Megan Moroney shares fan-favorite new song “Indifferent,” out now, May 3rd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Megan Moroney has emerged as one of the rising superstars of the country genre. She had a monumental 2023, even landing her first number one single at country radio with “Tennessee Orange.” After releasing her debut album, Lucky earlier last year, fans have been awaiting even more music from the singer-songwriter. Earlier this year, she released two heartbreaking, yet beautiful songs called “No Caller ID,” and “28th of June.” Now, Moroney is expanding her catalog with another fan-favorite new song called “Indifferent.”
Moroney’s new song speaks to the absolute force she is in the music industry. “Indifferent” is an anthem and a goal for how to feel post break-up. The songstress shows off her sassy and confident side on the song, and we are sure that the new track will empower fans everywhere to grow their own confidence. Fun, honest, and raw, “Indifferent” feels like the perfect song for Moroney to be singing now.
“I-I would cry one, two, three too many times // Just wastin’ my prime on a guy who was more wrong than right // Now I don’t even know what I’m missin’ // Don’t know what it is or isn’t // Don’t need your attention (No), or your time // They said, “Did you hear?” // I say, “No thanks I’m fine” // I think I could wish you the best // The truth is I couldn’t care less // How sweet it is to be so (so), so indifferent”
There truly is no stopping Moroney! Whether she’s diving into her emo cowgirl mentality or cranking out sassy anthems, everything she puts out hits. “Indifferent” is another notch in her belt! Fans can look forward to the song and many others coming on Moroney’s recently announced sophomore album, Am I Okay?, out July 12th.
Megan Moroney shares new song, “Indifferent” and announces sophomore album.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Megan Moroney releases.
“Indifferent” 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/2024/04/megan-moroney-indifferent.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-05-03 00:01:052024-05-03 00:01:05Megan Moroney Releases Fan-Favorite Song “Indifferent” + Announces Album
MacKenzie Porter shares her new debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new tracks here.
With a slew of #1 hits already under her belt in Canada, MacKenzie Porter is poised to make a name for herself in the states. On her debut full length with Big Loud Records, the singer-songwriter promises that Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.
Produced by Joey Moi, the nineteen track collection is sure to take listeners on a journey. Porter co-wrote on nine of the album’s tracks, enlisting Music Row heavyweights like Hillary Lindsey, Tofer Brown, Emily Weisband, Parker Welling, and more to contribute.
Best known for duet with Dustin Lynch on the #1 hit, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” Porter is thrilled to get these new songs to her fans. “Nobody’s born with a broken heart. We all start with the naivety and innocence of youth, but then life happens. There are so many circumstances and events in a lifetime that can slowly chip away at your heart, and in the end you’re this beautiful, imperfect, cracked, mess. But isn’t that what living really is? If you didn’t have the grit, would you really know the grace?” She wrote on Instagram. “That is what this record is about. These songs are those moments in my life. I hope they maybe heal a couple of those moments in yours.”
Despite being happily married with a new baby, much of the album revolves around the universal theme of heartbreak. “Every time I tell people that [the album is about heartbreak], they’re like, ‘well, you’re in a relationship and you’re happy.’ I am, of course, but there’s a lot of different elements of heartbreak in life.”
The album opens with one of those such songs, “Easy to Miss,” a perfect slice of R&B tinted country pop that’s the perfect album kick off. The project was built around this track, allowing Porter to stretch herself vocally, lyrically, and stylistically.
Other songs centered around heartbreak include “Young at Heart,” “Confession,” and “Pay Me Back in Change.” On “Young,” Porter channels her inner “Picture to Burn”-era Taylor Swift, admitting that she can’t quite be mature in the aftermath of a breakup. On the powerful “Confession,” she’s more vulnerable, admitting she’s still in love with her ex, voice laced with sadness. Lastly, “Pay Me Back in Change” is lyrical brilliance, Porter imploring a guy to change in order to be a man who’s worthy of her.
“You can’t pay me back in sorry // Can’t pay me back with what you say // All those pretty words lose meaning // If I’m still lonely the next day // Can’t pay me back with breakfast in bed // Or a Sunday matinee // The only thing that’ll settle this debt// Is if you pay me back in change”
Likewise “Strong Things” finds her drowning her sorrows in the bottle, while “Foreclosure” cleverly compares the end of a relationship to losing a house. “Sucker Punch” leaves her breathless after an infidelity, remembering both the good and bad moments that managed to take her breath away.
