Hit songwriter, Eric Paslay has been setting the stage and gearing up for new music this year. His first brand new release of 2020 is a song called “Heartbeat Higher,” which features fellow country songstress, Sarah Buxton as a vocalist. Fans of Paslay may recognize the tune, as he has been singing the song in live shows for the past couple of years, but today is the day fans can finally add it to their music libraries. The song is hopefully the first of many this year.
Written by Paslay with Buxton and songwriter, Zach Crowell, “Heartbeat Higher” is the best kind of love song. The believable vocals add to the intensity of the feelings associated with love. Having Buxton sing on the track was a smart move by Paslay, as it gives fans a taste of the push-pull dynamic and the perspective of both people in a relationship. Although different topically, the song is just as provoking and catchy as Brantley Gilbert and Lindsey Ell’s killer duet “What Happens In A Small Town.”
“You’re the kinda rush, the buzz is all about / You’re the kind of sweet dream, the night can’t do without / Baby fan that fire, come on, come on, come on / Take my heartbeat higher, come on, come on”
Paslay manages to nail the middle-ground between sexy and sweet with this convincing and endearing new song. It will be interesting to see how the veteran singer-songwriter will continue to re-invent himself over the next few months.
“Heartbeat Higher” 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.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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It’s been almost four years since our ears have been filled with the captivating tranquility that emanates from the season four winner of NBC’s The Voice, Danielle Bradbery. In 2017, the artist released her sophomore album, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, and it exceeded any expectations one might hold of a singing competition alum. This 23-year-old stunner gracefully embodies that shows such as The Voice are capable of producing true musicians.
Now, her latest single “Never Have I Ever” is here to break the silence, announcing her much-anticipated return. It is a dense track with the accompaniment of piano, guitar, and drums. Still, her mature voice lays comfortably over the production to allow the lyrics to soar with ease.
“Never have I ever lost my mind / Over someone simply saying my name / How did you make me the chasing kind? / ‘Cause never have I ever / Believed that a fantasy / Could be more than a dream / I’m getting caught up / Saying too much / Look what you’ve done to me”
This love letter over chords and keys sums up all those emotions that surface when we fall for someone, almost canceling out the relevance of any other previous affair. The magical relationship blossoms into a near darn fairytale that disregards any prior notion that we had ever been in love.
“Never Have I Ever” disagrees with past releases such as “Potential” and “Worth It” that concentrate on the hollow connection between two people that don’t fully value one another. In fact, the latter 2017 single seems to showcase one perspective while the following track gives a voice to the other side of the story. These opposing tracks portray the many layers to what Bradbery has to say as well as the vast talent that is shown with each lyric sung.
“Never Have I Ever” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/never-have-i-ever-danielle.jpg6301200Erin Crosbyhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErin Crosby2020-05-08 00:24:442020-05-08 00:24:44Danielle Bradbery Breaks Musical Silence with “Never Have I Ever”
Fans of Texas country megastars, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen are in for a real treat this Friday morning (5/8). The twosome released their first record in five years, a fun and exciting new project that picks up where they left off. HOLD MY BEER, VOL 2. is a purposeful masterpiece that the two meticulously wrote and ultimately recorded songs from the heart.
During our Swag Spotlight with the singers, we learned that Bowen and Rogers are long-time friends for almost 20 years. That notion is clearly embodied throughout the twelve cohesive songs off the new record. Each track is laced with vocals by the duo, but even more so, the songs tell the story of their friendship, their mutual love for traditional country music, and their respect and admiration for the genre as a whole.
“AM/FM” kicks off the album with a bang. The groovy and comedic song features banjos, horns, and drums while depicting a picture-perfect country scene. “Rodeo Clown” continues that vibe, as the duo laughs about losing a woman to a “rodeo clown.” The sarcastic tune is funny, witty, and as catchy as can be.
