Back in October, hitmaker, Kane Brown released his top ten song, “Good As You” off his sophomore album, Experiment. The romantic and heartfelt song acted as the backdrop for Brown’s beautiful wedding to his now- wife, Katelyn Jae. Just yesterday, Brown premiered an equally as touching official music video for the track on CMT.
The singer has been open about his struggles growing up, but despite the challenges, he gives credit to his grandmother and mother for raising him into the man he is today. After honoring his wife previously, Brown honors the other most important women in his life and other strong women in his inspiring music video, which was directed by Reid Long and produced by Christen Pinkston. “This Is Us” star Lonnie Chavis plays the young boy in the video, who is representative of Brown as a child. The video’s unique approach to the love song is not only relatable but relays a powerful message.
The entertainer shared more about his creative process for the music video in a quick clip on his YouTube channel. “It’s awesome being raised by women because I can relate to them so much,” he shares, later explaining, “I feel like there’s a lot of scenes, where you can see how I was raised. This an awesome video that pays tribute to my Nana and my Mom.” He added in an interview with CMT, “To be able to honor them is incredible because no matter how much we struggled, my Mom and Nana never let me see it.”
Brown’s authenticity and sense of self continues to lace itself through his music, garnering him more and more success and recognition in the industry. He currently has four Billboard Music Award nominations, including Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, Top Country Album, and Top Country Song. The recording artist is also up for an ACM Award for Single of the Year for his platinum track “Heaven.”
Make sure you watch the ACM award show, broadcasting live, Sunday, April 7th on CBS to see if he wins! Don’t forget to check out, Brown’s live performance of “Good As You” too.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/good-as-you.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2019-04-05 13:28:222019-04-05 13:28:22Kane Brown Features ‘This Is Us’ Star Lonnie Chavis in “Good As You” Video
“Oh girl wash your face before you come to the table,” Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town sings, her emotive rasp immediately drawing listeners into the story of Little Big Town’s newest single, “The Daughters.” On the personal and ethereal-sounding track, the foursome is back to the roots of what makes them truly special. Here, their vocal harmonies and meaningful lyrics are on full display, backed by simple instrumentation.
Written by Fairchild, Sean McConnell, and Ashley Ray, the plaintive new track speaks to what it’s like growing up as a girl. Often told what to do, how to think, and how to be, this song reflects on that in the most brilliant of ways. “Girl, don’t be weak, but don’t be strong,” They sing of the challenges of growing up female. “Pose like a trophy on a shelf and dream for everyone but not yourself. I’ve heard of God the son and God the father, I’m still looking for a God for the daughters.”
If the slight lyric twist on the final chorus doesn’t break your heart, nothing will, as Fairchild emotionally sings, “Damn I love my son, I love my father, I’m just looking for a God for the daughters.”
The simple yet moving video for “The Daughters” was released today, and you can watch it below. It features female dancers, choreographed by Andrew Winghart.
Little Big Town will take the stage in Vegas this Sunday (April 7) to perform “The Daughters” at the ACM Awards. It is the first single from their forthcoming album.
“Daughters” 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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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LBT-The-Daugthers.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2019-04-05 11:18:032019-04-05 12:42:38Little Big Town Release Emotional Track “The Daughters”
It’s our favorite part of the week, New Music Friday! Today, we see the highly anticipated album REBOOT from Brooks & Dunn. Making their old hits brand new again, the best selling duo of all time have collaborated with artists like Midland, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Thomas Rhett and more on the hot new album. Additionally, we’ve got Reba’s brand new album Stronger Than The Truth, check out our First Impression Review here. We also see new music from rising artist Ingrid Andress, two new tracks from Adam Craig, a new single from Little Big Town and so much more.
