5 Classic Songs That Are Twenty Years Old This Year

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For many of us, 1999 may not seem that long ago but nonetheless, it’s been 20 years since then. 90’s country was at its tail end and the 2000s was just around the corner, resulting in a unique blend of two decades of country music influenced of the past 9 years and foreshadowing the what the new century of country music would bring. Since then there has been lots of great music, but a few 1999 hits have become classics that are still loved.

 

“How Forever Feels” is one of many hits Kenny Chesney has had and the subject matter is a little different than many of his other successful songs. The relatability about settling down and doing “one thing that I haven’t done” is a key factor as to why this song is still just as relevant now as it was when it was released.

 

“Man I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain is by far one of the most iconic girls night jams that is still a go-to on a night out with gal pals. “The best thing about being a woman/Is the prerogative to have a little fun” It without a doubt was ahead of its time with how upbeat and pop-influenced it is, in addition to the girl-power focused lyrics. We can guarantee you will sing along when you hear the songstress sing “Let’s Go Girls”

 

“Write This Down” by George Strait is the epitome of an adorable country love song, “Baby, write this down, take a little note to remind you in case you didn’t know,/Tell yourself I love you and I don’t want you to go, write this down.” The simple, upbeat, message has led it to become a cultural reference and sing-along song.

 

“Something Like That” by Tim McGraw has endured on over the past 20 years in a way of its own, that any true country fan knows. Even after so many years, it is still frequently covered by other artists at concerts providing for even more memorable moments to be made to the song. “Like an old photograph/Time can make a feeling fade/But the memory of the first love/Never fades away.”

 

“Breathe” by Faith Hill is the song that really seemed to put her on the map for many, so it’s easy to see why this song is still a favorite. Additionally, the lyrics and music video went in a direction that was uncommon for the genre and definitely pushed the limits. But after this hit “There’s nothing left to prove” and it’s been a classic, sensual love song since then.

 

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Country Artists Take Home iHeartRadio Music Awards

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The 6th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards took place Thursday night at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by T-Pain, many artists were on display such as Halsey, Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, The Backstreet Boys, John Legend as well country artists including Kacey Musgraves who sang her current hit single, “Rainbow” and Garth Brooks who performed a melody of a bunch of his hits over the years. Country music winners included Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Taylor Swift, and Brooks.

 

Brooks was honored with Artist of the Decade for his tremendous success in country music over the last ten years. In 2001, Brooks retired from recording and touring to raise his kids. In 2009, he got back into music and has now sold over 148 million albums, more than any solo artist in any genre. iHeartRadio DJ, Bobby Bones asked Brooks backstage what else is left for him to accomplish and he had this to say: “People go ‘what’s on your bucket list?’ and the only thing up there is one more day like today; this is a great way to live.”

Luke Combs took home Country Artist of the Year. Combs had a big 2018 as last year’s iHeartRadio New Country Artist of the Year released his deluxe version of This One’s For You which featured singles “She Got The Best Of Me” and the current number one song on the Billboard Country Airplay chart “Beautiful Crazy”. In a category with well-established stars in country music such as Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, and Jason Aldean, Combs was very modest on receiving this award.

“To have been nominated for this award with Carrie, Jason, Luke and Thomas was humbling enough…But to win it?!” the Country Artist of the Year said via Twitter. “I’m at a loss for words. Thank you to the best fans in the world and to all of my friends at iHeart Radio. I’m forever grateful.”

Aldean, however, did not walk away empty-handed as the three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year won the Country Album of the Year. Rearview Town is currently certified gold in the US and has four singles: “You Make It Easy”, “Drowns The Whiskey”, “Girl Like You” and his most recent single “Rearview Town.” The first three all reached a number one spot.

The Country Song of the Year went to Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be”. The song broke the record for most consecutive weeks (50) at number one on the Hot Country Song chart, previously held by Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road”. Maren Morris took home the Song of the Year along with Zedd and Grey for their pop hit “The Middle”.

