2022 CMT Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

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The 2022 CMT Music Awards show took place on Monday, April 11th live from Nashville. Hosted by actor Anthony Mackie, Kane Brown, and quarantined Kelsea Ballerini, the special event is the only entirely fan-voted award show in the country music world, honoring the genre’s best and most fan-favorite artists.

Carrie Underwood // CMT Awards (Photo Credit: Getty Images for CMT)

Carrie Underwood // CMT Awards (Photo Credit: Getty Images for CMT)

Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood were the night’s big winners, taking home the first and final awards, Collaborative Video of the Year and Video of the Year for their duet, “If I Didn’t Love You.”

Keith Urban kicked off the show with a high-energy performance of his current top-ten radio single, “Wild Hearts.” This was followed by a collaboration between Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson from the rainy, Lower Broadway stage. They sang their top-5 hit, “Never Say Never” off Swindell’s new album Stereotype.

Anthony Mackie, star of the Captain America series, was supposed to host the show with Kelsea Ballerini, however, Kane Brown filled in after Ballerini tested positive for COVID-19. Still feeling okay at home, she hosted remotely and even performed her new song “HEARTFIRST” later in the show. Martina McBryde and Thomas Rhett offered their co-hosting services during the comical opening bit. 

The show featured a lot of new and first-time performances, starting with Little Big Town who debuted their witty new song, “Hell Yeah;” Thomas Rhett and Riley Green performed their drinking tune, “Half of Me” off Rhett’s new album, Where We Started for the first time together live; Underwood sang her haunting new song, “Ghost Story,” live for the second time in as many weeks on national television. Decked out in purple, her and her aerial acrobats flew and twirled all over the stage, making it an unforgettable moment in CMT history. 

The next two performers were big winners at the ACM Awards; Carly Pearce, who won Female Artist of the Year showed her sassy side with a fiery performance of “Diamondback” off her most recent album 29: Written in Stone, and the Group of the Year, Old Dominion performed their current single, “No Hard Feelings” off their most recent album, Time, Tequila & Therapy.

Celebrating 20 years of CMT Crossroads, rock star Bryan Adams took the stage with Aldean to sing Adam’s power ballad, “Heaven.” After, two 2022 GRAMMY nominees, Mickey Guyton and The Black Pumas performed the group’s song, “Colors”

Last year’s Breakthrough Video of the Year award-winner, Dylan Scott, presented this year’s winner, Parker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You.” He was humbly at a loss for words accepting his award. Gabby Barrett displayed her beautiful vocals during her performance of “Pick Me Up” off the deluxe version of her debut album, Goldmine. 

Walker Hayes sang his fun single, “AA.” Like his viral hit, “Fancy Like,” this track has a choreographed routine that his background dancers showcased on stage. Later, power couple, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd performed Morris’ “I Can’t Love You Anymore” off her new record, Humble Quest.

Before Kacey Musgraves introduced The Judds, who haven’t performed at the CMT in over 20 years, Miranda Lambert accepted the award for Female Video of the Year with “If I Was A Cowboy.” She later performed the song on Lower Broadway sporting a fashionable pink tie-dye cowboy hat.

The Group/Duo Video of the Year was given to Maddie and Tae’s “Woman You Got.” Font (Maddie) was in attendance and accepted the award on their behalf. She was very emotional and thankful for their first-ever CMT award. Jimmie Allen, Monica, and Little Big Town joined together for the first time to sing their song, “Pray” off Allen’s Bettie James (Gold Edition) collaboration project. The song, which was a deep cut on the album, emphasized that even though we are all different people who worship in different ways, we all pray to a higher being.

Cody Johnson won the Male Video of the Year for his first number one at country radio, “’Til You Can’t,” which he performed earlier in the show. He also won CMT digital-first performance of the year for “Dear Rodeo” from CMT Campfire Sessions. Kenny Chesney closed out the show with a performance of his classic hit, “Beer in Mexico,” wrapping up a memorable night in Nashville.

Like always, the CMT features new artists on their Ram Truck stage. This included Parker McCollum, Breland, Jessie James Decker, Elvie Shane, Caitlyn Smith, and Priscilla Block.

