Brantley Gilbert ‘So Help Me God’ – Album Review

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Brantley Gilbert’s new album, So Help Me God is out now, November 10th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Over three years since the release of his Fire and Brimstone album, Brantley Gilbert is back with his sixth studio album, So Help Me God. On the ten-track collection, Gilbert co-wrote each song, enlisting some of Nashville’s biggest names and fellow artists including Jason Aldean, HARDY, Randy Montana, Toby Keith, Michael Ray, and Jelly Roll.

For the Georgia native, the time between albums was intentional, allowing him to release a project he’s happy with. “I’ve always taken a little longer than most artists, especially in this genre, to put an album out and that’s partly to do with me being a perfectionist,” Gilbert reveals. “But we’ve been looking forward to getting this album out for a long time. I’ve been blessed to sit down with some of the best writers in the country, and I feel like we’ve written some wonderful stuff.”

One of the album’s immediate standouts is its first track, “Heaven By Then,” which was born from a writer’s retreat and features special appearances by Blake Shelton and Vince Gill. On the incredibly poignant track, they sing of hoping they’re in heaven by the time the best things in life no longer exist. “No, I don’t wanna go today, but I don’t wanna live down here at a place that thinks that that place don’t exist,” They sing. “If there comes a day this country’s somewhere country don’t fit in // Hell, I hope I’m in Heaven by then.”

“It came out of a conversation,” Gilbert reveals of the track. “A guitar ended up in HARDY’s lap, which is usually a good sign that it’s about to turn into something special. I think we all knew that as it was being written. It came to life that night. To have Blake Shelton and Vince Gill on the song meant so much to me. Those two brought so much to the table and gave it a voice I didn’t have. We were all in separate places when we recorded, but it was a cool way for everyone to put their spin on it. They just did what felt natural and sonically you hear that.”

The Valory Music artist shines brightest when he slows things down, with his gruff growl emotive and powerful on songs like “Miles Of Memories” and “She’s the One.” On the incredible “How To Talk To Girls,” Gilbert grapples with being a ‘Girl Dad’, wondering how to broach hard subjects with his little girl. “’Cause this angel hangs on every word I say // She’s gettin’ so much more from me than my last name,” He sings. “Everything just like her momma // She’s got me at a loss for words // I guess I’m still learnin’ // How to talk to girls.”

The brooding “Rolex on a Redneck” enlists Jason Aldean as they celebrate all the good things that money can buy. Jelly Roll joins Gilbert on the driving, genre-bending “Son of the Dirty South,” while “The Worst Country Song of All Time” is a tongue-in-cheek romp featuring HARDY and Toby Keith. On the latter, the trio muse about all of the things that would make a country song terrible, including a chorus that goes, “I love cities and traffic jams // I don’t want a house or a piece of land // I deserve a bunch of money and a minivan // I don’t wanna earn a dime // Old Yeller didn’t make me sad // I think we should change the American flag // This is the worst country song of all time.”

 

The album ends with a one-two punch of poignancy. There’s the powerful “Gone But Not Forgotten,” a song of remembrance for those who died too young, followed by the album’s titular track. On “So Help Me God,” Gilbert is at his lowest and most vulnerable, seeking help from God to deal with his vices and not lose the woman he loves.

“So help me God, I’m gonna change // I’ll pour this bottle down the drain // Send that devil’s water to Hell where it belongs // So help me God, I’ll change her mind // I’ll walk by faith, I’ll walk that line // Lord, I’ll show hеr I can do this on my own // So help me God.”

On So Help Me God, Brantley Gilbert crafted an album that is both cohesive yet features ten standout tracks. “We wanted to put songs that sounded good together, but also songs that covered a wide variety of genre influences,” Gilbert reveals. “There’s a lot of different songwriting styles on the album. We’re super excited about it, and I can’t wait for BG Nation to hear what we’ve been working on.”

