Top 10 Carrie Underwood Songs…So Far

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With Carrie Underwood’s new album, Cry Pretty, being released on September 14, there are sure to be twelve new classic tracks to bless our ears. Yet, while we wait for what’s to come,  it’s only fitting to take a look back at her incredible catalog of hits over the past thirteen years.

While pretty much every Underwood song is perfect in its own right, her hits span the gamut of emotions from love and longing to betrayal and revenge to religion and spirituality. It was nearly impossible to choose a list of favorites, but here are ten of Underwood’s best songs, so far.

 

10. “Dirty Laundry”

“Dirty Laundry” makes this list for its catchy hook and incredibly clever lyrics, with Underwood telling her cheating man that “all the Ajax in the world ain’t gonna clean your dirty laundry.” The track was written by Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey and appeared on Underwood’s Storyteller album.

 

9. “Temporary Home”

While “Temporary Home” may not have been one of Underwood’s biggest hits, it’s easily one of her most poignant. As the second single from her 2009 album, Play On, “Temporary Home” touched on the singer’s spiritual side. She co-wrote the track with Zac Maloy and Luke Laird, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

 

8. “Jesus, Take the Wheel”

In many ways, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is the song the started it all for Underwood, as the first single off her debut album, Some Hearts. Written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, the song was Underwood’s first step in establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in country music. The song also cemented her position as a Grammy darling, taking home the trophy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.

 

7. “Blown Away”

“Blown Away” served as the second single off of Underwood’s album of the same name, setting a darker tone for the era. The song tells the story of an abusive father passed out on the couch during a tornado, while his daughter hides in a shelter, praying for him and the home to be “blown away.” It was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear.

 

6. “Last Name”

“Last Name” tells the story of “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” with Underwood taking on the tongue-in-cheek role of a woman whose raucous night ended with her married to a man whose last name she doesn’t know. Written by Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird, the Carnival Ride single showed Underwood’s lighter side and earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

 

5. “Two Black Cadillacs”

“Two Black Cadillacs” hearkens back to the old days of country music’s story songs, and it’s a masterful track in the vein of classics like “Goodbye Earl” or “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” The song was the fourth single from the Blown Away album, continuing the darker trend started by the title track. It was co-written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear.

 

4. “Just a Dream”

Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is the type of song (and video) that tests for working tear ducts, telling the story of a young military widow. It was released as a single from Carnival Ride and written by Gordie Sampson, Steve McEwan, and Hillary Lindsey.

 

3. “Wasted”

While “Wasted” may have been the sixth and final single released from Underwood’s debut album, Some Hearts, it’s one of her best. Written by Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green, and Troy Verges, “Wasted” is certainly a simpler song by Underwood standards, but a perfect snapshot of everything great about country music in the first decade of the 2000’s. It’s fluff, but not too fluffy; it’s country, but not too country; it’s pop without being too poppy. Lyrically and musically, “Wasted” remains all kinds of delightful.

 

2. “Before He Cheats”

While Underwood has had a ton of massive hits, one could argue that “Before He Cheats” is her most iconic release thus far. On the revenge anthem, which became her largest selling single to date, Underwood takes a Lousiville slugger to both headlights and slashes all four of her man’s tires, promising that she’ll never be cheated on again. The 2007 single was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, and can be heard in karaoke joints and cover bars across Nashville to this day.

 

1. “Something in the Water”

There’s just something magical about “Something in the Water, ” earning it the top spot. The track, which was released as a single from Underwood’s Greatest Hits: Decade #1, was co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Brett James. It doesn’t sugarcoat its spirituality and the “Amazing Grace” background choir into the ending is truly chill-inducing. Grammy voters agreed, with “Something in the Water” nabbing a coveted award for Best Country Solo Performance.

 

How does our list of our Top Carrie Underwood Songs match up to yours?  Check back here in a next week to read our First Impression of her highly anticipated next album, Cry Pretty.