The duo shows off their comedic side again on the track simply titled “Her.” Rogers and Bowen lean on their knack for story-telling, as they talk to a guy, who they only like because of his girl. Ultimately, the man gets too drunk and loses his girl to the charm of the other men. “The other guy” taught him a lesson in this one.
“Yeah, the moral of the story is if you take your girl somewhere to quench your thirst / Don’t drink more than the other guy, and always, always, keep your eye on her.”
Rogers and Bowen trade lyrics on “Habits,” a true duet that depicts their vices. The two consider the pros and cons of drinking and smoking, but ultimately decide, that they are having too much fun to change. Amen to that fellas!
Two of the songs off the record pay homage to the country music family “Let Merle Be Merle,” has the duo advocating for simplicity and consistency in the ever-changing world, but of course the late, great, Merle Haggard is an integral part of the song. On the other hand, “Ode To Ben Dorcy (Lovey’s Song)” honors both Waylon Jennings and Ben Dorcy. Jennings’ unreleased vocals are sampled at the beginning of the song, and the country music great wrote the tune. Of course, the song honors Ben Dorcy, who was a longtime fixture in the country music industry for his work backstage. He is considered by many to be the ultimate ‘roadie.’
The record continues to flow with “Rhinestoned” sitting as the number 5 track. Arguably the best song off the record, the song is a love letter to country music. Written by Lori McKenna, Ryan Beaver, and Ashley Ray, the song reminds us all about the times country music has been there for us. This song is truly flawless lyrically, sonically, and vocally.
Another standout track is “This Ain’t My Town.” Rogers and Bowen joined forces with Jon Randall and Jim Beavers to create a song about their values and their experiences. The men sing about how cities are taking the place of rural and country landscapes. The soft acoustic guitar plays well with the venerable lyrics of the song. They firmly state “Pack my bags I ain’t lookin’ back / This ain’t my town.”
Just as it started, the records ends on a fun and exciting note with the title track, “Hold My Beer.” One of our favorites, the song is a honky-tonk good time and the perfect drinking tune. It celebrates unwavering friendship and loyalty.
Overall, Rogers and Bowen make the ultimate team. It is clear from this record that the two love working together, creating music that can only be described as fun and upbeat country music. Fans across the genre will like this one!
HOLD MY BEER, VOL 2. 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.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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One of our favorite rising singer-songwriters in the industry, Lauren Jenkins has one of the most angelic and emotive voices out there. She can literally sing anything, including Bruce Springsteen’s classics like “Hungry Heart” and “Stolen Car.” The songstress released her debut studio album last March, (2019) and now she is back with a beautiful, brand new song entitled “Ain’t That Hard.”
The new, acoustic song feels like home. Jenkins dreamy, yet raspy tone and story-telling soul make the perfect pair. “Ain’t That Hard” is quietly powerful, as she sings about towns and places being exactly the same and difficult moments not being unique. It may sound cynical, but it instead comes across an empowering statement to a heartbreaker and a message to an ex. She knows she is strong enough to endure the pain of a break-up, and that life will continue.
“Same everywhere as it is right here / Main Street bars and football teams / Rusty cars and homecoming queens / You ain’t as special as you think you are / It ain’t that hard / to break a heart”
Jenkins shared a sentiment about the song via Twitter, sharing that the song, “makes [her] heart feel stronger than it has in a while.” It is the perfect way to embody the feel of the song. During your first listen, it may feel melancholy, but the strength is even more profound. We cannot wait to see what Jenkins creates next.
Watch our Swag Session below and to keep up with Lauren Jenkins follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
“Ain’t That Hard” 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.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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New Music Friday! This week we get new music from Tim McGraw, Jordan Davis, Danielle Bradbery, Nicolle Galyon, Carter Winer, Eric Paslay, Lauren Jenkins, Riley Green, and more!