Check out 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-45.jpg6301200Stephanie Wagnerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngStephanie Wagner2019-04-05 01:16:442019-04-05 01:16:44New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 4/5/19
Stoney Creek Records recording artist Adam Craig has been making his mark on country music with since his 2016 top 40 single on country radio “Just a Phase.” Today (April 5th) he is releasing not just one but two new singles, “If You’re Lucky” and “Whatever You’re Drinking To”. In both songs, Craig showcases his soulful voice and makes you want to go back to your hometown roots or open a cold one with friends.
“This is the first time that I’ve really met with publishers and got deep into the weeds in the new music process and it feels really good, I’m so excited to share this new music with the world,” said Craig in a recent press release. “The last couple of months I have been able to play these on the road and watching the crowd’s reaction has been amazing! They are so fun perform.”
The first single “If You’re Lucky” gives listeners as a throwback vibe to younger years and past moments in their hometowns. Penned by Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill the track tells the story of how people can take a look back to be thankful they were not afraid to live their lives to the fullest; be surrounded by people who love them and find their dreams, then they can be considered lucky.
His second track released today “Whatever You’re Drinking To” is for anyone looking to let loose and enjoy a drink whether going through a good time or a bad one. The song, written by Craig along with Matt Rogers and Michael Carter is an anthem and will definitely be a hit in during his live shows and will make you and your friends want to grab a cold one sometime real soon.
“If You’re Lucky” and “Whatever You’re Drinking To” 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.
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Warner Music Nashville’s newest recording artist, Ingrid Andress impressed us with her effortless voice and killer song-writing back in February, during an exclusive showcase. A few weeks later, the singer-songwriter released her empowering debut single, “Lady Like” to country radio. Today, as a follow up to the track, Andress released her powerful ballad, “More Hearts Than Mine,” one of the songs we previewed at the event.
Andress’ new song showcases some of the most uniquely cultivated and creative songwriting by a new artist. Co-written by the songstress with Sam Ellis and Derrick Southerland, she pours her heart into the personal track, drawing inspiration from her parents and past relationships. The relatable and honest lyrics tell the story of beginning a relationship with someone and knowing that if it doesn’t work out, that your family may feel just as hurt and impacted by the breakup. The track offers a different perspective to breakups and heartbreaks that seems fitting for both Andress’ vocals and style.
“If I bring you home to mama, I guess I better warn ya, she falls in love a little faster than I do / and my Dad will check your tires, pour you whiskey over ice and take you fishing but pretend that he don’t like you /, oh if we break up, I’ll be fine, but you’ll breaking more hearts than mine.”
As one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, it will be exciting to see how country music fans react to her unique talent and story-telling ability. We look forward to seeing how her career develops over the coming year.
“More Hearts Than Mine” 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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Almost immediately, one can sense that there’s something inherently different about Reba’s album, Stronger Than the Truth (out April 5). It speaks to the soul in a way most modern country albums fail to. On each of the collection’s twelve tracks, the famous redhead flexes her impeccable vocal talent, her distinct voice wrapping itself around each syllable and emotion in a way only a master of the craft can do. While many of her younger contemporaries rely heavily on pop beats, collaborations, and cookie cutter lyrics, Reba truly strikes a different chord on this release.
Stronger Than the Truth is truly a standout in a sea of sameness that seems to envelop Nashville much of the time. The indisputable legend is stronger than ever here, with an album that is country to its core. From the opening strains of “Swing All Night With You,” it’s evident that this isn’t an album targeted at country radio. It’s an album targeted at country fans.
Since the earliest days of her long and storied career, Reba has been a captivating storyteller. There are few other singers who could’ve delivered “Fancy,” “The Night the Lights When Out in Georgia” or “Whoever’s New England” with the same charisma and conviction. On her new album, Reba steps effortlessly back into those types of narratives, and in an era laden with beer and back roads, it’s a welcome change of pace.
An immediate standout of the album is “Cactus in a Coffee Can,” a track that hearkens back to the heyday of the story song. Here, Reba sings of a chance encounter with a brokenhearted stranger on an airplane. While the song title may seem silly at a glance, the song is incredibly well-crafted and moving. “She started talking and pain poured out,” Reba sings of the girl named Elaina, whose mother gave her away on the day she was born. She admits that she searched for her for ten years, finding her when “she was almost gone.” “We had two weeks together, to laugh and to cry, two weeks to say hello and goodbye.”
