avenue-beat-new-debut-album

Avenue Beat: ‘the debut farewell album’ – Album Review

Avenue Beat’s debut and final album the debut farewell album is officially out on all streaming platforms today, October 15th. Listen to the full project below and check out our review.

Our favorite country-pop girl group, Avenue Beat is officially breaking-up. Although sad, it is the perfect, ironic timing for the trio to release their debut record. Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, and Sam Backoff established themselves as trendsetters and true individuals, and the brand new record is the perfect send off. the debut farewell album is officially out now.

The record kicks off with arguably the song of 2020, the iconic, “F2020.” A true embodiment of how we all felt during the height of the pandemic, Avenue Beat do not shy away from he truth in this song, a common thread throughout their music. Similarly their previously relate songs “woman” and “I don’t really like your boyfriend,” showcases their flirty and sassy sides of their artistry.

On “rock in outer space,” the threesome explore the idea that we take life so seriously, yet we are literally “floating on a rock in outer space.” Their approach is both interesting and introspective.

The ladies continue their cool-girl vibe on “dtf” and “space for you.” The former is a catchy tune about getting closer with someone you like. Although we all know what the acronym stands for, Avenue Beat changes it to “down to fly” and later, “down to fight.” The latter, “space for you” is a slow-burn that feels confident and deep. It is clear the songstresses know a thing or two about love.

Avenue Beat continue to explore the meaning of life and love on the next couple of tracks, “new strangers” and “parties.” “new strangers” is a harmonic masterpiece.  With lyrics like, “I feel like I’m not keeping old friends, I’m just making new strangers,” it is hard not to fall in love with this pensive jam. On the other hand “parties” is an explorative song about both anxiety and dealing with our twenties.

Before the last three songs off the project, Avenue Beat feature a personal interlude. The final three songs all convey the sadness the artists feel about Sami deciding to leave the band.

“different” showcases how Backoff and Santos feel about losing their band member. Their honesty and integrity shine on this sad, but beautiful track. “happy for you” takes things a step further and deeper into the vulnerability. “it’s weird that both these things can be true // that I’m happy for you // and I hate that I have to be happy for you.”

Finally, the record culminates with “this is goodbye” featuring Summer Overstreet, the unofficial forth member of the band. The song is a harmony-forward ballad. All their vocals shine on the track. It is clear that the ladies are saying goodbye to the incredible artistry that they have created together throughout their time at major label.

Although this record is a goodbye record, we sincerely hope there will be more from Sam Backoff and Savana Santos in the future. The twosome clearly love what they do, and country music, and fans around the world need them, even if its not Avenue Beat. Congrats to the ladies on a stellar project!

the debut farewell album Track List:

  1. F2020 | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos
  2. woman | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Joey Hendricks, Michael Whitworth*
  3. I don’t really like your boyfriend | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet
  4. rock in outer space | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet+
  5. dtf | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet, Jordyn Shellhart, Emily Weisband^
  6. space for you | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet^
  7. new strangers | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Jason Gantt
  8. parties | Sam Backoff, Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet
  9. interlude | Sam Backoff, Savana Santos
  10. different | Sam Backoff, Savana Santos
  11. happy for you | Sam Backoff, Savana Santos, Victoria Canal, Summer Overstreet
  12. this is goodbye (featuring Summer Overstreet) Sam Backoff, Savana Santos, Summer Overstreet

Produced by Savana Santos
*Produced by Savana Santos, Alysa Vanderheym
+Produced by Savana Santos, Julian Bunetta
^Produced by Savana Santos, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan, Afterhrs

OUR PICKS:

  1. “new strangers”
  2. “this is goodbye”
  3. “F2020”
  4. “different”
avenue-beat-new-album

Avenue Beat’s record ‘the debut farewell album’ is officially out now.

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

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

the debut farewell album 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.

miranda-lambert-new-song

Miranda Lambert Drops New Song “If I Was A Cowboy”

Miranda Lambert’s new song “If I Was A Cowboy” is out today, October 15th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

We love it when superstar, Miranda Lambert digs her heels into her country roots. Clearly still inspired by her Texas uprising, Lambert leans into The Marfa Tapes sound and style on her brand new single. Today, the singer-songwriter releases “If I Was A Cowboy.”

On the slow jam, Lambert manages to give us sass and vulnerability at the same time. The song is all about girl power, confidence, and openness in a less traditional way. The singer dubs herself the ‘queen cowboy’ on this enticing new track. Written by Lambert with Jesse Frasure, the imaginative song is one you will instantly get attached to.

“Wanted by the law, but the law don’t apply to me // If I was a cowboy, I’d be wild and free // Rolling around these towns like tumbleweeds // I’d be a legend at lovin’ and leavin’ // Sippin’ on whiskey and numbin’ up my feeling // You thought the west was wild, but you ain’t saddled up with me”

“If I Was A Cowboy” comes just before Lambert releases her Christmas record with her girl group, Pistol Annies. Hell of a Holiday is slated for release on October 22nd.

miranda-lambert-new-song

Miranda Lambert’s brand new song, “If I Was A Cowboy” is officially 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 Miranda Lambert releases.

To keep up with Miranda Lambert, follow her on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

“If I Was A Cowboy” 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.

Ryan-hurd-new-album-pelago-debut

Ryan Hurd: ‘Pelago’ – Album Review

Ryan Hurd’s long-awaited debut album, Pelago is out now, October 15th on all streaming platforms. Featuring eleven new songs, including “Chasing After You” with Maren Morris, check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

After making a name for himself as one of Nashville’s hottest songwriters, with #1 hits for Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady A and more, Ryan Hurd branched out as an artist of his own. And we’re oh-so-glad he did.

After a string of EPs and songwriting #1s, the rising superstar released his debut full-length album today (October 15) with Arista Nashville, Pelago. Inspired by growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan, the album was produced by Hurd’s childhood friend Aaron Eshuis, with assistance from Jesse Frasure and Teddy Reimer.

Having co-written ten of the album’s eleven tracks, Pelago truly continues Hurd’s introduction as both a brilliant songwriter and an incredibly talented artist. This is evidenced throughout the album, as he artfully weaves clever lyrics with catchy melodies that paint brilliant pictures, break your heart, or make you want to dance.

The album opens with the anthemic “Pass It On,” a bright and beachy invitation to listeners to share whatever it is that’s good in their life. It’s the kind of song that immediately turns a day around or a frown upside down, making it the perfect song to introduce the album. “What good is your dollar or your love or your bottle // If you keep it all to yourself // There’s enough to go around // So send it on down,” Hurd sings. “‘Cause you can’t take it with you when you’re gone // So pass it on, pass it on, pass it on.”

While it may seem out of place for a kid from Michigan to embrace the beachy musical tones that are often heard from the likes of Jake Owen or Kenny Chesney (name dropped on this album), those themes come just as natural to Hurd, and are absolutely authentic. Tracks like “Coast,” “June,  July, August,” and “Palm Trees in Ohio” continue that homage to the coastal life on the shores of Lake Michigan that filled Hurd’s childhood.

While the album is truly filled with standout tracks, one such highlight is “Palm Trees in Ohio.” The love song puts a unique spin on the idea of loving someone forever, putting Palm trees in Ohio up there with pigs flying and hell freezing. “‘Til there’s palm trees in Ohio // No traffic in LA // No snow in Colorado // No cold beer on a Saturday,” Hurd proclaims. “When the Great Lakes run out of water // When the sky stops turning blue // That’s when I // That’s when I // That’s when I’m gonna stop loving you.”

While Hurd shines on the tropical-tinted up-tempos, he’s just as convincing on the slower tracks, including the sultry duet “Chasing After You” with his wife, Maren Morris. “What Are You Drinking” and “The Knife or the Hatchet” are other album highlights. On the former, a moody piano ballad, Hurd wonders what an ex is drinking, curious if she’s celebrating with champagne or drowning her sorrows in a glass of something stronger. 

Likewise, “The Knife or the Hatchet” is a shining moment of the album, finding Hurd stuck in relationship limbo, unsure if his heart should stay or go. “Anything’s better than you and me living in the in-between,” He croons, his voice breaking with emotion. “So all I ask is// Twist the knife// Or bury the hatchet.”

Meanwhile, on “If I Had Two Hearts,” Hurd is admitting defeat and wondering how to move on after a relationship ends. The guy is broken and wishing for another heart to heal from its brokenness. “If I had two hearts // One wouldn’t be broken // If I had two hearts,” He admits.One would still be mine // On my sleeve out in the open // Knowing someday I’d be fine // But if I had one more to give you baby // I know what’s I’d do // Oh-oh-oh // Oh-oh-oh // I’d let you break that one too.”

For Ryan Hurd, each song on Pelago is a story in itself. “Writing’s my vocation, and I enjoy the people I work with,” says the singer-songwriter in a recent statement. “I’ve learned there are a lot of ways to do this. But then there’s the personal. As I move through life, every experience, every person, every story could be a song.”

While it would be easy for Ryan Hurd to make a living as a writer, evidenced by his ever-growing and impressive body of work, he’s even more magical as an artist. These songs and stories are uniquely his, making Pelago a personal and powerful debut album.

Pelago Track List:

  1. Pass It On
  2. Coast
  3. Chasing After You (with Maren Morris)
  4. June, July, August
  5. Palm Trees in Ohio
  6. If I Had Two Hearts
  7. Tab with My Name on It
  8. What Are You Drinking
  9. Hell Is an Island
  10. The Knife or the Hatchet
  11. I Never Said I’m Sorry

Our  Picks:

  1. Palm Trees in Ohio
  2. If I Had Two Hearts
  3. The Knife or the Hatchet
Ryan-Hurd-album-pelago-debut

Ryan Hurd’s debut album ‘Pelago’ is officially 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 Ryan Hurd releases.

To keep up with Ryan Hurd, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Pelago 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.

willie-lock-new-song

Willie Lock Releases Emotive New Song “My Brother”

Willie Lock’s new song “My Brother” is out today, October 15th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

“My Brother” is a solo-write by local NYC artist Willie Lock. Lock shared that he wrote the song “after hearing the news that a close friend had passed. It is my tribute to a great person, and the most personal song I have ever released”. 

While so personal to Lock, “My Brother” is also incredibly relatable to anyone that has ever lost someone close to them too soon. It’s about someone you grew up with and shared so many early memories with that helped shape your life. It is a beautiful tribute to a dear friend and you can feel the power of their friendship through Lock’s delivery. 

“I’m talking about you and me // Bud lights on the eighteenth tee // And shots of whiskey in Tennessee // Best Friends in the seventh grade // To best man at your wedding day // We said we’d always be there for eachother // Even though we ain’t related // and even though you didn’t make it // You’ll always be // You’ll always be my brother”

The song follows his last release back in February, “Bad Things”, a song about that person that you know isn’t good for you, yet you keep going back to them.

Lock has played several shows in New York City and across Long Island. For our local followers, you may know him as the frontman for Mean Machine or one half of Sunrise Highway. He has plays often plays at local venues like The Inn (Long Beach), Salt Shack (Babylon), Dublin Deck (Patchogue), Dockers (The Hampton) and Red Lion, Rockwood Music Hall, and The Delancey in NYC.

Recently, Lock announced that would be hosting a new series, ‘Songwriter Sunday’ with the Queensfolk collective in Astoria at Sek’end Sun – a writers’ round happening once a month which features New York-based songwriters. He is looking to start more writing rounds around NYC as well.

willie-lock-new-song

Willie Lock drops his brand new song “My Brother,” out today.

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

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

“My Brother” 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.

kelly-clarkson-christmas-album

Here Is Kelly Clarkson’s Holiday Album: ‘When Christmas Comes Around’

Kelly Clarkson’s brand new Christmas album, When Christmas Comes Around is out now, October 15th on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

Kelly Clarkson’s ninth studio album is officially here. The crossover superstar releases her second holiday album, When Christmas Comes Around, out today. The record features fifteen thoughtfully-crafted songs, including her most recent original, “Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You).”

When Christmas Comes Around is a great mixture of Christmas songs we know and love, as well as, tasteful and sassy originals. The record features Clarkson’s rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and a killer duet with Ariana Grande on “Santa, Can’t You Hear Me.” It is fair to say that Clarkson puts us all in the holiday spirit with her insane vocals and talent! Check out the track list and listen to the full-length record below.

When Christmas Comes Around Track List

  1. Merry Christmas Baby (Kelly Clarkson, Jesse Shatkin)
  2. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Meredith Wilson)
  3. Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You) (Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert, Jessi Collins)
  4. Merry Christmas (T0 the One I Used to Know) (Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks)
  5. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (Johnny Marks)
  6. Glow (Kelly Clarkson, Danja, Hayley Halbert Warner, Jesse Thomas)
  7. Santa Baby (Joan Javits, Phillip Springer)
  8. Santa, Can’t You Hear Me with Ariana Grande
  9. Last Christmas (George Michael)
  10. Jingle Bell Rock (Joseph Beal, James Ross Boothe)
  11. Blessed (Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert, Lindy Robbins, Toby Gad)
  12. Christmas Come Early
  13. Under the Mistletoe with Bret Eldredge (Kelly Clarkson, Aben Eubanks)
  14. All I Want for Christmas Is You (Andy Stone, Troy Powers)
  15. Christmas Eve (Kelly Clarkson, Jason Halbert)
kelly-clarkson-christmas-album

Kelly Clarkson’s brand new holiday album, ‘When Christmas Comes Around’ 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 Kelly Clarkson releases.

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

When Christmas Comes Around 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.

Chase Rice Releases Brand New Song “If I Were Rock & Roll”

Chase Rice’s new song “If I Were Rock & Roll,” is out today, October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

Just a few months after his single with Florida Georgia Line, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen,” hit the number one spot on the charts, Chase Rice is ready to give fans a new side of his artistry. Today, the singer-songwriter released a brand new, reflective song called “If I Were Rock & Roll.”

The new song is all about vulnerability and authenticity. The singer steps away from his full-production sound in favor of country music storytelling. “If I Were Rock & Roll” is a song full of relational regret and “should ofs.” Furthermore, the song marks the first time Rice has recorded a song that he has written completely independently.

“If I were rock & roll // I’d be a middle finger in your face // If I were a lost soul // I’d be in church more than just Sundays // and if for some reason // I was Jesus // I’d have a lot of forgiving to do // And if I weren’t a fool // Girl, I’d still be with you”

Rice’s new release is a changing of the tides for the singer in some regards. It will be interesting to see if his next chapter of his artistry continues to evolve in the same direction!

Chase Rice's new song, "If I Were Rock & Roll" is out now, October 8th

Chase Rice’s new song, “If I Were Rock & Roll” is out now, October 8th

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

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

“If I Were Rock & Roll” 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.

Conner Smith Releases Fan-Favorite New Track “I Hate Alabama”

Conner Smith’s new song “I Hate Alabama” is out today, October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

We do not say this lightly, but Conner Smith is one of the artists we are most excited about lately. In just a few months, he has made us a true believer in his artistry. He has blown us away with each of his previous releases, including his debut singles and most recently, “Take It Slow.” Today, the singer-songwriter released his viral, fan-favorite song “I Hate Alabama.”

The slow-burn begins as the ultimate disdain towards Alabama Crimson Red Football team, but after one listen, fans will know that it is definitely not just that. Smith pours his heart out, sharing that the reason he truly hates Alabama is because he got his heart broken. Even Alabama-natives can understand that!

“They get us every season // I wish I could say that’s the only reason // that I hate Alabama // I hate Crimson Red // And I hate how they yell ‘roll tide’ when I got a Braves hat on my head // and I love Lynyrd Skynyrd, but lord I hate sweet home // ‘Cause when I hear it all I see // is a girl with houndstooth on // in the stands of Tuscaloosa”

The song conveys true-artistry in every way. Smith proves with each and every release that he is the real deal. Fans of both traditional and modern-day country music are sure to flock to the singer-songwriter in droves! For more from Smith, check our exclusive interview and performance with the singer-songwriter live from New York City in the video below.

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

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on InstagramTikTok, and Facebook.

“I Hate Alabama” 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.

randy-rogers-band-single

Randy Rogers Band Drop New Single “Picture Frames” Out Today

Randy Rogers Band released a brand new single “Picture Frames”, out today October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

After two decades in the country music industry, Randy Rogers Band have solidified their staying power in the genre. With their new single, “Picture Frames,” out today, the band takes it back to their roots, collaborating with their original producer, Radney Foster yet again on this new jam.

The new song is reflective, joyful, and all love. “Picture Frames” portrays Randy Rogers Band’s journey over the last twenty years. According to a recent press release, “they capture the portrait of a lifetime in love.” The song serves as an ode to the band’s stellar catalog of music, as well as, their future.

“Remember that summer out in New Orleans // We’d only known each other for a couple of weeks // We watched the sunrise on Bourbon Street // With hurricanes in our hands // There’s something sweet about a morning buzz // Dancing with the possibility of love”

“Picture Frames” conveys romance in a way that feels both comforting and nostalgic. Randy Rogers Band knocks it out of the park with this stellar homecoming single! Fans will certainly enjoy this new tune.

randy-rogers-band-single

Randy Rogers Band release brand new song “Picture Frames” 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 Randy Rogers Band releases.

To keep up with Randy Rogers Band, follow her on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Picture Frames” 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.

hixtape-vol-2-hardy-morgan-wallen

Chris Lane & Scotty McCreery Collaborate on New HIXTAPE Song

Chris Lane & Scotty McCreery collaborate on new HIXTAPE song “Small Town On It,” out today, October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

As promised, the mastermind behind ‘HIXTAPE,’ HARDY, and his incredible team of musicians are pumping out release after release. Today’s star-studded collaboration combined the likes of Chris Lane and Scotty McCreery. The twosome released the next single off of the upcoming record, a song titled “Small Town On It.”

The brand new track is as country as country gets. Lane brings some edge to the track, while McCreery keeps the song grounded in country roots. The unexpected pairing works perfectly. Each singer takes a turn singing a verse, while the two collab on the the jam-worthy chorus.

“A little rust on the fender // A little dirt on them boots //A little moon on the river // A little rain on the roof // My Friday nights, my nowhere drives // My rowdy side, just got one life // Hey ask me how I want it // And I’ll say I’ll take a little small town on it”

While volume one of HIXTAPE featured HARDY collaborating with guest artists on each and every song, the new installment of the project showcases the singer-songwriter sharing the spotlight with dozens of other artists teaming up on each individual track. “Small Town On It” is a song that was definitely made for this project, and it might be our favorite so far!

collab-hixtape

Chris Lane and Scotty McCreery collaborate on new HIXTAPE song “Small Town On It,” 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 Chris Lane & Scotty McCreery releases.

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

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

“Small Town On It” 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.

willie-jones-new-song

Willie Jones Drops Brand New Song “Get Low, Get High”

Willie Jones’ new song “Get Low, Get High” is out today, October 8th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

We love an artist who is unapologetically themselves. Willie Jones fits that bill perfectly. With his last release, “Down By The Riverside,” fans got to see his talent in blurring genre lines to create musical magic. Today, Jones drops his brand new song “Get Low, Get High,” that is an anthem in its own right.

Jones creates art through a musical medium. His sound is fun, heartfelt, and joyous, something we can all use a little more of in today’s climate. “Get Low, Get High” kicks off with a slow groove that eventually crescendos into a full-blown jam. The song is all about appreciating the good and the bad times in life. Laced with soul throughout, the song is a lesson to all of us.

“You gotta get low, so you can get high // You gotta scrub the ground if you wanna touch the sky // Singin’ la da da da, you need the rain before the sunshine to get by // You gotta get down, so you can get up // All you really need is a little bit of love // So lean your seat back, buckle up, it’s a long ride // You gotta get low, so you can get high” 

Jones is an artist that will captivate you right away. His country-infused, hip-hop sound is fresh, innovative, and memorable. We are excited to see how his career continues to grow.

willie-jones-new-song

Willie Jone’s new song “Get Low, Get High” 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 Willie Jones releases.

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

“Get Low, Get High” 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.