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Who are The Reklaws? The Story Behind Their Journey to Country Music

Who are The Reklaws? The duo joined us to chat about their journey to country music. Get to know the rising stars here…

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The Reklaws

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Jenna Walker + Stuart Walker (The Reklaws)
Birthdate – April 18th (Jenna) + November 5th (Stuart)
Hometown – Cambridge, Ontario
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Florida Georgia Line, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Kacey Musgraves, The Chicks
Label – Started Records
Current Single – “One Beer Away” (as of date of article 8/12/24)

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight interview shines on two talented singer-songwriters from Canada. Jenna Walker and Stuart Walker who make up the duo, The Reklaws, are incredible at entertaining the crowd, creating music that speaks to their fanbase, and allowing each other to shine individually in their music. We chatted with the twosome about their music and their journey thus far.

“Country music has always been a part of our lives,” began Jenna. “We grew up on a crazy, adventure farm with five of us kids and our parents. Our mom wanted us to stay busy, so she was like “why don’t we plant a pumpkin patch?” And our pumpkin patch blew up… Our dad does everything bigger than life and he made a corn maze, a haunted house, a hayride, pig races, and that’s kind of where we started. We started performing at the pig races. People would watch. We would have thousands of people visit our farm every fall. […] Our parents put us into signing lessons.”

Through singing on the farm and the notoriety of their family business, The Reklaws garnered the attention of the entertainment industry. “Our house was also used in movies and Christmas films were filmed there, so directors came by,” began Stuart. “One director [heard us sing and said] “these two are really cool. Do you guys ever think you would go on a TV show around your whole family?” We were like that sounds kind of cool, and we made it to Nashville to make connections, but thank god the reality TV show never happened, and we think that was a blessing in disguise, but our connections in Nashville formed from that and we never stopped coming here and pursuing the dream.”

The duo were focused on music from the get-go, drawing inspiration for the thousands of hours of country music they listened to incessantly while growing up. “As soon as we moved to the farm, the genre we listened to was strictly country. It was kind of like right when Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney were starting to really become stars in genre, and I think there was like five new country stations that popped up in our area, so it was this new hot thing to listen to.”

The Turning Point:

Despite growing up on country music, The Reklaws were gifted at performing different genres throughout their rise to stardom in Canada. “In the early days, when no one really knew who we were, we acted as a live cover band. We covered everything from Rihanna and Kanye West to Paul McCartney. We’d cover “Mr. Brightside” and a bunch of The Chicks. […] We did a wide array of songs,” they shared. Adding, “The story for every artist is not the same. The journey is so all over the place.”

For The Reklaws, their professional music career began with a record deal in Canada, which led to a new record deal with their friends who had started a new label and later became their managers. All along making trips to Nashville to write and network. “We’re very much “yes people,” I think that’s how we were raised.”

The duo already boasts multiple number one singles in Canada and a huge fanbase, so when America’s Got Talent reached out, they felt it was a no-brainer to widen their fanbase and bring more people to their music. “The America’s Got Talent people reached out to us. They found us online, and asked if we wanted to be a part of the show. When something like that happens we could not turn it down. We jump on every opportunity,” shared the singers, when asked about their viral audition of their emotional song “People Don’t Talk About.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, fans can expect to see The Reklaws continued journey on AGT later this month. In the meantime, fans can also celebrate the release of the duo’s new three-pack project, One Beer Away. The new collection of music boasts three songs, including the title track, which is primed for country radio. The other two songs, “All The Time” and “If I Drink Enough” pass the spotlight to each individual artist.

“The three pack is called ‘One Beer Away.’ The other two songs are very far on the spectrum of country music. We’re pushing the limits with Jenna’s song. It’s a very pop-country song, and my song’s very rock, almost party-ish in a sense. We’re trying to expand our horizons here,” shared Stuart. “Each three-pack, we are going to try to do a duo song, a song that’s me, and a song that’s Stuart. That’s new for us as well. […] We noticed in performing live how much it works,” added Jenna.

“If I Drink Enough,” Jenna’s song boasts a more pop-country feel, while Stuart’s focal song, “All The Time,” gives fans a rock flavor to The Reklaws unique music. All three songs are a great sample of the limitless talent The Reklaws have. Both artists are as talented as they come, and it is refreshing to see a duo allow each other to shine. The Reklaws are equally impressive both in their individual moments and in their harmonious ones.