Brantley Gilbert – So Help Me God Track List:

  1. “Heaven by Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Hunger Phelps, Taylor Phillips)
  2. “Rolex on a Redneck” featuring Jason Aldean (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips)
  3. “Miles of Memories” (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Josh Phillips)
  4. “She’s the One” (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips)
  5. “The Worst Country Song of All Time” featuring Toby Keith and HARDY (Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
  6. “Son of the Dirty South” featuring Jelly Roll (Brantley Gilbert, Andrew Baylis, Jason Bradley DeFord)
  7. “How to Talk to Girls” (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Wayne Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray)
  8. “Little Piece of Heaven” (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Greylan James, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor)
  9. “Gone But Not Forgotten” (Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jason Blaine, Jay Brunswick)
  10. “So Help Me God” (Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Heaven By Then”
  2. “So Help Me God”
  3. “How To Talk To Girls”
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Brantley Gilbert’s brand new album, ‘So Help Me God’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Brantley Gilbert, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

So Help Me God 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.

5 Artists That Are Future Entertainer of the Year Winners

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Country music is home to many incredible singer-songwriters and superstars. Artists like Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Eric Church, and more have taken home the coveted Entertainer of the Year award at country music award shows like CMA Awards and ACM Awards. Over the years, Country Swag has confidently predicted future winners and Artists to Watch long before their nominations. As Awards season approaches, we thought it would be fun to share five artists that we believe are future entertainer of the year winners. Check out our list below.

  1. Russell Dickerson

It has been evident since day one that Russell Dickerson is an absolute superstar. He finds a way to connect with fans through his music, making everyone want to root for his success. In his young career, Dickerson has broken records, as his singles consecutively find their way to the top of the radio charts. “Love You Like I Used To” is even tied officially with Lonestar’s “Amazed” as the longest-running top-ten single in radio history. It is only a matter of time until he is nominated for the coveted award!

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen was primed for superstardom back in his “The Way I Talk” days. While his career has been turbulent at times, his stardom has not wavered. After a widely successful tour and a record-breaking sophomore album, it appears that Wallen is closer than ever to the Entertainer of the Year award. He even finds himself with a nomination this year! Will he take it home? Tune in to the CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 9 at 8/7c on ABC.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson is an absolute force in country music right now! Her brand new album, Bell Bottom Country is already one of the most talked about records of the year. In her young career, she has already garnered an impressive crew of diehard fans, an army of songwriters and artists who believe in her, and an incredible future. We believe, she will be up for Entertainer of the Year sooner rather than later!

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

  1. Conner Smith

When Thomas Rhett tells you he believes in someone then you know they are worth paying attention to! Conner Smith is that person and after meeting him back in 2021 for our NYC Live Sessions, we were quickly belivers ourselves. At just 22 years old, Smith is quickly building a fanbase that is obsessed with everything he puts out. He is a songwriter wise beyond his years, has undeniable charisma, a stage presence worthy of  EOY noms, and his songs are the right mix of catchy and prolific. Give it some time and everyone will know who Conner Smith is!

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

 

  1. HARDY

Already one of the best songwriters in country music, HARDY is on the brink of superstardom. He can truly do no wrong! HARDY carves a space for himself everywhere he goes. His signature country-rock sound is resonating with fans across the world, and his live show is like no other. Mark our words, HARDY will be an Entertainer of the Year winner in the umping years.

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

 

What do you think of our picks? Who do you see as a future Entertainer of the Year? Tweet us @CountrySwag and let us know!

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Nelly Collaborates with Chris Lane on New Song “Birthday Girl”

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Nelly collaborates with Chris Lane on new song, “Birthday Girl” out now, November 4th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new track below.

While Nelly has his feet firmly planted in the hip-hop genre, he has been known to collaborate with country artists, even releasing a country-inspired album last year. A true icon of his time, today, Nelly collaborates with Chris Lane on a brand new song, “Birthday Girl.”

According to Lane in a recent press release, “Working with Nelly is a full circle moment for me. I grew up a huge fan of his music and I have enjoyed getting to know him through touring together. Doing this song is the icing on the cake!” Perfectly put, “Birthday Girl” is a celebratory song all about birthdays!

