Raelynn Shares Important New Song “It’s Happening Right Here”

RaeLynn’s brand new song “It’s Happening Right Here” is out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the important new track below.

RaeLynn released an important new song in conjunction with the organization, Operation Underground Railroad. The song, “It’s Happening Right Here” shines light on the epidemic of sex trafficking that is happening right here in the United States. While this may not be a song that is going to radio or going to be played at live shows, it is an important piece of music that is spreading an even more important message.

“It’s Happening Right Here” is supported by an incredible new music video that highlights the facts that we all need to know. The song and the music video are part of a larger message as Operation Underground Railroad releases a new documentary by the same name. The documentary will be available to rent or buy on January 31st.

According to RaeLynn, “Despite the evilness of the sex trafficking industry, there is hope – there are still good people who care and are willing to speak up and protect our kids. We can let the light in and I pray this song is a catalyst to that. Also the biggest shoutout to my creative brother [TK McKamy] we have been doing videos together for almost 10 years. He directed “God Made Girls” and I love him so dearly. Thank you for making this come to life with this amazing team.”

“It’s happening right here // It’s happening right now // Yeah once you turn the light on // You can’t just turn it out // It’s behind the door,  just up the street // Down the hall on a cellphone screen // It’s a wake-up call for us all in the mirror // It’s happening right here”

Part of the proceeds from the song will go to Operation Underground Railroad.

Raelynn-new-song

RaeLynn releases new song, “it’s Happening Right Here” in conjunction with organization, Operation Underground Railroad.

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

To keep up with RaeLynn, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“It’s Happening Right Here” 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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Cole Swindell Releases New Song “Drinkaby” Ahead of Deluxe Album

Cole Swindell’s new song, “Drinkaby” is out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

We all have our favorite lullabies we used to sing when we were kids. Now we have our favorite as an adult with Cole Swindell’s new song “Drinkaby”.

Written by Hunter Phelps, Jon Pardi, Jordan Schmidt, and HARDY, this is one of the most upbeat breakup songs we’ve heard. The track is about heading down to the bar and enjoying all the drinks including whiskey, tequila, bourbon, and more to get over a broken heart. It follows Swindell’s hit single “Heads Carolina” with the idea of revamping the 90s country sound. Intertwining childhood memories with heartache, this track is sure to climb the charts quickly.

In a recent press release, the Georgia native shared how excited he was for the release. “’Drinkaby,’ from the first time I heard it, I pictured it being a huge show opener,” said Swindell. “The guitar lick in the intro just grabs you and doesn’t let you go. I’m not sure if there is such thing as a fun breakup song but that’s kind of what this is. Glad it’s finally out and can’t wait to get out there and play it live.”

“Hush little cowboy, don’t you cry // Bartender’s got you some whiskey on ice // And if that whiskey ain’t a big enough pour // Drink another and another ’til you lay down on the floor // Come on // This is my drinkaby”

After a big 2022, Swindell is keeping the momentum going. He is releasing his deluxe album, Stereotype Broken on April 28th. He will also be hitting the road this summer with Thomas Rhett. Big things are certainly ahead for Swindell and we can’t wait to watch his career continue to thrive!

Cole-swindell-drinkaby

Cole Swindell’s new song “Drinkaby” 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 Cole Swindell releases.

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

“Drinkaby” 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.

Luke-combs-new-song-music

Luke Combs Shares New Music “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old”

Luke Combs shares new music with new song “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old”, out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Country superstar, Luke Combs’ third album, Growin’ Up dropped just last summer, and he recently surprised fans with the announcement of his next project, a fourth album coming March 24th. Earlier this week, Combs surprised fans yet again revealing the name of the project: Gettin’ Old. This follow-up record works in companionship with his collection of the previous eleven songs on Growin’ UpToday, Combs released the first song off the album, appropriately titled, “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old.” 

Sonically, this track is classic Luke Combs. Lyrically, it is something everyone in their late twenties/early thirties can relate to. The song is all about slowly phasing out the partying and spending more ‘happy hours’ at home. Combs has made a career singing about good times at the honkytonk, but as he gets older, the more that lifestyle fades aways. He mentions he can still turn it up when he’s feeling up to it, but he must do it smartly or he will be full of regrets tomorrow. 