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NYCountry Swag’s Favorite Concerts of Summer 2018

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Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Christina Bosch: The Fest Featuring Brown and Gray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson, and Dustin Lynch

This summer as Managing Editor for New York Country Swag we attended at least one show a week, sometimes two or three.  Narrowing my favorite concerts to one was a hard decision but as a big fan of rising artists, I think one of the greatest experiences we had was attending The Fest out on Long Island.  The lineup featured Brown and Gray, Mitchell Tenpenny, Russell Dickerson and Dustin Lynch.  Over the past year, we have seen each of these artists perform separately whether it was a Live Swag Session like we did here with Brown and Gray or Mitchell Tenpenny or catching Dustin Lynch at Playstation Theatre or Russell Dickerson at his sold-out NJ show.

Seeing them all on one stage was truly incredible, their unique talents and the different vibe each bring to the country music genre made for the perfect night of music.  Between Brown and Gray’s summer hit “Top Down” to Dickerson’s venue-wide sing-a-long to his latest single  “Blue Tacoma” the audience was loving these rising artists and the smash hits they are releasing.

 

 

Stephanie Wagner: Mitchell Tenpenny at Mercury Lounge

As Christina mentioned, we had the incredible opportunity to see so many amazing shows this summer. One of my favorite things to do with this company is to support rising artists which is what makes Mitchell Tenpenny’s Mercury Lounge show my favorite show of the summer.

We first worked with Mitchell back in December when we did a Live Swag Session in the heart of Times Square. This was before he had a song on the radio and before his record deal with Riser House/ Sony Nashville. I had been a fan of his since the first time I heard his music, so I was excited to work with him that day. To see how hard he has worked and watch his debut single hit the Top 20, makes me so proud of the artist and person he is. Tenpenny sold out his Mercury Lounge show two weeks before the date, which is a huge accomplishment for a new artist on a NYC play. There was a special sense of magic in the room that night catching Tenpenny’s performance while the packed house sang back every word to his hour long set. You only get to experience your ‘firsts’ once, so being in the room to experience Tenpenny’s first sold out headlining NYC show is a memory I will treasure.

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Crystal Fenton: Trip Around the Sun Tour Kenny Chesney

Seeing Kenny Chesney live has LONG been on my bucket list, so naturally, the Trip Around the Sun tour was my absolute favorite concert of summer 2018. Plus, with Old Dominion & Thomas Rhett as openers, even a multi-hour rain delay at MetLife stadium couldn’t damper (see what I did there?!) the vibe of No Shoes Nation. The show was amazing from start to finish. What a perfect & appropriate way to close out the summer while kicking off September, my birthday month where I’ll take another trip around the sun myself; My first Kenny show definitely won’t be the last!  For a full recap and more photos of the Metlife Stadium show, click here. 

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Photo by Matthew Paskert

Molly Holmberg: Jake Owen, Chris Janson, and Jordan Davis

Jake Owen has always been the barefoot blue jean icon in country music and when he takes the stage, he embraces that. During his “Life’s What You Make It” tour this summer he came out barefoot every night and ready for a party. Playing hits like “Good Company”, “Beachin’”, and even a mash-up between Eight Second Ride / Mountain Music / Tennessee River / Dixieland Delight, he puts on a show.

With opening acts Chris Janson and Jordan Davis, the night gets started with a kick. By the time Owen steps foot on stage, the fans have been on their feet the past two hours and are ready for more. The 37-year-old’s big smile with a loose and carefree attitude brings so much life and energy to the stage. He comes to not only entertain but to have a good time with the fans. He is engaging, charismatic, and an overall nice guy. His concert puts you in a feel-good mood by the end of the night. So if you are looking for a great concert, Jake Owen’s is definitely worth every penny.

Owen is putting out music that is real country. And real country is the reason Jake Owen’s future keeps looking promising. Check out his latest party song single “Down To The Honkytonk” here.