Jordan Davis won the New Country Artist of the Year. The “Take It From Me” singer released his debut album, Home State in March of last year. Davis co-wrote all twelve songs on the album, including his two number one tracks “Singles You Up” and most recently “Take It From Me”.

Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour won Tour of Year. Although Swift is classified as pop now, we still wanted to give her a shout out for her success in country music in the past. Swift sold out all 53 shows on the tour (which were huge football stadiums) and generated over $300 million in ticket sales.

You can see many of these artists and more at the Academy of Country Music Awards April 7th on CBS. To view the list of nominees, click here.

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Cale Dodds Newest Single “I Like Where This Is Going”

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Cale Dodds

Cale Dodds was one of our 2018 Artists To Watch and we love supporting any new music he comes out with. His blend of childhood heroes such as Tom Petty with his unique taste, his songs never let the fans down. Since signing with Warner Music Nashville, Dodds has released eight original songs including some of our personal favorites “Take You Back” and “Where I Get It From”. His newest single “I Like Where This Is Going” is opening a new chapter for Dodds as he continues to create his own style. Co-written by talented songwriters Nicolle Galyon and busbee, Dodd’s new single is an uptempo and steamy song about romance and the excitement of where love might lead.

“The needle ain’t on the vinyl yet but I’m dropping it cause you’re already starting to dance / It kinda feels like this whole night is in slow motion / I like where this is going”

Dodds’ songs have always been a personal anthem for him and the stories he has from growing up. While the storyline of the songs he releases may be about his life, every fan that listens can connect and this latest one is no different. “I’ve always been a fan of guys like Merle Haggard and Bruce Springsteen,” he says in a recent press release. “They would paint this world through music that you could live in, even if you’d never lived in it yourself, and that’s what I want to do.”

Getting ready to head on tour with Chase Rice and many other huge dates this year Dodds is committed to giving fans something to remember. You can stay up to date on all of his latest shows, music, and more on his website or socials.

“I Like Where This Is Going” 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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New Country Music Friday – The Playlist 3/15/19

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It’s that time of the week again… New Music Friday! Today, we see brand new tracks from Jake Owen, Rachel Wammack, Reba, Parmalee, LOCASH and so much more.

Lauren Jenkins released her debut EP, No Saint. Rising star and Live Swag Session alumn, Renee Blair released a brand new song called “Better Off”, which she played for us during our live back in January. Another Live Swag Session Alumn, Cale Dodds released “I Like Where This Is Going”. Additionally, yet another past Live Swag Session guest, Walker Hayes has released two remixes to “90’s Country” and “You Broke Up With Me”.

Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:

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NYCS First Impression: Lauren Jenkins ‘No Saint’

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Lauren Jenkins

Almost 3 years after releasing her debut EP, Lauren Jenkins: The Nashville Sessions, Big Machine Records recording artist Lauren Jenkins released her debut studio album today entitled, No Saint. The Texas-born, Carolina raised singer-songwriter has been named an artist to watch by The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and was also chosen as a member of the ‘Class of 2019’ by influential radio DJ Bobby Bones. Jenkins co-wrote on each of the 10 tracks with a variety of songwriters, including some of Nashville’s biggest names, Ross Copperman, Liz Rose, and Shane McAnally. She also co-produced on 6 out of 10 tracks on the record.

That’s not all, she recently debuted her original short film titled ‘Running Out Of Road’ at Sundance, in which she wrote, co-produced and starred in to accompany the release of her debut album. The country newcomer has a passion for storytelling, putting out a record that gives you all the feels. Showing that she not only has the radio-friendly singles but the songs that have raw emotion exposing herself completely to her audience. She combines traditional country roots with Americana influences while showing off her unique vocals and powerful lyrics, giving everyone a well-balanced breakup album.

The record opens to a strong start with the lead single, “Give Up The Ghost,” giving off the ultimate rock vibe while telling the story about her lover’s former flame interfering with their present relationship. “You wanna be my future, I see it in your eyes / But the past still haunts you, even after all this time / She’s drivin’ you crazy and it’s makin’ me lose my mind” She then moves into a fun uptempo song about unrequited love called, “You’ll Never Know.” It’s a song we can all relate to, liking someone from afar without them ever knowing.

