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Dylan Schneider: ‘College Town’- EP Review

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Dylan Schneider’s brand new EP, College Town, is out now, March 18th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Broken Bow Records recording artist, Dylan Schneider continues to crank out new music. His newest EP, College Town is officially out now, featuring five new songs that are sure to impress any country music lover.

The record kicks off with the title track and one of the four songs written by Schneider. “College Town” creates a nostalgic picture throughout the tune. The 22-year-old shares experiences that many college-aged people go through, as we all navigate life and changes. Similarly, on “Right Girl,” penned by Morgan Wallen, Nate Kenyon, and Simon Gugala, Schneider digs into the feelings of nostalgia once again. On the only outside cut, he brings us back to missing that someone.

“Wishing you were here to take a ride girl // Rolling round riding shotgun // Leaning back in the front seat // Top-down with your hands up // Every time I take this Jeep for a drive, girl // It makes me wish you were sitting to the right, girl”

On “Girls Country,” Schneider explores a rowdy side of his talent. The song is fun, anthemic, and perfect for live performances. Reminiscent of old-school Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, Schneider brings his own twist to a true-blue country anthem.

The singer-songwriter switches gears, and showcases his incredible vocal ability and songwriting talent on the third and fourth tracks off the EP. “21 And Over,” arguably our favorite song on the project, is a bittersweet ballad that reminds us all of our first loves, fading friendships, and growing up and apart. With lyrics like,  “Young love hates to admit it // Two sixteen-year-old kids get // So wrapped up in the moment,” it is hard not to fall in love with the track.

Finally, his debut label release, “Lost in A Small Town,” taps into that nostalgic feeling about missing that person that you used to run around your small town with. Even in the place where you grew up and that you know like the back of your hand, you feel lost because the one that you’re supposed to be there with isn’t there anymore.

The truth is College Town is bottled-up nostalgia. The EP gives fans an impressive taste of Schneider’s undeniable talent while taking us on an emotional journey through the incredible five tracks.

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Dylan Schneider’s new EP ‘College Town’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

College Town EP Tracklist:

  1. “College Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust)
  2. “Girls Country” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Jason Gantt, Dan Isbell)
  3. “21 And Over” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, Nate Kenyon)
  4. “Lost in A Small Town” (Dylan Schneider, Gabe Foust, James McNair, Mark Holman)
  5. “Right Girl” (Morgan Wallen, Nate Kenyon, Simon Gugala)

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

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

College Town EP 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.

Here Are The CMT Music Awards 2022 Nominations

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The CMT Music Awards Nominations have been revealed!

CMT Music Awards 2022

CMT Music Awards 2022

Kane Brown leads with four nominations. Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, BRELAND, and Cody Johnson follow, racking up three nominations each. Rising stars, BRELAND and Cody Johnson received their first-ever nominations for the special accolades. Check out the full list of nominations below.

Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Anthony Mackie, the show is set to air on Monday, April 11th at 8PM ET / 7PM CT on CMT.  The 2022 CMT Music Awards will be a celebration country music fans will not want to miss. The show will honor country music’s biggest stars bringing next-level energy and one-of-a-kind performances and collaborations.

The annual show is the only entirely fan-voted award show in the country music world honoring the genre’s best and most fan-favorite artists. Fan voting begins now at vote.cmt.com.

Fans can tune in from home on CBS or streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

 

HERE ARE THE 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR 
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top nominees, from the first round of voting, will be announced on April 4. Final nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on show day, April 11. Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.