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Nicole Piering: The Bandwagon Tour Featuring Tenille Townes, Little Big Town, and Miranda Lambert

When it comes to summer in New York, Jones Beach is undoubtedly the best place to see a concert. While I attended quite a few this year, my favorite show of the summer was definitely Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert’s “The Bandwagon Tour.” For one, it was great to see these two superstar acts play at Jones Beach, but even better, the set they did together was electric. While both Lambert and LBT played their own shows, they also combined forces into an epic super-group for a 40-minute set that included some of their biggest hits and some incredible covers. “Boondocks” is always one of my favorite songs to hear live, and their joint covers of “Goodbye Earl,” “Say My Name,” and “Let’s Go Crazy” were all phenomenal. I’d love to see other acts join forces and make shows like this more popular in the future.  The full recap of The Bandwagon’s Jones Beach tour stop here.

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Nicole Sellati: CMA Fest

This year I was lucky enough to attend the music event of the summer, CMA Fest! This was easily my favorite week of the year! The week was jam-packed with amazing artists, going from concert to concert with no stopping. Some highlights for me were going inside to the fan fair as well as attend the fan parties of Michael Ray and Luke Bryan. These were the events I was looking forward to the most while in Nashville, getting to see the artists up close and personal in an intimate setting. Luke Bryan’s fan club party was in celebration of 10 years of the Nut House where he got to play an acoustic set, performing songs he hasn’t in years. CMA Fest as a whole was amazing but if I had to choose my favorite night at Nissan Stadium I would say Sunday was hands down the best. The last night had all my favorite artists starting with Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, and closing the night was Luke Bryan. It was a night I never wanted to end and thanks to Luke Bryan he made it last a little longer. He was just getting warmed up and ended up playing for over an hour closing out the best concert of my summer. CMA Fest was as perfect as I imagined and I can’t wait to be back next year!

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Shanna Vitaliano: Ashley McBryde at Taste of Country Music Festival

My favorite concert of the summer was seeing Ashley McBryde at Taste of Country Music Festival in Hunter Mountain, NY on June 9th. Ashley has an infectious personality onstage. She is down to earth, extremely humble, and her stage presence along with her sense of humor had every festival goer’s attention. Her incredible songwriting ability shined through during “The Jacket” and powerful voice captivated all during “American Scandal.” It was my first time seeing her live after being a fan of her album Girl Goin’ Nowhere and I look forward to seeing her again. Her next show in the NYC area will be December 5th at Gramercy Theatre, grab your tickets here.

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Danielle Tornatore: Sam Hunt and Kane Brown in Atlantic City

I attended almost twenty concerts this summer but my favorite had to be Sam Hunt and Kane Brown at Atlantic City BeachFest on July 1st. There are so many reasons why this was my favorite show, one being, I got to road trip there and back with two of my best friends. It’s about two and a half hours each way from us so we were able to make some great memories together. Between jamming out to some great music, sharing stories and just making each other laugh, it was overall a great trip. The day this show got announced, we knew we had to go. We’ve seen Sam Hunt together multiple times, but we had yet to see Kane Brown and he is one of our favorites. We missed Kane when he played at Irving Plaza in New York City in 2016 so we knew this was our perfect opportunity. It was literally 100 degrees out that day and the show was on the actual beach, toes in the sand and all, and despite the heatwave, both guys put on an incredible show which made me admire them even more. Myself, along with the rest of the crowd, were sweating. So much. But the two of them somehow made everyone forget about the weather and just get lost in the music. In the middle of Kane’s set, most of the sound equipment went out from the intense heat but he kept the show going and that is one of the many reasons why I am a huge fan of his. Sam was jumping all around the stage, as usual, during his entire set and maintained his high energy the whole time. It honestly was a day I will never forget and another memory I’ve gained with my best friends.

 

 

Favorite Concerts Summer 2018

Erica Zisman: CMAFest (Lee Brice at HGTV Lodge)

Public service announcement: Go to Country Music Association Fest (CMA Fest) in Nashville, Tennessee at least once. Although there are a ton of wonderful concerts held in New York, especially those good ole’ country shows at Jones Beach Amphitheater on Long Island, CMA Fest is a once (or more if you’re lucky) in a lifetime experience for any country music lover. The four-day festival combines some of the biggest names in country music, such as Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett, with new artists and up and coming artists, like Dylan Scott and Morgan Wallen, into a musical extravaganza. The event is packed with free shows all day long, free shows at night, and the ticketed Nissan Stadium line up.