“I can still raise hell all night with the boys when I want // Lay that hammer down to see how fast she’ll go // But these days I hang my hat on what I won’t do // I’ve been finding peace of mind slowing my roll // Learn to toe that line with time as it goes // In the middle of growing up and getting old”

Combs’ third studio album, ‘Gettin’ Old’ is slated for release on March 24th. It will feature eighteen tracks.

Combs begins his massive World Tour in March with supporting acts Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Flatland Calvary, and more, where he will play the largest stadiums and arenas around the globe. For tickets, head to his website.

Luke-combs-music

Luke Combs shares brand new music with new song, “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old,” out now.

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

To keep up with Luke Combs, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” 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.

James Barker Band Make Label Debut with New Song “Meet Your Mama”

James Barker Band releases their new song “Meet Your Mama,” out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

As we gear up for Valentine’s Day, James Barker Band is giving us a song to swoon over. Marking their major-label debut, James Barker Band’s new song “Meet Your Mama” is officially here. The song comes on the heels of the announcement that JBB are the newest RECORDS Nashville’s signees (in conjunction with Sony Music).

“Meet Your Mama” is a sweet song about falling in love and wanting to keep things going. The opening verse sets the stage for the explosive chorus, where the lead singer, James Barker confesses his desire to take his relationship to the next level. The song has the potential to be a killer radio single.

“So whatcha say // We head on out // to that old farmhouse you always talk about // Girl I wanna meet your mama // Drink a beer with your old man // Ride all around your hometown // Fall for the girl you were back then  // So say the word, we’ll take that drive // See where you’ve been all my life // Anytime you wanna // Girl I wanna, meet your mama”

James Barker Band are the real deal. They know how to craft an enticing song, and it is only a matter of time before the American country music fanbase catches on!

James-barker-band-label-debut-song

James Barker Band make label debut with new song “Meet Your Mama,” out now.

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

To keep up with James Barker Band, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Meet Your Mama” 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.

Chase Rice Shares More New Music with New Song “Bench Seat”

Chase Rice’s new song, “Bench Seat” is out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

In this new project Chase Rice is embarking on, the singer-songwriter from North Carolina showcases a much more sincere side of him. Rice, known for his party hits such as “Ready Set Roll” and “Cruise” (which he co-wrote with Florida Georgia Line), “Bench Seat,” a solo write, continues the theme of honest songwriting with a more traditional sound. It tells the story of a canine best friend and the memories they made together driving in an old truck. His friends say he saved that dog’s life but in reality, it saved his. Rice paints very specific imagery throughout the song over a slow, calm melody. 

“And we roll the windows down // You’re out there in that bench seat next to me // There’s a smell of fresh cut grass // Mr. Reynolds waves as we roll past State Road 44”

This is the fifth track he used to tease the project ahead of its full release on February 10th. The album’s main theme will be lost love displayed in different forms—lost romance and loss of life. The collection of songs Rice chose for this project was in tribute of his late father who is featured as the album’s cover art.

Rice recently announced his Way Down Yonder Tour including supporting acts such as Ashland Craft, Kameron Marlowe, Conner Smith, and more! The tour begins in Nevada on March 3rd and hits the Tri-State area on June 23rd at Mulcahys Pub in Wantagh. For tickets, head to his website. 

chase-rice-new-song

“Bench Seat” marks another taste of Chase Rice’s upcoming album, out February 10, 2023.

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

To keep up with Chase Rice, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Bench Seat” 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.

elle-king-album

Elle King ‘Come Get Your Wife’ – Album Review

Elle King’s new album, Come Get Your Wife is out now, January 27th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

“I was born a little wrong, but that’s alright,” Elle King sings unapologetically on “Bonafide,” a track off her debut country album, Come Get Your Wife. Although the project marks her third full-length record, it’s the first where she feels truly herself, exploring the banjo-picking, rural-Ohio-loving side of her over-the-top personality.

While the accomplished singer-songwriter achieved success and accolades for her previous offerings, including GRAMMY nominations in the rock category, she admits that it wasn’t until she duetted with Dierks Bentley in 2016 that she felt she had truly found her way. While her first duet with Bentley, “Different for Girls,” scored a CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 2017, it took until today for the singer to release her debut country project.

Come Get Your Wife features thirteen tracks, eight of which were co-written by the woman with superstar parents, comedian Rob Schneider and model London King. She also served as co-producer on the rootsy offering, joining forces with songwriter Ross Copperman to put together an album that truly introduces the world to Elle King.