On the new track, Nelly delivers a female-power anthem, inviting all girls to let their hair down and have a good time celebrating their own birthdays. The new song is a true gift to fans, as Nelly celebrated his own November birthday earlier this month. The genre-bending tune features the rhythmic tempo we have learned to anticipate from a classic Nelly hit, while Lane’s vocals add a touch of country to the fun-loving jam.

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Nelly and Chris Lane collaborate on new song, “Birthday Girl.”

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

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

To keep up with Chris Lane, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Birthday 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.

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Here is Madeline Edwards New Album ‘Crashlanded’

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Madeline Edwards’ new debut album, Crashlanded is out now, November 4th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the full album below.

Singer-songwriter, Madeline Edwards is officially making her major-label debut with Warner Music Nashville with her brand new album, Crashlanded. The twelve-song project is a cool, pop-country record, featuring songs for everyone.

“I’m very excited for everyone to hear the stories, the musical influences, the time and the experience that has brought me to this moment. Crashlanded feels like my child,” shared Edwards in a recent press release. “I’m very excited for this new venture with Warner and having a partner coming alongside that respects and sees my vision for the music. We’re about to go to the moon and it feels surreal.”

Songs like the title track, “Crashlanded” will have you rooting for Edwards from the get go! Other songs like, “Why I’m Calling” and “Too Much Of A Good Thing” give you a new perspective on the songstress and her undeniable talent.

Listen to the brand new album below!

Madeline Edwards – Crashlanded Track List:

  1. Crashlanded
  2. Spurs
  3. Mama, Dolly, Jesus
  4. The Biggest Wheel
  5. Forehead Kisses
  6. The Wolves
  7. How Strong I Am
  8. Hold My Horses
  9. Playground
  10. Heavy
  11. Why I’m Calling
  12. Too Much Of A Good Thing

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Crashlanded”
  2. “Too Much Of A Good Thing”
  3. “Mama, Dolly, Jesus”
Madeline-edwards-album

Madeline Edwards’ major-label debut, ‘Crashlanded’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Madeline Edwards, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Crashlanded 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.

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Leslie Jordan, Blanco Brown, and LOCASH: “Let It Slide”

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Leslie Jordan, Blanco Brown, and LOCASH collaborate on Leslie Jordan’s song idea, “Let It Slide,” out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new collaboration below.

The world was devastated to hear about the passing of beloved talent and personality, Leslie Jordan nearly two weeks ago at the young age of 67. Known for his roles on screen and stage including “Will & Grace,” “The Cool Kids”, “American Horror Story,” and “Sordid Lives,” among others, he was just beginning his career as a singer, releasing a country/gospel album last year titled “Company’s Comin’” featuring artists such as Chris Stapleton, Dolly Parton, and Brandi Carlile. Today, we celebrate the release of his new track, his last gift to fans, “Let It Slide” with LOCASH and Blanco Brown.

Move over “Cha-Cha Slide.” This fun, pop-country tune is all about throwing your worries away and enjoying the moment. Lyrically, it’s simple and silly, and its funky rhythm mixed with the artist’s banter in between verses makes an amusing song perfect for a night at a honky-tonk.

“Let it slide to the left, slide to the right // Let it roll right off of your back, to your backside, get electrified // Let it roll right into your hips, shake it off like a Polaroid pic // Let it slide, slide, slippety slide // Kiss your blues bye-bye”

This song is right up Brown’s alley, who initially gained publicity with his 2019 hit, “The Git-Up.” This track fits LOCASH’s persona as well, known for tailgate hits such as “One Big Country Song” and “I Love This Life.”

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Leslie Jordan, Blanco Brown and LOCASH’s, “Let It Slide” is officially out now.

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

To keep up with Blanco Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with LOCASH follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Let It Slide” 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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Russell Dickerson – Album Review

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Russell Dickerson’s new self-titled album is out now, November 4th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Since the 2017 release of his wedding-ready single “Yours,” Russell Dickerson has been one of country music’s most buzzed-about new stars. Today, the singer-songwriter releases his third full-length album, a self-titled collection of radio-ready jams and romantic ballads that further cement his status as one of the genre’s future superstars.

Known for his electric and energetic live shows, the Triple Tigers Recording artist continues to reveal his talents on his self-titled album. “No matter how far we get into this, I want people to know it’s still me,”  Dickerson says in a statement. “I’m still the hyper, outgoing, fun-loving, crazy dude on stage. But also these songs are so meaningful to me. It’s not all hype and smoke and lights. I am a songwriter, I trust my instincts, and now my instincts are telling me to share 100 percent me, and creatively just let it flow.”

In his dedication to staying true to himself, the Tennessee native co-penned and co-produced each of the album’s fifteen tracks, enlisting a slew of Nashville heavy-hitters, including Josh Kerr, Ashley Gorley, Lori McKenna, Parker Welling, and Zach Crowell to join him.

On the project, Dickerson weaves his way through a well-crafted mix of romantic tracks, odes to nostalgia, and a few tried and true party anthems. He dabbles with hints of different genres, but stays true to the country-pop sounds that have endeared him to a legion of fans. Although he can do it all, the effusive talent shines especially bright on the driving and anthemic country-heavy mid-tempos that pepper the album. Songs like “I Wonder,” “God Gave Me a Girl,” and “Blame It On Being Young” are immediate standouts, each allowing him to stretch his vocal chops over building tracks that are stadium-show-ready.

On “God Gave Me a Girl,” his lyrics are at the forefront, cleverly building the phrases atop each other, proclaiming, “God gave me a girl // Girl gave me a kiss // Kiss gave me a feeling that I still get // Every time I look in her eyes…God gave me a girl // At just the right time // And I gave her the world // But she changed mine.”

While “God Gave Me a Girl,” is about true love found, both “I Remember” and “I Wonder” have him pondering the what-ifs of a lost love. On “I Wonder,” he ponders if he’ll regret losing someone forever, while “I Remember” has him nostalgic for young love and college days, forever treasuring the moments of being “young, dumb, wild, and free.”

Nostalgia is a theme that weaves its way through the album, celebrating the good ol’ days on “Blame It On Being Young,” “Drink to This,” “All the Same Friends,” “Beers to the Summer,” and “18.” While “Beers to the Summer” has hints of early Kenny Chesney, “18” is tinged with 80’s pop that has Dickerson longing to have known his wife as a teenager, musing that “I could’ve been your perfect // Perfect first kiss // Wishing that I could’ve kept you out all night // The problem with forever is it ain’t long enough // I wish that I could go back and we’d fall in love // Back when we were 18.”

On “I Still Believe,” Dickerson is a dreamer with small-town country values, as he proclaims his beliefs on the building anthem.

“The best beer is cold // The best friends are old // The best songs go ‘oh-oh-oh’ //  The best girl is mine // The best night’s tonight // With that sky dripping gold // There’s more good than bad // And rich don’t mean cash // Yeah I still believe// I believe, I believe in that.”

Dickerson’s love for his wife is another prevalent theme throughout his album, his romantic side is on display on songs like “Sorry,” “Over and Over,” “She Likes It” with Jake Scott, and “She’s Why.” While “Sorry” is a tongue-in-cheek uptempo that finds the star unable to keep his hands off the woman he loves, “She Likes It” is an R&B-tinted reminder that the attraction goes both ways.

The album ends with the sparse and incredibly moving “Just Like Your Mama,” a song dedicated to Dickerson’s young son, Remington, which even features a special appearance by the adorable toddler. “Just like your mama // No bull and no drama // You’ll know who you are // And you’ll know who you aint,” He sings of the boy who takes after his self-proclaimed better half. “You’ll stand on what you believe // Golden heart on your sleeve // You won’t let this world take your shine away // In the mirror, might look just like me // Baby boy, I can already see // You’re better than my wildest dreams, just like your mama.”

On his self-titled album, Russell Dickerson continues to shine as one of Nashville’s most talented singer-songwriters, stretching himself lyrically, musically, and vocally, while remaining abundantly true to himself.

Russell Dickerson – Self-titled Album Track List:

  1. Blame It On Being Young (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Parker Welling)
  2. Sorry (Russell Dickerson, Hunter Phelps, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson)
  3. She Likes It Feat. Jake Scott (Russell Dickerson, Jake Scott, Josh Kerr)
  4. I Still Believe (Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Matt Jenkins, Zach Crowell)
  5. Big Wheels (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
  6. I Remember (Russell Dickerson, Alysa Vanderheym, Chris Ryan, Logan Turner, Matt McGinn)
  7. I Wonder (Russell Dickerson, Jon Nite, Casey Brown)
  8. God Gave Me a Girl (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Zach Crowell)
  9. All the Same Friends (Russell Dickerson, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Zach Crowell)
  10. Beers to the Summer (Russell Dickerson, Matt Jenkins, Mark Holman)
  11. She’s Why (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Sean Douglas)
  12. 18 (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Illsey Juber, Ashley Gorley)
  13. Over and Over (Russell Dickerson, Josh Kerr, Parker Welling, Jordan Reynolds)
  14. Drink to This (Russell Dickerson, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling)
  15. Just Like Your Mama (Russell Dickerson, Lori McKenna, Casey Brown)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. I Wonder
  2. I Still Believe
  3. Beers to the Summer
  4. God Gave Me a Girl
Russell-dickerson-new-album-self-titled

Russell Dickerson’s self-titled album is out now.

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

Russell Dickerson will be hitting the road on his She Likes It fall tour, with tickets available here.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Russell Dickerson 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.

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5 Kane Brown Songs That Should Have Been Singles

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At only 29 years old, Kane Brown has solidified himself as one of the top acts in country music, selling out arenas around the country and collecting numerous platinum hits across multiple genres. With eight number-one radio hits in six years, here are five others we think could’ve climbed the charts as well.

Here are 5 Kane Brown songs that should have been singles…

  1. “Learning” – Kane Brown

No song in Brown’s catalog tells his story better than the third track on his self-titled debut album, “Learning.” Fans instantly hear the struggles Brown faced early in his life and how by understanding forgiveness and learning how to let things go, he was able to become the brave, successful person he is today. While its subject matter may be too real for radio, its uplifting message is sure to touch listeners and is something everyone can be motivated by.

 

  1. “Rockstars” – Kane Brown

“Rockstars” is a song that only the day-one Kane Brown fans know, although, it might have been ahead of its time. So many artists and songwriters today build lyrics based on references from other songs, such as Thomas Rhett’s ‘What’s Your Country Song”, which hit number one last year. Based on this trend, “Rockstars” might have had success if pushed to radio. Instead of referencing country artists and songs, Brown name-drops rock bands such as The Rolling Stones, Blink 182, 3 Doors Down, Nirvana, and more.

 

  1. “Short Skirt Weather” – Experiment

Upon its release, “Short Skirt Weather” was one of Brown’s most traditional country song with its heavy use of banjo and fiddle. Brown has stated before that he wished him and his team put this to radio due to its popularity with the fans, especially during his live shows. In fact, even without it officially becoming a single, stations still played it, allowing it to reach the top 50 on the charts.

 

  1. “BFE” – Mixtape, Vol. 1

Brown released a short mixtape during the summer of COVID. Unfortunately, mainly because artists were not touring, songs that weren’t singles generally got overlooked. Credit to Brown, he managed to positively promote five of the seven tracks. “Cool Again” and Worship You” went to country radio; “Be Like That” went to pop radio; “Worldwide Beautiful” was a unifying song during the divided time; and “Last Time I Say Sorry” simply featured GRAMMY-winning artist, John Legend. The forgotten track, “BFE,” is an upbeat, fiddle and steel-driven tune about living in the middle of nowhere. Its fun lyrics would have made it a great song for radio. 

 

  1. “Whiskey Sour”— Different Man

“Thank God” is officially the latest single off Brown’s new record, Different Man, but we want “Whiskey Sour” to get the love it deserves. Perhaps too sad for radio, the excellently-written story centers around two young lovers talking about their forever until one day, much to the man’s surprise, she ends the relationship. What was once a drink they often shared together now becomes the liquid pain relief he needs to forget her memory. This song was released in January and is unlikely it will become a single, but it is still one of our favorites on the new album. 

Do you agree with our picks? Which Kane Brown songs do you think should have gone to radio?

