, and we hadn’t really written a ‘hit.’ We were sitting there with our guitars, we had the vibe and I said that. As soon as I did, he said, ‘Yeah, let’s write that.’”

Through this 5-track collection of music and versatile themes including gratitude for the smaller things, a love that won’t release its grasp and a desire to fly without hesitation, this singer-songwriter with a heart unmatched and a seemingly complex yet very real, baptized soul has made an impression in country music. And, he continues to push.

“I really wanna see how far I can push myself, how much I can endure,” Dean explores in a press release. “I wanna know how much I can do before I die, because a fear of not living a full life haunts me most of all.”

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

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

Jackson Dean 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.

Rising Star Lily Rose Releases Touching New Song “Overnight Sensation”

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Rising breakout star, Lily Rose just released a touching new song “Overnight Sensation”, available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Newcomer, Lily Rose is already a bonafide superstar according to TikTok users and many, many fans around the world! The singer went viral with snippets of her song “Villain” time and time again, hitting over 1 million views in only thirteen hours. Today the singer-songwriter is releasing her next song to the world, rightly titled, “Overnight Sensation.”

Written in 2019 with Rose’s close friends Matt Morrisey, Morgan Brock, and Lauren Hungate, the singer and her friends never dreamed that her career would blow up like this. “I honestly don’t know if there’s a more personal song in my arsenal than “Overnight Sensation,” she shared in a recent press release, “Who knew that when we wrote the song in 2019 it would be the ultimate foreshadowing of me signing a record deal because of a viral moment.”

Rose portrays the message of how hard singers work to make it in the industry. Behind that title of a ‘new artist’ or an ‘overnight sensation,’ artists tend to have worked for over a decade just to get this to this point. If the song was not special enough, the accompanying music video shares special clips of Rose and her family, as she worked hard to get to where she is now as an artist. Much deserved!

“Works my fingers to the bone // Hurt like hell going through it then // Looking back I’d do it all again // No one knows quite how things go,” adding later, “I’m an overnight sensation // thirteen years in the making”

It is only a matter of time that more and more fans catch on to Rose’s one-of-a-kind talent. Her soulful vocals and vulnerable lyrics are exactly what country music needs. We are already big fans of the singer, and cannot wait to see how the mainstream fanbases react to her incredible music!

Lily Rose's "Overnight Sensation" is available now, April 30th

Lily Rose’s “Overnight Sensation” is available now, April 30th

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

To keep up with Lily Rose, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Overnight Senseation” 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.

Jaden Hamilton Releases New Song “Heaven’s Jukebox”

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Jaden Hamilton just released a brand new track, “Heaven’s Jukebox”, available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the song.

We love supporting new artists and their music, and today is no different! One of our Swag Spotlight artists, Jaden Hamilton is proving that he is the real deal with each new release. The SONY Music Nashville singer-songwriter continues to release music that fans can easily fall in love with. Today, the artist dropped one of our favorite tunes of his to date, a song called “Heaven’s Jukebox.”

“I love this song & I think ya’ll are goin to too. THIS FRIDAY, I cannot wait!,” shared Hamilton on his Instagram earlier this week about the new release.

Co-written by Hamilton along with songwriters Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim, “Heaven’s Jukebox” is one of those songs that you instantly enjoy. Hamilton’s traditional country vocals shine through on this modern-day slow-jam. The reflective song is all about what heaven might look like. For the singer, it is all about country music.

“Well I wonder, if that light at the end is neon // And I sure hope, there’s a barstool for me to be on // Gimme Hank, give me Cash, give me Merle, Give me Jones // I know where I’m going when I’m home // If heaven’s got a jukebox, I hope it’s filled up with country songs”

Breaking into the scene, Hamilton blew up on his social media, specifically on TikTok, and continues to deliver building his fan base with each new release. It will be interesting to see how his diehard fans and social media marketing skills continue to help him blossom into country music stardom. We look forward to more releases by the singer-songwriter!

Jaden Hamilton's "Heaven's Jukebox" is available now, April 30th

Jaden Hamilton’s “Heaven’s Jukebox” is available now, April 30th

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

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

“Heaven’s Jukebox” 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.

Hunter Phelps Drops Catchy New Track “Whiskey Mode”

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Hunter Phelps just released a catchy new song, “Whiskey Mode”, available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

There are some names in country music that are just recognizable and some that should be! Hunter Phelps is the latter. The singer-songwriter may just be starting out as an artist, but he has penned some of your favorite songs by artists like Chris Lane, HARDY, Florida Georgia Line, and more. With six current radio cuts, Phelps is finally releasing more music of his own. Today, the budding artist released a brand new song entitled “Whiskey Mode.”

The new song is easily a certified jam! Phelps manages to deliver a song that is completely infectious and catchy at first listen. It is one of those songs that halfway through the song, you already know all the words, making it a perfect sing-a-long in the car and the perfect track to perform live to fans! The singer laments about how alcohol can make you go back on your promise to yourself not to call your ex, something we can all relate to.