From the opening strains of “Ohio” through the tongue-in-cheek “Bonafide” to the Tyler Childers’ cover of “Jersey Giant,” it’s clear that this ain’t a pop country debut, but instead a dig-in-your heels-and-get-in-the-dirt country album of the best kind.

There are more hits than misses on Come Get Your Wife, including duets with country superstars, Miranda Lambert on “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” and another offering with Bentley. On the latter, aptly titled “Worth a Shot,” the pair are a couple at odds, struggling to stay together, and seemingly desperate to reconnect. “Don’t know if the whiskey can fix it or not,” The pair harmonize. “But baby it’s worth a shot.”

“Before You Love Me” is another standout, a gritty rocker of a track, where King revels in the woman she was before she met her partner, and the fact that he just may not have been thrilled with who she used to be.

“I was a train wreck, hot mess // Too many cigarettes // Bangin’ with some drug store lipstick // I was a weeknight drinker // Karaoke singer // Top of every preacher’s prayer list // The way I used to be I can guarantee // Two weeks in, you would’ve left me // Looking at the old me // Anything but holy // Glad you didn’t know // Before you met me”

Throughout the album, King’s devil may care attitude is on full display, as she twangs her way through the tracks like “Tulsa,” the twangy “Crawin’ Mood,” the stomping “Blacked Out,” and the endlessly amusing “Out Yonder,” which deals with the gossip mills that exist in small town USA.

While the album is full of stand-out moments, a few shine through on early listens, including “Before You Met Me,” “Try Jesus,” “Lucky,” and the album’s final track, “Love Go By.” Both “Jesus” and “Love” include a Gospel-tinged revival flair, even enlisting a choir on the latter, which closes the album on a powerful note, the singer-songwriter’s voice echoing with emotion and the haunting choir riffs.

Likewise, “Lucky” finds her at her most vulnerable and introspective on the song inspired by her young son and the outlook he brought to her life. “My son Lucky is this beautiful ball of light and energy,” said King. “Parenthood will bring you to your knees, but it has made me grow in gratitude and empathy.”

“There’s something about how you put the pieces together,” King says of her newest release, which may have doubters changing their tunes. “This whole album is a crazy quilt of all sorts of moments and things that might not seem to go together, but because they’re me, they do.”

While Elle King may not fit into a stereotypical mold or seem like just another crossover act, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, on Come Get Your Wife, she’s country at its finest.

Come Get Your Wife Track List:

1.     Ohio – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
2.     Before You Met Me – Written by Tofer Brown, Meg McRee & Lauren Hungate
3.     Try Jesus – Elle King, Geoffrey Warburton, Casey Cathleen Smith, Ashley Gorley & Ben Johnson
4.     Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home) With Miranda Lambert – Written by Elle King and Martin Johnson
5.     Lucky – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
6.     Tulsa – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
7.     Worth A Shot (featuring Dierks Bentley) Written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman and Josh Osborne
8.     Crawlin’ Mood – Written by Charlie Worsham & Jesse Frasure
9.     Bonafide – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
10.  Blacked Out – Written by Elle King and Martin Johnson
11.  Out Yonder – Written by Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
*12.  Jersey Giant – Written by Tyler Childers
13.  Love Go By – Written by Elle King, Geoffrey Warburton & Joe Janiak

*Digital version only

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Before You Met Me
  2. Try Jesus
  3. Worth a Shot
  4. Crawlin’ Mood
elle-king-album

Elle King’s new album, ‘Come Get Your Wife’ is out now.

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

King’s A-FREAKIN-MEN tour will hit Long Island’s Paramount Theater in Huntington on February 22, and she’ll support Tyler Childers at Radio City Music Hall on August 2 and 3.

To keep up with Elle King, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Come Get Your Wife 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.

tayler-holder-song

Tayler Holder Releases New Love Song “Marry You”

Tayler Holder’s brand new song “Marry You,” is out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Let us reintroduce you to Tayler Holder. While Holder rose to fame via TikTok, he is much more than his trendy and viral videos. The social media sensation is officially transitioning into the country music world as a singer-songwriter growing his fanbase with each new song. Today, he shares his newest song, a love song simply called, “Marry You.”

Holder’s new song is perfectly timed for the upcoming wedding season. “Marry You” is the ultimate love letter to the person you love. Penned by the singer, the song is an inside look into the emotions someone feels when they are in love. It showcases a vulnerable side of Holder, while quieting any naysayers.

