Walker Hayes Releases New Song “Make You Cry”

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Walker Hayes just released his latest single, “Make You Cry”, available now, April 9th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Coming off his latest single, “Hope You Miss Me”, a tribute song to his daughter, “Make You Cry” is a love song to his wife. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Walker Hayes has one of the most unique sounds and story-telling capabilities in country music. The way his songs reel you in forces you to pay attention to each and every lyric. Take for example, “Don’t Let Her”. This is a song that you can’t help but be happy about because it shows how immensely he loves his wife down to all the little details he shares about who she is and what she likes, even though it’s all in the event that something were to happen to him and her not wanting to move on to someone else.

“Craig” is another song that tells you so much about Hayes and his family in just three minutes. A song so essential to Hayes’ story, he named his charitable foundation “Be A Craig”, after the man who gave him and his family a car big enough for all of the kids to be buckled in when the singer-songwriter was struggling to make ends meet, raise a family, and chase a dream.

These songs and so many others are a testament to Hayes’ incredible songwriting ability. While they may not always have such a powerful message, his style remains true to his music, in each and every track, and how he writes and develops each of his songs. 

Just like he always does, Hayes uses his witty play on words to make us think his song is about something completely different, similar to his most recent singles  “I Hope You Miss Me”, “Trash My Heart” , and “Shut Up Kenny”. In “Make You Cry”, Hayes tells us about all the ways he loves to make the one he loves cry happy tears. Just like he did when he’d play guitar for her at 16, or when he proposed to her at 23, making her cry happy tears is one of his favorite things to do. He can’t get over how much he loves seeing her eyes fill with tears, because that’s when he knows he’s doing something right. 

“I love to make you cry, I // Know I hit that right emotion, when your eyes fill up with oceans // Girl I love to make you cry, I // Know I’m really onto something, when that mascara’s running // Girl I love to make you cry”

Walker Hayes' "Make You Cry" is available now, April 9th

Walker Hayes’ “Make You Cry” is available now, April 9th

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

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

“Make You Cry” 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.

Brian Kelley: BK’s Wave Pack – EP Review

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Brian Kelley, who serves as one half of the GRAMMY-nominated duo, Florida Georgia Line, makes his solo debut with brand new EP, BK’s Wave Pack available everywhere today, April 13th. Listen to the 4-track collection and take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Kelley and bandmate Tyler Hubbard shocked the country world when they announced the two of them will be focusing more on their solo careers going forward after the release of their latest album, Life Rolls On. Although we are unsure when or if there will be new Florida Georgia Line music in the future, we know that Kelley’s solo career with Warner Music Nashville is just beginning to take off.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who has helped me on my journey to get here. I’m humbled to team up with Warner Music Nashville to take the music I’ve been dreamin’ and schemin’ up to the next level,” Kelley shared in a recent press release. “This is just the beginning of a whole new adventure.”

Fans can sense the entire vibe of this album just by reading the names of the songs. During the pandemic, Kelley spent a lot of time writing and being inspired at the beach. The lead track is a mid-tempo, pop-country crossover that immediately sets the mood. Kelley puts the listener in a tropical paradise, declaring himself the “Beach Cowboy” that “goes John Wayne on these waves.” The following song, “Made By The Water,” is reminiscent of classic Kenny Chesney/Jake Owen, as he portrays a perfect day at the beach.

“Soul of a sailor, born for a boat // My tie-dye girl got their heart floating // The way that it’s going I know when the sun sinks down like a bobber // there’s going to be some love made by the water”

Kelley turns the relaxation up with the next track, “Party on the Beach.” With the sounds from a traditional Hawaiian luau and a screeching seagull, he puts listeners’ minds into vacation mode. In the final track, “Sunday Service In The Sand,” the singer-songwriter shows gratitude for island life by thanking God for his beach-chair blessings. He admits that heaven could not get much closer than this.

“I can feel the salt-water working // High-tide’s taking me to church and // I can’t help but raise my hands to another Sunday service in the sand”

Although the two shared writing and producing credits, Hubbard was the predominant voice on most FGL songs, especially on their last two albums. It was nice to see Kelley venture out and sing along with his voice for a change. We are hopeful to see a full project album from Kelley in the future.

BK’s Wave Pack Track List:

1. “Beach Cowboy” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose) *
2. “Made By The Water” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
3. “Party On The Beach” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith)
4. “Sunday Service In The Sand” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith, Jake Rose)

All Songs Produced by Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley
* Co-Produced by Jake Rose

Along with Hubbard, Kelley is nominated for Duo of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards this Sunday on April 18th. Their arm-in-arm anthem, “Long Live” hit number one just last week, landing the duo their 18th career chart topper.

Brian Kelley's 'BK's Wave Pack EP' is available now, April 13th

Brian Kelley’s ‘BK’s Wave Pack EP’ is available now, April 13th

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

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

BK’s Wave Pack 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.

Chris Stapleton Lands #1 Song with “Starting Over”

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Chris Stapleton lands the number one song in country radio this week with, “Starting Over”, the title track off his latest album.

If there is one male artist in country music that is due for some much-needed mainstream success, it’s Chris Stapleton. The singer-songwriter is a force in the genre, and it’s about time he gets some radio play. After sitting at number seven on the charts just last week, Stapleton’s current radio single “Starting Over” soared to the top spot! It is now the number one song on country radio.

Despite how talented Stapleton is both as a songwriter and a vocalist, he has had some difficulty in his career getting the support of radio. Things have shifted lately, and Stapleton finds himself getting some justifiable mainstream recognition. Despite not always having radio support, The 5x GRAMMY-award winner has always been an industry favorite. “Starting Over” is the perfect song for Stapleton to shine with now for industry, fans, and commercial success alike. The title track to his latest album, released back in November, is all about keeping our loved ones close, a message we could all use!

“It don’t matter to me // Wherever we are is where I wanna be // And honey for once in your life // Let’s take our chances and roll the dice // I can be your lucky penny // You can be my four-leaf clover // Starting over”

“Starting Over” marks the singer’s third number-one single of his career, following the likes of hit songs “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Broken Halos.” We hope this new hit song starts a trajectory of even more for Stapleton.

Congrats to Stapleton and his team on the success!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Chris Stapleton releases.

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

“Starting Over” 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.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 4/9/21

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – 4/9/21

  • BRETT KISSEL – Brett Kissel outdoes himself with his newest album What Is Life?, a powerful project that is all love, all heart, and all honesty. – Listen Here
  • LUKE BRYAN – After landing four number one songs on the original album, Luke Bryan adds six new tracks to the Born Here Live Here Die Here (Deluxe Edition) out today. – Listen Here
  • TIM MONTANA – Tim Montana’s new album, Long Shots, is an explosive collection of in-your-face and high-energy country-rock, perfect for summer and tailgates. – Listen Here
  • TAYLOR SWIFT – We’re traveling back to 2008 all weekend listening to Taylor Swift’s reimagined Fearless (Taylor’s Version). – Listen Here
  • JAMESON RODGERS – Jameson Rodgers is back with brand new music! Announced today, his next EP ‘In It For The Money’ is due out April 23rd, and he just dropped a brand new one, “Good Dogs”. – Listen Here
  • LANCO – A memory most of us can all relate to, LANCO are taking us back in time with new song, “First Beer”. – Listen Here
  • KAT & ALEX – There are some artists that are delightfully one genre, but then there are others who push the boundaries, making for a fresh & captivating new sound. Enter: Kat & Alex. Get to know the rising Sony Nashville Country-Latin duo with their new music. – Listen Here
  • MIKE RYAN – Hear what makes Mike Ryan throw a lot more than just one “Can Down” in his new single, out today. – Listen Here
  • PRISCILLA BLOCK – Rising star, Priscilla Block just announced her debut EP and dropped a brand new song! Check out all the details here. – Listen Here

Take a listen to all of these tracks and more here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Mike Ryan Releases Breakup Anthem “Can Down”

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Mike Ryan’s new song “Can Down” is available today, April 9th, on all streaming platforms. Written by Ryan with Brent Anderson, Smith Ahnquist, and Will Weatherly, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Comparing his situation as one between the popular phrase ‘a rock and a hard place’, Swag Spotlight artist alumn, Mike Ryan says it’s more like being between “a case of rolling rock and a heartache” in “Can Down”, and he chooses the prior. He’s refusing to let this heartbreak get to him more than it already has, insinuating that he would rather drink away the pain with no can left behind, than let the 5’2” blue-eyed girl take away his Saturday nights too. 

“I Pick one up, crack it open, put it to my lips // I tip it back, take a sip, cause if // It’s gonna be my heart or these double R’s // crushed up on the ground // can down”

After a long year without live music, Ryan, a Texas-based artist, where he was born and raised has finally got some tour dates on the calendar as concerts return. Check out the full list of shows here. 

Mike Ryan's new song "Can Down" is available now, April 9th

Mike Ryan’s new song “Can Down” is available now, April 9th

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

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

“Can Down” 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.

Country-Latin duo, Kat & Alex Release Two New Songs “Heartbreak Tour”” and “”You and the Radio”

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Rising Sony Nashville Artists and Country-Latin duo, Kat & Alex just released two new songs “Heartbreak Tour”” and “”You and the Radio”. Available now, April 9th on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

There are some artists that are delightfully one genre, but then there are other artists, who push the boundaries, making for a fresh and captivating new sound. American Idol alum and SONY Nashville recording artists, Kat & Alex are the latter. The now engaged duo creates country music with Latin flair that is as compelling as ever.

Both of the new songs released today, “Heartbreak Tour” and “You and the Radio”, showcase different sides of the duo’s undeniable talent. Fittingly so, “Heartbreak Tour” is a gut-wrenching jam that conveys an all too familiar break-up story. The song feels radio-ready; despite, its somber content. Kat begins the song with a powerful vocal that then expands into killer harmonies between the duo. Alex takes the second verse, showcasing his equally impressive range.

“I be pulling all-nighters with you baby // Telling everyone how you drive me crazy // Right now I don’t know what I’m singing for // On my heartbreak tour”

On the other hand, “You and the Radio” is a more uplifting and positive song that feels just right for summertime. The song is all about a love interest that is that romance you have been waiting for. Everything about that person just lights you up inside. The song is fun and creative, even name-dropping some old-school country classics like “Fishin’ In The Dark” and “Strawberry Wine,” but it’s the guitars and the believability of the couple’s love story that makes the song what it is.

If you were not a fan of Kat & Alex before, give these new tracks a listen and we bet you will be.

Kat & Alex's "Heartbreak Tour" and "You and the Radio" are available now, April 9th

Kat & Alex’s “Heartbreak Tour” and “You and the Radio” are available now, April 9th

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

To keep up with Kat & Alex, follow them on Instagram, and Facebook.

“Heartbreak Tour” and “You and the Radio” are 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.

LANCO-HONKY-TONK-HIPPIES-EP

LANCO Delivers Nostalgic New Track, “First Beer”

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LANCO’s new song “First Beer” is available now, April 9th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Platinum-selling country group LANCO are back with their second single of 2021. The group dropped “Near Mrs” at the beginning of the year, and are now following that release with another creative track, “First Beer”.

If the brand new song could personify anything it would be nostalgia. LANCO created a song that makes us all go back to the time we drank our first beer, but moreover, the time where we were so smitten with another person for the first time. It’s so interesting how certain memories are etched into our brains and hearts for a lifetime; despite, how minuscule that might have been in the grand scheme of things.

“We lost touch after high school, but I don’t really remember why // As the years go by // And the memories fade // There’s a night in July // That always stays // ’cause I remember my first beer // It was a bittersweet taste, but I had a straight face // Raised it up and I said cheers // Like a scene in the movies // Doing something to me // the memory is crystal clear // it went down pretty smooth, but if you want to know the truth // I remember my first beer // ’cause I drank it, I drank it // with you”

LANCO's "First Beer" is available now, April 9th

LANCO’s “First Beer” is available now, April 9th

LANCO makes you feel something with this song. They transport us all back to a time in our lives that we wish we could relive over and over again. The first time we see this song performed live, we are certain that we will remember it for a long time coming.

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

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

“First Beer” 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.

Jameson Rodgers Announces EP + Releases Heartfelt “Good Dogs”

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Jameson Rodgers announced his next EP, In It For The Money, due out April 23rd. Additionally, he dropped a brand new song, “Good Dogs”, available now, April 9th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

One of our former Swag Spotlight artists, Jameson Rodgers is proving to be quite the force in country music. His debut single “Some Girls” went number one in October, and he has continued the momentum since. Today, he announced his next EP, In It For The Money, due out April 23rd, and dropped another heartfelt tune entitled “Good Dogs.”

Written during a writer’s retreat with a few of his buddies and fellow songwriters, Rodgers created a unique, yet powerful tune. “Good Dogs” is all about how important our pets are to us throughout the many stages of life. If the song sounds familiar, it may be because the singer leaked the song back in January, when he shared a clip of him playing the song on Youtube. Similar to Riley Green’s hit, “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” Rodgers’ new song tugs at listeners’ heartstrings as he conveys the message that we all feel, we wish dogs lived forever.

Jameson Rodgers' EP, 'In It For The Money' is due out April 23rd

Jameson Rodgers’ EP, ‘In It For The Money’ is due out April 23rd

“Good trucks they’ll run forever if you keep oil in ‘em and you treat ‘em right // A good woman holds you together, she’ll stick with you for the rest of your life // Good buddies will always come running, got your back no matter what // But good dogs don’t live long enough”

Moreover, the tearjerker tells a compelling story, reminding us all to not take the people and pets we love and the things we cherish for granted. As usual, Rodgers’ vocals are powerful on the track too. The singer-songwriter is proving to be one of the newer artists that we are most excited about!

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

To keep up with Jameson Rodgers, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Good Dogs” 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.

Taylor Swift Releases Reimagined Album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

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In an attempt to reclaim her back catalog of music, Taylor Swift is releasing reimagined versions of her old albums, starting today with Fearless (Taylor’s Version). In addition to the new recordings, the collection includes unreleased songs “From The Vault” including tracks featuring Keith Urban and Maren Morris. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the project.

Fans have waited patiently for the release of the reimagined album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version), as the Pennsylvania native announced in 2019 that she was planning to re-record her first six albums when she legally could. Fearless was first released in 2008 and not only earned the Pennsylvania native her first two GRAMMYs but also gave her the honor of having the most awarded album in country music history.

The 26-track project is not only filled with the album’s original songs we know and love, but also includes six unreleased songs “From The Vault”.  Encompassed with heartbreak, love, and bravery, this album has the nostalgia of the country Taylor we were introduced to, yet has the vocals of the mature artist we know today.

Three of the six vault songs feature award-winning country singers Maren Morris and Keith Urban. “You All Over Me” featuring Maren Morris was released last month. Written by Swift and Scooter Carusos, the track focuses on the struggles of moving on after a breakup. Morris joins in on the first chorus and continues throughout the ballad. The two of them together are the perfect blend as they compliment each other perfectly on the harmonies.

“That’s When” and “We Were Happy” feature country superstar Keith Urban. Written by Liz Rose and Swift, “We Were Happy” starts off slow but picks up during the chorus where Urban joins in. An acoustic ballad about reflecting upon the happy times of a relationship before it ended, Swift and Urban’s voices are flawless together. “That’s When” written by Brad Warren, Brett Warren, and Swift is a catchy duet about two exes reminiscing on their relationship.  Urban was the perfect choice for the song as once again, the two showcase how well their voices mix.

Swift recently shared how excited she was to have him be a part of the album, “ I’m really honored that @KeithUrban is a part of this project, duetting on “That’s When” and singing harmonies on “We Were Happy”. I was his opening act during the Fearlessalbum era and his music has inspired me endlessly.

Overall, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) reminds us why it won Album of the Year at the GRAMMYs, The CMAs, as well as the ACM Awards. We can’t wait for the other re-recordings!

Taylor Swift's 'Fearless (Taylor's Version)' is available now, April 9th

Taylor Swift’s ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ is available now, April 9th

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

To keep up with Taylor Swift, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) 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.

Tim Montana: ‘Long Shots’ – Album Review

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Tim Montana’s new album, Long Shots, is available everywhere you buy or stream music now, April 9th. Featuring 12 tracks co-written by Montana and a slew of other heavy-hitters including David Lee Murphy, Erik Dylan, Josh Thomspon, Micah Wilshire, and more. Take a look below as dive a little deeper into the collection of music.

While Tim Montana may not be a household name just yet, he’s poised on the brink of something big with his BBR Music Group major-label debut album, Long Shots, is out today, April 9th. Despite finally being signed to a label, the country-rocker has been hustling for years, making a name for himself in business, television, music, and more, and he couldn’t be more thankful for where he’s ended up.

“I heard ‘no’ from just about every record label around (more than once from some), but all my life I’ve never let outside factors stand in the way of my aspirations—instead the rejection fueled me to dig my heels in more, get a little scrappier and work even harder,” said Montana in a recent press release. “The fact that I’m now about to put out an album as a signed artist kind of blows my mind in the best way—I’m lucky enough to be six feet up instead of six feet under and I celebrate that every day.”

From the opening notes of “Do It Fast,” it’s clear the listeners are in for a ride. With its stomping opening beats and driving guitar, the song, written by Montana, David Lee Murphy, and Micah Wilshire, is the perfect introduction to the album, and for many, to Montana. It’s high-energy and explosive, as Montana advises that “If you’re gonna stay up // And do it all night long // Driving through life // Like it can’t go wrong // Put the pedal down and don’t look back // The key to hard living is to do it fast.”

The 1-2 punch of energy continues on “Get Em Up,” inviting “everybody get your hands in the air,” and we can immediately picture a crowd of concertgoers lifting their beers in the air as Montana hits the stage to this track. This song is an invitation into Montana’s world, and it’s the perfect follow-up track to “Do It Fast.”

While Montana is definitely a ball of energy on Long Shots, he does have a softer side, evidenced on songs like “Bar Band” and “Gone Looks Better.” On the latter, he sings of an ex who is clearly handling a breakup better than he is. Meanwhile, the former is a love song where he namedrops famous country acts, proclaiming, “I want to get you // like a bar band gets you // Turned up to eleven when the night moves hit you // Get you smiling // Get you laughing // I want to get you like a bar band gets you.”

“River Kids,” co-written by Montana, Wilshire, and Erik Dylan, is an ode to his upbringing, celebrating the days when he was a kid, without a care in the world. “Take me back // take me back,” He pleads, and it’s a sentiment almost every adult can relate to from time to time. “Back when we were river kids // And didn’t have a care in this ol world // Take me back // Take me back // Underneath that big sky bridge // When love and life were simple // Back when we were river kids.”

The album’s title track is easily one of the highlights of the collection, celebrating the underdogs who end up with significant others that seem just a bit unconventional or out of their league. “Here’s to the long shots // Last calls // Good ol’ boys like me,” Montana sings. “Had to wait a long time // To find my knock me off my feet.” While the song is clearly about a relationship, it could also apply to his career, as he was an underdog in the industry before releasing this album.

The album ends with “To An End,” a somber and haunting track about redemption. “I bow my head // And close my eyes // And pray the shaking stops in time // So I can look her in the eyes again.” For an album that’s such high-energy, it’s quite the sonic foray, proving what a talent Montana really is.

Long Shots is an explosive collection of in-your-face and high-energy country rock that’s absolutely perfect for summer and tailgates. However, it’s far from one-note, weaving in tales of love, heartache, and redemption, keeping the listener intrigued to the very last note.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Long Shots
  2. Bar Band
  3. Do It Fast
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Tim Montana’s ‘Long Shots’ is available now, April 9th

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

To keep up with Tim Montana, Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Long Shots 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.