I was able to experience CMA Fest for the second time this summer. One of my favorite free venues is the HGTV Lodge, which is an intimate venue that gets you up close and personal with an artist, while the singer performs acoustically. I was able to see Lee Brice perform, for the first time in June. Hearing some of his hits: “Drinking Class”, “Love Like Crazy”, and his most recent single, “Rumor”, live and stripped down, was one of my favorite concert moments of the summer. Brice was extremely charming, poised, and humble; despite, his major success and even opened the doors to extra fans, who were unable to get into the lodge, due to it being over capacity. Being able to relate to Brice’s songs, but also, Brice as a human being was a really special moment for me and my friends. It was a “concert” I will never forget.

 

 

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Women Want to Hear Women: Elaina Smith Chats with Carrie Underwood

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Our July NYCS Woman of the Month and co-host of Nash Night Live, Elaina D. Smith featured Carrie Underwood as a guest, on the now national podcast on Westwood One ‘Women Want to Hear Women.’ The remarkable podcast shines the spotlight on different women in country music and counteracts the narrative that states women do not want to listen to female artists.

On September 3rd, the two accomplished women discussed the narrative in relation to the airplay given to female artists on the radio, women being pitted against each other, the singers new women-centered clothing brand “Calia,” as well as, Underwood’s upcoming, The Cry Pretty Tour 360 accompanied by duo Maddie and Tae and Runaway June (coming to MSG in NYC on October 2nd, 2019).

Smith and Underwood shared similar sentiments that there needs to be more women representation in country music, including on the radio, music charts, and award shows. More importantly, the podcast shines a light on the importance of women standing up for and empowering other women. The singer, producer, songwriter, and “BOSS”, shared this sentiment,  “I’m a fan, ya know. It’s good when women support women, and I think we can do more than that.  One of the good things that have come out of these conversations have been the rallying we have had for each other, behind each other, which we all need more of that in our lives. I feel like that’s where it starts.”

When asked about her 2019 tour, Underwood discussed the dismay she has seen because of her all-female lineup. She goes on to voice that “What rules we think there were, no. It’s about creating a norm […] This is just a tour.” This powerful statement supports Smith’s mission to create equality for women in country music. “I feel like the more we do of that, and the more normal it is, why would I not want to take women out on the road with me?!,” continues Underwood.

You can catch snippets of Smith’s ‘Women Want to Hear Women’ podcast with Underwood below, as well as, listen to the powerful conversation in its entirety on nashcountrydaily.com.

Since Underwood said it best closing out the segment: “Thank you [Smith] for opening these doors to having these conversations because they need to be had. Because I’m like you, the more people, the women I get to know in this industry that are amazing, and talented and special and for whatever reason aren’t recognized as such, it just infuriates me. And, we just all gotta keep sticking together and voicing that and voicing our concerns.”

 

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Brett Eldredge and Meghan Trainor Team Up for CMT Crossroads

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Meghan Trainor Brett Eldredge CMT Crossroads

Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT

Last night country superstar Brett Eldredge teamed up with pop star Meghan Trainor on CMT Crossroads. It was a night you did not want to miss but if you did here’s a recap!

CMT Crossroads is known for initiating collaborations featuring country music stars with stars from different genres, bringing them together for one unforgettable night. Last night was no exception and while some may not have imagined the two collaborating, they winded up being musical soulmates. The dynamic duo have known each other for years now, first meeting at a CMA Awards after-party in 2014, when Eldredge won new artist of the year and Trainor sang “All About That Bass” with Miranda Lambert. In 2016 the pair did their first duet together on Eldredge’s Christmas album Glow, singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”. Last night the duo took their musical relationship to the next level sharing the stage for an electrifying performance at The Factory at Franklin.