Several awards were announced before the show, including Comeback Song of the Year which went to Taylor Swift for “Love Story,” and country music legend, George Strait, received the CMT Performance of the Year Award for his rendition of the late Charley Pride’s hit “Is Anyone Goin’ To San Antone.”

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music, ticket giveaways, merch, and more.

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

Look below for a complete list of winners:

Video of the year:

  • Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You” (final nominee) – Winner
  • Brandi Carlile – “Right On Time”
  • Cody Johnson – “‘Til You Can’t” (final nominee)
  • Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson – “Never Say Never”
  • Kacey Musgraves – “justified”
  • Kane Brown – “One Mississippi” (final nominee)
  • 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:

  • Miranda Lambert – “If I Was A Cowboy” – Winner
  • 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”
  • Tenille Arts – “Back Then, Right Now”

Male video of the year:

  • Cody Johnson – “‘Til You Can’t” – Winner
  • 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:

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

Breakthrough video of the year:

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

Collaborative video of the year:

  • Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood – “If I Didn’t Love You” – Winner
  • Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde – “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
  • Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You”
  • Nelly & Florida Georgia Line – “Lil Bit”
  • 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:

  • George Strait – “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone (from CMT GIANTS: Charley Pride)” – Winner
  • Brothers Osborne – “Muskrat Greene/Dead Man’s Curve Medley (from CMT Campfire Sessions)”
  • 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 CMT Music 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:

  • Cody Johnson – “Dear Rodeo” (from CMT Campfire Sessions) – Winner
  • Brittney Spencer – “Sober & Skinny” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
  • Carly Pearce – “Dear Miss Loretta” (from CMT :60 Songs)
  • 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)

Comeback song of the year:

  • Taylor Swift – “Love Story” – Winner
  • Alan Jackson – “Freight Train”
  • Brooks & Dunn – “Neon Moon”
  • Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
  • Reba McEntire – “I’m A Survivor”
  • Sara Evans – “Suds in the Bucket”
  • Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
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Little Big Town Drops New Song “Hell Yeah”

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Little Big Town’s new song “Hell Yeah” is out now on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new song and listen below.

Little Big Town have released several anthemic breakup songs throughout their longtime reign as country superstars, and their latest, “Hell Yeah” is no exception. The track is casual and clever in its delivery and the foursome each had a hand in writing and producing the catchy song.

“Phillip and I wrote this with Tyler Hubbard and Corey Crowder,” Jimi Westbrook of the band shared.  “I remember when Corey brought that hook in that day. He sang his idea and when he turned that phrase at the end of the chorus, we were all like ‘hell yeah!’ We always have a blast writing with those guys.”

“This song is a classic breakup song, flipped upside down,” continued Sweet, who takes on the lead vocals of the song. “It’s pure feel-good vibes. We are so excited to premiere it on the CMT Music Awards which has always been a home for us in releasing new music.”

“Hell Yeah” might not be upbeat in its lyrical content, but sonically, it feels perfect for a nice April day.

“Hell no, I don’t sit around by myself // feeling better than I’ve ever felt // at least I know that’s what it looks like // Hell yeah, I go get drunk on Friday nights”

Sweet has one of the richest and underrated voices in all of country music, and this single is perfect for longtime fans of the band and for those who love the classic southern summer rock that is missing from today’s airwaves. This is the first track from Little Big Town’s new project and based on this new release, more great songs are on the horizon.

lbt-new-song

Little Big Town releases their new song “Hell Yeah,” out now.

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

To keep up with Little Big Town, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Hell Yeah” 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.

who-is-grant-gilbert

Who Is Grant Gilbert? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

who-is-grant-gilbert

The Beginning:

In this week’s installment of our Spotlight Series, where we proudly introduce you to rising artists in country music right now, we shine our light on Grant Gilbert. The Texas native seems to be primed for success in the industry. He chatted with us about his blossoming career and his story so far.