Check out all the new music and more on our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/New_Music_Friday.jpg6301200Stephanie Wagnerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngStephanie Wagner2020-05-08 00:01:452020-05-08 00:19:30New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 5/8/20
Photo Credit: Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for NYCountry Swag
Mothers are the first strong women influences in our life to show us care, guidance and endless love. Mother’s Day is just right around the corner and we want you to share your love for your mother on Instagram using our top quotes from our ten favorite inspired country songs.
1. Taylor Swift – “The Best Day”
“Now I know why, all the trees change in the fall / I know you were on my side / Even when I was wrong / And I love you for giving me your eyes / Staying back and watching me shine.”
Swift walks through the joy of her childhood painting in the kitchen, playing dress-up, taking hayrides with her mother, and showing her endless gratitude.
2. Carrie Underwood – “Mama’s Song”
“You’ve given me everything that I will need, make it through this crazy thing called life.”
Written by Kara DioGuardi, Marti Frederiksen, Luke Laird, and Carrie, the song has Carrie singing to her mother telling her not to worry about her moving out and getting married.
3. Lauren Alaina – “Like My Mother Does”
“When I love, I give it all I got, like my mother does.”
Written by Nathan Chapman, Liz Rose and Nikki Williams, Alaina’s idol song complements all of the features that she got from her mother.
4. Garth Brooks – “Mom”
“You’ll never have a better friend or a warmer touch to tuck you in // She’ll kiss your bruises, your bumps and scrapes”
Brooks pays tribute to mothers in “Mom” and told GMA, “It’s a beautiful song. I wish I’d written it, but I didn’t, and I’ve gotta tell you, ‘The Dance’ is my favorite Garth Brooks thing, you know, ever, just love that song,” Brooks told Roberts. “If there was ever a song that could ever rival it, this is (it), just because of the context of it. … You know I’m a mama’s boy.”
5. Kacey Musgraves – “Mother”
“Bursting with empathy, I’m feeling everything // The weight of the world on my shoulders // Hope my tears don’t freak you out // They’re just kinda coming out // It’s the music in me and all of the colors // Wish we didn’t live, wish we didn’t live so far from each other // I’m just sitting here thinking ’bout the time that’s slipping // And missing my mother, mother”
Musgraves touches up on the feelings when you love and miss your mother, and can’t be around her.
6. The Band Perry – “Mother Like Mine”
“All our cares would all be freer // If the world had a mother like mine”
The trio wrote this song about what the world would look like if everybody was raised by their mother.
7. Martina McBride – “In My Daughter’s Eyes”
“This miracle God gave to me // Gives me strength when I am weak” //In my daughter’s eyes”
Martina McBride’s ballad tells the story of everything a mother should be through the eyes of her daughter.
8. Florida Georgia Line – “God Your Mama and Me”
“No one’s ever gonna love you more than God, your mama, and me”
There’s nobody in the world you need more than God, your mama, and your significant other holding you tight in this world.
9. Luke Bryan – “Most People Are Good”
“And most mamas oughta qualify for sainthood”
This song is nothing short of the truth.
10. Carrie Underwood – “What I Never Knew I Always Wanted”
“Never pictured myself singing lullabies // Sitting in a rocking chair in the middle of the night // In the quiet, in the dark // You’re stealing every bit of my heart with your daddy’s eyes // What a sweet surprise”
This song is coming from the perspective of a mother telling the story of the precious moments of being a mother even if you thought you weren’t sure about becoming one.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mothers-day-instagram-captions.jpg6301200Brianna Vaccahttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngBrianna Vacca2020-05-07 12:46:292020-05-07 12:46:29The Best Country Music Instagram Captions for Mother’s Day
Country music is about community, storytelling, honesty, and someone else having the words when you’re at a loss for them. Sometimes, in a world and industry that moves so quickly, ideas that are simple get lost. Lori McKenna has always exhibited this elegant simplicity through her music, and her new release reflects just that.