The 1-hour special started off the night with Eldredge’s hit single “Wanna Be That Song”, the broadcast showed fans in the audience singing along. Throughout the episode, you can see the stars combining their talents to create the perfect duets, as well as showing off their fun-loving personalities. They sang Eldredge’s songs, “Beat Of The Music”, “Drunk On Your Love”, and “Haven’t Met You”. As well as Trainor’s new single “No Excuses”, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”, “Let You Be Right”, and ended the night with her hit single “All About That Bass”. That wasn’t all, they also covered the classic duet “Islands in the Stream” by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, giving fans of both genres a rendition to love.

In between the performances we got to see Eldredge and Trainor behind the scenes rehearsing, telling stories and sharing their love of music. Showing the world just how much their music means to them and even teasing how one day Trainor may have a country album of her own. She already two country has No. 1 hits with Rascal Flatts (“I Like the Sound of That”) and Lauren Alaina (“Road Less Traveled”). Both vocalists complemented each other proving they aren’t just a country and pop star, but that they can sing beyond their genre.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch the CMT Crossroads featuring Brett Eldredge and Meghan Trainor you can stream it now on CMT.

 

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Dierks Bentley Lyrics That Are Perfect For Instagram Captions

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As Dierks Bentley’s tour comes through to major cities, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of Bentley’s greatest hits. The singer’s impressive catalog of songs are the backdrops to our lives as we fall in love, have a night out with friends, get through heartbreak, and appreciate the good days, making his lyrics perfect Instagram captions to chronicle our lives.

Check out some of our favorite lyrics that are perfect for Instagram captions below:

1. “I hold on… to the things, I believe in, my faith, your love, our freedom.”- I Hold On

2. “I’m somewhere on a beach, sipping something strong.”- Somewhere on a Beach

3. “Some days you’re just alive, some days you’re livin’.” – Living

4. “I’m a riser. I’m a get up off the ground, don’t run and hider” – Riser

5. “She gives me love. Love without end. Thank God for this woman, Amen” – Woman,
Amen

6. “I know what I was feeling, but what was I thinkin’?”- What Was I Thinkin’

7. “Every mile, a memory; every song, another scene” – Every Mile a Memory

8. “Gotta have some cold beer with my country music” – Country & Cold Cans (EP)

9. “Worked all week it’s time to play. Gonna get a little bit sideways” – Sideways

10. “Am I the only one who wants to have fun tonight? Is there anybody out there who wants to have a cold beer, kick it to the morning light?” – Am I The Only One

11. “A little found, a little don’t know where I am” – Burning Man

12. “It just took a little step, a right then a left, then a couple million more who’s countin’? Hell, it’s only a mountain.” – The Mountain

13. “Yeah, I’ve learned how to let go and how to take the high road. I’m on another level, you can’t bring me down.” – You Can’t Bring Me Down

14. “Loving you ain’t my decision. Loving you is my religion” – My Religion

15. “Everybody wants the same. We wanna taste that freedom.” – Freedom

16. “Ain’t no telling where the wind might blow. Free and easy down the road I go.” – Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)

Bonus: “Got the pretty turned up to eleven. Droppin’ them dead on the dance floor” – Flatliner (Cole Swindell ft. Dierks Bentley)

 

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NYCS Swag Spotlight Featuring Maybe April

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Maybe April

Kristen Castro, Katy DuBois (Bishop), and Alaina Stacey, otherwise known as Maybe April, are our Swag Spotlight this week.  The ladies took the time to chat with New York Country Swag a few weeks ago about their Opry City Stage debut as well as their latest single “You Were My Young”.  Growing up in all different parts of the country, each member brings a unique backstory as well as influences to the table when creating their unique sound.  Alaina grew up in Chicago, her family was very musical and her brothers were in a band together.  Kristen started her career playing heavy metal music, growing up in California and Katy grew up in Arkansas, interested in theater and dance from a very early age.