After, she slows it down to one of the songs she had previously released, “Maker’s Mark And You.” Her raspy vocals and unfiltered lyrics tell a story about the lows in life, singing about the three things she gravitates to, to make her feel better, “Maker’s Mark, Marlboros, and you,” before realizing it’s not the best decision and having to quit once again. The next track, “Payday” brings out her traditional country roots, creating a radio-friendly tune about hitting the bar to make the pain go away. “All this whiskey in my veins / No more heartache / No more heartbreak / I’ll be okay / Drinkin’ my payday away”

Slowing it down once again, the next two songs on the record are ones she had released in anticipation of the album coming out. The fifth song is her title track, “No Saint.” Her grainy whispers to smooth vocals set the tone for this track. Making it her most honest and vulnerable song yet, not holding back while she is grappling with forgiveness.  Jenkins is telling a story confessing her flaw of not being able to forgive someone in a past relationship while at the same time saying it is okay not to be perfect. “If there’s a cure for bein’ pure again / I can’t find it anywhere / And I don’t wanna hate you / Heaven says I need to forgive you / But I ain’t no saint”

The next song is the title track of  her original short film, “Running Out Of Road.” Keeping the pace from the last song, this is a mid-tempo ballad once again showing off her gritty vocals and her songwriting. Telling a story about persistence, that memories will follow you wherever you go but you have to keep going even when there is no road left to be traveled. “I keep tryin’ to find the place where I won’t find your ghost / But I keep runnin’, I keep runnin’ / Runnin’ out of road”

The last four songs on the album have been out since 2016, originally debuting on her EP.  Being reintroduced on her first full-length album, the seventh song is called “Cadillac.” This track is a breath of fresh air with its easy-going melody and soft vocals. It’s a song about hitting the road and taking life as it goes. The next song, “My Bar” switches it up with its catchy upbeat tune with a rocker edge to it. It’s a song about being invaded by your ex with their new girlfriend, taking over the one space they know is yours. “You got the girl, you got your car / You get to say you broke my heart / Baby, now you have gone too far / Ain’t gonna let you take my bar”

Nearing the end of the album the ninth song “All Good Things” is sure to be a hit. She joined forces with co-writers, Ross Copperman, Blair Daly, and Shane McAnally to create a positive song about not letting anyone take your happiness anyway. The songs entrancing melody brings together all three co-writers to sing back up, their voices harmonizing perfectly. Jenkins then closes out the record with the ballad “Blood”, slowing it down to show off her authentic musicianship and songwriting. She sings about watching someone close to her fall victim to drugs and alcohol.  “Rippin’ all your veins out won’t change a thing / Paintin’ angels black won’t wash away your pain / Dyin’s no way to prove we’re not the same / The blood in you is the blood in me”

For Jenkins first full-length studio album she did not hold back. No Saint showcases her unbelievable creativity and passionate storytelling while capturing her unique vocals.  No Saint is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Make sure to take a listen below and to keep up on all things Lauren Jenkins, follow her on Instagram.

No Saint 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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Maren Morris iHeartRadio ‘GIRL’ Album Release Show

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Maren Morris has been promoting and celebrating the release of her sophomore album, GIRL, right here in New York City all week long. This past Monday night (Mar 11th) the songstress partnered with iHeartRadio to throw an official intimate album release party at the iHeartRadio Theater. Hosted by country radio DJ Bobby Bones, Morris performed three of her biggest hits from HERO, as well as seven brand new songs from GIRL.

Kicking the night off with the album’s title track, the Texas native gave a bit of insight behind the song’s writing process, “No one really wants to have those days where they don’t like themselves and I was having one when I wrote that song. And I just felt like it was a really therapeutic co-write that day.” She also shared one of the co-writers, Sarah Aarons also wrote her pop hit collaboration with Zedd, “The Middle.”