Connect:

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

To keep up with The Reklaws follow them on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

The Reklaws’ 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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Nate Smith Earns 3rd Number One at Country Radio with “Bulletproof”

Nate Smith earns his third number one single at country radio with his incredible song, “Bulletproof.” Get all the details here.

Rising superstar in the making, Nate Smith has been one of the most consistent rising artists as of late. He started off 2023 landing his first number one single with his song, “Whiskey On You.” and later earned his second number one single at country radio with “World On Fire.” Today, the singer adds to his streak of number ones with his third hit single, “Bulletproof.”

Written by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, and Ben Johnson, “Bulletproof” is the lead single from Smith’s Through the Smoke EP. The break-up song is the perfect blend of rock with modern-country. The singer pushes the envelope just enough, while still standing firmly in the country music genre with this awesome and relatable song.

“You’re still right here on my mind // You sure did a number on me // I’ve tried Jack // I’ve tried Jim // I’ve tried every last one of them // Old heartbreak bottles up on that shelf // But the burn don’t work and the buzz don’t help // Been takin’ these shots, shots, shots // 80, 90, everything they’ve got // But the whiskey don’t kill like it’s ‘sposed to do //Baby, your memory must be bulletproof”

Congratulations to Smith and his team on an incredible accomplishment! Smith is currently three for three for hit radio singles. We look forward to more music from Smith in 2024!

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, TwitterTikTok, and Facebook.

“Bulletproof” 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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Kayley Green Shares New Song “Shadow of a Cowboy” Out Now

Kayley Green shares brand new song “Shadow of a Cowboy,” out now, August 9th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Sony Music Nashville recording artist, Kayley Green is a force to be reckoned with. Her vocals are as stunning as her songwriting. She crafts song that speak to her artistry and resonate with her fanbase. Today, the singer-songwriter is sharing her brand new song, “Shadow of a Cowboy.”

“As soon as we wrote ‘Shadow of a Cowboy,’ I knew it was special. I spent the last year of my life writing song after song, trying to find my voice and then learning how to write it into my music,” shared Green in a recent press release.  “‘Shadow of a Cowboy’ was one of the first songs that I felt I was able to do that. The words, the melodies, the high notes, the bridge… it all felt so much like me. I’m so grateful to my co-writers for helping me write a song that I love so much.”

“Hell, I ain’t a horse baby, why’d you try to break me // If there’s something better out there with finding // Go on runner un, run all the way to Amarillo // ‘Cause I know that you won’t ever change // ‘Cause all you’ve done, done, done // Is tumble any way the wind blows // Thinking that you’re gonna ride away // You’re just a shadow of a cowboy // A real one would stay”

“Shadow of a Cowboy” embodies the essence of wishing someone would choose you. The song reads like a story unfolding, which is often the best type of country song. Throughout the song, the listener can feel Green’s pain, as she laments about the cowardliness of a man leaving. “Shadow of a Cowboy” is a must-listen to song!

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Kayley Green’s new song, “Shadow of a Cowboy” is available 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 Kayley Green releases.

To keep up with Kayley Green, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

“Shadow of a Cowboy” 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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The Reklaws Release 3-Pack Project ‘One Beer Away’

The Reklaws’ new 3-pack project, including single, “One Beer Away” is out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new tracks below.

Country music boasts many incredible duos. The Reklaws, comprised of siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker are already a success in Canada, and are making waves in the United States now! The Canadian country act have found success on America’s Got Talent, and continue to share music that fans are flocking to in droves. On the heels of their success, the singer-songwriters shared their newest song, “One Beer Away,” back in June. Today the duo is dropping a 3-pack project featuring “One Beer Away” and two new songs, “All The Time” and “If I Drink Enough.”

While “One Beer Away” is a summer-ready anthem that equally spotlights both members of The Reklaws, the two new songs highlight their individual talents as well. “All The Time” spotlights Stuart’s stellar vocals, bringing a rock flavor to their electric music style. Lyrically, the song expresses heartbreak and missed opportunity in a way that feels relatable and easy to understand.

On the other hand, Jenna’s shining moment comes in “If I Drink Enough.” On the new song, The Reklaws showcase a more pop-country flavor with some rhythmic flairs. “If I Drink Enough” feels current and nostalgic, a song that would easily get stuck in your head again and again.