As fate would have it, they all ended up at a music industry camp in Nashville in 2012 and chose each other to work together on writing a song to present to the panel by the end of the week. This is not only where the ladies met each other and formed a quick bond but where they decided on their band name. “Alaina and I (Katy) were talking and we were both born in April and we asked Kristen and she was born in December so we said Maybe, and we kind of like that it’s May and April, it was kind of a thing where we asked around the camp what do you think of these names, it was the one people liked, it was only supposed to be our name for that week but it just stuck,” they tell us.

Since then, six years have passed and the ladies have each moved to Nashville and lived in the same house, furthering their bond. “When we decided to move here, we all had been doing our own music thing but we kind of thought, we have this great connection why don’t we try the trio thing out,” they explain.  The three ladies in Maybe April are all songwriters, taking outside co-writes as well and working with writers around town.  Their latest single “You Were My Young” was written with Jason Duke, who has written songs with Kelsea Ballerini including “Dibs” and “The First Time”.  The first song they wrote together back in 2012 was written by three girls who had just gotten through those treacherous high school years filled with heartbreak and typical teenage girl drama, so they tell us “You Were My Young” is the grown-up version of that song.  “Looking back and thinking, at that time it was so awful, I was so sad but I’m okay now,” Kristen tells us.  “We all had gone through that and are able to look back with fresh eyes.”  The track combines their unique blend of country, folk, and Americana while showcasing their beautiful three-part harmony.

Recently they made their Opry City Stage debut in Times Square and play a show at Rockwood Music Hall in downtown Manhattan and said the New York City fans are different from those in Nashville. “We’ve been fortunate enough to play venues where people are actually listening because a lot of times you don’t get that in an audience so at Opry City Stage and Rockwood as well we had great crowds,” the ladies tell us.  “It is just so cool to be able to say I am in New York City, a part of all of the people here who are trying to make it and it’s been really crazy.  It was a dream.”

Maybe April is starting to book tour dates around the country, heading back up to the east coast to play a show on September 13th at Hill Country BBQ.  Grab your tickets to see the ladies here. They are also working on writing new music and releasing a few more singles, hoping to release a full-length album soon.  Be sure to follow along on their socials for all tour and music announcements on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Ryan Hurd Releases “To A T” featuring Maren Morris

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Ryan Hurd To A T

After listening ten times just like Ryan Hurd said to do in his most recent Instagram post, we can agree he has a smash new single on his hands. Though in reality, it doesn’t take more than listening to half of the song to be hooked. The melody of “TO A T” pulls you in immediately and without any second guessing you can tell it will be a fan favorite. The singer-songwriter has been teasing “TO A T” for the past week on social media, first appearing in a video of his coffee cup and later released as a small preview of what was to come. After waiting patiently for Hurd’s next song, it is finally available for download today.

Hurd hasn’t released a new song since March 2018 when he dropped his hit “Diamonds or Twine” as a wedding gift to his wife, Maren Morris. The two met because of music when they were both solely songwriters and now with a singing career of his own, he uses Morris as his muse. The sentiment behind “TO A T” is loving, showing how much he cares for her. As a songwriter, he masters the lyrics perfectly from start to finish telling a sexy love story. That’s not all the song has to offer, the rising country artist herself also takes part in Hurd’s new song. She can be heard harmonizing and providing backup vocals, their voices intertwining flawlessly.  Hurd has got it down “TO A T” with his new release, giving everyone a taste of what is coming next.

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New Music Friday – The Playlist

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Our Spotify New Country Music Playlist is up to date this Friday morning featuring new songs from Carrie Underwood, Walker Hayes, Jillian Jacqueline, Ryan Hurd, Kimberly Kelly, Terri Clark, and Waterloo Revival. Give us a follow and take a listen below.

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Our Favorite Songs From Summer 2018

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As summer 2018 comes to a close, our team of writers have each chosen a song that they loved to listen to this summer, whether it was a song they heard at a concert, had a special moment with a special someone, or a song they listened to while driving around with their windows down.