“You took my hand // We started to dance // I started thinking maybe // Baby I love you // Everything I want to hold on to // Been thinking about what I’m going to do to show you that I’m always hear to stay // One day I’m going to get on one knee with a ring and some roses // Give you a letter you’ll read when you’re older”

“Marry You” is a song that is definitely going to become a wedding song for engaged couples out there!

tayler-holder-song

Tayler Holder’s new song, “Marry You” 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 Tayler Holder releases.

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

“Marry You” 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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Dylan Marlowe Makes Label Debut with New Song “Record High”

Dylan Marlowe’s brand new single “Record High,” is out now, January 27th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Dylan Marlowe is an artist to watch out for this year. He is also Sony Music Nashville’s newest signee! In his young career, Marlowe has already made a name for himself, landing his first number-one as a songwriter last year with Jon Pardi’s “Last Night Lonely” and going out on tour with Cole Swindell and Ashley Cooke. Today, the singer-songwriter releases his highly anticipated new single, “Record High.”

Marlowe’s new song feels like a song that could easily be a cut on an Eric Church album, while still paying homage to both the traditional side of country music and the more modern era. The all-too-relatable heartbreak lyric will keep this song on everyone’s radar. Fans across the genre will want to play “Record High” again and again.

“I’ve never seen nobody leave somebody like that // Cause I ain’t never seen gravel fly that high // Ain’t never seen more tears in a pair of green eyes // Ain’t never seen taillights burn that bright // Never heard her cuss more than she did last night // I ain’t ever, it’s gotta be a record high // Goodbye”

Marlowe’s new song has the potential to be one of our favorites to come out this month so far. It will be really fun to continue to see what the singer unveils as the year continues.

Dylan-marlowe-new-single

Dylan Marlowe’s new single, “Record High” is out now.

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

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

“Record High” 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.

Tyler-hubbard-number-one

Tyler Hubbard’s Debut Self-titled Album – Album Review

Tyler Hubbard’s debut new album, Tyler Hubbard is out now, January 27th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

When many of the songs that appear on Tyler Hubbard’s debut solo album were being written, he was planning to pass them along to other artists. However, the more he wrote, the more he realized he was composing his own musical autobiography.

“I really set out to write this album for the fans who have allowed me to do what I love,” Hubbard says. “I wanted to make a country album that was authentic to who I am. I’m a husband, father, and man of faith, and these things all shape the stories I am telling through my music as a solo artist. I want to represent where I am today and where I’ve been as well.”

Once he decided to release a solo album, the EMI Nashville recording artist looked at the body of work he already had and began writing new songs to put together an album that best encompassed his story. “It’s a fun ride from top to bottom, and people really get to know me along the way,” He reveals of the self-titled project. “I hope these songs make listeners feel something.”

The former Florida Georgia Line frontman wrote or co-wrote all of the album’s 18 tracks, and co-produced the project with Jordan Schmidt. He also enlisted a host of famous friends to co-write on the album, including other artists such as Keith Urban, Canaan Smith, Russell Dickerson, Thomas Rhett, Bebe Rexha, and Old Dominion’s Trevor Rosen and Brad Tursi.

Songs that tell of who Hubbard is as a man include “Out This Way,” “How Red,” and “Small Town Me,” all which find Hubbard staying true to his roots. On “How Red,” he asks, “How red is your neck of the woods?,” while “Small Town Me” has him determined to not stray from who he’s always been. “It don’t matter where I am,” He proclaims, “I’ll always be, small town me.”

Likewise, “Paradise” and “35’s” both find the Georgia native slowing down to celebrate the simpler things in life, as he enjoys a simple romantic night with someone special on the former. “It’s like heaven as far as I can see, Ain’t no place I’d rather be.” He croons, “Than here with her, my whole world looks just like, paradise.”

On “Tough,” which Hubbard wrote while quarantined during Covid, he puts his own spin on the old adage that “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” musing that “Whatever don’t kill you makes you tough.” 