Transitioning into the song that she claims changed her life, “My Church” was up next. Bones asked Morris about how much her life had changed in the past three years, since releasing her debut record back in 2016. “I still have my sass and Texan in me, but I also have gotten married in the last year, fallen in love and so there’s a lot more love on this record represented [..] but also the industry’s changed, the culture of music has changed this year, I just felt Iike I wanted to put something out that’s honest and uplifting because it’s crazy times and I felt like this was a good medicinal record to put out.”

After performing her first ever number one hit“I Could Use A Love Song,” Morris transitioned into two brand new tracks, “The Bones” and “All My Favorite People.” The songstress revealed that when she played demos for this record to family and friends, each one insisted “The Bones” to be featured on the album. She co-wrote “All My Favorite People” with her husband, Ryan Hurd, in which she shared some insight into their professional relationship, “My husband and I met writing songs so it doesn’t ever feel weird to have that part of our relationship be creative and professional. We love writing songs.”

The powerhouse vocalist continued the night with “The Feels” and her seductive new song “RSVP,” which she told the crowd was intended to have country lyrics and the sound of a 90s R&B track. Before performing “Shade,” Morris told the crowd she purposefully placed it as the last track on GIRL, saying it was a perfect period at the end of her sentence, so to speak.

Wrapping up the evening with the nostalgic tribute to music, “A Song For Everything” and “Rich,” the singer-songwriter continuously thanked the audience for showing up and singing along, as well as iHeartRadio for putting on such an unforgettable event.

Morris will head back to New York City this spring, as part of her headlining ‘GIRL: The World Tour.’ Lucky for us New Yorkers, we will have two chances to catch the live show; Friday, May 3rd at Brooklyn Steel and Saturday, May 4th at Terminal 5. Tickets are available now. Visit https://www.marenmorris.com for all information.

Be sure to tune into the iHeartRadio Music Awards tonight, airing live on FOX at 8 p.m. to catch Morris presenting and hopefully taking home some awards of her own.

 

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Jimmie Allen Makes his Good Morning America Debut with “21”

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This morning, 2019 ACM Award Nominee for New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen performed “21” from his album Mercury Lane on ABC’s Good Morning America. Amy Robach introduced Allen and said, “We are back with rising country star Jimmie Allen – his debut album Mercury Lane features the number one single “Best Shot.” “Jimmie is making history actually as the first black artist to launch his career with a number one song on country radio, and here he is performing “21.”

With a casual baseball cap and a stylish coat, Allen rocked out with his band with an energizing performance of “21.” The up-tempo fast track song with easily relatable lyrics speak of going down memory lane, and longing to be young again with the chorus:

“Twenty-one, I can see it like a picture / Up on the hood of my truck with a sixer / Hangin’ with the boys talkin’ ’bout girls / Slow-mo watchin’ this world go round and round this nowhere town / Somewhere between forever and young, twenty-one”

Allen ended things on a high note, literally, showing off his dramatic vocals and wowing the audience with his incredible performance. In addition to the already popular fan favorite “21,” and Allen’s No. 1 hit “Best Shot,” his latest single “Make Me Want To” is climbing the charts and was the most added at country radio in its first week. The undeniably talented singer-songwriter recently finished up supporting Kane Brown on his Live Forever Tour and will be joining Chris Young on his Raised on Country Tour, as well as Rascal Flatts’ Summer Playlist Tour. Be sure to check out his performance and see him out on the road. For more information go to www.jimmieallenmusic.com.

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NY/NJ Country Fans – Don’t Miss Jason Aldean This Summer!

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Access presale tickets Thursday, 3/14 at 10AM
presale code: SWAG

Summer 2019 just got a little better for New York/New Jersey country music fans. Three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean announced that the Ride All Night Tour will hit the area on Saturday, May 18th at PNC Bank Arts Center and Friday, September 6th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.

