Madeline Merlo’s new EP, Slide, is out now, September 23rd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below and check out our full review.
Canadian star, Madeline Merlo is ready to make her name and talent known in the American country music landscape. After winning her episode of the songwriting show, Songland, the singer-songwriter knew she had what it took to up the ante. Today, Merlo drops her new EP, simply titled, Slide.
In just four songs, the songstress manages to showcase her songwriting chops and her killer vocals. The title track, written by Merlo with Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, and Sam Hunt is our first taste of the record. Although originally developed for Hunt, the writers knew the song would be better from a woman’s perspective. Merlo was clearly the right woman for the job.
“Baby I don’t care // It’s me and you, either way,// Let’s watch the night slide into yesterday”
The singer continues to share female stories throughout the EP. On “YOUNG-ish,” Merlo stakes her claim in her womanhood – encouraging all of us to challenge the misconception that everyone’s path should be the same. An anthemic track, Merlo delivers it just as well as anyone in the industry could.
On our favorite song off the project, “Girl Where He Grew Up,” the singer shares an all-too-relatable story about being the girl before the guy gets his stuff together. We all know what it feels like to be the girl before the next. “Girl Where He Grew Up” is a story about teaching a guy how to love his next girlfriend better.
“You can thank me if that boy knows how to love // I’m the girl where he grew up // I bet out of the blue, he tells you you’re pretty // I bet he checks in when he’s out late with his buddy // I bet his eyes don’t wander when he’s drinking a whisky // Yeah he learned it the hard way, the moment he lost me”
The record wraps up with the final song on the project, “I Need A Drink.” Written by the singer with incredible songwriters, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey, the song is all about the hope we feel when we meet a new love interest. The song is pure, honest, and catchy.
Merlo knocks it out of the park with her Slide EP. Each and every song is methodically placed. It is the perfect introduction for new fans and audiences in American country music.
Madeline Merlo – Slide EP Tracklist:
“Slide” (Madeline Merlo, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Sam Hunt)
“YOUNG-ish” (Madeline Merlo, Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne, Jerry Flowers)
“Girl Where He Grew Up” (Madeline Merlo, Nathan Chapman, Jon Nite)
“I Need A Drink” (Madeline Merlo, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
Madeline Merlo’s brand new EP, ‘Slide’ 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 Merlo releases.
Slide is 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/2022/09/madeline-merlo-slide-ep-new-music.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-09-23 00:05:012022-10-03 11:05:12Madeline Merlo: ‘Slide’ – EP Review
Maddie & Tae’s new EP, Through the Madness, Vol 2 , out now, September 23rd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below and check out our full review.
Just nine months after the January release of their EP, Through the Madness, Volume 1, Maddie & Tae are back with its younger sister, Volume 2. Like on Volume 1, the Mercury Nashville pair co-wrote all of the collection’s eight tracks while also enlisting some of Nashville’s biggest names, including Ryan Hurd, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins, and Josh Kerr.
As the gold standard in women’s country harmonies, the duo only further solidifies that position with each subsequent release, and Volume 2 is no exception. Here, they continue to do what they do best: weave classic country storytelling with intrinsic harmonies.
While both Maddie Font and Taylor (Tae) Kerr are happily married, they shine when they’re channeling heartbreak. This is apparent on songs like “These Tears,” “Drinking to Remember,” “Watching Love Leave,” and “Well in Your World.”
“Well in Your World” deals with the pair wondering what happened to a high school sweetheart. The radio-ready mid-tempo finds them in a conundrum of not necessarily missing someone but wondering what happened to them.“I’d be lying if I said I missed you // But I’d be lying if I said you never crossed my mind, sometimes,” They admit. “We’re a thousand miles away from who we were // When we were just a boy and a girl // I hope all is well in your world.”
“These Tears” is a sparse and stunning ballad, the pair harmonizing over simple acoustic and steel guitars, vulnerabilities on full display. “These tears, should’ve been cried long ago,”They sing mournfully, heartbreak evident in every note. “All these years of hanging on is getting old // So I’m letting go. I can’t keep them from falling down // I guess I’m crying them now.”
On “Drinking to Remember,” the pair puts a clever lyrical twist on the idea of drowning one’s sorrows at the bottom of a glass. While most drink to forget, Maddie & Tae are drinking to remember a lost love. “A love like ours is too good to forget,” They muse over a glass of his favorite whiskey. “So I’m drinking to remember.”
