Zach Bryan shares his brand new album, The Great American Bar Scene, out now, July 4th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project below.
Zach Bryan is a cross-genre bonafide superstar that does not want to be boxed in. His career has catapulted quickly and fans are with him every step of the way. The singer-songwriter is officially releasing his third studio album, The Great American Bar Scene today, featuring 20 songs with major collaborations with artists like Bruce Springsteen, John Mayer, and The Avett Brothers.
Bryan took to Instagram to share his feelings around the brand new project. “This record tested the hell out of me and I failed most days it did but we finally made it. I’m glad this chapter happened but I’m more glad that it’s coming to an end. It’s out everywhere at midnight on the east coast but I imagine I don’t make it that late. Happy Fourth of July to the best people in the world. How lucky are we?”
Listen to the new album ASAP!
The Great American Bar Scene Track List:
Lucky Enough
Mechanical Bull
The Great American Bar Scene
28
American Nights
Oak Island
Purple Gas with Noeline Hofmann
Boons
The Way Back
Memphis, The Blues ft. John Moreland
LIke Ida
Bass Boats
Better Days ft. John Mayer
Towers
Sandpaper ft. Bruce Springsteen
Northern Thunder
Funny Man
Pink Skies
Bathwater
Zach Bryan shares new album, ‘The Great American Bar Scene,’ 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 Zach Bryan releases.
The Great American Bar Scene 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/zach-bryan-new-music.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2024-07-04 02:19:572024-07-05 15:50:58Here Is Zach Bryan’s Album ‘The Great American Bar Scene’
The Reklaws’ new song, “One Beer Away” is out now, June 28th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Country music boasts many incredible duos. The Reklaws, comprised of siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker are already a success in Canada, and are making waves in the United States now! The Canadian country act have found success on America’s Got Talent, and continue to share music that fans are flocking to in droves. On the heels of their success, the singer-songwriters share their newest song, “One Beer Away,” out today.
With summer in full swing, “One Beer Away” is the perfect song to add to your music library. Both Jenna and Stuart showcase their individual talents and their incredible harmonies on the track. Written by The Reklaws’ alongside Callum Maudsley and Scott Helman, the song feels special and primed for the live stage. The Reklaws feel like both an exciting new act and a comfort duo, adding to their appeal as they navigate the U.S. country music scene.
“From that taste of freedom on a Friday night // to letting go and falling into the time of your life // If you ask God and he answered with a neon sign // let’s raise some hell for heaven’s sake // ‘cause I’m only one beer away // singing along to songs you don’t even know // to living up the Dixie cup full of something that cold // from your worst day to your best night // Got a heavy heart, here’s a Busch light, you name the time and place // I’m only one beer away”
Keep your eyes and ears open for The Reklaws this summer! They are definitely going to be making waves this season. “One Beer Away” is just the beginning.
The Reklaws share new song, “One Beer Away,” 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 The Reklaws releases.
“One Beer Away” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/the-reklaws-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-06-28 00:24:042024-06-28 00:24:04Country Music Duo The Reklaws Share New Song “One Beer Away”
Old Dominion’s new song “Coming Home” is out now, June 28th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
There is something special about an Old Dominion song. Every song feels like nostalgia wrapped up in a pretty box with a bow and every tune feels distinctly like the band. Today, the singer-songwriters add to their impressive catalog of hits with another new, fiery and sultry jam called, “Coming Home.”
“We wanted to capture the anticipation of that moment when you finally get back to the one you love after being gone for so long,” shared Old Dominion in a recent press release.“All that excitement, desire and longing gets more intense when you’re on those last few days or last couple of miles. You’re so close but so far. It’s a frantic and intense energy that releases as soon as you wrap your arms around each other, and you are finally home!”
“And I’m on my way (hey) // I’m almost there // I look like hell baby // But I don’t care // Pick out you best dress // Leave it on the floor // I’m coming in hot baby // Can’t wait no more, yeah // So baby leave the light on // And let your hair down // I’m your midnight rider // It won’t be long now // Even driving all night // So Katy bar the door // Gonna hold you tight, so hold the phone // Gonna kiss you like I’m coming home from war”
While the lyrics are a romantic declaration of desire and feeling, the instrumentals add to the ambiance of the song. The banjos make for a boot-stomping, rhythmic massage for your brain that keeps you enamored with the songs throughout the entire few minutes. Old Dominion brings their absolute A-game to “Coming Home.”
Old Dominion shares new song, “Coming Home,” 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 Old Dominion releases.
“Coming Home” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/old-dominion.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-06-28 00:22:082024-06-28 00:22:08Old Dominion Drops Brand New Song “Coming Home”
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 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.
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:
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN IT / CHRIS STAPLETON
WILDFLOWERS / THOMAS RHETT
RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM / LUKE COMBS
SOUTHERN ACCENTS / DOLLY PARTON
HERE COMES MY GIRL / JUSTIN MOORE
AMERICAN GIRL / DIERKS BENTLEY
STOP DRAGGIN’ MY HEART AROUND / LADY A
I FORGIVE IT ALL / JAMEY JOHNSON
I WON’T BACK DOWN / BROTHERS OSBORNE
WYNONNA REFUGEE (FEAT. LAINEY WILSON)
ANGEL DREAM (NO. 2) / WILLIE NELSON, LUKAS NELSON
LEARNING TO FLY / ELI YOUNG BAND
BREAKDOWN / RYAN HURD FT. CARLY PEARCE
YER SO BAD / STEVE EARLE
WAYS TO BE WICKED / MARGO PRICE FT. MIKE CAMPBELL
MARY JANE’S LAST DANCE / MIDLAND
FREE FALLIN’ / THE CADILLAC THREE FT. BRELAND
I NEED TO KNOW / MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES
DON’T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE / RHIANNON GIDDENS FT. SILKROAD ENSEMBLE, BENMONT TENCH
YOU WRECK ME (LIVE) / GEORGE STRAIT
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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/petty-country.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2024-06-21 00:09:332024-06-21 00:09:33Here Is PETTY COUNTRY: A Country Music Celebration – Album
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 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/kashus-after-me-single.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-06-21 00:06:062024-06-21 00:06:06Kashus Culpepper Shares New Single “After Me?”
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 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.
“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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/caylee-hammack-the-hill.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-06-14 00:03:402024-06-14 00:03:40Caylee Hammack Drops Brand New Song “The Hill” Out Now
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 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.
“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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/lincoln-center-troy-cartwright.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-06-14 00:01:332024-06-14 00:01:33Troy Cartwright Drops New Single “Lincoln Continental”
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:
country music made me do it | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
truck on fire | Written by Carly Pearce, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley
still blue | Written by Carly Pearce, Natalie Hemby, Josh Osborne
heels over head | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
we don’t fight anymore featuring Chris Stapleton | Written by Carly Pearce, Pete Good, Shane McAnally
rock paper scissors | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
oklahoma | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
my place | Written by Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds
things I don’t chase | Written by Robyn Dell’Unto, Kat Higgins, Ava Supplesa
woman to woman | Written by Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate
fault line | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
pretty please | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
trust issues | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
hummingbird | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
Country Swag Picks:
country music made me do it
rock paper scissors
woman to woman
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.
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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/carly-pearce-hummingbird.jpg6301200Lucie Bernheimhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngLucie Bernheim2024-06-07 00:24:482024-06-07 00:27:43Carly Pearce: ‘hummingbird’ – Album Review
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:
Bad Decisions (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor)
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.