Growing up in a small town of Santo, Texas, Gilbert’s focus was on family, sports, and music. “We have a family farm. I grew up working out there, playing sports, and grew up loving music,” shared the singer. He recalls, “Listening to my parent’s music is what made me fall in love with music.”

Gilbert gained an early appreciation for both Texas swing music, as well as, classic country. He also expressed a love for artists who blurred genre lines but leaned towards rock. “I really loved Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty,” shared the artist, adding later, “That’s what made me fall in love with that blue-collar country with the rock n roll guitars kind of feel.”

The self-taught guitarist continued to play both sports and music throughout his schooling “During high school, I played football on Fridays, and Saturdays I’d be playing some taco shop or any bar and grille that would let us play,” shared Gilbert.

The singer continued to play gigs in college while he attended Texas Tech in Lubbock.

The Turning Point:

Despite studying agriculture in college, music was a constant in Gilbert’s life. “I was just playing around down there on Wednesday nights,” recalled the singer, adding later that he would play at fraternity parties, bars, and anywhere that would have him. “I kind of got a little bit of following, signed on with a booking agent, and just kept playing for anyone that would let us.”

While still in college and playing at a popular club called the Blue Light, Gilbert was able to meet some of his heroes, like Josh Abbott of the Josh Abbott Band. “I met Josh Abbott, who has been a big role model and mentor to me,” began the rising artist. “He helped me out and got me set up with a management company, and I was coming up here to write, and do anything I could to open up the doors.”

Eventually, with some encouragement, Gilbert started making frequent trips to Nashville to work on his songwriting skills and network with others in the music industry. “I started writing songs when I realized […] I was just playing all these cover shows and I was like well if I want to actually think about playing music myself, I have to write, so I just kept writing songs and writing songs,” shared the singer when asked about the early stages as a songwriter.

During one of his trips to Nashville, Gilbert was introduced to River House Artists and was subsequently signed to a publishing deal before returning home to Texas. “I am just so thankful to have a team that works hard for me and believes in me,” he shared humbly.

Today:

Flash forward to today, Gilbert is cranking out new music for fans, while he continues to build a name for himself in the country music stratosphere. Most recently, the singer dropped his most popular song to date, “She Goes Home (Dirty Breakup Song).”

A song about a girl getting screwed over after a breakup turned out to be an exciting changing of the tides for the newcomer. “We wrote it. Me, Rivers Rutherford, and JoyBeth Taylor wrote it and we just sat down one day,” begins the singer. “We were like what are we going to write today and we were all kicking around some ideas, and I had this random idea for a song called “She Goes Home.”

The write turned into a huge success, with the trio even cutting an acoustic demo that same day. Eventually, River House Artists got wind of the song and decided Gilbert had to share it with fans. The song was shared on social media first as the “Dirty Breakup Song.” The track quickly picked up steam across social media platforms, and fans were begging for its release.

“It has been the most successful thing that I have ever put out to date,” shared the artist, as he continues to churn away at more and more music. “Every day we wake up and get on the phone and we say what can we do today to push the ball down the field.” Fans can expect a bunch of new music and some shows in the near future. Definitely keep Gilbert on your radar!

Connect:

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

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

Grant Gilbert’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.

miranda-lambert-elle-king

Elle King & Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” Is #1

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Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s duet “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” officially goes number one at country radio this week. Check out the #1 song here…

Just under a year ago, an unexpected pairing took to the stage at the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards. The duo was none other than Elle King and Miranda Lambert. The dynamic entertainers burst onto the stage with their new song, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).” The song quickly became a hit with fans, and radio caught on quickly. This week, the single is the number one song at country radio.

The platinum-selling single is arguably one of the best country music collaborations to date. “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home” showcases the incredible voices, sass, and intellect that both King and Lambert possess. The duet partners even took home the coveted ACM award for Video of the Year last month. We can only hope that King and Lambert continue to make music together going forward.

“So bartender, take my keys // What do you want from me? // Baby, I’m drunk, and I don’t wanna go home // Not staying in to fight // I’m staying out all night// Baby, I’m drunk, and I don’t wanna go home”

Congrats to King and Lambert on an incredible feat. “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) definitely deserved to snag the number one spot on the country charts this week!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Elle King and Miranda Lambert announcements and releases.

To keep up with Elle King, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” 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.

Carrie Underwood Surprises with New Album Details + Drops Title Track

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Carrie Underwood’s next album, ‘Diamonds & Rhinestones’ is due out June 10th. Underwood surprised fans today with the release of the title track along with the full song list for the project. Learn more below.

Superstar Carrie Underwood splashed back onto the scene last month, releasing “Ghost Story”, her first country solo track in over three years and the leading single from an upcoming mystery album.

Although the details for a highly anticipated new project weren’t initially revealed, today, the wait is finally over! ‘Denim & Rhinestones’, the 8x GRAMMY winner’s seventh country record and ninth overall, including two Christian projects, ‘My Gift’ (2020) and ‘My Savior’ (2021) will be available June 10th. According to Underwood, the collection of new music is a “sing into your hairbrush in your room” kind of album.

“I really just wanted to make an album that just felt like fun,” the American Idol alum, entrepreneur, and mother of two said in a trailer for the project. “I feel like this one ended up being a bigger reflection of me as a person as an artist. We have a lot of songs that could be considered throwback songs, but they sound super fresh. These are influences that are in me and work their way out and I just decided this time not to get in their way.”

The title track from the record is a perfect example of the fun, fresh, yet classic vibe Underwood teased. “Denim & Rhinestones” includes an electronic intro and dance beat reminiscent of the 80s, with modern rhythms and a new take on the concept of two people fitting perfectly together.

“Like the quarter and a jukebox slot // Like the key that turns a lock // Some things don’t get any better // Than when they go together, denim and rhinestones // You’re the smooth and I’m the shine // We’re the neon dancing all night // Denim and rhinestones”

With an early June release, the record is perfectly positioned to be the soundtrack of the summer and we are here for it! “Ghost Story” and “Denim & Rhinestones” are available now wherever you stream music, and ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ the album arrives everywhere June 10th. Check back here for the full album review and check out the full track list below. 

Carrie Underwood ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ Track List:

  1. Denim & Rhinestones (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
  2. Velvet Heartbreak (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  3. Ghost Story (David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
  4. Hate My Heart (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Burn (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
  6. Crazy Angels (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Lydia Vaughan)
  7. Faster (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  8. Pink Champagne (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
  9. Wanted Woman (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
  10. Poor Everybody Else (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Josh Miller)
  11. She Don’t Know (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
  12. Garden (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)

 

Carrie Underwood's new song, "Denim & Rhinestones"

Carrie Underwood’s new song, “Denim & Rhinestones” is available now, April 8th 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 Carrie Underwood releases.

To keep up with Carrie Underwood, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Denim & Rhinestones” 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.

kelsea-ballerini-new-single

Kelsea Ballerini Jumps in “HEARTFIRST” on Brand New Single

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Kelsea Ballerini’s new single “HEARTFIRST” is out now, April 8th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Although it has been a little while since we have heard new music from the artist, Ballerini is still enjoying the successes of her album kelsea, including a CMT nomination for Video of the Year for “Half of My Hometown” featuring Kenny Chesney at this year’s CMT Awards, coming up this Monday, April 11th. 

Ballerini opened up recently to fans on her socials about the journey of kelsea and what that chapter of her life meant to her. On the two-year anniversary of its release, the artist shared that the journey of this album was one that didn’t start off the way she had envisioned it. As its release fell on the same week that the world shut down during the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic, the circumstances made her disconnect from the project, feeling like she had lost all of what she had hoped the album would become. She shared: “I spent the first few months of its life grieving the loss of what I had hoped we’d share together, and wondering if and how creatively I would bounce back.” 

She goes on to speak on how her fans still showed up for her and the album, making it “the record and ‘era’ that (she’s) the most proud of.” Despite the record having two radio number ones ( “Half of My Hometown” and “Hole in the Bottle” ), two gold and two platinum songs on it, she shares what she feels is much more important when it comes to this record is that “It taught me patience, humility, and to welcome the unexpected. To loosen up on my grip on what it is I think is going to happen, and just enjoy the ride while I’m on it.” It is this same risk-taking and ‘glass half full’ attitude that shines through in “HEARTFIRST”. 

With this ‘happy birthday’ post, the artist officially marked the end of the kelsea chapter. And when one chapter ends, another one begins and we now know that “HEARTFIRST” is the start of the next chapter for the artist. Highlighting an incredible take on life, and an important lesson that we have all learned over the last couple of years “HEARTFIRST” is all about living life in the moment, not worrying about outcomes or all the ‘what ifs’, and taking everything as it comes. 

Written by Alyssa Vanderheym, Karen Fairchild, and Ballerini and produced by Julian Bunetta and Shane McAnally, “HEARTFIRST” is a beautiful outlook on life that perhaps we all can try to factor into our own lives a little bit more. 

“Could be forever or we might break // That’s just the kind of risk that we take // My head is yelling that I could get hurt // But I’m gonna jump right in, baby with my heart first”

kelsea-ballerini-new-single

Kelsea Ballerini’s new single “HEARTFIRST” is out now.

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

To keep up with Kelsea Ballerini, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“HEARTFIRST” 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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Alana Springsteen Releases New Song “New Number”

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Alana Springsteen’s new song “New Number” is out now, April 8th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Last month, Alana Springsteen released “Me, Myself, and Why” which was the first release off her upcoming project History of Breaking up (Part Two). Part One, which was her first album, was released last year and included singles like “Zero Trucks”, “California”, and “Trying Not To” with Roman Alexander.

Today, continuing to tease us with releases from her next highly anticipated project, Springsteen just dropped the album’s second single, “New Number”. The catchy and relatable track was written by Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins. Sprinsteen co-produced the single with Cameron Jaymes. As Springsteen co-wrote each of the songs on Part One and each song she has ever released, this makes “New Number” the first and only outside cut the artist has ever recorded.

“New Number” is a raw, stripped-down expression of heartache. The track forces you to feel each and every emotion coming from the artist as she suffers through the pain of trying to move on. Feeling that she can’t do it on her own and lacking the self-control necessary to do so, she is begging her ex to make it easy on her and get a new number so that the choice is no longer up to her.

“One that I ain’t dialed at least a couple thousand times // So I don’t have to hear you say hello and I don’t have to hear you say goodbye // Let me off the hook so I don’t have to wonder // If you don’t need me, you need a new number”

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

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“New Number”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.

Caitlyn Smith: ‘High’ – Album Review

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Caitlyn Smith’s brand new album, High, is out now, April 8th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Caitlyn Smith is a singer-songwriter who personifies artistry. She is a uniquely talented songstress, who believes in having a hand in every part of her craft. Today, the artist releases her newest album, High.

Smith’s third album is one of her best records to date. Featuring eight tracks, the singer-songwriter knows what kind of music she wants to create. Moreover, this is the singer’s first time producing every song on the album. “Self-producing has taught me so much about trusting my own compass,” says Smith. “It has been a beautifully terrifying experience and has added a layer of vulnerability when you’re also responsible for painting the sonic landscape as an artist, in addition to writing and singing the songs.”

The record kicks off with an introduction that moves into her version of the song she wrote for Miley Cyrus, “High.” Because of how much Smith loved “High,” it was important for her to release her version of the track. Smith’s rendition is piercing, haunting, and vocally driven. With more instrumentals than Cyrus’ version, the songstress brings a whole new life to the already incredible song.

Next up is “Dreamin’s Free” and “Good As Us.” The former is a whimsical song about how important it is to believe in your dreams. Written by Smith with prolific songwriters, Shane McAnally and Lori McKenna. In the song, the vocalist opens up about how hard it has been to keep her dreams alive throughout her career.

The latter song, “Good As Us,” uses imagery in a new way. The song screams romance and nostalgia in a unique way. Similarly, on “Downtown Baby” Smith paints a picture of what love and romance truly looks like in her mind. The song is fun and provides a much-needed moment on the album.