Hunter Phelp's "Whiskey Mode" is available now, April 30th

Hunter Phelp’s “Whiskey Mode” is available now, April 30th

“Nothing makes me miss you like a Jack and Coke does // Wish my phone has a whiskey mode  cause // I’ve been drinking all night // I’ve been drinking all night // I’ve been thinking about us // I’ve been thinking I might // Maybe wanna call you up // Say baby whattcha you doing tonight // I already know you’re going to pick up and I know what it’s going to go like”

If Phelps continues to release music like this, he is sure to rise up the ranks quickly. The singer is as talented a vocalist, as he is a songwriter, and we are excited to see what’s in store for him next.

We first caught up with Phelps back in November 2019 just before his opening slot on HARDY’s New York City show. Check out our interview with him and acoustic performance in the video below.

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

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

“Whiskey Mode” 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.

Mitchell Tenpenny Drops Fan-Favorite Song “To Us It Did”

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Mitchell Tenpenny just released a nostalgic new track, “To Us It Did”, available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Tenpenny first teased the track on social media, prompting fans to beg for an official release. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Mitchell Tenpenny has emerged as one of the most promising rising artists in country music right now. His powerful voice, relatable songs, and passion for music are just some of the reasons why we have supported him since the very beginning. Tenpenny has been periodically dropping songs over the past few months, but today he released one of our favorites, a song called “To Us It Did.”

We first heard this song back at the end of 2019, when the singer performed with Seaforth at a sold-out show at Webster Hall in New York City. Written with one of our other favorites, HARDY, “To Us It Did” was an instant crowd favorite. The nostalgic tune uncovers all the memories from our youth that we often think about and miss at times. He harps on the simple times, where having fun was your only objective.

“Our trucks didn’t really go 200 miles an hour // That small town we ran around ain’t suppose to feel that big // Shots of Jack and shoulder pads don’t give you superpowers // Rome don’t ride, dirt don’t shine, time don’t fly, but to us it did”

The intricate details that Tenpenny wove throughout each verse are enough to bring tears of nostalgia to anyone’s eyes. He manages to flood the listeners’ minds with images from simpler times, those years that shaped us into the people we are today.

“To Us It Did” is a must listen too! For more Tenpenny, check out our interview + acoustic session with the rising star from back in December 2019 in the video here.

Mitchell Tenpenny's "To Us It Did" is available now, April 30th

Mitchell Tenpenny’s “To Us It Did” is available now, April 30th

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

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

“To Us It Did” 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.

Priscilla Block Releases Debut Self-Titled EP – Full Review

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Priscilla Block makes her official debut to the country music world with the release of her self-titled EP available now, April 30th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Priscilla Block's self-titled debut EP is available now, April 30th

Priscilla Block’s self-titled debut EP is available now, April 30th

We love a good success story! Swag Spotlight alum Priscilla Block went from TikTok sensation to a major-label artist, and now is celebrating the release of her self-titled debut EP, out today. In just six tracks, Block introduces fans to every side of her dynamic personality and undeniable talent.

The record kicks off with the singer’s most recent release “Wish You Were The Whiskey.” Backed by a pop-rock production, Block sings about comparing her ex to the whiskey she’s drinking. Her twangy vocals mixed with the story-telling aspect of the lyrics bring the country element to this heart-aching jam.

“Now I’m drunk, like fireball lighting me up // Put it to my lips and I feel that rush // Letting 80-proof do what it does // and I’m high, it’s rocking me through the night // Keeping me warm, holding me so tight // Finally feeling fine and then it hits me // I wish you were the whiskey”

The song that put Block on the map, “Just About Over You” is the next track. One of the best on the project, the song shows the songstress’ vulnerable side, as she laments about how it feels to run into an ex before being completely over them. It was written a week after she ran into her ex out at a bar. “It’s about a relationship that I was in. Just trying to get over somebody and sometimes it feels like forever to finally be down with someone,” she shared with us during our exclusive interview back in September. “Bad Part Of Good” is another song on the record that embodies these sentiments perfectly.

“Heels In Hand” is one of those songs that has female empowerment written all about it, without being too preachy; despite the sad concept. The song acknowledges the mistakes we sometimes make as women while normalizing the idea that we can go from happy to sad all in one night, especially when dealing with a toxic relationship. Her relatability is at an all-time high on this track.

One of our favorite songs off the project, “Sad Girls Do Sad Things” shows off Block’s vocal range and her songwriting capacity. The ballad is an introspective breakup song about all the waves of emotion we go through at the end of the relationship. Her heartbreak is palpable in this song, but it’s one of the things we appreciate the most. Block’s willingness to “go there” in her music is refreshing and will take her far.

“I light one up just because I’m chasing any kind of buzz // When you hurt, this bad // You’ll do anything to get back to that high you had // Even though you knows it’s over // And what’s passed is passed // Am I low or am I lonely // All I know is this ain’t who I want to be // I guess sad girls do sad things”

The record ends with “I Bet You Wanna Know,” an all too relatable song for anyone who has experienced a relationship before. The singer brings out her sassy side, sharing about that guy that always knows when you are moving on and then tries to slide right back in. The catchy hook will be in your head in no time too.

This record cements our decision to include Block on our NYCountry Swag 2021 Artists to Watch list. Her self-titled EP did exactly what an EP is meant to do! It excites us and fans of country music everywhere for what her full-length project will look like. Congrats to Block on a killer debut and make sure you buy your tickets to her debut show at the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow, May 1st! Can’t make the show? Stream it live below.

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

To keep up with Priscilla Block follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Priscilla Block 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.