His romantic side continues  throughout the album, weaving its way through songs like “Inside and Out,” “I’m the Only One, “She Can,” and “5 Foot 9.” On the lush “She Can,” he revels in the fact that “Nobody can quite love me like she can,” while “Inside Out” is more uptempo with its super catchy, singalong hook, as Hubbard proclaims:

“You’re the sun in my sky // you’re the sweet part of life // You go easy on the eyes // You’re so beautiful // From your head to your toes // in your heart and your soul // I hope you always know you’re so beautiful // Beautiful inside, inside and out // Inside, inside and out // You’re beautiful inside, inside and out, Inside, inside and out”

The album ends with a double dose of emotion, with “Way Home” immediately following the bittersweet “Miss My Daddy.” On “Daddy,” Hubbard deals with the loss of his father, who passed away in 2007, as he reflects on all the moments his father is missing in his life. “When I actually did share the song, my friends told me how encouraging it was and how real it was – that it meant a lot to them. When working with my team on the album, this song kept coming up as a powerful, emotional, vulnerable song, and we really didn’t have anything similar on the project. I decided that it was important for me to hopefully inspire and encourage people who have been through the same thing.”

Finally, “Way Home” is another poignant moment, finding Hubbard as the Prodigal Son, finding his way back to Jesus after losing his way. “Yeah, I got lost // Until I got found // Oh, and now that it’s well with my soul,” He sings on the sparse track. “I just ride in the seat next to Jesus // ‘Cause I know He knows the way home.”

For fans of FGL, Tyler Hubbard’s debut solo project doesn’t veer too far from what made them one of the genre’s biggest superstar duos. Yet, he pushes himself a bit further here, both musically and emotionally, in a way that’s sure to win over tons of new fans as well.

Tyler Hubbard Track List:

  1. Dancin’ In The Country (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman, Keith Urban)
  2. 5 Foot 9 (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston, Chase McGill)
  3. Baby Gets Her Lovin’ * (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Canaan Smith)
  4. Everybody Needs A Bar (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Zach Kale)
  5. Me For Me (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Russell Dickerson, Thomas Rhett)
  6. Tough (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Bebe Rexha)
  7. I’m The Only One (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Chris Loocke, Rhett Akins)
  8. She Can (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
  9. Small Town Me (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Chris LaCorte)
  10. Inside And Out (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi)
  11. Out This Way (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Chris LaCorte, Josh Miller)
  12. By The Way (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith)
  13. Paradise (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Rodney Clawson, Zach Kale)
  14. How Red (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert, Tofer Brown)
  15. 35’s (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Tyler)
  16. Leave Me Alone (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Ashley Gorley, Benjamin Johnson)
  17. Miss My Daddy (Written by Tyler Hubbard)
  18. Way Home (Written by Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith)

*Produced by Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt and Jesse Frasure

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Inside Out”
  2. “5 Foot 9”
  3. “Small Town Me”
  4. “She Can”
Tyler-hubbard-debut-album

Tyler Hubbard’s debut self-titled album 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 Tyler Hubbard releases.

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

Tyler Hubbard 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.

hardy-new-album

HARDY ‘the mockingbird & THE CROW’ – Album Review

HARDY’s new album, the mockingbird & THE CROW is out now, January 20th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

There are singers, songwriters, and artists, HARDY is all three, an absolute superstar in the making.  While every one of his projects to date have been incredible, HARDY has created a brand new and innovative concept with his country-rock album. Today, the highly anticipated record, the mockingbird & THE CROW is officially here.

The seventeen-song record may be the most exciting thing HARDY has ever created. In a recent press release the singer shared, “’the mockingbird & THE CROW’ is, in my opinion, is the best thing I’ve made so far. I had a lot of time to get in the weeds making this record with some of my favorite people in Nashville, and it truly captures every part of who I am as an artist. I’m honored that I get to share it with you next year; can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”

The record combines HARDY’s love and appreciation for country music with his mutual feelings for rock music. Each of the first 8 songs signify his country-side, ‘the mockingbird’, while the last 8 songs are incredible rock songs aka, ‘THE CROW.’ Of course, the middle song, the title track is a combination of HARDY’s country-songwriter side and entertainer-rock side, making it one of the best songs on the record.

“I’m a mockingbird // Singing songs that sound like other songs you’ve heard // Like Friday nights and headlights on some backroad red dirt // And how Mississippi’s home // I’ve always been a mockingbird but // Now I’m a mockingbird with a microphone”

On the country side of the record, fans get a taste of the singer’s incredible skills as a lyricist, as he weaves words and phrases into stories that appeal to the masses. The songs speak to nostalgic times in life, as well as, around heavier themes such as alcoholism, the death of country music, and getting caught up in forgetting to show appreciation.