Heartbreak is a common theme throughout Stronger Than The Truth, threading its way through songs like “The Clown,” “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain,” and “The Bar’s Getting Lower.” On the latter, Reba plays the role of a woman who’s giving up hope on finding true love, willing to settle for something less than the best to ease her loneliness. She was waiting for pink champagne, but as life passes by, she’s willing to lower the bar and settle for “well whiskey.”
On the piano-driven “The Clown,” written by Dallas Davidson, Hillary Lindsey, and James Slater, Reba is a woman forced to put on a brave face as life goes on around her after heartbreak. “So you paint a big smile on your face to cover that frown,” She sings of a relationship being ended in a crowded restaurant. “In that room full of jokers and jesters, sometimes you’re the clown.”
While the ballads here are powerful, there’s no shortage of sass on Stronger Than the Truth. There’s the album’s opening track, the snappy “No U in Oklahoma” and the up-tempo “Storm in Shot Glass.” On “Storm,” Reba tells the tale of a scorned woman drowning her sorrows in alcohol. “You better run for cover,” She warns. “She’ll just order another.”
The album’s penultimate track is the anthemic “Freedom,” most remnant of Reba’s “Love Revival,” with it’s Gospel-tinged country stomp. Here, Reba is strong and empowered, belting “Loving you feels like freedom” over soaring guitars. Here, she’s revealing it all, realizing that she’s come out on the other side, and is finally free. “I’ve searched high and low/ Been to hell and back/ Been a prisoner to my soul / And all I know is that/ The price of being free/ It don’t come cheap.”
The album ends on a sweet note, a simple piano-driven ballad that’s a letter of gratitude to her 91-year-old mother, Jacqueline. “I’ve been told I’m not enough by everyone but you,” Reba reveals to the listener. “You never gave up on me/ I’m here where I was always meant to be/ I never gave up/ ‘Cause you never gave up on me.”
While it would be easy for the 64-year-old songstress to rest on her laurels and release same-ish music or cave to contemporary trends in an attempt to maintain relevance, there’s none of that here. On Stronger Than the Truth, Reba is authentically Reba, and that’s really all country music really needs right now.
Reba McEntire, Stronger Than the Truth Track Listing:
1. “Swing All Night Long With You” (Sidney Cox, Jon Randall)
2. “Stronger Than the Truth” (Hannah Louise Blaylock, Autumn McEntire)
3. “Storm in a Shot Glass” (Mary Browder, Will Robinson, Leslie Satcher)
4. “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” (Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, Shelley Skidmore)
5. “Cactus in a Coffee Can” (Steve Seskin, Allen Shamblin)
6. “Your Heart” (Kellys Collins)
7. “The Clown” (Dallas Davidson, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater)
8. “No U in Oklahoma” (Reba McEntire, Ronnie Dunn, Donna McSpadden)
9. “The Bar’s Getting Lower” (Kellys Collins, Erin Enderlin, Liz Hengber, Alex Kline)
10. “In His Mind” (Reba McEntire, Liz Hengber, Tommy Lee James)
11. “Freedom” (Jay Brunswick, Tommy Cecil, Jaida Dreyer, John Pierce)
12. “You Never Gave Up on Me” (Billy Aerts, Burton Collins)
Stronger Than the Truth 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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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/stronger-than-the-truth.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2019-04-05 00:20:242019-04-05 00:20:24NYCS First Impression Reba ‘Stronger Than The Truth’
Making their old hits new, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have gotten together with some of country music’s hottest acts to repurpose and reimagine their biggest songs in the new album REBOOT. It has been over a decade since the best selling duo of all time released new music and exactly 10 years since they released anything at all, their last album #1s…and then some was a compilation of their hits.