In a similar vein, both “Girl After My Own Heart” and “More Than Maybe” are absolute masterpieces, taking classic tropes and turning them on their heads. “Girl After My Own Heart” has the pair warning another woman to stay away from their man. While they can admit that this other woman is “rocking that dress,” she’s “wasting her time wanting what’s mine.” Meanwhile, “More Than Maybe,” has them realizing that a guy in their life isn’t truly reciprocating their love. “How many times can a girl’s heart break?” They ask. “I deserve more than maybe.”
“Every Night Every Morning” is one of the album’s happier moments, telling the tale of falling in love over and over again. Here, they weave patented harmonies over a twangy country melody. “Every night and every morning I fall all over again and again,” They admit on the romantic ballad. “And you don’t even know it // Baby, if you’re wondering when you hold me // If I still feel forever, only Every night and every morning.”
The EP ends with “Spring Cleaning,” an infectiously sassy kick-off tune, laced with hints of 90’s country and inspirations like the Chicks, Gretchen Wilson, and Miranda Lambert. The pair channel their inner Marie Kondo, whom they mention on the track, getting rid of someone who no longer sparks joy in their lives.
“Ooh, you’re taking up space // It’s time to tidy up and take you out my brain // Ooh, what do you see? Cleaning out the closet looks good on me // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning house // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning out // It ain’t spring, but I’m cleaning house // So, come and get your shit out”
Like Through the Madness Volume 1, this second collection continues to show Maddie & Tae growing and evolving, while also managing to do what they do best. It’s a must-listen for any country music fan, and when listening to the volumes back-to-back, it’s sixteen tracks of harmonic musical bliss.
Through the Madness, Volume 2 EP Tracklist:
“Well In Your World” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Ryan Hurd, Jimmy Robbins)^
“Every Night Every Morning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jonathan Singleton, Brock Berryhill)^
“Drinking To Remember” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^
“Girl After My Own Heart” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)^
“Watching Love Leave” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^
“More Than Maybe” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins)^
“These Tears” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Laura Veltz, Jon Green)*
“Spring Cleaning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Tayla Parx)
Maddie & Tae’s brand new EP, ‘Through the Madness, Vol 2’ is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Maddie & Tae releases.
Through the Madness Volume 2 is 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/2022/09/maddie-and-tae-vol-2.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2022-09-23 00:02:312022-09-23 00:02:31Maddie & Tae: ‘Through the Madness, Vol 2’ – EP Review
Callista Clark’s new song, “Brave Girl,” is out now, September 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new, personal track below.
Last year we introduced you to then, seventeen year old singer-songwriter, Callista Clark. Today, we are bringing you her newest single, “Brave Girl.” A true gem of a song, Clark is probing her talent one song at a time, as we anticipate her album Real To Me: The Way I Feel coming out next month.
Written by Clark, the empowering new track is an anthem for women and young girls everywhere. The song implores listeners to know their worth, embrace their qualities, and conquer their fears. Clark is clearly writing from a real life perspective, as she tackles her own womanhood, as an eighteen year old artist.
“Brave girl // Sitting in the back of the class, afraid to raise your hand // Brave girl // Straighten the curls like the other girls, you don’t want to stand out // You’re learn to love the pieces of your messy broken heart // And all the things you think you’re hate that make you who you are”
Clark is a talented, wise beyond her years artist. We look forward to seeing how fans continue to fall in love with her and her music.
Callista Clark’s new song, “Brave Girl” is out now, ahead of album coming this October.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Callista Clark releases.
“Brave 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/callista-clark-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-09-16 00:08:422022-09-16 00:08:42Callista Clark Shares New Song “Brave Girl”
Ashley Cooke’s new song, “Back In The Saddle,” is out now, September 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new, personal track below.
One of our favorite rising artists, Ashley Cooke’s star continues to rise with each and every release. She released her single, “getting into,” last month, and now she is adding another single to her growing catalog. Cooke’s new song, “Back In The Saddle” is officially out now.
The new song was written by Jordan Minton, Josh Kerr, and Jordan Reynolds. Although the track was written by three men, it is hard to imagine anyone other than Cooke singing it and bringing it to life. Lyrically, “Back In The Saddle,” is an anthem for anyone who is having a tough time dealing with a break-up. It provides hope and relatability throughout the lyrics.