Check out our picks for the best songs of Summer 2018, then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

Stephanie Wagner: “Blue Tacoma” – Russell Dickerson

“My favorite song of summer 2018 has to be “Blue Tacoma” recorded by Russell Dickerson who co-wrote the tune with Casey Robert Brown and Parker Welling. These are the same songwriters who brought you Dickerson’s very first single and first number one, “Yours” off his debut album.  His second single to country radio is once again a love song, but this time with being carefree, driving down the beautiful coast of California.  The picturesque lyrics make for the perfect ‘sing at the top of your lungs’ vibe and makes you want to turn the volume up to 11.  It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of Russell Dickerson after working with him on our very first event and then some, but being able to finally hear this on radio makes it one of my favorite songs of summer 2018. ”

 

Christina Bosch: “Top Down” – Brown & Gray

“I first heard this song in the dead of winter wearing a giant coat waiting for my car to heat up and thinking to myself, I can not wait to roll my windows down this summer and have this one on full volume driving to the beach.  Brown & Gray, a duo made up of Kaci Brown and Sam Gray told NYCountry Swag about their inception as a group during our Live Swag Session in December and since then they have traveled the country together performing at festivals and concerts promoting their debut EP.  “Top Down” is the quintessential summer song perfect for tailgates and the wind in your hair.”

 

Nicole Bochinis: “All to Myself” – Dan + Shay

““All to Myself” by Dan + Shay is one of those songs that I could have on repeat all day and never get tired of. I first heard it during CMA Fest in Nashville at their album listening party. This song is one of my favorites off of their self-titled album Dan + Shay, however, it didn’t mean as much to me until I met my boyfriend. It was one of the first songs we heard while driving around with the windows down. I looked at him and said “This is our song.” Since then, we listen to it every time we are driving and sing at the top of our lungs. This song is not just my favorite song of the summer, it is hands down one of my favorite songs ever.”

 

Kelly Cunningham: “If I Know Me” – Morgan Wallen

“”If I Know Me” By Morgan Wallen was my song of the summer. Even though his whole album is golden, this title track caught my attention. When I first heard it when his album came out, I knew it’d be something special. It shows his southern roots with a mix of rock. It also has that catchy, upbeat melody that would be perfect for his next single.”

 

Taylor Felvey: “Must Be the Whiskey” – Cody Jinks

“When you think of a summer country hit, nothing says summer more than a song about drinking! “Must Be The Whiskey” is a song recorded by Cody Jinks an ex-metal rocker turned country rocker.  It tells the story of a lover battling with why his relationship is over and what was real to begin with. Was it love? Was it lust? Or was it the whiskey? You can’t go into a bar in Fort Worth, Texas without hearing this song from native Texan Jinks.  Once you hear the hook you’ll find yourself humming and singing it all day long “I’ve been drinkin’ to remember and drinkin’ to forget / I got “I love you” on my mind, I got Jim Beam on my breath”.”

 

Crystal Fenton: “Talk You Out Of It” – Florida Georgia Line

“”Talk You Out Of It” by Florida Georgia Line is my favorite song of the summer. It’s got such a cool, sexy, unusual (for Florida Georgia line) vibe that conjures up (in my mind, anyway) sultry summer nights, plus the seductive tones of Barry White/Luther Vandross. Summer is all about turning up the heat and this is the perfect song to make you want to chill out, pop a bottle and call that special someone to come over, immediately.”

 

Molly Holmberg: “Downtown’s Dead” – Sam Hunt

“It had been 15 months since Sam Hunt had released music following his megahit “Body Like a Back Road,” which came out in 2017. Fans were anxiously waiting for new music from the superstar who seemed to disappear. After wiping clean his entire Instagram account, the singer/songwriter solely focused on marketing his new song with pictures of what appears to be a Spanish inspired town. Warm tones, desert vibes, and desolation were prominent, leaving fans up for interpretation.