“When You’re My Age” is a gorgeous, guitar-driven message from McKenna to her children and the next generation. “When you’re my age, I hope the world is kinder than it seems to be right now,” she sings on the opening line. She continues to list things she hopes will change: she hopes that news is more uplifting, and she hopes things are as simple as it was for her as a child. “When I was your age, things didn’t seem this hard,” she states before the chorus.
McKenna wrote this song with the Love Junkies, which is comprised of herself, Hillary Lindsey, and Liz Rose. The trio composed the song during a write that was heading south. “I was on the other side of the room. I was playing the piano,” Mckenna told Rolling Stone. “I started singing something and Liz had never heard it before and was singing along with me… She knows me so well she knew what I was going to say. I had no chorus. I didn’t know what to do with it. She started singing the chorus but we had no hook. Hillary says, ‘Well, this is terrible but it could be this.’ As soon as she said it we all cried like babies. To me, that was magical.” The end of the chorus is incredibly poignant: “You’re still gonna be my baby, when you’re my age,” she sings to her children. The Love Junkies joined McKenna on the final recording and they sing beautifully in harmony on the chorus.
Something that’s always made McKenna stand out is her ability to write classics. Some songs may not be the ones to go #1, but they’re the slow burn, the ones that live on well after, and don’t burn out. Her music and her stories are long-lasting. She is the cornerstone of people’s lives and stories, and this song is no different. No matter how fast we outgrow things, like shoes, beds, and childhood homes, as McKenna states in the song, we can’t stop the time from passing.
“When You’re My Age” was chosen to be Jostens’ “virtual commencement” song for the class of 2020 graduates this year. “As a songwriter, but even more as a mom of a high school senior, I’m so honored to offer up a song for the Class of 2020,” McKenna told the brand. “I love that Jostens is making a special salute to this year’s high school and college graduates. It’s an unprecedented time and these graduates deserve the best celebration possible.”
I am one of the high-school seniors that don’t get to graduate this year. This song feels especially poignant given the time we live in. I’ve spent a great deal of time mourning the loss of certain rites of passage. While I’m just lucky to be safe, it’s hard to let go of the things one is missing out on. I’ve always been told that these are the days. That my childhood and youth is something to hold on to for as long as possible. It’s hard to be able to dream these days. When I sat down and listened to this song, something shifted within me. I realized, and hoped, that by the time I was McKenna’s age, or simply a little older and wiser, that I would have enough life under my belt to reminisce even on these unprecedented times. I hope that when I listen back to this song, things have changed in the world for the better.
This is the time to take a minute and slow down. To sit down and listen to a song – really listen, not put it on when you’re washing dishes or folding laundry – and when you take the time to do that, listen to this song. Lori McKenna is one of the great American songwriters of this generation. We are lucky to have her stories to represent our own.
“When You’re My Age” is now 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.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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In the midst of all the chaos in the world, it was a pleasure to speak to our Swag Spotlight artists this week, Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen. Both men have established profound careers in the Texas country scene in their own right with Randy Rogers Band and Wade Bowen music, but together, they are relatable, personable, and of course, make some great country music.
Rogers and Bowen both hail from Texas but grew up with a different attachment to music. For Rogers, music was always in his blood. “I grew up a son of a preacher,” he tells us, “ I was in church at a young age performing piano, guitar, and singing. […] I learned all the melodies of all those songs.” For Bowen, he showed his creative side by writing short stories and poems, calling himself “late” to music. “I didn’t really get into guitar until I was about 17,” he shared. Despite that notion, Bowen added, “I knew I wanted to play music.”
Little did either of the singers know, that they were soon to cross paths. When he was 19, Bowen started a band, playing gigs throughout college in towns like San Marcos, where Rogers went to school. After seeing Bowen gig, Rogers invited him and the band to come party with them, and the rest is history.
“I went up to them after the show and said I have a keg and they came over to my house […] and we were playing music until 5 in the morning most nights. And we started talking about stuff and playing music and stuff, and that was really it,” Rogers exclaims.
Flash forward to almost 20 years later, the two men have created some incredible traditional Texas country music together, as they promised each other years before. “We met through music,” they shared, “We’ve been friends ever since that night and made a pact that we were going to hang out and write songs and stick by each other’s side.”
Their newest record, HOLD MY BEER, VOL. 2 is slated for release this Friday. After a five year wait, fans can expect the record to be exactly what they need right now. For the men, the record and their projects together are a chance to challenge themselves through both the writing and recording processes. The newest record is all about having some fun.
“We focused on lifting people up and making people smile,” they shared, “That’s what this album’s about. Grab a beer with your friends and just listen to this record, and just have some fun.”
Despite not being able to tour just yet, the talented artists made the tough decision to keep their original album release date, and we are so glad they did. Music is something that inspires us all, and Rogers and Bowen truly embody that sentiment. “Country music is the blues,” Bowen shares, “It’s the blue-collar, the working man telling the story, it’s most times- it’s the stories of true life. People make country music a part of their lives. […] It’s crazy how songs just find their way into our lives.”
We are confident that when live music is played again and shows are scheduled, that country music fans, especially New York country music fans will come out in droves to support their favorite acts such as Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen because as Rogers says “We share the same passion for country.”
The Hero Collectionby NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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Many people thought this moment would never come. But in spite of 30 wasted years and countless bad decisions, the ’90s influenced country band, Hot Country Knights, have finally released their debut album, The K is Silent. Since signing a recording deal with Universal Music Group, the Knights have come riding in to save country music from itself, with the promise of resurrecting that real ’90s country sound that made so many fans fall in love with the genre.
“Some artists out there tried to put the ‘O’ back in country, that was a thing for a while….but what it’s really missing is the ‘T,’” front-man Douglas (“Doug”) Douglason said. “Country music has Low-T right now…it could use a pick me up, if you know what I mean. Those record label people over at Universal finally realized that only the Knights could be up to a task this big and hard.”
And big they went. This 10-track record begins with a song simply titled, “Hot Country Knights,” giving listeners a taste of the album’s sound, theme, and vibe. The song begins with the band members chanting the letters that spell out ‘Hot Country Knights’ behind a modest drum beat which transitions to steel and electric guitar. Listeners can also hear a lot of fiddle and keys throughout the song, bringing back classic country instruments that popularized country music in the 90s and have slowly faded on mainstream, country radio. The band sings “Ain’t nothing cooler than these Hot Country Knights,” referencing themselves and the party under the moonlight they so descriptively paint. You can also see the humor this group provides in the bridge when they purposely don’t rhyme their lines. “Hey pretty baby, you’re an eleven. It must’ve hurt when you fell from the sky. Fold up them wings ‘cause tonight I’m going to teach you how to soar.” This track is followed by the lead single, “Pick Her Up,” featuring ‘90s country star, Travis Tritt. In this song, Tritt and band give step-by-step instructions on how to show your lady friend the night of her life. The music video features ’90 television star, Tiffani Thiessen of NBC’s Saved by the Bell.
Next is the first of a few ballads on the record, “Asphalt.” This clever and well-written track is about a man who cannot commit to a relationship. The reasons why can be interpreted in a few different ways. Maybe he just loves the open road, or maybe he can’t resist a woman’s behind. Who’s to say? The Knights got to perform this song live on Jimmy Kimmel on February 3rd.
The boys pay tribute to Tracy Byrd and his famous “Watermelon Crawl” with the next track called “Moose Knuckle Shuffle.” When the band’s truck breaks down in the small and fictional town of Moose Knuckle, Tennessee, some of the female residents teach them the new dance craze called the Moose Knuckle Shuffle. It goes like this:
“Then It Rained” is another song that could be construed with two different meanings. The band’s bassist, Trevor Travis provides the vocals on this tune, singing over a melancholy guitar strum. He describes good situations like hearing George Strait on the jukebox and finding change under the pillow cushion, which ultimately leads to “it raining.” A fun, honkytonk track called “Wrangler Danger” follows. Douglason sings about how a pretty woman in Wrangler jeans can get a man into a lot of trouble.
“The way she shakes them W’s, oughta be a honkytonk crime. WRANGLER. DANGER. My heart’s in danger but I can’t leave a Wrangler’s behind”
“Mull It Over” is a song about heartbreak and the band uses play on words and their luscious hairstyles in an attempt to try and win back their former lovers. “Don’t cut me off. I swear I’ll love you longer than the hair on my shoulders,” Douglason pleads. “Oh baby, maybe you should mull it over.”
“You Make It Hard,” a duet ballad featuring Canadian singer-songwriter, Terri Clark and the very patriotic “The USA Begins with Us” close out the album. In “You Make It Hard,” Douglason and Clark sing about how difficult it is to leave each other, both on their hearts and other parts of the body. There are a few funny and not-so-subtle lines throughout the song such as “With an ache in my heart and blood rushing to my head,”“Boy I hate to see you so blue” and “Every inch of me is so into you.” “The USA Begins with Us” is more of a political speech than a song. Deep inside Douglason’s long, rambling dialogue, he states that no matter your age, sex, race, political views, etc., we’re all Americans and to overcome any large obstacle, we need to come together as a nation.
The band consists of Douglason, Travis, guitarist Marty Ray (“Rayro”) Roburn, Russian-born keytar/fiddle player Terotej (“Terry”) Dvoraczekynski, steel guitarist Barry Van Ricky and percussionist Monte Montgomery. 2020 ACM Male Artist of the Year nominee, Dierks Bentley took the Knights under his wing and had a huge impact on the making of this record. He produced all ten songs and has co-writes on seven of them. Other writers include Jim and Brett Beavers, Jon Nite, Brett Tyler, Jon Randall, Chase McGill, and many others.
“When [Dierks] first moved to town, he was struggling, and he saw us crushing a big venue,” Douglason claimed, although he can’t recall which Hooters’ parking lot it was. “We inspired him, so he thinks he’s paying us back in some way by offering to produce us–but we all know what’s really going on here. He’s trying to grab onto the old mullet and ride it as hard as he can.”
The showmanship and the passion for ’90s country was always there for the Hot Country Knights, they just lacked direction and motivation. Whether they want to admit it or not, they needed Bentley, and with his help, the Knights are more than a novelty. They’re here, and they’re here to stay.
The K is Silent 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.
The K is Silent Tracklist:
1. “Hot Country Knights” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Cassady Feasby, Ben Helson, Dan Hochhalter, Chase McGill, Steve Misamore, Jon Nite, Jon Randall, Tim Sergent, Brett Tyler, and Dierks Bentley)
2.”Pick Her Up” – Featuring Travis Tritt (Dierks Bentley, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers)
3. “Asphalt” (Jim Beavers, Jon Nite, and Brett Tyler)
4. “Moose Knuckle Shuffle” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Buddy Brock, Dan Hochhalter, Chase McGill, Zach Turner, and Brett Tyler)
5.”Then It Rained” (Brett Beavers, Jon Nite, and Jon Randall)
6.”Wrangler Danger” (Dierks Bentley, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers)
7.”Mull It Over” (Dierks Bentley, Jim Beavers, and Jon Randall)
8.”Kings Of Neon” (Dierks Bentley, Brett Beavers, and Chase McGill)
9. “You Make It Hard” -Featuring Terri Clark (Dierks Bentley, Brett Beaver, Jim Beavers, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Jon Randall, and Luke Wooten)
10. “The USA Begins With US” (Dierks Bentley, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers)
The Hero Collectionby NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/the-k-is-silent.jpg6301200Dylan Bestlerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDylan Bestler2020-05-01 00:21:442020-05-01 00:21:44NYCS First Impression: Hot Country Knights ‘The K Is Silent’
Recorded and scheduled for release prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenny Chesney’s Here and Now may just be the serendipitous album we can all use during these trying times. Marking his second release with Warner Music Nashville, Chesney’s new album is a collection of much-needed levity and optimism, executed like only Chesney can.
While Chesney co-produced the album with Buddy Cannon, who he previously joined forces with on 2018’s Songs for the Saints, Here and Now is a markedly different release. When speaking about the album in a statement, the country superstar revealed his goal for the album. “You know, it’s going to have a high fun factor,” he said. “People work hard, and need music that makes them smile, that kicks them into a happy place. There are also songs here that look at very specific people, that tell one person’s story, but it could be any of us. That’s the mark of a good song: let one person’s specific life say so much about a lot of people’s lives.”
The album opens with an exceptional one-two punch that can easily be envisioned as used to open a Chesney live show. The first track is the anthemic “We Do,” which is purely Chesney at his finest, celebrating the life of both a musician and a music fan. “Not really sure who’s lifting up who,” he sings here, encompassing the unique connection between performer, crew, and fans. Instantly, this song has improved our mood and made us excited for the return of live music.
The album’s title track continues the theme of the album, as does the later track, “Beautiful World,” both which celebrate the “here and now” of our “big ol’ beautiful world.” While the former is a carpe diem anthem about living in the moment and enjoying life, the latter celebrates our smallness in such a giant world. Both continue to offer a much-needed glimpse of optimism in light of everything else going on in the world.
While the album is full of levity, Chesney does tackle harder topics, and nowhere is that more well done than on the coming-of-age track, “Everyone She Knows.” Here, he sings of someone who’s caught in the delicate balance between being a girl and a woman, watching as the lives of those around her pass by. While her friends are getting married and having kids and buying houses, “She’s stuck between seventeen and everyone she knows.”
Lost love is on display too, as Chesney excels at mournful ballads with “Knowing You” and “You Don’t Get To.” On “Knowing,” he’s recalling that love he lost, but with a fondness, as he sings. “Knowing you, you’re still wild and free/ And knowing you/ You’re probably way over me…I’d do it all over/ ‘Cause damn it was good knowing you.”
Alternately, “You Don’t Get To” shows an angrier side of the usually breezy singer-songwriter, as he argues all the things that his ex isn’t entitled to. “You don’t get to kiss me and make it all better/ You don’t get to lay it all out in a letter/ Blame it on something, Break me like it’s nothing/ Just to love me back together.”
For Chesney, Here and Now shows a different side of the singer, as he’s embracing optimism and his fans in a whole new way. “When you’re this far into a career,” he says, “I think artists need to keep pushing themselves and the music without losing sight of who they are, or forgetting the people you make music for. No Shoes Nation is a very passionate place without borders; I get inspired every time I see and hear them. These are passionate people who work really hard. They make a difference in their community in all kinds of ways, giving back not so people think they’re good, but because that’s who they are and what they do. When they listen to music, they’re all in – and when they hear something they like, you can feel it in how they respond.”
While Chesney describes the songs on Here and Now as “Polaroids from the parking lots, back home, the islands, my friends’ lives,” there’s truly something magical in each and every track. “Every single one is someone I know, you know, or may even be – and right now, our friends are absolutely the most precious thing we have.”
Kenny Chesney – Here and Now tracklist:
1. “We Do”
2. “Here and Now”
3. “Everyone She Knows”
4. “Wasted”
5. “Knowing You”
6. “Heartbreakers”
7. “Someone to Fix”
8. “Happy Does”
9. “Tip of My Tongue”
10. “You Don’t Get To”
11. “Beautiful World”
12. “Guys Named Captain”
NYCS Picks:
1. We Do
2. Knowing You
3. Here and Now
Chesney has postponed the April and May dates of his Chillaxification Tour, but is still currently scheduled for an August 22 show at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For more tour dates and to keep up with Chesney, visit his official website or follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Here and Now 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.
The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
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