“Getting back in the saddle // Putting boots in the gravel // leaving her memory in an ole dust cloud // You ditching this missing him merry go round // Baby what we say // We been drinking and we ain’t // Trying to ride off into the sunset // No this is just and me trying to forget // Getting back in the saddle”
While it is hard to choose a favorite Cooke song, “Back In The Saddle” is definitely a top contender!
Ashley Cooke’s new song, “Back In The Saddle” is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ashley Cooke releases.
“Back In The Saddle” 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/2022/09/ashley-cooke-new-song-saddle.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-09-16 00:06:392022-09-16 00:06:39Ashley Cooke Shares Personal New Song “Back In The Saddle”
Little Big Town’s brand new album, Mr. Sun is out now, September 16th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.
In January 2020, Little Big Town released their stellar album, Nightfall. The foursome then kicked off a tour at New York’s Carnegie Hall and the famous Apollo Theater, and then… the world shut down.
Now, two and a half years later, the group responsible for the best vocal harmonies in country music are back with something that manages to be both different yet familiar.
Featuring sixteen new tracks, the group’s tenth studio album, Mr. Sun, was self-produced by the fantastic four members of Little Big Town. It features thirteen tracks co-written by at least one member of the band, and a total of 33 songwriters, including Sara Buxton, Tyler Hubbard, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and many more.
Written predominantly during the pandemic, Mr. Sun shows Little Big Town at its absolute best. They sample new sounds while remaining true to the vocal harmonies that have endeared them to fans for over their twenty year career, allowing oft-frontwoman Karen Fairchild to shine, but they also provide moments for each other band member to have a moment in the spotlight. They provide a stellar mix of radio-ready tracks with deeper cuts full of melody and meaning.
That clever juxtaposition of tracks happens almost immediately, the album kicking off with the previously-released “All Summer,” “Better Love,” and “Hell Yeah,” before transitioning into more poignant moments on “Mr. Sun” and “Three Whiskeys and the Truth.”
“All Summer” is a blistering ode to summer love, led by Karen Fairchild’s sultry vocals over an almost 70’s-inspired melody, while “Better Love” is a smooth mid-tempo that finds her with no regrets over a failed relationship, but looking for something better next time around. These lead directly into the cleverly phrased “Hell Yeah,” which allows Philip Sweet to take the lead.
“Hell yeah, I go get drunk on Friday nights // Hell yeah, I’m dancing under neon lights // Hell yeah, I’m smiling so that you can’t tell // But if you’re ever wondering, baby if I’m still // Going through hell, yeah // Going through hell, yeah // You’ve moved on and I’m still here in hell, yeah”
Jimi Westbrook is frontman on “Mr. Sun,” which one would assume might be a party song from the title, but is actually the total opposite. In fact, the song offers a clever nod at the Bill Withers classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine,” with Westbrook crooning, “You don’t need to shine, ‘cause she’s gone away.” On the somber R&B-tinted tune, the soulful singer shines his brightest, despite being in the mood for “something dark and stormy.”
Heartbreak may be where LBT shines brightest, allowing mournful harmonies to set the mood on tracks like “Three Whiskeys and the Truth” and “One More Song,” On the latter, Fairchild and Westbrook deal with a breakup, trading verses in the vein of one of the band’s most underrated songs, “Your Side of the Bed.” Meanwhile, on the former, Fairchild’s smoky voice tells the heart-wrenching time of love lost, nearly breaking with emotion on the second-half of the song. “Takes every bit of the time that I’m killing // My heart hesitates but the pain’s always willing,” She admits. “There ain’t no lying // Baby I’m missing you // Three whiskeys and the truth.”
It’s not all stormy weather on Mr. Sun, as the breezy and Abba-inspired “Heaven Had a Dance Floor” finds Kimberley Schlapman channeling her inner disco queen. Likewise, “Whiskey Colored Eyes” has an almost Eagles-like feel, elevated by the foursome’s harmonies. Finally, the sass-meter is turned up to ten on “Song Back,” an 80’s groove-inspired song about a song ruined by the end of a relationship. “If you’re gonna play me like that,” Fairchild scorches. “I want my song back.”
The later half of the album focuses heavily on reflection, with songs like “Rich Man,” “God Fearing Gypsies,” “Last Day on Earth,” and the album’s final track, “Friends of Mine.”
“Rich Man” offers a poignant moment of reflection, as they grapple with the fact that one can be wealthy “without a lick of money.”