For fans who are new to loving the genre, they may not be familiar with the duo or any of their songs however Brooks & Dunn have shaped the landscape of country music and helped cultivate and influence the artists that you know and love today. This new project allows fans of Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde and so many more really dig into these tracks otherwise may have been lost on them.
Released first and prior to the full album, Luke Combs and Kane Brown’s contributions (“Brand New Man” and “Believe”) gave fans a taste of what to expect from REBOOT, without changing the songs melodically, they breathed new life into them. “What’s really intriguing to me is that we didn’t do any production meetings about how we might cut these things,” Kix Brooks said in a recent press release. “We kind of just went in, and it morphed in the process.”
Choosing which songs out of their twenty, that’s right twenty number one hits, couldn’t have been easy but each track shows a different side of the duo’s outstanding discography. A standout on the record is “Ain’t Nothin’ Bout You” which features Brett Young’s soulful and sultry vocals. Young starts the song with the familiar lyrics, sonically slowing things down to accentuate the words, changing things just a bit, instead of singing to the girl, they are singing about her to each other. The addition of a saxophone solo adds a sexy spunk to the vibe, making this track one of the best on the record.
Currently one of the most talked about country acts, Kacey Musgraves who humbly took home Album of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards is featured on “Neon Moon”. Her sweet voice highlights the buzzing neon signs in bars that will always welcome you back when experiencing heartbreak. The decision to have a female voice adds so much to the two tracks on the record, the ACM New Female of the Year Ashley McBryde adds her grit and unique vocals to “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”.
Possibly one of their most popular songs, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is energized by Grammy-nominated Midland who’s debut album is filled with songs just like their cover for REBOOT. Their version is perfect for dance halls and bars across America.
While every song on the record is an absolute proven gem, when Texas native, Cody Johnson starts off the last chorus alone on “Red Dirt Road” over a quiet acoustic guitar, it will make you fall in love with the song that has been a classic since its release in 2003.
It was just recently revealed that Brooks & Dunn will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year. Making timeless hits brand new again, fans Brooks & Dunn and fans of these modern day country artists will have a record to blast for years to come.
REBOOT 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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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/brooksanddunn.jpg6301200Christina Boschhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngChristina Bosch2019-04-05 00:13:332019-04-05 10:25:44NYCS First Impression Brooks & Dunn Feature New Artists On ‘REBOOT’
Earlier this morning (Apr 4), Grammy award-winning country duo Dan + Shay and Grammy-winning, superstar Kelly Clarkson lent a hand on TODAY to exclusively announce the 2019 Billboard Music Awards nominations.
Nominees and winners for the award shows are chosen based on sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement throughout the charting period of March 23rd, 2018 through March 7th, 2019.
Dan + Shay lead the country music genre with seven nominations, two of which are general categories, including Billboard Chart Achievement Award which was previously won by Taylor Swift in 2015. Kane Brown, Jason Aldean and our 2017 Artist to Watch Luke Combs additionally earned multiple country category nominations, while Maren Morris and Florida Georgia Line’s hit crossover collaborations with Zedd and Grey and Bebe Rexha are nominated for Top Radio Song.
Clarkson will return to her hosting duties for the second year in a row on the star-studded night as the 2019 Billboard Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, May 1st at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Below is a full list of nominations for the categories mentioned.