Along for the ride are heavy hitter openers, Kane Brown and Carly Pearce while Dee Jay Silver will spin hits in between sets. Tickets for the NY/NJ dates officially go on sale this Friday, 3/15, but NYCountry Swag followers can grab theirs early on this Thursday, March 14th at 10AM with presale code: SWAG. Click here to grab yours.

For a full list of tour dates, visit jasonaldean.com and make sure you’re following @NYCOUNTRYSWAG on Instagram, so you don’t miss any upcoming announcements, ticket giveaways and more.

 

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What We’re Listening To: March Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our March picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

MARCH PICKS:

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere” – Chad Brownlee
Songwriters: Cary Barlowe, Donovan Woods, Todd Clark

This month I’m listening to Chad Brownlee’s “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere”. The song paints the picture of making that first move whether in a dive bar, on a train, in a crowded room, etc… the idea that for any relationship to begin, it’s got to start somewhere, anywhere first. 

“I know what you must think /Another guy tryin’ to buy your drink / Two for one on a Tuesday /
How can a good thing start this way / Well it could end up anywhere / Forever’s gotta start somewhere”

I love the idea behind these lyrics and paired with the catchy rhythm of the song, it makes it easy to sing along to and keep on repeat.”

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Ten Year Town” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Brandy Clark and Hailey Whitters 

“I’m twelve years into a ten-year town”  That is the opening line of this incredible song. From the moment I heard it the day it was released, I knew it would be my pick this month.  Hailey Whitters moved to Nashville when she was just 17 years old and has been paying her dues since the day she got there. In a time when pop production has taken over the country genre, this track is simple and Whitters’ voice is delicate, almost melancholy as she explains the struggles she’s dealt with.

“Waiting tables another month, waitin’ on that break to come / all it’s ever done is break my heart”

Whether it’s a songwriter like Whitters who is waiting for that big break, just like a ton of artists in Nashville or co-writer, Brandy Clark who has been nominated for six Grammys but can’t get airplay on country radio, we are all looking to find our little place in this industry.  For me, this track can resonate with anyone waiting for validation in any career, music industry or not.

“Payin’ dues don’t pay the bills / Dreams come true, and I think mine will / lesser fools would have given up, they don’t go for broke like a dreamer does, ya gotta get back up when you get knocked down, I’m twelve years into a ten-year town, this next song could turn it all around”

I hope that I can be a small part of allowing others to hear this song and to take notice of amazing artists and songwriters striving for the spotlight.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Chapters” – Brett Young feat. Gavin DeGraw
Songwriters: Brett Young, Ross Copperman, and Gavin DeGraw

Like Young, I am also a huge Gavin DeGraw fan. He has always been one of my favorite artists so I was very excited to see him on Ticket to LA’s track listing.

“Chapters” is a true story about Brett Young’s life and his love for baseball growing up. Young received offers from Tampa Bay and Minnesota after high school but turned them down to play in college. However, an elbow injury ended his career which made him get into songwriting. Clearly, it worked out well for him, but his ability to turn the page and start a new chapter is what got him through that tough time in his life. Young and DeGraw explain throughout this very powerful and moving song that just because things didn’t work out the way you intended, doesn’t mean you failed; God had a plan the whole time.

“Every page you’ve turned is a lesson learned / And we all, and we all, just tryna get it right /
These are the chapters of my life.”

Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Brand New Man” – Brooks & Dunn feat. Luke Combs
Songwriters: Don Cook, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn

“Brand New Man” by Brooks & Dunn is one of my favorite country songs. I grew up listening to it with my family during BBQs in the summertime. When I heard that Luke Combs was going to be a part of a reboot for the song I couldn’t contain my excitement. I heard Combs cover this song the first time I saw him live and let me tell you, he does an awesome job and the crowd sings every word with him. Having one of your favorite artists cover a song you love is one of my favorite moments at a show. He’s such a great addition to this song and I’ve had it on repeat since it was released.