Smith continues to show off her incredible ear for music on the next two tracks, “Nothing Against You” and “Maybe In Another Life.” On “Nothing Against You,” Smith’s emotions are palpable. It is clear she knows what yearning and hurt feel like. Despite it all, she knows love conquers all. “Maybe In Another Life” describes those same feelings, but instead of working out, the relationship is just not meant to be. Although the love was not “evergreen,” the moments were worth it.

The record ends with the mesmerizing song, “I Don’t Like The World Without You.” It is hard to describe how incredible this song truly is. Like the rest of the record, Smith proves that she is an artist that we all should pay attention to. High is a quiet masterpiece with captivating stories and relatable emotions laced throughout.

High Tracklist:

  1. High – Intro
  2. High
  3. Dreamin’s Free
  4. Good As Us
  5. Downtown Baby
  6. Nothing Against You
  7. Maybe In Another Life
  8. I Don’t Like The World Without You
caitlyn-smith-high-album

Caitlyn Smith’s new album ‘High’ 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 and announcements about future Caitlyn Smith releases.

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

High 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 Drops New Song “Actin’ Up” Ahead of Album

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Miranda Lambert’s latest new song, “Actin’ Up,” is out now, April 8th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Miranda Lambert and her fans have had a lot to be excited about recently. In the past month, the singer-songwriter from Texas picked up her first Entertainer of the Year award at the ACMs, announced her upcoming project Palomino, and her ‘Velvet Rodeo’ residency at the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas. Today (April 8), she debuted a brand-new track off Palomino, “Actin’ Up.”

Written with Luke Dick and her good friend and collaborator, Jon Randall, Lambert describes her lifestyle in this sassy and self-confident southern rock anthem. Although this behavior might cause one to think she’s “acting up” or out of character, she explains her true passions and dreams. Lambert references several pop-culture icons including Elvis Presley, Tiger Woods, Billy Idol, and Will Ferrell’s movie character, Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights. Sonically, this song has a nice rhythm and flow to it, and mixed with the fun and clever wordplay, it is a very catchy tune. 

“I want a sunset ride // A velvet rodeo // A Colorado high // A California glow // I want to see the desert // From a painted palomino // Senorita need to have a little fun // I’m actin’ up”

“Actin’ Up” is the third song released on Palomina so far; “Strange” came out on March 15 and her radio single, “If I Was A Cowboy,” currently sits at number seventeen on the charts. Her collaboration with Elle King, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” is in the number three spot.  

Lambert will be on the road this summer with Little Big Town on their Bandwagon Tour starting in May. The tour hits the Tri-State Area June 9-11 at Jones Beach Theater, PNC Bank Arts Center, and BB&T Pavilion, respectively. Her Las Vegas residency begins in September and will run for 24-shows until April 29, 2023. For tickets, head to her website. 

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Miranda Lambert’s new song “Actin’ Up” 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 Miranda Lambert releases.

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

“Actin’ Up” 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.

Heath Sanders & Justin Moore Collaborate on New Song “Raised On Red”

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Heath Sanders and Justin Moore collaborate on new song “Raised On Red.” Learn more about the brand new track and listen below.

After bursting onto the country music scene with his debut EP, Common Ground, Heath Sanders is making quite the name for himself. Now, the traditionalist has a brand new song ready for fans! Today, Sanders collaborates with Justin Moore on “Raised on Red.”

Written by the recording artist with Dawson Edwards and Houston Phillips, “Raised On Red” is a true-blue country anthem. The song is fun, yet gritty in the best way. The collab between Sanders and Moore is an incredible pairing.

“Red // Red on the back of my neck // Red clay stains on my Chevrolet // Caked on these boots // To the pack of Redman that my papaw chewed // That red, the red that runs through my blood // It’s somethin’ I’m damn proud of // And man I love that I was raised on red // Yeah raised on red”

We are loving all the collaborations happening in country music right now. Between Ashley Cooke and Brett Young and Heath Sanders and Justin Moore, collabs are the perfect gift to country fans everywhere!

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Heath Sanders and Justin Moore’s new song “Raised On Red” is out now.

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

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

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

“Raised On Red” 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.