All three songs are a great sample of the limitless talent The Reklaws have. Both artists are as talented as they come, and it is refreshing to see a duo allow each other to shine. The Reklaws are equally impressive both in their individual moments and in their harmonious ones.

One Beer Away Track List:

  1. One Beer Away
  2. All The Time
  3. If I Drink Enough
the-reklaws-song

The Reklaws 3-pack project is officially 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 The Reklaws releases.

To keep up with The Reklaws follow them on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

One Beer Away 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.

Madeline Merlo & Dustin Lynch Collaborate on New Song “Broken Heart Thing”

Madeline Merlo and Dustin Lynch share brand new song “Broken Heart Thing,” out now, August 9th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

The best type of country songs convey a feeling that the listener can relate to, while simultaneously telling a story that feels all too familiar. Madeline Merlo does just that with her brand new song, “Broken Heart Thing.” Additionally, enlisting Dustin Lynch as her duet partner in the new song brings another side to the story, something that fans appreciate in a duet.

“Broken Heart Thing” is a heartbreaking and honest anecdote about how it feels to be nursing a broken heart. Through the push-pull of the song, fans hear the perspective from the woman and the man, as they both find their own ways to cope with the unthinkable. While many songs touch on heartbreak and break-ups, Merlo and Lynch’s new song shows the perspective of someone who’s still getting used to it, someone who maybe has never nursed a broken heart before. The song feels special and vulnerable.

“I never had to tell a lie when my friends ask if I’m alright // Looking like hell on a Tuesday night, just going through the emotions // Never drink jack without the coke // Never burned through a pack of smokes // But tonight I’m adding both to the list // ‘Cause I’m still getting used to this broken heart thing // Sit in the dark thing // Smile when I’m falling apart thing” 

“Broken Heart Thing” is one of the best songs Merlo has put out so far in her career. We love the risks she is taking on this song, and we cannot wait to see how fans react to this duet with Lynch.

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Madeline Merlo and Dustin Lynch share new song, “Broken Heart Thing,” 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 Madeline Merlo releases.

To keep up with Madeline Merlo, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

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

“Broken Heart Thing” 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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Who is DEMPS? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

Who is DEMPS? The singer joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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DEMPS // Photo credit: Gracie Range

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Katie Dempsey (DEMPS)
Birthdate – 08/20/1993
Hometown – Plant City, Florida
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross
Label – Mailbox Money Records
Current Single – “If You Were A Country Girl”  // as of date of article: 8/05/2024

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight shines on a songstress you may recognize from her popular social media platforms. Katie Dempsey who goes by DEMPS has attracted the right attention to her personality and her talent. We chatted with DEMPS all about her rise to stardom, her love of country music, and her new songs that are officially out.

“DEMPS is a nickname that was given to me in high-school and it kinda just stuck,” began the singer. “I grew up in Plant City, Florida. […] I grew up in a little trailer with six siblings, I was the sixth one, I was the baby of the family. Just a divorced kid my whole life, and all of that, so music really played a big impact in my life. It was almost an escape.”

Throughout her childhood, DEMPS was exposed to many different musical genres. Her father introduced her to rock music, both classic rock and artists like Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. “I would be putting on concerts for my family and I would make little tickets for my family to come to my room for my show and I would perform like Limp Bizkit in my room,” she shared. On the other hand, her mother created her love for 80s music and powerhouse females like Celine Dion and Diana Ross.

“It was always a broken home. My dad’s on his fourth marriage, my mom’s on her third, and there was never really structure there, so music was always a huge, huge outlet for me in all of that,” stated DEMPS, adding, “My brain was filled with so much music. I always say I’m a walking jukebox.”

The Turning Point:

While she always loved music, DEMPS did not begin to pursue it until recently. Social media was her gateway to performing. “Right when COVID hit everybody, and I found out what social media was, I didn’t exactly know what it was [at first]. I didn’t really know social media until TikTok came around,” she began. “I just started making these videos just for fun to find an outlet, and putting on a good song with a cute, country outfit, and just shotgunning beers, and that’s how I grew my platform as an individual, and then I started promoting music.”

DEMPS grew her platforms to amass an impressive and dedicated following. This led to one a huge record label, Warner Records reaching out. “I do a lot of promotional work for them, and I still do. That’s how music promoting happened and how I had the opportunity of meeting independent artists here in Nashville to major artists and everything, so it’s just been a rollercoaster, my career path in the last couple of years because I went from a nine to five job to social media full time.”

Because of her promotional work and her growing connections in her new hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, DEMPS started to discover her own voice and sound in the growing scape of country music “I loved how there wasn’t one set and stone type of music. It was like an ice cream store. You have so many different flavors, and I think that’s what I love about it,” she shared.

Today:

Flash forward to today, DEMPS has released two songs of her own. The first, viral hit, “Bitch On Wine” and the second, “If You Were A Country Girl.” “When I was handed an opportunity, it wasn’t just your traditional country. We are headed into a new wave of country and it’s pretty cool to see the rap country, pop country, and I consider myself to be more pop-country,” she shared, adding, “I didn’t really stick to a specific genre, I just knew what my ears loved, and I was like “that is so me.” I’m still diving into all of this, and I’m super excited, but the songs that have been pitched to me felt like me and who I am.”

Both songs showcase the sassy and fun side of DEMPS. “If You Were A Country Girl” was originally pitched to her with HARDY’s vocals on the demo. “I was like this is a like a rap-country song, I had to get almost into character, I had to dig into my past of what I went through in past relationships and all of that, so I really had to dive into an emotion, not anger, but empowerment about what I would do if a guy broke my heart again. […] I had to figure out how a woman would sing this. It was so much fun getting into the studio and recording it.”

DEMPS is only just getting started and has already hinted at a debut project coming before the end of the year. However, first, fans can expect some more songs that showcase different sides of the the singer. “I’m super excited for people to see another side of DEMPS, telling a story through a song, and I am going to be releasing an EP at the end of the year.” Stay tuned!

Connect:

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

To keep up with DEMPS, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

DEMPS’ 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.

Carrie Underwood Joins Papa Roach on Reimagined Version of “Leave A Light On”

Carrie Underwood joins Papa Roach on a reimagined version of “Leave A Light On,” out now, August 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen here.

Time and time again, we say how much cross-genre collaborations end up meaning to the music industry as a whole. While we love collaborations in general, watching a country music superstar like Carrie Underwood join forces with rock legend, Papa Roach feels iconic. Today, Underwood and Papa Roach reimagine a Papa Roach classic, breathing new life into the song, “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark).”

Papa Roach has always been a band that believes in raising awareness for mental health, specifically for suicide prevention. The song continues their mission in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), who will receive royalties generated from both artists from the song, in perpetuity. Both Papa Roach and Underwood bring their absolute heart and soul to the new rendition, and we can only hope fans will support the duet.

With an important message like this one, “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” should be streamed again and again! Make sure to give this song a listen and send it to your friends too!

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Carrie Underwood joins Papa Roach on reimagined version of “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” out now.

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 InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” 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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Troy Cartwright Shares New Song “One That You Want” Ahead of Album

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “One That You Want,” out now, August 2nd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new song below.

We have been loving Troy Cartwright’s music lately. The independent artist keeps cranking out music that feels unique, vibey, and perfect for his vocal range. While we have loved every recent release, Cartwright’s new song, “One That You Want” is another favorite.

On the new song, Cartwright leans into his romance side. He sings about how when you love someone, you want to be their whole world, no matter what is going on in their lives. Much like the vows, “for better or for worse,” the song encapsulates a desire so great that feels both romantic, intentional, and relatable.

“I want to be the one // When you’re riding high on as good as it gets // and your whole world is a tangled mess // When your mind runs and you can’t sleep // in those sheets, I wanna be the one that you want // When you get down // wanna go for a drive at midnight // I wanna be the one that you want // If you need somebody the rest of your life or tonight // I wanna be the one that you want”

“One That You Want” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. His flair truly is a perfect blend of country lyrics with a buttery and easy vocal. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

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Troy Cartwright shares new song, “One That You Want,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“One That You Want” 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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Conner Smith: ‘Smoky Mountains Sessions’ – EP Review

Conner Smith releases his new EP, Smoky Mountains Sessions, out now, August 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

For rising star Conner Smith, his new EP, Smoky Mountain Sessions, finds him getting back to the basics. With a stripped down approach, the Nashville native focuses on lyrics and melody on the four tracks, all of which he wrote or co-wrote.

For the Valory Music Co. project, Smith enlisted musical heavyweight Dwight A. Baker to produce the project in just four days. Working with his touring band, the EP was recorded at Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina.

“Smoky Mountains Sessions came from a desire to get back to the core of songwriting. With these new songs, two of which I wrote by myself, I wanted to create them in a way that felt very raw and honest,” shares Smith. “Working with Dwight Baker for the first time on this project, we took my band up to Echo Mountains in Asheville and brought these songs to life over the course of four days. This collection is just the beginning of more new music on the way I can’t wait to share!”

The EP opens with “Boys in the Picture,” a snapshot of small-town living, surrounded by friends and all the troubles boys get in as they grow up. Likewise, the catchy “Songs for Tennessee” takes Smith back to his roots in a swinging and fun celebration of Smith’s home state. Chock full of slide guitars and fiddles, the track is an immediate standout, grabbing a listener’s attention. “This song’s for the homeland, The good ol’ folks that made me,” He sings. “The song in my heart is a song for Tennessee.”

“Thousand Miles Away” is a romantic ode to a long-distance relationship, and dreaming of the day they can be together in the same place. “I won’t have to spend most my days feeling like my heart is a thousand miles away,” He croons longingly, before the EP ends with a new take on Smith’s collaboration with Hailey Whitters, “Roulette on the Heart.” While the duet itself is powerful in any form, the stripped down versions adds a new depth of ache as the pair deal with the woes of an on-again, off-again dalliance. 

“Are you tryin’ to love me // Are you tryin’ to kill me // Every night with you is a shot in the dark // You touch me with a whisper, kiss me like a stranger // Holdin’ somebody shouldn’t be this hard // Oh and I know this game ends one of two ways // Are you gonna break me // Are you gonna save me // Lovin’ you baby is roulette on the heart”

On his new EP, Smoky Mountain Sessions, Conner Smith breaks things down and goes back to the basics with a simple song-focused collection that shows a different side to the rising star.

Smoky Mountains Sessions Tracklist:

  1. A Thousand Miles Away | Written by Conner Smith
  2. Song For Tennessee | Written by Conner Smith
  3. Boys In The Picture | Written by Conner Smith, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Jenkins
  4. Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) (Smoky Mountains Sessions) | Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
Conner-smith-smoky-mountains-sessions-ep

Conner Smith shares new EP, ‘Smoky Mountains Sessions,’ 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 Conner Smith releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here. 

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

Smoky Mountains Sessions is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Ella Langley: ‘hungover’ – Debut Album Review

Ella Langley releases her debut album, hungover, out now, August 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With a uniquely honeyed tone and an uncanny vulnerability, Ella Langley has been routinely labeled as one to watch in country music. With the release of her debut full-length album, hungover, out now, she proves why.

The collection features fourteen new tracks, all written or co-written by the Alabama native, alongside Nashville heavyweights like Will Bundy, Brett James, Rhett Akins, Laura Veltz, and more.

“This has been my dream for my whole entire life, so releasing my very first record is a really good feeling, and I’m so proud of it,” Langley says of the Sawgod Records/Columbia LP. “Before this record was even finished, I remember driving around in my car listening to ‘Hungover,’ and it hit me that it was the perfect title to encapsulate this era of my life and all the feelings I’ve poured into the songs. There’s a lot of different ways you can be hungover, but Lord knows every hangover hurts.”

That hurt is a prominent theme throughout the collection, weaving its way in different ways through Langley’s emotive grit and soulful sound. Her lyrics are smart and clever, telling incredibly vulnerable stories in a way that’s both poignant and triumphant.

The titular track is an immediate example of Langley’s prowess as both a songwriter and a vocalist, her stunning tone punctuating the mournful ballad that burns with the ache of a toxic relationship. Over bluesy electric guitars, her soulful vocals cascade through the ode to last call mistakes and the subsequent hangover that comes the next morning.

“Yeah I’m hungover // Still a long way from sober // Dammit I’m hurtin’ // This morning I’m learning // How much that Bourbon in your kiss don’t lead to closure // And yeah I’m hungover // This on again, off again is takin’ its toll // I try but I can’t seem to tell myself no”

“Love You Tonight” tackles a similar theme, as she deals with the aftermath of “doing what I swore I wouldn’t do. It’s a modern day retelling of Lee Ann Womack’s “I May Hate Myself in the Morning,” as she proclaims, “Gonna love you tonight, gonna hate me tomorrow.”

Heartache songs are foremost on the album, but no two are alike. “I Blame the Bar” is one of the most unique lyrical breakup tracks in recent memory, blaming the place of the meet cute for her heartbreak, as opposed to the guy who did the breaking. Meanwhile, “Better Be Tough” is an almost raucous pop-rock-tinted kiss off to a cheating boyfriend that shows Langley isn’t taking a guy’s BS.

On “Paint the Town Blue,” she’s drinking to forget her pain, accepting that she needs to drown her sorrows to truly move on, while “Cowboy Friends” finds her moving up and moving on to get over a terrible ex. The song finds her channeling hints of Miranda Lambert meets Kacey Musgraves, with its unapologetic lyrics as she looks past one bad boy to the next. “So saddle up and ride away, It ain’t like it was love anyways,” She sings teasingly. “I won’t have no trouble rounding up the next when this ends, I’ve got me more than a few cowboy friends.”

Langley is sunny and optimistic on tunes like “Nicotine,” which finds her looking for a new love to be her new addiction, while “You Look Like You Love Me” is a clear stylistic standout on the album. Featuring fellow Alabama native Riley Green, the viral release finds the pair mixing spoken verses with a singsong chorus on the uniquely timeless country track.

“Girl Who Drank Wine” and “Closest to Heaven” are classic country story songs, with the former a smoky-bar Western that tells the tale of a one night stand where the girl walks away with a cowboy’s heart. Meanwhile, “Heaven” provides an especially ethereal moment, recalling the kind of eternal love between her grandparents that is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth.

Three of the album’s most special tracks come late in the album, with “Monsters” finding her both utterly  vulnerable and relatable. On the introspective track, she battles the “real monsters” living inside her head, dealing with self-doubt, painful memories, and being her own worst critic.

“Inside my head I over-analyze // Let my worst critic criticize // Every last mistake I ever made // Every woulda, coulda, shoulda, on replay // I’ve got some real monsters // Livin’ inside my head // Memories I’d like to leave // Shoved up under my bed // Caught up in a bad dream // Don’t even have to sleep // To see every regret, take it from me // I’ve got some real monsters // Livin’ inside my head”

The album’s final two tracks are both sparse and acoustic, with “Cowgirl Don’t Cry” shining as an ode to a girl who has been numbed by heartbreak. Finally, “Broken In” closes the album in a stunning manner, her voice on full display as she sings that oftentimes, things are better when they’ve been used. Ranging from horses to trucks to hearts and hands, things are just better when they’ve got some miles and some scars.

For Ella Langley, that is true of the music on hungover, each song showing pain and scars that ultimately led to something beautiful.

hungover Tracklist:

  1. Hungover (Ella Langley/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins)
  2. I Blame the Bar (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Chris LaCorte/Meg McCree)
  3. You Look Like You Love Me Ft. Riley Green (Ella Langley/Aaron Ratiere/Riley Green)
  4. Nicotine (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Zachary Kale/Jon Nite)
  5. Love You Tonight (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Lydia Vaughan)
  6. Better Be Tough (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Brett James/Erik Dylan)
  7. Paint the Town Blue (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Rhett Akins/Travis Wood)
  8. Cowboy Friends (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan/Austin Goodloe)
  9. Girl Who Drank Wine (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Johnny Clawson)
  10. Monsters (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski)
  11. People Change (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Laura Veltz/Austin Goodloe)
  12. Closest to Heaven (Ella Langley/Smith Ahnquist/Johnny Clawson)
  13. Cowgirl Don’t Cry (Acoustic) (Ella Langley/Jordan Fletcher)
  14. Broken in (Acoustic) (Ella Langley/Ian Christian/Jordan Fletcher)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Hungover
  2. You Look Like You Love Me with Riley Green
  3. Cowgirl Don’t Cry
  4. Monsters
Ella-langley-hungover

Ella Langley’s debut album, ‘hungover,’ 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 Ella Langley releases.

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hungover is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.