“Yeah, in my soul, one thing I know // I ain’t lookin’ for a pot of gold // That ain’t what this life means to me // I keep my head up high, feet on the ground // Love the ones I’m livin’ ’round // Life is just that simple to me // Yeah, I’m a rich man”
Additionally, “God Fearing Gypsies” finds the quartet slowing things down for another introspective moment on the harmonic highlight. The song is led by Westbrook, but soars with the patented harmonies that make LBT the best vocal group in music today. “Long live the God-fearing gypsies,” They sing, “Who live as hard as they pray.”
“Last Day on Earth” is a sparse and folksy ballad that has the foursome harmonizing without a clear lead vocalist, showing them at their absolute best. In fact, we can already picture all four members of LBT highlighting this track with their voices, a spotlight, and a guitar, during an acoustic section of their live shows.
Finally, “Friends of Mine” is one of the album’s most moving moments, almost sounding as a message to their fans and to each other. On the soulful, Gospel-tinged tune, they tackle the uncertainty of the world we live in, offering a moment of hope in the darkness. “Everyone knows that in life sometimes, the wind blows the rain in your eyes,” They sing. “It’s a crazy world // we’re all trying to live in // We all feel alone and afraid…“We all need each other to get through the darkest of times.”
As one of country music’s most consistent band of music-makers, Little Big Town continues to shine on Mr. Sun, offering listeners a bright spot through even the darkest of days.
Little Big Town – Mr. Sun Track List:
All Summer (Karen Fairchild, Sarah Buxton, Madi Diaz, Ashley Ray, Savana Santos, Alysa Vanderheym)
Better Love (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Tofer Brown, Audra Mae)
Little Big Town’s new album, ‘Mr. Sun’ is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Little Big Town releases.
Mr. Sun 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/2022/09/little-big-town-mr-sun-album.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2022-09-16 00:05:132022-09-16 00:05:13Little Big Town: ‘Mr. Sun’ – Album Review
Dylan Schneider’s new song, “Ain’t Missin’ You,” is out now, September 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new, personal track below.
A little over a year ago, we introduced you to rising singer-songwriter, Dylan Schneider. The eclectic country singer continues to impress us with his music, leaning into his wide variety of musical influences. Today, he drops one of our favorite songs of his to date, “Ain’t Missin’ You.”
The new single is the song that every broken-hearted girl wants to hear. Right away, the track kicks off with piercing lyrics of the new guy wishing the worst on the guy who broke her heart.
“I hope it hurts // I hope you’re mad // I hope you think that girl is the best you ever had // I hope you’re drunk // And it don’t help // I hope you spent the last few months feeling sorry for yourself // Guys like you don’t get second chances, no // Girls like her ain’t meant for loving and letting go”
Keep your eyes and ears open for Schneider! He is winning the hearts of fans everywhere with his enticing social media presence and his incredible talent.
Dylan Shneider’s new song “Ain’t Missin’ You” is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dylan Schneider releases.
“Ain’t Missin’ You” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dylan-schneider-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-09-16 00:03:502022-09-16 00:03:50Dylan Schneider Drops Brand New Song “Ain’t Missin’ You”
Mitchell Tenpenny’s brand new album, This Is The Heavyis out now, September 16th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.
Before his record deal, before “Drunk Me” became his first number one single to country radio, we fell in love with Mitchell Tenpenny’s undeniable talent. It has been four years since his debut album Telling All My Secrets was released, and M10’s stardom has continued to rise since. Today, the singer-songwriter shares his sophomore record, This Is The Heavy.
Tenpenny feels the importance of this milestone, sharing in a recent press release, “This isn’t a hobby for me. This is my job: to get people to love and believe my songs. I have a responsibility to make music that people latch on to. That’s what songwriting is to me.” The singer-songwriter’s hard work and attention to detail is evident across all twenty tracks on the album.
After a quick, yet enticing self-titled intro, the record kicks off with “Good Place” and “Always Something with You.” The former features similar vibes to hit songs like “Drunk Me” and “Alcohol You Later.” The wordplay on the song is perfection, learning into the incredible songwriting skills that Tenpenny possesses. On “Always Something with You,” the singer leans into his romantic side, sharing the flirty wonders of falling in love.
“You’re killing me in that tank top // You’re flooring me in that dress // You’re taking up all my Fridays // Taking away my breath // You’re gonna drive me crazy // With the heaven you put me through // Baby, I love the way you push my buttons night and day // It’s always something with you”
Tenpenny continues to showcase his rock influence and his nostalgic lyrics on the net few songs. Songs like “Truth About You,” and one of our favorites, “We Got History” explore the feelings acne the experiences that occur after a break-up, while “Sleeping Alone” is an honest anecdote about wondering what your ex is doing.
Tenpenny continues to lean into the lyrics on “More Than Whiskey Does.” Sonically, the song fits right into M10s growing catalog of music. He truly shines when he shares his heart in a lyric and the story takes centerstage. Similarly, on “Obsession,” Tenpenny explores the same theme of falling quickly with lyrics like, “if I’m all in, I’m all in.”
On his single, “Good And Gone,” Tenpenny shares the all-to relatable story of your significant other finally having enough, and leaving you. Of course, the protagonist drowns his sorrows with the bottle, trying to forget his problems. Tenpenny nails this song, and it does not hurt that it is super catchy.
“First, it’s whiskey shots, then smoking everything I got // Next comes punching holes in walls then blaming everything on God // I’m going off the rails, won’t take me very long // ‘Cause if you’re gone for good // Then I’m getting good and gone”
Another standout track on the record is “Cry Baby.” Tenpenny plays the perfect partner, encouraging his love to let out her feelings because he will be “there for you.” While the song may not become a radio single, it is a sweet and tender spot on an album that is full of perfect singles for radio and the live show.
On “Miss You Cause I’m Drinking,” Tenpenny showcases a new vibe and jazzy-rock edge on this creative song. He flips the notion of drinking because you miss your ex on its head, sharing that he actually misses his ex because he is drinking, not the other way around. We all can relate to get getting caught up in the past, when you are drinking; despite, no longer being in love or wanting the other person.
Tenpenny continues to play with different vibes on the only collaborative song on the record, “Elephant in the Room.” Featuring Teddy Swims, the song is fun, flirty, and spicy. The singer ups the ante on this song, clearly keeping it prime for the live show. Although not as much of a risk, Tenpenny pushes the envelope again with the all to relatable song, “Happy and I Hate It.”
Tenpenny continues to tell relatable stories on “Now We’re Talking” and “Losers.” On the former, the singer shares all about young love, while the latter, “Losers” is a nostalgic story about Nashville’s iconic bar. Although all the songs on the record are not pulled from M10’s real life, “Losers” clearly.
“A little dive bar named Losers made a winner out of me.”
The record closes with two final tracks: “Long as You Let Me” and “That’s How She Goes.” While, “Long as You Let Me” is a slower crooning song, the final track leaves listeners on a high with a intricate and mysterious song.
Overall the record is anchored with incredible lyrics and stories. Tenpenny methodically weaves towards and away from his signature sound in ways that feel purposeful. This Is The Heavy is the perfect record for the singer. You won’t want to skip any songs on the project!
Mitchell Tenpenny – This Is The Heavy Track List:
This Is the Heavy
Good Place
Always Something with You
We Got History
Truth About You
Sleeping Alone
More Than Whiskey Does
Obsession
Good and Gone
Do You
Bucket List
Cry Baby
Miss You Cause I’m Drinking
Elephant in the Room ft. Teddy Swims
Happy and I Hate It
Now We’re Talking
Losers
Still Thinkin’ ‘Bout You
Long as You Let Me
That’s How She Goes
Country Swag Picks:
Losers
We Got History
More Than Whiskey Does
Cry Baby
Now We’re Talking
Mitchell Tenpenny’s newest album, ‘This Is The Heavy’ is officially here.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Mitchell Tenpenny releases.
This Is The Heavy 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/2022/09/mitchell-tenpenny-new-album.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2022-09-16 00:02:172022-09-16 00:02:17Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘This Is The Heavy’ – Album Review
Drake Milligan’s brand new debut album, Dallas/Fort Worth is out today, September 15th, on all streaming platforms. Learn about the record and take a listen below.
A little over a year ago, we introduced you to rising artist and singer-songwriter, Drake Milligan. Today, Milligan is bringing more music into the world. His debut album,cleverly named, Dallas/Fort Worth is out now.
The fourteen-song project, all co-written by the singer, features songs for the heartbroken, songs for the in-love, and of course, songs for every country music fan. Milligan cleverly split the project in two. In the first half, Dallas features more modern country songs, while Fort Worth is all about traditional country. According to the singer in a recent interview for Taste of Country, “My goal was to bring those same distinctions to the two parts of this album. On Dallas, the songs have a little more polish on their boots. On Fort Worth, there are nods to those traditional Honky-Tonkin’, Western swingin’, cowboy culture roots that I’m based in.” The influences are definitely evident on the project.