“Thought we were the champions// Thought we were the type// To never throw the towel in// Never lose a fight// Didn’t hear the train// ‘Til it hit me from behind// Feeling like a fool now// ‘Cause it caught me by surprise// When you laid it on me all at once//It hit me like a sucker punch”
On “Bet You Break My Heart,” the Canada native finds herself swooning over a guy who she knows isn’t good for her, while “Wrong One Yet” is a bit more optimistic, finding hope in a new relationship. Over airy music, her heart is aflutter as she muses, “I ain’t saying he’s the right one, but hell, he ain’t the wrong one yet.”
Porter is truly content on tracks like “Coming Home to You” and “Less is More,” both which find her achieving solace in simplicity. On the latter, she admits, “They say that we got nothing, but nothing here is everything.” LIkewise, “Coming Home” is a sweet midtempo which finds her soothing lilt soaring above strumming acoustic guitars and light percussion to achieve a whimsical and airy feel. Here, she loves what she has, and realizes that the grass isn’t always greener.
“There’s always gonna be bigger houses // Longer driveways with nicer cars // There’s always gonna be whiter fences // Redder roses, in a greener yard // Most people would kill for a // Higher up hill looking down on a better view // But I don’t want no bigger house if I ain’t coming home to you”
Porter puts her own spin on truck songs with “Along Those Lines” and “Pickup,” with “Pickup” finding her wondering who’s riding shotgun now. With the catchy TikTok-able soundbite, she asks “Who’s that pickup picking up now?”
There are some country bangers here in the form of “Walk Away” and “Rough Ride for a Cowboy.” Both find her putting a cowboy in his place, with “Rough Ride” settling into a wild west, horserace musical vibe. It’s uber catchy as she proclaims, “Now he’s ‘bout to learn what lonely looks like // When I cut him loose but his hands are tied // Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride // When he ain’t got the reigns on goodbye // That’s a rough ride for a cowboy.”
Other pieces of earwormy pop-country include “Have Your Beer,” a kiss off track that finds her toying with the old adage that one can’t have his cake and eat it too, musing “You can’t have your beer and drink it too.” Likewise, “Chasing Tornadoes” sounds like early 2000’s-inspired country in the best way possible, finding Porter flexing sounds that could best be compared to Some Hearts-era Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, or Gloriana.
Porter is as sensitive as she is tough, evidenced on songs like “Nightingale” and the title track, “Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.” “Nightingale” is a poignant letter of encouragement to her current self to be more like her younger self. “The song is about just being the girl that I was when I moved to Nashville, who literally thought that anything was possible and that I was going to be on the radio and a star,” She reveals. “I wanted to think like her again.”
The album concludes with its stunning title track about the innocence of youth, inspired by her own young daughter. “My little girl is gonna come into this world with no negative thoughts or preconceived notions, and she’s going to have relationships and experience heartbreak,” She reveals. “And I hope she does, because that’s what shows that you loved and that you lived.”
“I learned the hard way that growing up is hard // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Love’s a blade and God it’s sharp // Smooth as steel but leaves a mark // Proof of life is dying with scar // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Yeah nobody’s born with a broken heart.”
While heartbreak may be a prevalent theme on Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart, MacKenzie Porter possesses a vulnerable honesty seen by the likes of early Kelsea Ballerini or Taylor Swift, sure to win over a whole legion of new fans.
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart Track List:
Easy To Miss (Hillary Lindsey, Emily Warren, Will Weatherly)*
Young At Heart (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband)
Bet You Break My Heart (Mark Holman, Chris Tompkins, Travis Wood)
Pay Me Back In Change (Emma Klein)
Rough Ride For A Cowboy (MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Hungate, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan)
Coming Home To You (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, Emily Weisband)
Strong Things (MacKenzie Porter, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Lauren LaRue)
Visit her official website for tour dates and more.