To keep up with Kane Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Different Man 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.

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Lainey Wilson ‘Bell Bottom Country’ – Album Review

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Lainey Wilson’s new album, Bell Bottom Country is out now, October 28th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

From the opening chords of “Hillbilly Hippie,” it’s clear that Bell Bottom Country is not your typical modern country album, in the best way possible. There’s twang and soul, rock and revival, creating a unique sound that immediately invites listeners in, letting them know they’re about to experience something special.

ACM New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson has firmly embraced her own style which she describes as “country music with flare.” On her sophomore release, Bell Bottom Country she exemplifies that description. “I’ve lived quite a bit of life the past few years, and I have a lot more to say,” she reveals. “Sure, I love a good pair of bell bottoms, but Bell Bottom Country to me has always been about the flare and what makes someone unique — I have really embraced mine, and I hope y’all can hear that across this project.”

On the rising superstar’s second album, she is exposing her various sides, both lyrically and musically. Here, the Louisiana native is tender yet rowdy, sweet yet gritty, and honest yet vulnerable. 

On songs like “Road Runner,” “Atta Girl,” and the previously-released “Heart Like a Truck,” she’s a runner struggling to stay in one place, dealing with the heartbreak that comes with big dreams, proclaiming “I gotta chase the sunrise to keep the tumble in my weed.” Meanwhile, both “Atta Girl” and “Heart Like a Truck” find her down but not out, with a heart that’s a lot stronger than it may seem.

“I got a heart like a truck // It’s been drug through the mud // Runs on dreams and gasoline // And that ole highway holds the key // It’s got a lead foot down when it’s leaving // Lord knows it’s taken a hell of a beating // A little bit of love is all that it’s needing // But it’s good as it is tough // I got a heart like a truck.”

The singer-songwriter embraces a good time on songs like “Hold My Halo,” “Grease,” and “This One’s Gonna Cost Me.” “Grease” is a funky doo-wop-laden jam, while “Hold My Halo” has hints of “Redneck Woman,” mixing driving guitars with a powerful girl-power-infused anthem. Here, Wilson is ready for an evening that would make an angel blush, breaking out the denim, and leaving a little lipstick on a Solo cup. “Gonna tear up this town, like a drunk tornado,” She growls. “Light it up, Tell that angel inside of me to hide her wings and lay low, hold my halo.”

On “Weak-End” she’s dealing with a broken heart, while “Watermelon Moonshine” is a bittersweet ode to young love. While the former is a mournful yet clever take on the drunk dial “Wish that Friday wasn’t just another way to say lonely”), the latter recalls first drinks, first loves, and first times.

“Too young to know what love was // But we were learnin’ on a sweet buzz // There’s never nothin’ like the first time // And mine’s always gonna taste like // Watermelon moonshine”

With “Those Boots (Deddy’s Song),” the thirty-year-old pays homage to her father, who has left big “boots” for a future husband to fill. As of late, the song has become all the more meaningful to the singer, who nearly lost her father earlier this year to a fungal infection that caused him to have a stroke and lose an eye.

Likewise “Me, You, and Jesus,” “Live Off” and “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” find Wilson tipping her cowboy hat to her country life, her faith, and her upbringing. “Wildflowers” is a dusty ode to the way she was raised, proclaiming, “I’m five generations of blazing a trail,” while “Me, You, and Jesus” shows Wilson finding solace with two important men in her life. “When the world comes between us, Y’all don’t give up or give a damn,” She sings on the clever song of love and faith. “You just take me for who I am, We can get through anything, And baby we make one hell of a team, Me, you and Jesus.”

In recent months, there have been multiple female acts (Ashley McBryde, Pillbox Patti, Miranda Lambert) releasing gritty, soulful, and unabashedly country albums, and Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Country is yet another release that proves the best country music might just not be found on the radio.

Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country Track List:

  1. Hillbilly Hippie (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Jeremy Bussey)
  2. Road Runner (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
  3. Watermelon Moonshine (Lainey Wilson, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Kear)
  4. Grease (Lainey Wilson, Jessi Alexander, Andrew Petroff)
  5. Weak-End (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
  6. Me, You, and Jesus (Lainey Wilson, Emily Weisband, Dallas Wilson)
  7. Hold My Halo (Lainey Wilson, Derek George, Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton)
  8. Heart Like A Truck (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Trannie Anderson)
  9. Atta Girl (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Brett Tyler)
  10. This One’s Gonna Cost Me (Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Faren Rachels)
  11. Those Boots (Deddy’s Song) (Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box, Trent Tomlinson)
  12. Live Off (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Adam Doleac)
  13. Wildflowers and Wild Horses (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
  14. What’s Up (What’s Going On) (Linda Perry)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Hold My Halo
  2. Heart Like a Truck
  3. Watermelon Moonshine
  4. Hillbilly Hippie
lainey-wilson-bell-bottom-album

Lainey Wilson’s sophomore album, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is out now.

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

Wilson will be on the road with Luke Combs through early 2023 as part of the superstar’s mega tour, with stops at Mohegan Sun on November 4 and 5. For more tour dates, click here. She’ll also appear on the small screen as a part of Paramount Network’s Yellowstone TV series, beginning November 13th.

To keep up with Lainey Wilson, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bell Bottom Country 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.

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Thomas Rhett: ‘Merry Christmas, Y’all’ – EP Review

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Thomas Rhett’s new EP, Merry Christmas, Y’all, is out now, October 21st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below and check out our full review.

In order to get us all ready for the holidays, Thomas Rhett released his first Christmas project. His new EP, perfectly titled, Merry Christmas, Y’all is a four-song spirited project that is everything we never knew we needed in the wide breadth of Christmas music.

While Rhett usually keeps fans in the loop, this project came as a surprise to fans, with the singer sharing the news just one day prior to its release. According to the superstar, Christmas music was always coming. “I love everything about Christmas. There’s nothing like the holiday season. I wanted to record some of the Christmas songs that my family and I enjoy every year. I hope this music gets everyone in the holiday spirit!,” shared the singer in a recent press release.

On the project, Rhett covered Christmas classics including, “Winter Wonderland,” “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas.” Each of the four tracks keeps with the classic nature of the song, while still adding the signature Thomas Rhett twist.

Merry Christmas, Y’all is the perfect addition to the growing holiday tracks in the country music genre!

Thomas Rhett – Merry Christmas, Y’all EP Tracklist:

  1. Winter Wonderland
  2. It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
  3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
  4. It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Thomas-rhett-christmas

Thomas Rhett releases first holiday project, ‘Merry Christmas, Y’all,” out now.

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

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Merry Christmas, Y’all 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.

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HunterGirl Makes Major Label Debut with “Hometown Out Of Me”

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HunterGirl’s debut song, “Hometown Out Of Me” is out now, October 21st, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new track below.

After winning the heart of America on American Idol, HunterGirl is ready to make her label debut. While many new artists choose to release radio-ready, ‘safe’ songs, HunterGirl is choosing to use her newfound spotlight to thank her hometown. Her new song “Hometown Out Of Me” is everything you want it to be.

“My hometown has supported my dream since I was little and especially through this crazy year of my life. I wanted my first single following the show to be a thank you card to my hometown. The reason I get to chase my dream is because of the amazing people who have supported me. No matter where this journey takes me, I will never forget where I came from,” shared the singer-songwriter in a recent press release.

Although personal and truthful to HunterGirl, “Hometown Out Of Me” is a story anyone can relate to. It is all about knowing where you come from and remembering the people who have supported you all along on your journey, no matter where it led you.

“I’m never gonna not think heaven’s at the end of daddy’s little gravel road // I’m never gonna not be the same old same me everybody back there knows // An apple’s still an apple when it’s nowhere near the tree // You can take me out of my hometown but you can’t take my hometown out of me // Maybe you ain’t scared of crashing // When you’ve got a place to land  // You can hear it in my accent // That somebody gave a damn”

This is just the beginning for HunterGirl. We look forward to seeing where she lands next!

huntergirl-debut

HunterGirl’s debut single, “Hometown Out Of Me” is out now.

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

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

“Hometown Out Of 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.