The opening track, “beer” is a letter from the drink to someone that maybe has drank a little too much, while “wait in the truck,” featuring Lainey Wilson has been dubbed a “murder ballad,” and one of the best songs to come out at the end of last year. Of course, the other country feature on the project, “red” with Morgan Wallen is likely to be one of the most listened to songs on the project. The twosome combine their talent to create a song about celebrating small-town living in a way that feels like a breathe of fresh air.

“I ain’t talking politics, I’m talking small town // And if you’re from one you know what I’m talking ‘bout // It’s everywhere I swear from the courthouse bricks // To a crushed bud heavy can fading in the ditch // Like the book of John, like a barn door // And heart your hands over cause you’re thankful for // Every shipped off soul that was born to fight // For a wind torn flag that’s blue and white And red”

Another stand-out track is “drink one for me.” In a recent interview, HARDY confirms that the beautifully crafted song was written intentionally from the perspective of the person who passed away in “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL”, off HARDY’s debut album. It is both heartbreaking and comforting, a combination that is not easy to achieve. HARDY chooses introspection yet again on his solo-write, “happy,” a song all about personifying the feeling.

On the rock side of the record, HARDY runs the gamut all the way too heavy metal music, featuring Jeremy McKinnon on the stage-ready, “RADIO SONG.” Softer rock songs like the “JACK” and “TRUCK BED” help to bridge the gap between the country songs and the heavier stuff. Both previously released songs showcase HARDY at his absolute best, both as a singer and as a songwriter. On “TRUCK BED” fans will appreciate the reference to his song, “BOOTS.”

“I woke up on the wrong side of the truck bed this morning // With a bone-dry bottle of Jack I was pouring // Damn, she got some nerve, when she kicked me to the curb // Guess you can say I got what I deserve // ‘Cause I woke up on the wrong side of the truck bed this morning, yeah”

HARDY continues to bring the energy on songs like “.30-06.” The song feels reminiscent of an old-school punk rock song from the 2000s, sure to entice every millennial in his fanbase. Similarly, “I AIN’T IN THE COUNTRY NO MORE,” feels like it could fit into that time too. Both songs will be exciting to hear live.

HARDY ups the ante adding more heavy singing and screamo to the later songs on the record. On “KILL SH!T TILL I DIE,” the singer combines country lyrics about things like hunting with a wild explosion of emotion and energy. HARDY continues that vibe on the final song on the record, “THE REDNECK SONG,” proving that the country and rock genre are a perfect coupling for his music.

the mockingbird & THE CROW is one of the most unique albums out there right now. HARDY authentically fits in with both genres and finds a way to blend them effortlessly in a cohesive project. The entertainer clearly cares about every aspect of his artistry, and it shows through all of the seventeen tracks. If you have not yet jumped on the HARDY bandwagon, what are you waiting for?!

HARDY – the mockingbird & THE CROW Track List:

  1. beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
  2. red feat. Morgan Wallen (Michael Hardy, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice)
  3. wait in the truck feat. Lainey Wilson (Michael Hardy, Renee Blair, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt)
  4. drink one for me (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps)
  5. i in country (Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Nick Donley, Jake Mitchell, Hunter Phelps)
  6. screen (Michael Hardy, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps)
  7. happy (Michael Hardy)
  8. here lies country music (Michael Hardy, Cole Taylor, Brett Tyler, Will Weatherly)
  9. the mockingbird & THE CROW (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler)
  10. SOLD OUT (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps)
  11. JACK (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  12. TRUCK BED (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
  13. .30-06 (Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery, Hunter Phelps)
  14. I AIN’T IN THE COUNTRY NO MORE (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  15. RADIO SONG feat. Jeremy McKinnon (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Nick Donley, Jeremy McKinnon, Cody Quistad)
  16. KILL SH!T TILL I DIE (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps)
  17. THE REDNECK SONG (Michael Hardy, Andy Albert, Nick Donley)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “the mockingbird & THE CROW”
  2. “.30-06”
  3. “red”
  4. “TRUCK BED”
  5. “THE REDNECK SONG”
hardy-album-the-crow-mockingbird

HARDY’s new album, ‘the mockingbird & THE CROW,’ out now.

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the mockingbird & THE CROW 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.