Billboard Chart Achievement Award:
Dan + Shay
Drake
Ariana Grande
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Dua Lipa
Top Duo/Group:
BTS
Dan + Shay
Imagine Dragons
Maroon 5
Panic! At The Disco
Top Country Artist:
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Top Country Male Artist:
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Top Country Female Artist:
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood
Top Country Duo/Group:
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Shania Twain
Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean “Rearview Town”
Kane Brown “Kane Brown”
Luke Combs “This One’s For You”
Dan + Shay “Dan + Shay”
Carrie Underwood “Cry Pretty”
Top Country Song:
Kane Brown “Heaven”
Luke Combs “She Got the Best of Me”
Dan + Shay “Speechless”
Dan + Shay “Tequila”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line “Meant to Be”
Top Radio Song:
Khalid & Normani “Love Lies”
Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B “Girls Like You”
Post Malone “Better Now”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line “Meant to Be”
Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey “The Middle”
Top Dance/Electronic Song:
DJ Snake ft. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B “Taki Taki”
Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa “One Kiss”
Marshmello & Bastille “Happier”
Tiësto & Dzeko ft. Preme & Post Malone “Jackie Chan”
Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey “The Middle”
Cover Photo Courtesy of @danandshay on Instagram
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/bbma-noms.jpg6301200Danielle Tornatorehttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDanielle Tornatore2019-04-04 19:08:262019-04-04 19:08:26Country Stars Nominated for Billboard Music Awards
The 54th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards are Sunday night (April 7th), and it’s going to be the ultimate country party. With more performers than ever including never-before-seen pairings of our favorite artists, here are some things to watch for this weekend as country music descends on Las Vegas.
Reba’s Reprise. Country legend Reba McEntire is back for the third year in a row to emcee the festivities. This year’s show marks her 16th time hosting or co-hosting the show – talk about a legacy! McEntire is also among the list of performers.
Baby fever. There may be more diaper talk than usual in red carpet interviews this year. Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen, Midland’s Jess Carson, and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard are just some of the country stars who either recently expanded their families or are expecting in the coming year.
Collabs, collabs, collabs. Live performances are always a highlight of awards shows, but this year our favorite artists are teaming up to blow our minds with some incredible collaborations. The lineup includes Dierks Bentley with Brandi Carlile, Brooks & Dunn with Luke Combs, Dan + Shay with Kelly Clarkson, Khalid with Kane Brown, Maren Morris with Brothers Osborne, Eric Church with Ashley McBryde, and Florida Georgia Line with Jason Aldean.
Ultimate couple goals. Country artists don’t just sing about great love, they seem to find it in each other too! Kelsea Ballerini and Morgan Evans, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd, and our newest country couple, Carly Pearce and Michael Ray to name a few, are bound to give us all the feels on the carpet and in the audience. Those who go to awards shows together stay together, that’s how the saying goes, right?
New music. Little Big Town has already announced they’ll be debuting song, “The Daughters” on the show, but that may not be our only first taste of new music. Rumor has it Carrie Underwood might also premiere a new single, especially after she introduced, “Cry Pretty” on last year’s ACMs as her official comeback performance after a nasty injury in 2017.
Jason Aldean’s top prize. With 13 ACM awards, 29 nominations and 22 career #1 hits, it’s no wonder Jason Aldean is being honored this year with the sixth Dick Clark Artist of the Decade award. Past recipients include Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, Alabama, Garth Brooks, and George Strait. Aldean will accept the award and perform during the live broadcast.
Up and coming artists. In addition to the greats we’ll see on stage and in the audience this weekend, newer faces will also be on display. Jimmy Allen, Runaway June, Brantley Gilbert, Maddie and Tae, Easton Corbin, Tracy Lawrence, King Calaway, Chase Rice, and LOCASH are all playing throughout the weekend at affiliate ACM events for fans who make the trek to Sin City. Check out some of the artists that NYCountry Swag has championed throughout their careers who have either been nominated or won awards in the past here.
For the list of performances that have been announced click here and for all of the nominees, head here.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ACM-Awards-Piece.jpg6301200Abby Kaye-Phillipshttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngAbby Kaye-Phillips2019-04-04 12:59:392019-04-04 12:59:39What To Look Out For at This Year’s ACM Awards
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/2019/04/heart-beats-for-country.jpg6301200Abby Kaye-Phillipshttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngAbby Kaye-Phillips2019-04-04 09:34:572019-09-11 21:59:56NYCountry Swag’s 35 Signs Your Heart Beats For Country Music