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart are 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/2024/04/mackenzie-porter-have-your-beer.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2024-04-26 00:21:522024-04-26 00:21:52MacKenzie Porter: ‘Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart’ – Debut Album Review
Sacha’s new song, “Hey Mom I Made It” is out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
There is nothing we love more than championing new artists, who are breaking into the country music scene. Nashville-based country artist, Sacha fits the bill. The singer-songwriter recently signed a record deal with SONY Canada, and today, she is making her debut with her brand new single. “Hey Mom I Made It” is officially out now.
At first, the new song seems to be about Sacha finally making it in country music with the signing of her record deal, but the greater message has much more to do with her as a person. “Hey Mom I Made It” is a fun and catchy song that depicts how it feels to be proud of how far you have come. Sacha does an incredible job of introducing her sound and her story on her debut.
“So I just wanted to let you know // Hey Mom I made it // I ain’t talking about being famous // Do you remember all this times you prayed when // I strayed, well I finally found my way // Got me a good man // and learned to love who I am // Yeah, I’ve been through hell and back again // And I’m still standing // Anyway, just called to say, hey mom I made it”
“Hey Mom I Made It” is a solid debut single for Sacha. We are excited to see what is in store for the newcomer! Make sure to listen to the new song and follow along on her journey.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Sacha releases.
“Hey Mom I Made It” 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/2024/04/sacha-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-04-26 00:20:232024-04-26 00:20:23Sacha Shares Debut New Song “Hey Mom I Made It”
Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey White’s with new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,” out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Summer is just around the corner and Lee Brice just released the perfect song for the season. Featuring Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters, “Drinkin’ Buddies” is a great celebration of friendship. The threesome are the perfect country music pairing!
Written by Zach Kale, Chris Destefano, and Justin Wilson, the track starts off with what some people consider one of the greatest sounds, the sound of a can being cracked open. Continuing with an upbeat vibe, Lee Brice starts out the song with his distinct vocals while Nate Smith comes in for verse two. Brice and Smith come together seamlessly for the chorus before welcoming Hailey Whitters into the mix. As they all join in for the second go around on the chorus, the blending of their voices make it seem as if they have teamed up before.
The message of the song is no matter what your friends will always be there for you. Whether you had a tough day at work, morning a breakup or just need a fun night out you can always depend on your drinking buddies.
“Thank god for drinkin’ buddies // They can make a bad day better // Yea their drinkin’ buddies // You know we tip em all back together”
“Drinkin’ Buddies” is certainly a song that you will want to crank up and we can’t wait to do it all summer long. It follows Brice’s first release of 2024, “Checking In.” We’re excited to see what’s next for the the iconic country star.
Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters on new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,’ out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Lee Brice, Nate Smith, and Hailey Whitters releases.
“Drinkin’ Buddies” 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/2024/04/drinkin-buddies-song.jpg6301200Rebekah Milstedhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngRebekah Milsted2024-04-26 00:19:042024-04-26 00:19:04Lee Brice Joins Forces with Nate Smith + Hailey Whitters on New Single
Dylan Schneider shares new EP, Bad Decisions, out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Signed to BBR Music Group/ Wheelhouse Records, country newcomer Dylan Schneider has already amassed quite the following. With over 1.8M + fans and over 340M streams, the rising star has toured with Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, and more.
With a knack for toeing the line between pop and country, the singer-songwriter’s new EP, Bad Decisions, does that expertly. “Somebody like me, having so much that I’m influenced by and so much that I listen to, I’m always finding new doors that need to be opened,” he explains in a statement.
“I want to write songs that tell stories, and that’s what I’m excited about,” he explains. “I feel like people are going to relate to it and feel connected that we’ve been through the same things – growing up, growing apart, heartbreak, I want to show where I’ve been and where my head is now, and that this new music is just a taste of what’s to come.”
On Bad Decisions, the Indiana native’s new EP, Schneider does just that. The title track is a seductive mid-tempo that finds him in a toxic but irresistible relationship, unable to quit a former flame.
“Girl, we’re good at making bad decisions // We go up in smoke the second we start kissing // They tell me I’m crazy, baby, I don’t listen // And I just can’t let you go // You’re so good at blurring out my vision // You hit me harder when the whiskey kicks in // We both know there’ll be consequences // But, girl, we’re good at making bad // Good at making bad decisions”
Clear highlights on the EP include the romantic ode to shooting your shot, “Buy That Girl A Beer” and “Carhartt,” a unique take on a one night stand that finds him down a hoodie. The latter finds him admitting that his shirt “looked a whole lot better on her than it did on me,” while “Beer” may be the pep-talk that led to the events of “Carhartt.” On “Buy That Girl a Beer,” he wonders if a girl at the bar could be the love of his life, encouraging himself to buy her a beer so he won’t look back and wonder what could’ve been.
On the brooding,Jason Aldean-esque “Ruin This Town,” he laments a breakup that finds him unable to enjoy his hometown, while “Ain’t Missing You” has him cleverly promising his girl’s ex that she’s certainly moved on..for the better, with him.
The EP concludes with the vulnerable and autobiographical, “Daddy Drinks Whiskey,” a poignant look at the change in his father once he picks up a drinking habit.
“But now daddy drinks whiskey doubles // Hear mama talking ’bout the troubles // That we’re going through // Don’t know what to do or how to fix it // Yeah, daddy gets mad, daddy slams doors // Daddy says things he never said before //Yeah, I wonder if he’s too drunk to even miss me // ‘Cause now daddy drinks whiskey”
While Schneider may be making some Bad Decisions on his new EP, giving it a listen is definitely a good decision.
Bad Decisions Track List:
Bad Decisions
Carhartt
Buy That Girl A Beer
Ruin This Town
Ain’t Missin’ You
Daddy Drinks Whiskey
Country Swag Picks:
Bad Decisions
Buy That Girl a Beer
Carhartt
Dylan Schneider shares new EP, ‘Bad Decisions,’ 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 Dylan Schneider releases.
Visit his official website for tour dates and more.
Bad Decisions 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.
Wyatt Flores’ brand new EP, Half Life is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.
If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Flores yet, it’s time you hop on the bandwagon; no country artist’s popularity has grown as fast as this Oklahoma-native’s. After releasing his seven-track EP, Life Lessons, he dropped another collection of eight songs just six months later. Like all of Flores’ lyrics, they are passionate, hard-hitting, and real, allowing listeners to get to know the 22-year-old on a personal level.
“These songs capture my perspective on relationships I’ve had with my family, friends, love, music, mental health, life, and death over the past couple years. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do at 22 but I’m thankful for everyone who’s ever given my music a chance,” he gratefully posted on Instagram. “I hope these songs help you with whatever you might be going through and remind you that you’re not alone in whatever it is you’re facing.”
No song is heavier than the title track. Directed to his family, he sings about the regret of leaving home to chase his dream without calling, and his addiction and how it affected his relationship with his now deceased father. He apologizes for living only a “half-life.” The opening track, “Running Out of Time,” speaks on making the most out of life. Sang from the funeral of someone close to him (likely his father), he says we have to hold the ones we love and do what makes you feel alive before we all die. Our time on this earth is short, and we must make the most of it. The most powerful lyric comes in the second verse, “Most people die at twenty-seven, get buried at seventy-two.”
The EP contains the previously released tracks, “Wish I Could Stay,” and “Milwaukee.” The former is the most light-hearted tune on the album. The singer talks about the difficulty of leaving the one you love; if he could keep her in his arms forever, he would. In “Milwaukee,” the singer feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. He also included his cover of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” on the project. Just when you think a song couldn’t get more emotional, Flores adds his raw vocals to it, making listeners tear up almost twenty years after its initial release.
At the end of the project are “I Believe in God” and “Devil,” two extremely powerful songs. In the first, the singer confesses he is having a hard time connecting to his faith because he feels God lost faith in him. The latter is about a relationship, but not one with another human, the one with himself. He constantly fights with his inner thoughts when he’s lonely, singing in the bridge:
“Why do you find me at the worst times, just when I thought I was doin’ fine? // You wanna put a gun to my head and turn that ceilin’ red // Well, I won’t let you steal my soul // God damn lonely, just leave me alone”
At 22, most people are finishing college and discovering who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Although Flores took a different route, he’s on the same path, which makes his music so relatable to others. From love, death, and mental health, there are a lot of intense themes for someone so young to explore, but they are real, and hearing someone overcome these hardships will aid others who are struggling with similar problems. The future is bright for the new singer-songwriter, and it’s only a matter of time before country fans all over the world know the voice of Wyatt Flores.
“I’m only getting one chance at life, so I try to be present,” he states in a recent press release. “There’s more to existence than what the average person experiences. No matter how old or young you are, life is here and gone. Death is always riding in the passenger seat. You can either be friends with it or make it an enemy. I choose to be friends with it. If you know that and start questioning what you’re doing, maybe you’ll go out and live a better life.”
Half Life Tracklist
Running Out Of Time
Half Life
Wish I Could Stay
Milwaukee
If I Don’t See You Again
I Believe In God
How To Save A Life
Devil
Wyatt Flores shares his brand new EP, ‘Half Life,’ out now on all streaming platforms.
In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Here, There & Gone” headline tour this summer with shows in the middle, western, and southern parts of the United States. For tickets, head to his website.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Wyatt Flores releases.
Half Life is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
MacKenzie Porter shares a brand new song called “Have Your Beer,” out now, April 19th. Listen to the new track here.
Canadian-country star, MacKenzie Porter is on the brink of having a huge year. The Big Loud Records recording artist’s debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, will be out on April 26th. Porter is giving fans a final taste of the album with another brand new song off the highly-anticipated project. Her new song, “Have Your Beer” is out now.
While much of the record speaks to different iterations of heartbreak, Porter does a great job sprinkling in some anthemic and stage-ready songs throughout her umping project. “Have Your Beer” is one of those songs. The new track speaks to the “boy bye” mentality, after a break-up. Throughout the song, Porter reminds girls to know their worth and doubles down on the notion that it is his loss.
“Don’t forget who broke up with who // We both know that’s on you // Yea baby you // Can’t say goodbye then show back up // Can’t change your mind when you get drunk // Can’t shoot your shot after it’s gone // Can’t want me soon as I’ve moved on // You said you don’t now you do // But it’s too late baby you // Can’t have your beer and drink it too”
Porter is an artist to lookout for. Everything she releases feels undeniably “her.” Stay on the lookout for her debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart coming out next week (4/26).
MacKenzie Porter shares new song, “Have Your Beer,” 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 MacKenzie Porter releases.
“Have Your Beer” 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/2024/04/mackenzie-porter-have-your-beer.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-04-19 00:23:092024-04-19 00:23:09MacKenzie Porter Shares “Have Your Beer” Ahead of Debut Album
Anne Wilson’s brand new album, REBEL is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.
Anne Wilson is a rebel, but not in the traditional sense. While country music tends to walk the line between faith and outlaw living, Wilson has her feet firmly planted in her faith. In fact, her debut album was 2022’s Christian mega-hit, My Jesus. However, with Christian and country often going hand-in-hand, she’s committed to both on her debut country project, Rebel, out now.
“I am who I am — I’m Anne Wilson. I love God and that’s my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both,” She says of the album that magically combines both.”I ’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things Country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on Rebel.”
The Kentucky-native co-wrote all of the album’s 16 songs, collaborating with some of Music Row’s biggest names, including Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Jaren Johnston, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, and more. Christian superstar Matthew West also helped Wilson craft much of the album, co-writing 13 of the 16 songs with her.
Produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, Rebel is a beautiful work that shows a singer who is clearly in love with both her music and her God. The 22-year-old is not afraid to be herself, and if that makes her a “rebel” in the eyes of the world, than that’s just fine by her.
The album opens with the title track, perfectly weaving together the UMG artist’s Christian roots with a modern country sound. In some ways, it’s similar to something Gabby Barrett or Carrie Underwood might release, etched with genuine conviction. The twangy and bluesy stomp immediately sets the stage for what’s to come, lyrically revealing just who Wilson is over a twangy and bluesy revival stomp.
“Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Who finds power in an old book they read? // In a world full of doubt, who still believes? // Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Call me crazy, call me a fool I ain’t scared ’cause I know the truth // Ain’t gonna run, ain’t gonna hide // Ain’t gonna change my mind”
“I remember thinking ‘If being a follower of Jesus makes me a rebel, because Jesus was a rebel,’ I’m gonna stand up for my faith,” She says. “In that moment, it all kind of clicked. I wrote the song, then the whole viewpoint of the record came into focus. We had that title on a white board, and every song we wrote after came from that question: what does it mean to be a rebel?”
Like the title track, “God & Country” is an immediate standout that shows exactly who Anne Wilson is, as both a person and an artist. It’s a catchy and earwormy piece of pop-tinted country that is equal parts catchy and poignant. “I wanted to write a song that explains who I am as an artist. I was writing with Matthew, Jeff, and Trannie Anderson, and we talked about what the message was and how to put all the pieces of me in it.”
“I’m hallelujah hands high and friends in low places // Red, white, and blue and red letter pages // Back row pew and front seat Ford // New King James and old King George // I’m washed in the water and mud on the tires // I’m Friday night lights and Sunday morning choir // I’m prayers up to heaven, roots down in Kentucky // Made by God and country”
Much of the album revolves around the theme of finding strength in the Lord, as evident on songs like “Strong,” “The Cross,” “Sinners Prayer,” and “Rain in the Rearview.” The latter has her questioning how much a heart can “take before it breaks,” starting as a ballad before building triumphantly. Meanwhile, “Strong” finds her overcoming tough times by hitting her knees. “The world’s gonna try to break me,” she acknowledges, “But I know the one who makes me strong.”
The album also includes some star-studded moments including Christian superstar Chris Tomlin on “The Cross”, and country’s own Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson. Davis and Wilson trade verses on “Country Gold,” which finds them celebrating the simple things that are important and how great it is to strike country gold. Meanwhile, Wilson (Lainey) joins Wilson (Anne) on “Praying Woman,” the incredible women trading verses about faith and the power of a devoted woman. “When she whispers ‘Dear Jesus,’ Heaven can hear it, and the devil gets back to Hell running, that’s the power of a praying woman,” they sing, backed by a female choir that helps build the song to an ethereal level.
While the album is incredibly deep and powerful, there are also moments of fun and levity, including the guide to choosing a man, “Red Flag” and the standout and twang-laden “Songs About Whiskey,” which finds her examining her place in country music.
“I’ve heard songs about Jack Daniels // Songs about Jim Beam // Heard songs about one night regrets, neon and nicotine // I guess I’m just kind of fixed on, the only thing that’s ever fixed me // That’s why I sing songs about Jesus, instead of singing songs about Whiskey.”
“Southern Gospel” is a full on call and response revival, while “My Father’s Daughter” is a beautiful love letter to her dad and the man he is. “Dirt Roads in Heaven” finds her pondering the afterlife, while “316” shares her conviction over the Bible verse, John 3:16.
The album ends with the solid one-two punch of “Milestones” and “Out of the Bluegrass.” While the latter is a fiddle and steel ode to her home state, the former is a moment of vulnerability as Wilson wonders what she’s missing out on for her career. “This four wheel spinning dream I’m living, got me feeling like I’m skipping milestones,” she sings, powerful voice laced with emotion.
“There was a moment when I wondered if I was too country for Christian music and maybe too Christian for country music,” Wilson reveals. “I felt a little afraid that I didn’t fit in any box. But then it kind of fired me up because that’s the point! I don’t want to fit into any box. I want to be uniquely who God made me to be and I’ve got to stand up for what I believe and the kind of music I believe in,” Wilson shares with the same conviction that laces her music. “I don’t want to change who I am to fit in. Not in the music industry, and not in this world.”
REBEL Tracklist
REBEL
Rain In The Rearview
Strong
God & Country
Praying Woman ft. Lainey Wilson
Song About Whiskey
Sinner’s Prayer
The Cross ft. Chris Tomlin
My Father’s Daughter
Red Flag
Country Gold ft. Jordan Davis
Southern Gospel
Dirt Roads In Heaven
3:16
Milestones
Out Of The Bluegrass
Country Swag Picks:
God & Country
Praying Woman with Lainey Wilson
Songs About Whiskey
Rebel
Anne Wilson shares her new album, ‘REBEL,’ 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 and announcements about future Anne Wilson releases.
Visit her official website for tour dates and more.