The record kicks off with “Sounds Like Something I’d Do,” his single heading to country radio next week! Featuring Milligan’s country-rock charm, “Sounds Like Something I’d Do” is an enticing jam.
“I never had a reason, girl // To go ’round lookin’ for a fire to walk through // It ain’t like me to want somebody // Rearrangin’ all my want-to’s // I ain’t the kind to settle down // And let myself get wrapped around // Somebody’s finger, but if I had you // Baby, sounds like somethin’ I’d do”
Milligan keeps the energy going with the next song on the project, “Kiss Goodbye All Night.” On, “Hating Everything She Tries On,” one of our favorites on the album, the singer slows it down a bit, reflecting on how his girl is having a hard time finding what to wear. It is a sweet twist on the things you love about your partner. Milligan continues to profess his love on the first of two ballads on the first half of the project, “She” and “Dance of a Lifetime”. A standout track, “She” is an eloquent depiction of when a man loves a woman. The latter, “Dance of a Lifetime” is also a standout track, a true embodiment of love.
The singer ups the tempo again on “Bad Day To Be A Beer,” a clever party song, perfect for summer and tailgates. However, on “Hearts Don’t Break Even,” Milligan tells the touching, yet melancholy story of heartbreak at the end of a relationship, even if both parties agree to break up.
As Milligan switches gears to the Fort Worth part of the record, he lets the rowdy out with the opening two tracks, “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinking'” and “Tipping Point.” The rowdy comes out again on his song, “Long Haul.”
However, on “Don’t Look Down,” Milligan taps back into his romantic side. The song feels like it would fit in effortlessly with the love songs from his old-school predecessors like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. Milligan continues to bring that traditional style into the next song off the project, the only collaboration. The singer enlists Vince Gill on the banjo-heavy song “Goin’ Down Strong.”
Milligan leans back into the heartbreak of it all with the track “Save It For A Sunny Day,” while the final track on the album, “Cowboy Kind of Way” fully commits to country love and living.
Dallas/Fort Worth is an album that showcases true artistry and talent. Milligan creates a story throughout all of the fourteen songs while allowing each half its own spotlight. It is clear from his debut that Milligan is steadfast in his journey as a country singer-songwriter and entertainer. He is where he is meant to be.
Drake Milligan’s debut album, ‘Dallas/Forth Worth’ is out now
Drake Milligan – Dallas/Fort Worth Tracklist:
“Sounds Like Something I’d Do” (Drake Milligan/Brett Beavers/Terry McBride)
“Kiss Goodbye All Night” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/ Josh Jenkins/Phil O’Donnell)
“Hating Everything She Tries On” (Drake Milligan/Brent Anderson/Lynn Hutton)
“She” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/John Pierce)
“Bad Day to Be a Beer” (Drake Milligan/Marv Green/JT Harding)
“Cowboy Kind of Way” (Drake Milligan/Brandon Hood/Terry McBride)
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Drake Milligan announcements and releases.
Dallas/Fort Worth 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.
BRELAND’s brand new debut album, Cross Countryis out now, September 9th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.
On his new album, Cross Country, Breland continues to stretch the limits of country music, offering his special blend of country, hip hop, Gospel, and pop. Throughout his Atlantic Records debut, the singer weaves his unique upbringing over fourteen tracks that enlist some of country’s biggest names. Collaborations here include Ingrid Andress, Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Keith Urban, and Mickey Guyton.
For the New Jersey native, Cross Country is as much of an official introduction to the genre as it is a glaring affirmation that he’s right where he belongs. On the eclectic collection, he flexes genres, effortlessly bending the rules in the best ways possible.
While Breland could easily launch the album with a more traditional country-leaning song, he sets the tone for the collection with the Andress duet, a breezy ode to friendship that has the most glorious hints of the Bill Withers’ classic, “Lean On Me.” Unlike most male-female duets, “Here For It” isn’t one about romance, but instead the best kind of platonic love. The pair trade verses on the song, riffing “Anytime you need a friendly pick me up, I’ll be waiting right outside // You know I’m here for it.”
Collaborations are definitely a high point of the album, including the hand-raising, foot-stomping Gospel jubilance that is “Praise the Lord.” Here, Breland joins forces with Thomas Rhett as the duo celebrates the things in life they’re most thankful for.
“Praise the Lord for southern women, Hemi engines, crispy chicken // Praise the Lord for east Atlanta, Country Grammar, and my nana // Praise the Lord that I got everything I want and need and more // I might turn up on Saturday but first thing Sunday morn’ // I praise the Lord”
Other collabs here include “Told You I Could Drink,” with Lady A and “Throw It Back” with Keith Urban. While the former is a soulful and radio-ready ode to drowning one’s sorrows over lost love, the latter is one of the most unique tracks on the album, melding a rap verse with Urban’s classic guitar sounds.
On the Lady A duet, Breland seamlessly becomes the fourth member of the supergroup, harmonizing with Charles, Hillary, and Dave in a way that’s magically effortless. Likewise, the album’s title track is an effervescent harmonic highlight, as Breland trades vocals with the golden-voiced Mickey Guyton. The track tells the tale of the singers searching for a place they belong, truly a fitting moment for a pair of two perceived misfits in the genre. “I’m going cross country // I won’t stop running ’til I find where I belong,” they harmonize. “I’m going cross country // Know they might judge me, I ain’t gotta prove ’em wrong.”
While the album may be loaded with duets, there’s also plenty of room for Breland to shine on his own. On his recent single, “Natural,” he pays homage to Shania Twain’s classic “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by melding pieces of the actual track with his own lyrics. “It’s awesome seeing the resurgence of ’90s country and its influence on today’s new music. I’ve noticed a lot of people have been taking inspiration from a lot of male artists, so I wanted to sample one of country music’s most influential females,” he reveals in a statement.
Songs like “Thick” and “County Line” have more of an R&B tint than some others, with the latter celebrating the rising star’s New Jersey upbringing over an endlessly catchy hook. Meanwhile, “Happy Song” is far from it, Breland singing “Our song ain’t a happy song no more.”
On the album’s final track, “Alone at the Ranch,” Breland pays homage to the smooth R&B songs of the 90’s, channeling his inner Usher as he uses his falsetto on the slow jam. While lyrically, the track may dabble in country, it’s pure R&B as Breland croons, “Alone at the ranch // Baby let me work with my hands // If you want to saddle up // Just the two of us // Make a lot of love // A little country romance // We can, alone at the ranch.”
For Breland, Cross Country is truly an eclectic mix of sounds that meld together in the most unexpected, yet harmonious, manner.
BRELAND – Cross Country Track List:
Here For It ft. Ingrid Andress
Country Line
Praise The Lord ft. Thomas Rhett
Natural
Told You I Could Drink ft. Lady A
For What It’s Worth
Happy Song
Growing Pains
Throw It Back ft. Keith Urban
Thick
Cross Country ft. Mickey Guyton
Good For You
Don’t Look At Me
Alone At The Ranch
Country Swag Picks:
Here For It (w/ Ingrid Andress)
Natural
Told You I Could Drink (w/ Lady A)
Breland drops his debut album, ‘Cross Country’ out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Breland releases.
Mr. Saturday Night 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.
Madison Kozak’s new song, “What Does Sorry Mean” is out now, September 9th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.
Following up last month’s honest “Loud House” is the incredibly classic and bittersweet “What Does Sorry Mean”. The song is about the five-letter-overused apology and trying to define what such a word means this time around. Sonically, the song is a ballad that utilizes major and minor chords very interestingly, making for a more compelling and poignant delivery.
“Is it just the 5 little words // A band-aid to slap on the hurt // a foolproof way to end a fight”
Kozak repeats this idea throughout, asking her partner for a definition of sorry. She sings about being confused and even angry about the apologies thrown her way, and that anger hasn’t really been seen or heard in her previous releases. “The more that you say it // The less I believe it’s true”, she sings at the end of the song.
This song marks the final release of Kozak’s newest singles. The Songs & Daughters pioneer artist has released now four songs in the past four months and returned to the music scene with major feelings and minor chords successfully.
Madison Kozak’s newest song, “What Does Sorry mean” is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Madison Kozak releases.
“What Does Sorry Mean” 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/2022/09/madison-kozak-new-music.jpg6301200Lucie Bernheimhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngLucie Bernheim2022-09-09 00:03:532022-09-09 00:03:53Madison Kozak Releases New Music with “What Does Sorry Mean”