  • Brandi Carlile – “Right On Time”
  • Cody Johnson – “‘Til You Can’t”
  • Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson – “Never Say Never”
  • Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You”
  • Kacey Musgraves – “justified”
  • Kane Brown – “One Mississippi”
  • Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney – “half of my hometown”
  • Luke Combs – “Forever After All”
  • Maren Morris – “Circles Around This Town”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Remember Her Name”
  • Miranda Lambert – “If I Was A Cowboy”
  • Taylor Swift feat. Chris Stapleton – “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”

 

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Brandi Carlile – “Right On Time”
  • Gabby Barrett – “Footprints On The Moon”
  • Kacey Musgraves – “justified”
  • Maren Morris – “Circles Around This Town”
  • Mickey Guyton – “Remember Her Name”
  • Miranda Lambert – “If I Was A Cowboy”
  • Tenille Arts – “Back Then, Right Now”

 

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • ​​Cody Johnson – “’Til You Can’t”
  • Eric Church – “Heart On Fire”
  • Kane Brown – “One Mississippi”
  • Luke Bryan – “Waves”
  • Luke Combs – “Forever After All”
  • Thomas Rhett – “Country Again”
  • Walker Hayes – “Fancy Like”

 

GROUP/DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists

  • Brothers Osborne – “I’m Not For Everyone”
  • Dan + Shay – “Steal My Love”
  • Maddie & Tae – “Woman You Got”
  • Old Dominion – “I Was On a Boat That Day”
  • Parmalee – “Take My Name”
  • Zac Brown Band – “Same Boat”

 

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR, Presented by SONIC®
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

  • BRELAND – “Cross Country”
  • Caitlyn Smith feat. Old Dominion – “I Can’t”
  • Elvie Shane – “My Boy”
  • Parker McCollum – “To Be Loved By You”
  • Priscilla Block – “Just About Over You”
  • Tenille Arts – “Back Then, Right Now”

 

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

  • Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde – “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
  • Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You”
  • Nelly & Florida Georgia Line – “Lil Bit”
  • Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You”
  • Jimmie Allen & Brad Paisley – “Freedom Was A Highway”
  • Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan – “Buy Dirt”
  • Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney – “half of my hometown”

 

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • Brothers Osborne – “Muskrat Greene/Dead Man’s Curve Medley (from CMTCampfire Sessions)”
  • George Strait – “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone (from CMT GIANTS: Charley Pride)”
  • H.E.R. feat. Chris Stapleton – “Hold On (from 2021 CMT Music Awards)”
  • Kane Brown – “Three Wooden Crosses (from 2021 CMT Artists of the Year)”
  • Kelsea Ballerini feat. Paul Klein of LANY – “I Quit Drinking (from 2021 CMTMusic Awards)”
  • Mickey Guyton feat. Gladys Knight & BRELAND – “Friendship Train (from 2021 CMT Music Awards)”
  • Nelly feat. Kane Brown, Blanco Brown & BRELAND – “Ride Wit Me (from CMT Crossroads: Nelly & Friends)”

 

CMT DIGITAL-FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Musical performance from a production, series or livestream created for CMT Digital / Social Channels; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • Brittney Spencer – “Sober & Skinny” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
  • Carly Pearce – “Dear Miss Loretta” (from CMT :60 Songs)
  • Cody Johnson – “Dear Rodeo” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
  • Jon Pardi – “On The Other Hand / Forever and Ever, Amen” (in honor of 2021 CMT Artist of a Lifetime Randy Travis)
  • Josh Turner LIVE (from CMT KickBack)
  • Lainey Wilson – “Things A Man Oughta Know” (from the CMT Studio)

 

Don’t forget to cast your votes! Voting is open now at: vote.cmt.com.

Gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on April 11th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @CountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with CMT, follow along here on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

HARDY Drops Brand New Song “SOLD OUT”

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HARDY’s brand new song, “SOLD OUT” is officially out now, March 16th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Time and time again, HARDY proves why he is one of our favorite talents in country music. The 2020 Country Swag Artist to Watch creates to the beat of his own drum, penning number ones for other artists in the industry, as well as releasing his own music as an artist. After teasing the song with an incredible video, “SOLD OUT” is officially out now.

HARDY’s new song is a country-rock jam. It puts the singer in a league all of his own. Lyrically, the song is all about HARDY’s Mississippi roots and his rise to fame, since making his artist debut. The singer-songwriter has a way of infusing heavy rock beats with pure country lyrics. “SOLD OUT” is truly another iconic song for HARDY.

“Gold records on the sheetrock // Not bad for a boy from Mississippi // Yeah, I could buy a Maybach // But I’m still in my F150 // My last name is a whole lot bigger than I thought it’d be // A lot of things changed // Except one thing // Me”

HARDY is currently out on the road with Morgan Wallen for The Dangerous Tour and has been opening his set with the previously unreleased track since the very first night of the tour at Madison Square Garden. The tour continues to run through 2022 and kicks off three nights of sold-out shows at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena beginning Wednesday, March 16th. Follow us on Instagram for snaps from the show! For full tour dates and tickets, click here.

HARDY's new song, "SOLD OUT" is out now on all streaming platforms

HARDY’s new song, “SOLD OUT” is out now on all streaming platforms

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

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

“SOLD OUT” 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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Amazon Presents ‘For Love & Country’ Original Documentary

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Amazon presents a new original documentary called ‘For Love & Country’ to showcase that “country music has always been black music.” Read about it here.

In support of the evolving landscape in country music, Amazon is supporting all the incredible black artists in country music through a feature-length documentary. The new documentary, ‘For Love & Country’ taps into the truth that “country music has always been black music.”

The film follows the journeys of prolific country artists such as Mickey Guyton, BRELAND, Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, Blanco Brown, Shy Carter, and more. In a recent press release, Guyton shared, “I’ve always believed in the old saying, ‘if you can see it, you can be it.” She added later, “However, it’s no secret there has been a lack of representation of Black artists in mainstream country music for years. That’s why I hope little Black girls growing up now can see us […] and know they have a place here in country music. We all do.”

Directed by director and photographer Joshua Kissi, ‘For Love & Country’ examines country music through the personal stories of the Nashville artists, giving fans a unique look into the personhood and artistry behind these artists.

The documentary drops on April 7 on Amazon Music and Prime Video globally.

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

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Who Is Matt Koziol? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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Who is Matt Koziol? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-matt-koziol

The Beginning:

Today we are introducing you to a singer-songwriter that hails from the tristate area. Matt Koziol is a true-blue country-rock artist that you are going to want to keep on your radar. We chatted with the entertainer about his love for music, his move to Nashville, and everything in between.

Growing up in New Jersey, Koziol was surrounded by hardworking blue-collar people. Although most of his family was not musical, the singer knew at just two years old that he was born to do music for a living. “I had to be two or three, and someone put on a video tape of Elvis and I was like “that’s what I want… and it still hasn’t changed,” shared the singer.

Growing up, Koziol went on to sing in talent shows, choirs, and wherever he could. “Probably since the age of 7, I was singing,” he shared. “I was singing in choirs and doing all that, and then at 12, playing in bands.”

Finding inspiration in all kinds of genres, such as Motown, rock, and bluegrass music, Koziol chased his dream to perform and sing. “I played New York a ton. I played Philly a ton. The whole northeast was my wheelhouse,” shared the singer.

After a stint in Los Angeles, a town where he started songwriting, Koziol found himself moving to Nashville to continue to pursue his dream. Armed with influences like Bruce Springsteen and James Taylor, the young twenty-something year old at the time was ready for more.

The Turning Point:

After moving to Nashville, Koziol kicked his songwriting into high-gear, even signing a publishing deal with RX Songs. “I was brought on to be their country writer,” shared the singer-songwriter. Koziol added later, “When I moved here, I always called it the greatest masterclass in songwriting.” Later, the singer also signed on as an artist to RED Creative Group.

While in Nashville, the singer continued to study different artists and songwriters in the genre. Koziol shared a love for modern-day artists like Cody Johnson and HARDY, as well as, old-school country pros, like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. “When you go down the rabbit hole of the older generation like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, it really makes you think. Willie Nelson was a really prolific writer to me,” shared Koziol.

Most recently, the singer also expressed an admiration for Kacey Musgraves, even covering her song “Rainbow” on social media. “When you look at the caliber of the three people who wrote that song, that’s what got me to want to sing it,” shared Koziol. “When I have a melody that I don’t have to work out and it just feels like, I go “okay, this is it.” It’s such a beautiful song.”

Today:

Of course, Koziol is also releasing music of his own. With a ten song album in the works and slated for release sometime in the spring, the singer is excited to be sharing his own music with the world. Most recently, the artist released his song “Slow Burn.” Written by Koziol with Wes Harllee, the song is enticing and emotive.

“We talked about past relationships […] and they ended in kind of similar ways,” shares the singer, when asked about the inspiration for the new track. “Being the people that we are, we didn’t take a lot of the anger that we had, we kind of tucked it back.” The song is a true personification of the grieving process that we all go through after a break-up.

Koziol shares, “It’s such a slow burn to get over something that took so much of our energy,” adding later, “We tried to write things that were visually honest and somewhat visceral.” It is safe to say that the singer-songwriter accomplished that!

If “Slow Burn” is any inclination of what fans can expect from the forthcoming full-length project than we are in for a great record. Fans can look forward to more new music and more touring by the singer in the months to come.

Connect:

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

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

Matt Koziol’s music 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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Parker McCollum Hits Number One With “To Be Loved By You”

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Parker McCollum’s song “To Be Loved By You” is the number one song at country radio. Read about McCollum’s second number-one single and check out an exclusive video of him performing the number one hit below…

On the heels of winning his first ACM Award, New Male Artist of the Year and 2020 Country Swag Artist to Watch, Parker McCollum is celebrating again! The rising artist earned his second number one single at country radio with his song “To Be Loved By You.” The track follows his hit “Pretty Heart.”

A little over a year since its release, “To Be Loved By You” steadily made its way to the top of the charts. The song speaks to the vulnerable side of McCollum’s artistry. The singer is already a bonafide superstar in Texas, it is just a matter of time before the rest of the country catches up. We predict that soon enough, McCollum will be a mainstay in mainstream country music.

“So why are you always angry? // Why are you always quiet? // Why do you sleep alone // When I know you don’t like it? // Maybe you might be different // Will it kill you to tell me the truth? // What in the hell does a man // Have to do, to be loved by you?”

If “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You” are any inclination, fans and radio alike love McCollum’s heartfelt and brooding songs. We look forward to what’s next from the rising artist! Congrats to McCollum and his team on their number one!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Parker McCollum announcements and releases.

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

“To Be Loved By You” 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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Filmore Continues to Drop Brand New Music with “Leave Me A Memory”

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Filmore’s new song, “Leave Me A Memory” is out now, March 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

To those of us that don’t always leave voicemails because we know the person on the other end will get the missed call notification anyway, Filmore’s new song has us thinking twice about abruptly ending the call. Filmore’s second release of the year, “Leave Me A Memory” follows “Johnny Got A Girl”, out just a week before.

A song about how we get through the lonely days when we’re missing the ones we don’t get to see everyday, “Leave Me A Memory” reminds us of the little time capsule that we hold in our hands everyday. Much like how most of us scroll through old photos when we’re missing our loved ones, Filmore shares his favorite way to reminisce – listening to the voicemails saved on his phone. Each one holds a memory and a story of the ones he loves and the ones he’s lost and listening to them helps bring a smile to his face.

“There’s a bunch from my mama, a few from my friends // The last one from Grandpa I’m glad that I kept // All the drunk ones from loved ones singing Happy Birthday // An “I Love You” from the one that got away // So don’t hang up if I don’t pick up my phone // Leave me a memory after the tone”

Written by Filmore, Geoff Warburton, Jordan Schmidt, and Kyle Clark, “Leave Me A Memory” reminds us of the modern-day advantage we have to hear the voices of those that we miss, whenever we want.

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Filmore’s new song “Leave Me A Memory” is out now.

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

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

“Leave Me A Memory” 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.

miranda-lambert-new-album-palomino

Miranda Lambert Announces New Album + Releases New Song

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Superstar Miranda Lambert announced plans for a brand new album, Palomina and dropped a brand new song, “Strange.” Listen to the brand new song here & learn about the upcoming record.

Newly crowned ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year, Miranda Lambert has a lot to celebrate! On the heels of her win, the singer-songwriter announces her next studio album, Palomina. The new record is slated for release on April 29th. To celebrate the announcement, Lambert also dropped a brand new song, “Strange,” out now.

Fans can expect the record to encompass bits and pieces from her previous ones, as she yearns to explore the world and the people in it on Palomina. Utilizing intellectual and whimsical approaches, Lambert is sharing her perspective through song. “The making of this record has been one of the most fun and creative experiences of my career,” shared the songstress. “Since we couldn’t travel at the time, we decided to go on a journey through songs. I hope y’all are ready to travel with us wandering spirits and meet some cool characters with great stories.”

“Have a smoke, buy a round // Get on a jetliner going anywhere bound // Pick a string, sing the blues // Dance a hole in your shoes // Do anything to keep you sane // ‘Cause times like these make me feel strange // Times like these make me feel strange”

The new song, “Strange” gives us all a taste of that traveling-spirit. The song depicts what it’s like not to know what to do and the feeling of being a bit lost. Despite the somber nature of the theme, the song is both fun and creative. Palomina is looking like a record for the books. Check back here on April 29th for a full review of the new album.

miranda-lambert-new

Miranda Lambert’s new album, ‘Palomino’ is due out April 29th

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

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

“Strange” 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.

maren-morris-new-album

Maren Morris Releases New Song “Nervous” Ahead of Album

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Maren Morris shares another new song, “Nervous” off upcoming album, Humble Quest. Listen to the brand new track below.

Maren Morris is proving that her music has no boundaries with each pre-release off her upcoming record Humble Quest. Last week, the singer-songwriter dropped “Background Music.” Today, the songstress is sharing her new song “Nervous.”

Written by Morris with collaborators Natalie Hemby and Jimmy Robbins, the singer leaves herself exposed on the track. A sexy, yet vulnerable song, “Nervous” is a pop-country anthem. The song dives into the sexuality in womanhood in a way we have never heard before. With each and every release, Morris is proving that she is every ounce of the superstar and woman she has grown to become.

“You make me // Out of control // Out of our clothes // Motion in slow, yeah // You take me // You take me // In my feelings // Through the ceiling // Leaving my inhibitions exposed // You make me nervous”

Humble Quest is looking to be one of Morris’ most innovative projects to date. If her previous releases are any inclination, the singer-songwriter will break down barriers and show extreme growth through her vocals and songwriting on her forthcoming third studio album

maren-morris-song-background-music

Maren Morris’ new song, ‘Nervous’ is out now

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

To keep up with Maren Morris, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Nervous” 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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Drake White: ‘The Optimystic’ – Album Review

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Drake White’s new album, The Optimystic is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Less than three years ago, Drake White didn’t know if he’d ever be able to perform again. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on stage in August of 2019, the golden-voiced White went through multiple surgeries and rounds of physical therapy just to relearn to walk. Yet, somehow he always stayed optimistic.

Today, March 11, he’s ready to tell his story through the release of his sophomore album, The Optimystic. Featuring twelve tracks co-written by the Alabama native, each song drips with personality and flair. From the opening chords of “50 Years Too Late” to the swoon-worthy “Power of a Woman” and the final notes of “The Optimystic” that bleeds into a prayerful moment of “Amazing Grace,” it’s clear this album is something special.

“50 Years Too Late” launches the album with fire straight out of the gate, White’s gritty country twang proclaiming that he’s a man who doesn’t quite fit in the modern world. Here, White introduces himself, appreciates the simpler things in life, and admits he should’ve been born way back when things were easier. It truly sets the stage for the rest of the album, which White admits was intentional as the track is a sonic fave of the soulful singer-songwriter. 

White is eager to remain optimistic throughout The Optimystic, many songs touching on the idea of overcoming obstacles. “You can’t go through a near-death experience, or a pandemic… without it changing your perspective, or your songwriting,” shared White in a recent press round. “You don’t really know if you’re optimistic until you go through something. You kind of have to battle test it,” He continues of the spirit behind his album. This attitude is reflected in songs including “Rainbow State of Mind,” “Giants,” and “Hurts the Healing.” 

“Rainbow” reminds us that it’s sometimes necessary to look on the bright side, and let go and let God (or fate or whatever you believe in) take control. “When you give up control // You’ll find that pot of gold,” He sings. “And you’ll get the rainbow.”

Meanwhile, the deeply personal “Hurts the Healing” is especially meaningful for White. “I think, line for line, it is probably the best song I’ve ever written, as far as writing goes. It is my song, it says exactly what I was feeling…I just think there was some magic.”

Another of the album’s highlights is “Giants,” a triumphant proclamation that it’s possible to overcome whatever it is that holds us back. Over twangy instrumentation, White’s voice booms as he challenges life to “bring on those giants.” With a hand-clapping second half, it’s impossible not to feel jubilant alongside White on this track, as he invites each listener along for the ride. “We all feel like a David facing Goliath sometimes // Well they make us feel so small back against the wall,” He proclaims joyfully. “But they don’t know they’re turning dogs to lions // Bring on those giants.”

White also uses his album to pay tribute to the special people in his life. In “Power of a Woman,” he honors the amazing women in his life, including his mother and his wife, Alex. Meanwhile, “Legends Never Die” tells the story of an older mentor whom he aspires to be like. “When he leaves this world // There won’t be no goodbyes // ‘Cause heroes are remembered // But legends never die,” He sings. “He’s pushin’ eighty and going on twenty-one // Pushin’ daisies will have to wait ’til he gets done.”

“Can’t Have My Dog” may be White’s most country track on the album, a tongue-in-cheek jaunt of love gone wrong. He’s ready to give up everything except his four-legged friend. “You can have my truck // The old house too // The Winnebago, the fast boat, and the pontoon // Take this old guitar // Take my buddy John,” He muses. “You can have it all // You can’t have my dog.”

The album concludes as solidly as it starts with the title track finding White longing for the days “before we knew ’bout this big bad world.” Finally, the haunting notes of “Amazing Grace” close the album, sung by White’s grandfather’s church community. And if that doesn’t sum up Drake White, and this album, we’re not sure what can.

For Drake White, The Optimystic is a true reflection of his character. “It’s been five years since my last album,” He shared in a statement. “I’ve had two record deals, six brain surgeries, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a pandemic that has tried to rip us all apart. Through it all, I’ve always fought to keep my glass half full.”

For listeners, The Optimystic just may be the album we all need. It’s truly impossible not to smile when listening, and in a time that’s been full of uncertainty due to the pandemic, politics, war, and seemingly endless chaos, it’s nice to look at the glass half full. Here, White reminds us that everyone has struggles, and that’s what makes us all human. Yet, with a little faith and hope, we can all overcome… And do so jubilantly. 

The Optimystic Tracklist:

  1. “50 Years Too Late” (Drake White, Leith Loftin)
  2. “American Thunder” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
  3. “Rainbow State of Mind (Feat. The Woods)” (Drake White, Dan O’Rourke)
  4. “Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)
  5. “Giants” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Phil O’Donnell)
  6. “Hurts the Healing” (Drake White, Aaron Chafin, Allison Veltz Cruz)
  7. “It Takes Time” (Drake White, Chris DeStefano)
  8. “Power of a Woman” (Drake White, Lindsey Hinkle, Kelli Johnson)
  9. “Legends Never Die” (Drake White, Jeremy Bussey, Adam Sanders, Ron Womack)
  10. “Can’t Have My Dog” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Ava Paige)
  11. “Angel Side of You” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Eric Paslay)
  12. “Free” (Allison Veltz Cruz, Connie Harrington, Zach Kale)
  13. “The Optimystic” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Lauren Weintraub)
  14. “Amazing Grace”
drake-white-the-optimystic-new-album

Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ is officially here.

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

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The Optimystic 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.