REBEL is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/anne-wilson-new-song.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2024-04-19 00:20:072024-04-19 00:20:07Anne Wilson: ‘REBEL’ – Album Review
Frank Ray shares new song, “Uh-huh (Ajá ),” out now, April 19th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
As the country music genre continues to widen its reach and impact more and more people, we are getting to listen to new music with a fresh sound from exciting rising artists. Frank Ray is one of those artists. The singer-songwriter blends his Latin heritage and R&B influences into country music in a way that feels fresh, innovative, and fun. Today the singer-songwriter shares his newest song to date called, “Uh-huh (Ajá )”.
The new song feels summer-ready. Ray manages to appeal to both his Latin roots and fanbase, as well as, still pay homage to the country music fanbase that has fallen in love with his music. “Uh-huh (Ajá)” is the perfect song to get anyone hyped for warm weather, new relationship, new experiences, and sunshine.
“Mucho gusto señorita // It’s so nice to meet your lips // Got me feeling like // Ooo Ajá // Ooo take me dancing mamcita // Put my arms around your hips // Got me feeling like // Ooo Ajá // Oooo Ajá // No hablo ingles uh-huh // but when she kissed me like this, uh-huh // she knew exactly what to say”
Ray is one of the most fun artists out there right now. Definitely give his new song “Uh-huh (Ajá )” a listen ASAP!
Frank Ray shares new song “Uh-Huh (Ajá )”, 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 Frank ray releases.
“Uh-huh (Ajá )” 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/2024/04/frank-ray-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2024-04-19 00:17:352024-04-19 00:17:35Frank Ray Releases Brand New Song “Uh-huh (Ajá)” Out Now
Elvie Shane’s brand new album, Damascus is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.
For Elvie Shane, his sophomore album, Damascus, is a continuation of a story that began with his debut project, Backslider. Released in late 2021, his Broken Bow debut was an autobiography of sorts, sharing his personal journey, while his new LP continues to tell that story while mixing in those of others.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot since Backslider,” Shane shares in a statement. “I’ve attained just about everything I’ve ever dreamed of…seen the world and made a living with music. I’ve been on top and back down in the mud. In that travel and experience, I’ve paid close attention to people more than anything. I’ve seen a lot of struggle, but in that struggle, I found common ground and inspiration,” he continues. “Damascus is a record that aims to pick a fight with what holds people down. Normal everyday Blue Collar America…my people. These are not all my stories, but they are all stories I believe to be true.”
Throughout the collection, the “My Boy” singer dabbles in hip hop, blues, soul, 80’s, and of course country. He pairs his powerful voice with choirs, female background vocalists, unexpected instrumentation, and even Little Big Town.
Produced by Oscar Charles and featuring thirteen songs written or co-written by Shane, Damascus is truly an album that makes a statement. “It’s just so raw. It makes me feel like I felt when I was a kid, pissed off at the world and rocking headphones on the school bus,” he says. “I don’t wanna ever be put in a box where I can’t explore the craziest music. And this way I had an excuse to put it all on one record.”
The album opens with “Outside Dog,” unexpectedly pairing twangy guitars with a hip-hop-meets-scat-inspired melody that finds Shane an outsider. “I’m an outside dog howling along,” He growls over thumping guitars, comparing himself to a pup who never quite fits in. It’s the perfect opener for Damascus with its unexpected sounds and message of nonconformity.
Much of the album finds Shane exploring similar themes, appreciating his Appalachian roots, while also escaping them. “What Do I Know?” is a clear example of this, a slow and moody track that finds him looking back at his raising over a downtuned guitar. The song builds to an incredible climax as the singer-songwriter growls in an almost prayerful passion, “What do I know?”
“I think red lipstick on a woman’s lips look sexy // I think coke’s okay, but it’s way damn better with Jack // I think the outlaws, Waylon and Johnny are gone forever // I think Jesus // He’s coming back // Oh, but what do I know // what do I know // I’m just a hard-working, beer-working, son of an average Joe // Like to think there ain’t nothing that I can’t fix with a hammer and crescent wrench, oh, but what do I know // what do I know // what do I know”
“Appalachian Alchemy” and “Forgotten Man” are also nods to his upbringing, with the latter a soaring Springsteen-esque anthem. “The color of my neck is still the same as my blood,” He proclaims. “Send me off to school // Try to turn me to a scholar // Can’t unpaint the blue on my collar”
Throughout Damascus, the background vocalists often shine, adding incredible depth to these already-powerful songs. While the vocalists are not always known to the listener, there’s one exception: Little Big Town. The harmonic quartet join Shane on “First Place,” a driving uptempo that finds him drowning his sorrows in the bottle. Here, he’s drinking to forget but this is a song to remember with its incredible vocals. Shane blends seamlessly with the synchrony of the iconic band, providing an epic moment that would be a live show-stopper.
The Kentucky native also touches on more sensitive topics on the album, including prison, addiction, and seeking out a fix. “Jonesin” is a wild up-tempo that finds him on the hunt for what’s next, and what’s bigger or better to give a quick fix. Meanwhile, “215634” is a tune about one’s time spent behind bars. “These 4 cold walls, they don’t change much,” He sings. “Oh My name ain’t my name no more…it’s 215634.”
“Pill” is truly a powerful and poignant moment on the album, dealing with the Opioid crisis and the effect it has on families. “’Pill’ is my story, told from the perspective of a note to me from my little brother in my most trying times. It’s an apology to those I love for the turmoil I put them through,” Shane said in a statement. “But for me this goes way beyond just what my family and I have gone through. I want to be a vessel and share other people’s struggles and experiences, even if it helps one person, that means I did my job.”
“Fan on High” offers a moment of levity on the LP with its dancehall inspired music and incredible sliding piano. Meanwhile, “Winning Horse” is a love song that features driving percussion meant to emulate a horse running as he implores someone to “take this love to the finish line.”
“Baptized” also offers a clever take on a love song, bluesy and punctuated with powerful choir-like background vocals throughout the slow groove of a track. Frankly, Shane is in no rush to discover heaven if it can’t top what he has on earth.
“If this ain’t heaven on earth // Not sure what heaven is worth // ‘Cause I damn sure ain’t in a hurry to get there // If there ain’t moments like this // Lost in the rush of your kiss // Found in the touch of your skin, out somewhere // Down that same Wild Creek Road // Where sins get set afloat// Washed by the want in your eyes // Baptized”
The album ends with the powerful “Does Heaven Have a Creek,” which also finds the singer grappling with the afterlife. It’s a Gospel-inspired piano ballad that came from questions he struggled with after the passing of his grandmother. It’s “simply the wondering mind of a believer,” shares Shane. “A testimony of hope that Heaven has a few of the simple pleasures we enjoy here on earth. Is Heaven only for A-List Christians? Is there room for a prodigal ‘Good Ole Boy’ from Kentucky just trying to live a decent life and be a good man?”
Elvie Shane is truly unapologetic yet triumphant on Damascus, blending styles and sounds with incredible vocals and honesty that creates a must-listen for music fans.
Damascus Tracklist
Outside Dog (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Jonathan Sherwood)
What Do I Know (written by Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Dan Couch, Jonathan Sherwood)
Jonesin’ (feat. Jenna McClelland) (Elvie Shane, Oscar Charles, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
Baptized (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
Forgotten Man (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
Pill (Elvie Shane, Lee Starr, Nick Columbia)
215634 (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Ben Chapman)
Appalachian Alchemy (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston)
First Place (feat. Little Big Town) (Elvie Shane, Adam Wood, Dan Couch, Jakob Miller)
Winning Horse (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
Fan On High (Elvie Shane, Driver Williams, Hayes Carll)
Chicken Shit (Elvie Shane, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell, Oscar Charles)
Does Heaven Have A Creek (Elvie Shane)
Country Swag Picks:
What Do I Know
First Place (with Little Big Town)
Does Heaven Have a Creek
Forgotten Man
Elvie Shane shares his brand new album, ‘Damascus,’ 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 and announcements about future Elvie Shane releases.
For tour dates and more, visit Shane’s website here.
Damascus is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/elvie-shane-what-do-i-know.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2024-04-19 00:09:362024-04-19 16:10:50Elvie Shane: ‘Damascus’ – Album Review