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Keep Abilene Beautiful” – Carlton Anderson
Songwriters: Carlton Anderson, Tom Douglas, Tony Lane

“You don’t have to be from Abilene or Texas to love this song. It’s lyrical, vocal and (traditional-leaving) instrumental perfection, evoke a very palpable sense of longing for the familial and familiar warmth we’re sometimes too far away from. And, needless to say, Carlton’s performance of this personified song coupled with his personal connection to the said city in Texas really bolsters the impact “Keep Abilene Beautiful” has on our heartstrings. Personally, I’m rooting for this to be his next single at country radio. With the standing ovation, he got at his Opry debut and the reaction this song is seeing, it could very well be a career-defining one for him— if given the chance to be heard on the radio.”

 

Taylor Felvey, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sad Song” – Mike Ryan
Songwriters: Mike Ryan, Brent Anderson, and Clint Lagerberg

“San Antonio native, Mike Ryan gives a soulful take on a love song on his Album Blink You’ll Miss It.  The ballad tells the story of a love affair caught in a vicious cycle. It’s a relationship that’s headed nowhere, and will certainly end in heartbreak as the lyrics take you through the tumultuous situation.

“I watched the taxi cab take you away / I was the one left alone in the rain / I’ve drained a few bottles /
Stared a hole through my phone / I’ve come to grips with the fact that you’re gone /
And here you are standing in tears at my door / I don’t know what to tell you / I’ve heard this one before”

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Try Saying Goodbye” – John King
Songwriters: Paul DiGiovanni, John King

“I have always loved John King’s upbeat songs from “Tonight, Tonight” to “Heat Wave” although I feel King has never got the attention he deserves. As an amazing songwriter, including Randy Houser’s “We Went”, his newest slow song “Try Saying Goodbye” hits a new chord. The song explores the difficulties of relationships and singing in the chorus, King thought sorry was going to be the hardest thing he would have to say, turns out goodbye is. The main theme of the song is to not take things for granted and be okay with admitting when you are wrong, never letting your pride get in the way.

With such a powerful message, I thought I could not be more compelled to press replay, but I was wrong. The paired music video was also done so well and certainly makes you emotional listening to the song and reflecting back on your own past relationships. Looking ahead, King has new music in the works for the coming year and I cannot be more excited to support him as an independent artist.”

 

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain” – Reba
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Mark Narmore, and Shelley Skidmore

“In country music, there are few voices that are as instantly recognizable as Reba’s. In the weeks leading up to the release of her new album, Stronger Than the Truth, the Queen of Country has been releasing a string of new tracks, each showing a different side of the superstar. On “Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain,” co-written by the genius that is Brandy Clark, Reba sings of a cheating man, admitting that “standing by your man, well that’s a broken plan.” Lyrically, the song is absolutely brilliant, weaving in and referencing various Wynette songs to tell the tale of a broken heart. However, it’s Reba’s delivery that makes the song a true masterpiece, as you can absolutely hear the sorrowful ache in her voice. Knowing that Reba went through her own divorce a few years ago, it’s hard not to wonder if she drew upon her own heartache when recording the song. Either way, it’s a powerful performance that once again reestablishes her as the undisputed Queen of the genre.”

 

Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Gone West” – Gone West
Songwriters: Colbie Caillat, Danelle Reeves, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young

“I’ve absolutely loved the message in “Gone West” by Gone West. Although it can be difficult to leave what you’ve always known the adventure can be worth risking it all, “Sailin’ off to search the islands / Gone west for somethin’ new.”

Additionally, the harmonies with folk undertones are what initially drew me to the song as I have a proclivity for loving harmony bands. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Gone West.”

 

Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Give Up The Ghost” – Lauren Jenkins
Songwriters: Emily Shackleton and Lauren Jenkins 

“From the moment I first heard Lauren Jenkins’ song “Give Up The Ghost” off her soon to be released debut album, No Saint, I instantly fell in love with it. From the very first listen I knew this was going to be one of my go-to songs to sing at the top of my lungs while blasting in my car. She combines the essence of rock and country into this song creating the ultimate jam, while the lyrics tell a story about a former flame causing a disruption in a present relationship.

“I know I could make you happy / Baby, if you’d only let me / But two of us is one too many / Open the door and set her free / Give up the ghost, hold onto me”

It’s my favorite song released from the album so far and I can’t wait for No Saint to come out this Friday!”

Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer

Pick: “To Hell and Back” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Maren Morris, Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz

“I’ve had Maren Morris’ new album GIRL on repeat all month long and I absolutely love every single song, but this one sticks out to me as being the most vulnerable track on the record. The story told in this one is so beautiful. It’s about a partner’s willingness to love you fully and freely and I just love everything about it.”

“You didn’t save me / You didn’t think I needed saving / You didn’t change me/
You didn’t think I needed changing / My wings are frayed and what’s left of my halo’s black /
Lucky for me, your kind of heaven’s been to hell and back”

 

Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ol Muddy River” – Dee White
Songwriters: Dee White

“This month, I have Dee White’s “Ol’ Muddy River” on repeat. I heard White and his band perform last year when opening for Ashley McBryde and I was hooked on this song ever since he sang it live.  “Ol Muddy River” is a classic vintage country song with a catchy guitar twang and fiddle.  White singlehandedly penned “Ol’ Muddy River’ and tells a story about going to a river that brings him peace and tranquility.  He sings about his admiration for a place where he can go to escape problems with lyrics:

“All my life’s been wild like the river, so he and I really get along just fine /
Everything’s easy at the Ol’ Muddy River / You know that’s where I like to spend all of my time”

When I listen to “Ol’ Muddy River,” I can easily picture myself fishing and not worrying about a thing!  White released his debut album Southern Gentleman on March 1st, and a week later he made his debut at The Grand Ole Opry.  I am so excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for him!”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “A Song For Everything” – Maren Morris
Songwriters: Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz, Maren Morris

“My March song pick came super easy this month.  The second I heard Maren Morris’ sophomore album GIRL, I instantly fell in love with the nostalgic ballad “A Song for Everything.” It is everything I never knew I always needed in a song. The song is essentially an ode to music for always being there for us, as we go through good and bad experiences in life.

“When I was looking for the words / Somebody said it first like they knew me / They were singing right to me /
One danced you through love / One rocked you through lonely / Mixtaped your heartbreak and made you feel holy / For the hits and the misses / For the fire and rain / Close your eyes and listen /
‘Cause there’s a song for everything, yeah / There’s a song for everything / There’s a song for everything”

Ironically, I’m sure that this song will be one of those memorable tracks that I attach to future experiences for a long time coming. Thank you to Maren Morris and her co-writers for penning this monumental song.”

Listen to our picks on our “What We’re Listening To” playlist on Spotify and be sure to give it a follow, so you can catch our monthly updates.

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King Calaway Strip Down “World For Two” and “No Matter What”

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We first introduced you to the Nashville based band, King Calaway, when they played a sold-out show exclusively for New York Country Swag followers back in January. Now as more and more people start to take notice of the incredible musicians and artists that make up the 6-piece band, they continue to rise in popularity.

Kicking off the week, the boys of King Calaway claimed the title of Most Added song at country radio with their debut single “World For Two”.  The song is the first release from their debut self-titled EP. They also released two live performance videos on Vevo for “World For Two” and “No Matter What”.

In both videos the band is seen stripping down their songs in a white room, sitting around just doing what they do best, playing their instruments and harmonizing to the addictive tracks. “The six musicians who make up King Calaway are a fresh take on contemporary country music,” says Robert Deaton the executive producer of CMA. “These young men hail from all corners of the globe, but when put together on a stage, they are one and magic happens.”

They brought that special magic to the famous Grand Ole Opry stage, making their debut March 1st to a sold-out crowd. Jordan, Chad, Austin, Simon, Chris, and Caleb all appreciate the traditional country sound while transforming their unique vibes into something that has never been heard before. For more on the sextet head to our First Impression of the EP or watch our exclusive interview and performance below.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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