Hunt released his new single “Downtown’s Dead”, just in time for summer – which for me was an automatic download after just one listen. The chorus has an unforgettable catchy tone and the flow of the music will make you want to put it on repeat, without even realizing it. Hunt has always given his songs a great storyline, this one included, making people want to listen to the very end.  “Downtown’s Dead” depicts the story of a girl leaving and now nothing seems alive without her. Despite being in the midst of clubs with strobe lights and house music, the feeling of emptiness is depicted with the lines “Everywhere I go looks like the place to be I see people that I know and I feel like there’s no one here but me.”  As a country/pop crossover, this is just the song to add to any playlist.”

 

Nicole Piering: “Tequila” – Dan + Shay

“For Dan + Shay, “Tequila” was a huge hit, and their first multi-week number one, but for me, the song was one of my most played and also provided one of my favorite concert moments of the summer. The duo opened for Rascal Flatts at Jones Beach in July, and while their entire set was a memorable one, it was “Tequila” that truly stood out. There is nothing like witnessing an entire crowd sing along to every word in a song, and that’s exactly what happened at this concert. In fact, it would’ve been possible for Shay Mooney to stop singing and hold the microphone out to the audience for the entire song, but he didn’t, joining the crowd in the epic singalong. Forget beer and whiskey in 2018, this year was truly the summer of “Tequila.”

 

Nicole Sellati: “Fan Girl” – Michael Ray

“After seeing Michael Ray perform “Fan Girl” five times in one week it quickly secured its spot as my favorite song of the summer. There’s something about his energy onstage that transitions into his music and this song in particular. I love the fact that it’s such a catchy upbeat song that fits perfectly with the passion fans feel when watching their favorite artists on stage. When he sings, “You give me that front-row feeling, screaming with my hands up / walk in the room and everybody stands up / you got my heart singing whoa-oh-oh-oh”, it tells the story about being a fan in that moment. As an artist, he was able to turn the table on himself showing that he truly understands what it’s like to have the passion us fans have. Because of this “Fan Girl” is one of my go-to songs to blast while driving, along with the rest of the album Amos!”

 

Danielle Tornatore: “Shoot Me Straight” – Brothers Osborne

“There were hundreds of songs on my playlist this summer and choosing just one to be my soundtrack of the past few months was a difficult decision. But, the one I could always put on whether I was getting ready to go somewhere, in the car, laying by the pool, or just hanging out in my room, was “Shoot Me Straight” by Brothers Osborne. This song is THE definition of a jam and even makes for a great tailgating song. The lyrics are great, I love when metaphors and similes are used in songs instead of being straightforward about a situation, which is ironic considering the message of this particular song. And don’t even get me started with the four minute guitar solo. Genius and insane are a few words that come to mind when trying to describe how amazing it truly is. As if I didn’t love this song enough, they recently released a hilarious music video for it and my love grew even more. I cannot wait to see and hear the song live next month when these guys open for Dierks Bentley at Madison Square Garden.”

 

Erica Zisman: “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” – Jake Owen

“One of my favorite parts about country music is how the songs really become an anthem of your life! “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” by Jake Owen is certainly one of those anthems. I especially enjoy the collaboration of musical inspiration the writers and Owen took from singer John Mellencamp’s previously recorded song.

I became enamored with Owen’s song, after heading to CMA Fest 2018, and meeting (by happenstance), one of the songwriters, David Ray. Besides being a great singer himself, (Bonus- check out his infectious song “Light It Up”) Ray helped co-write this number 1 single and could not be more humble about it.

The song is the perfect reminder that the innocence from our pasts help shape who we are now. Also, the music video is super fun and nostalgic. “Kind like those songs that saved our souls.””

 

 

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Swag Sessions: Featuring Clayton Anderson

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This steamy morning in New York City, singer-songwriter, and Indiana native Clayton Anderson joined the New York Country Swag team to sing two songs from his latest album “Right Where I Belong”.  The first song is a brand new tune just added this past Friday to the deluxe album called “Slow Southern Night” which Anderson says is such a laid back song that he thinks will be perfect going into the fall season. The second is one of his favorites, “Your Love is Like Country Music”.

Anderson also took some time to chat about the decision to release a deluxe version of his album and what he has coming up in the next few months.

Check out the full Facebook Live video 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!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: