We first introduced you to heartfelt singer-songwriter and Dallas native, Abby Anderson and her new single, “Make Him Wait,” back in May when we posted our Swag Session interview with the rising star. Today, September 8th, Anderson released her debut five-song EP entitled I’m Good, and it’s more than good! The sultry, honest, and fun, EP, I’m Good can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available.
The EP begins with the title track, “I’m Good” which embodies female empowerment, as the lyrics discuss a woman no longer wanting to be in a relationship with a man that does not treat her like a priority. Anderson sings “If you’re thinking I’m on the fence / thinking I want you back, nah / Baby I’m good.”
Another notable song is the powerful ballad, “Make Him Wait.” The single is a plea to girls to take their time in relationships and to not feel the pressure to become intimate or marry until they are ready. The song naturally flows like a story, and the message is clear to the listener.
For fans that prefer a more upbeat track, Anderson has that too! “Dance Away My Broken Heart,” written by country music elites, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and Rhett Atkins, as well as, Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, is a feel-good song that would make a perfect next single.
The collection of songs really showcase Anderson as a rising talent in a country music, an artist to look out for and gives you a taste of what’s to come in a full-length album. Catch the singer, as she joins Brett Eldredge on his The Long Way Tour kicking off on September 13th in Denver, Colorado. The tour stops at The Theater At Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 12th. Anderson will also be making her Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow night.
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In this review we mention an unreleased song that we were most impressed with, “When It Rains It Pours”… that song was sent to radio about six months after this write-up and later went on to become Luke’s second #1 Song, almost a year after this was written!
We also mentioned a ‘crowd-favorite’, “She Got The Best of Me”, Luke’s present single which is currently sitting in the Top 20! Luke was also named as one of our 2017 Artists to Watch along rising stars like Russell Dickerson, Walker Hayes, and Brett Young.
We’re so proud to support artists like this and watch them conquer the country music world. We ended Combs’ review with – “He’s sure to be a headlining act in the future!” – Well the time has come. Luke announced this morning his first headlining arena tour which hits NYC on February 28 at The Manhattan Center! Tickets & more info available here.
Emerging country star, Luke Combs, brought not only a little rain, but a lot of southern heat to our big city last week. Combs declared the show his first NYC performance, however a high school vocal group career shouldn’t go unnoticed as a young Combs was once chosen to perform a solo in the world-renowned Carnegie Hall! Nonetheless, we couldn’t be more grateful to have experienced Luke Combs this time around – as he is sure to take off in the country music scene.
The 26-year-old musician started the night off with one of his original songs, “Can I Get An Outlaw.” Fans were instantly buzzed off of the bands upbeat vibe and completely captivated by Luke’s incredible vocal skills.
An ironic addition to the rainy weather we had that evening, Luke then blew us away with his unreleased song “When It Rains It Pours,” which puts a new twist on a classic break up and we just can’t get it out of our heads. He sure knows how to put the good in good-bye!
Luke went on to treat us to some of his best material including crowd favorites, “Honky Tonk Highway” and “She Got The Best of Me.”
After flawlessly covering tunes by John Mellencamp, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, Combs enlightened us on a more aggressive hobby of his; Drinking Whiskey. Something perhaps we can all relate to… If there were any doubting fans left in the room, Luke sure won them over with his version of Chris Stapleton’s, “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Ending the show with his breakthrough single, “Hurricane,” Combs left every person in that room hooked, leaving the crowd chanting, “One More Song!” as he left the stage. A few minutes later, Combs returned for an encore with, “Out There.”
We’re proud to have named Luke as one of our 2017 Artists to Watch. You can look forward to new music coming soon, but in the meantime, grab his album here and let us know what you think! If you have the opportunity to see this guy some time soon, do not miss it! He’s sure to be a headlining act in the future!
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There you have it! A full circle review. We love having pieces like this to look back on. Especially with rising acts. It’s so cool to see how far they have come and we love being able to champion them on this journey.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LukeCombsCover.jpg288480Stephanie Wagnerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngStephanie Wagner2018-09-07 15:04:452018-09-07 15:10:12A Look Back On Luke Combs’ First NYC Show (Jan. 2017)…
This week the ladies are taking over our New Country Music Spotify Playlist with new EP’s from two of our Swag Spotlights: Jillian Jacqueline and Abby Anderson as well a debut EP from the ladies from our Swag Session from last month Runaway June. Also check out new songs from Ben Danaher, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Ruston Kelly, Kelsey Lamb, and Caroline Glaser.
Give us a follow and listen below:
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/newmusic.jpg288480Christina Boschhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngChristina Bosch2018-09-07 14:07:292018-09-07 14:07:29New Music Friday – The Playlist
The sentiment “music is healing” is personified in country singer, Ben Danaher’s 11 track debut album Still Feel Lucky. Despite the pain and trauma Danaher and his family have endured, which includes losing his father to a battle with cancer only two years after his brother was murdered, he coped with the anguish through music.
After the tragedies, the singer-songwriter moved to Nashville from Texas to begin his healing. The influence his father and brother had on his album is proven through his songs, especially “My Father’s Blood” and “A Little While.” In “My Father’s Blood,” he talks about the impact his late father has had on his life, sharing his appreciation for his father’s legacy and own songwriting ability. Danaher sings “It’s all because I got my father’s blood”.
Both the title track “Still Feel Lucky” and “A Little While” share with the listener the phases of grief, but more importantly the hope and belief for a better tomorrow, despite facing adversity. These songs, encompass Danaher’s main message, as he stated on his Twitter, ” “Still Feel Lucky” was the last song I wrote on this album. It was a huge turning point for me not only creatively, but personally. I hope this song will help everyone find a way to turn their sorrow into joy.”
Fans can watch the acoustic video for “Still Feel Lucky” here.
One of the more radio-friendly tracks on the record is the first song, “Hell or Highwater”, co-written with rising country star, Maren Morris. With its killer bass guitar instrumentals, soulful vibes, and story-telling lyrics, Danaher delivers everything we could want in a country music jam, while still staying true to his story. The singer gives us a taste of the song in a live acoustic performance below.
You can catch Danaher next Wednesday, September 19th at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC. Grab your tickets here and take a listen to the full album below.
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The rising trio Runaway June, which includes the beautiful and talented ladies Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer, have given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Today they dropped their self-titled EP and it can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available. The group has been working on this project for two years with well-known producer Dann Huff. In a press release about the EP, Jennifer said that Dann Huff has changed their lives, while Hannah said it best with “The EP is a really fun and diverse look into our sound as a band. It incorporates the fun of the live show, but also shows some soft moments that fans can relate to.”
The EP consists of 5 songs, “Buy My Own Drinks”, “I Am Too”, “Got Me Where I Want You”, “Wild West” and their own spunky version of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”. The trio gave fans a taste of their EP last month when they released “Buy My Own Drinks” which was written by the ladies themselves alongside songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. Fans love that single and will love the rest of the songs on the EP.
The collection of songs feature their spectacular harmonies on lyrics that touch on heartbreak, finding the perfect love and being badass, empowering women. This being their debut release on Wheelhouse Records, the project proves that the chicks of Runaway June are primed for stardom.
Last month Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session where they performed “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks.” They talked to us about their exciting plans for next year. They will be joining Maddie and Tae on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour. You will not want to miss the trio when the tour hits NYC next year, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can also watch the full Swag Session below.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/RJcov.jpg288480Nicole Bochinishttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Bochinis2018-09-07 11:34:092018-09-07 11:34:09NYCS First Impression: Runaway June Debut EP
Earl Dibbles Jr. is the alter-ego of country singer Granger Smith, who has racked up a social media following of over 1 million fans. Between drinking beer out of a boot on stage, to waving a flag around like a true country hick, Earl’s followers can’t get enough of his take on country life. In his new illustrated book “If You’re City, If You’re Country”, Earl walks through 50 different scenarios, comparing and contrasting how city folks and country folks do things very differently. Earl addresses many topics such as fast food, huntin’, fishin’, shootin’ the breeze, how to browse the web, and politics. Earl’s hilarious take on the country versus city debate will have longtime country fans and new converts in for quite the laugh.
Smith explained the process, “This book has been several years in the making and I couldn’t be more excited to finally put the idea into fruition. Writing these jokes as a creative outlet has been the product of so many late night after show laughs with the band. Earl in his entire existence has been a walking caricature and finally seeing him in all his glory come to life in illustrations seems so natural. Ultimately, I hope it makes people smile,” he added, “and the thought of that makes me happy.”
Smith is still on tour until the end of the year! Between finishing festival season and the rest of his tour, you have plenty of time to get out and catch both Granger and Earl Dibbles Jr. out on the road. You can check here to see if they are coming to a town near you. You can also pick up a copy of Earl Dibbles Jr.’s new book right here to be guaranteed some great laughs.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/earlcov.jpg288480Molly Holmberghttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngMolly Holmberg2018-09-06 15:23:442018-09-06 15:23:44Granger Smith Releases Hilarious “If You’re City, If You’re Country” Book
You may not have realized it, but Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland, have penned a ton of lyrics that are perfect for your next Instagram caption. Looking at their catalog of songs, there are lyrics for every moment and every emotion, ranging from falling in love to having your heart broken, and from settling to looking for something more.
Here are some of our favorite Instagram-able Sugarland lyrics:
1. “I ain’t settling for just getting by, I’ve had enough so-so for the rest of my life.” – Settlin’
2. “Some believe in destiny, and some believe in fate, I believe that happiness is something we create.” – Something More
3. “The whole world could change in a minute, Just one kiss could stop it spinning, We could think it through, But I don’t want to, if you don’t want to” – Want To
4. “‘Cause we were born for better days, We’ll find a way, yeah, we’re gonna be bigger, Don’t give up, you’re more than enough, Believe me, love, yeah, you’re gonna be bigger” – Bigger
5. “Why don’t you stay? I’m down on my knees, I’m so tired of bein’ lonely, Don’t I give you what you need?” – Stay
6. “But if you can look in my eyes, And tell me we’ll be alright, If you promise never to leave You just might make me believe” – Just Might Make Me Believe
7. “You really blew this, babe, We ain’t getting through this one, babe, This is the last time I’ll ever call you, babe” – Babe
8. “Ain’t no rhyme or reason, No complicated meaning, Ain’t no need to over-think it, Let go laughing” – It Happens
9. “Oh, whoa, everybody’s dreaming big, Oh, whoa, but everybody’s just getting by, That’s how it goes in everyday America, A little town and a great big life” – Everyday America
10. “Dear Mom and Dad, Please send money, I’m so broke that it ain’t funny.” – Baby Girl
11. “She’s your mother, you love her, there won’t be another place like her again that you call home” – Mother
12. “Lean it on back, watch the sun go down, watch it come back around.” – Lean It On Back
13. “Don’t be afraid to change, our love is still the same, still the same, still the same.” – Still The Same
14. “You’re not a bird in a cage, you were born to fly away, the world’s a bigger place than all the fear you face.” – Bird In A Cage
15. “I’m on a roll, babe, watch me go, babe, I’m solid gold, babe.” – On A Roll
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/2018/09/sugarcov.jpg288480Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2018-09-06 14:59:272019-12-30 11:49:26Sugarland Lyrics To Use for Instagram Captions
Jillian Jacqueline, Big Loud Records latest rising star, is bringing her honest track “If I Were You”, featuring Keith Urban, to life today with a brand new music video. The single details the emotional conflict following a breakup and the attempt to move on. Jacqueline is continuing to take the music scene by storm with her effortlessly raw vocals and new-school, no-holds-barred storytelling.
“Hate how he’s still got me / Blame it on bad timing / You shouldn’t come so close / When you’re looking at me like that,” sings Jacqueline and Urban in harmony. Directed by Patrick Tracy, the clip features Jacqueline looking effortlessly chic in a room of retro furniture, restlessly pacing in front of a signature lightning bolt. The added film-type filter on the video gives it that extra vibey look.
Surpassing one million overall streams, “If I Were You” is the first look at Jacqueline’s forthcoming EP SIDE B. The follow-up to 2017’s SIDE A will also feature the just-released song “Sad Girls” and four additional new tracks. Taking her career to the next level with SIDE B, Jacqueline is already on the map as a Billboard Chartbreaker, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and “18 for 2018”, and Vevo’s first-ever Country Discover Artist to Watch. She is also being deemed one of the genre’s most promising new talents by Pandora, Amazon Music, Rolling Stone, AXS, Sounds Like Nashville, Whiskey Riff and more.
Jacqueline hits the road as a special guest on Kip Moore’s AFTER THE SUNBURN TOUR beginning September 28 in Birmingham, AL. You can get tickets here on her website and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/jilliancov.jpg288480Molly Holmberghttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngMolly Holmberg2018-09-06 10:56:202018-09-06 10:56:20Jillian Jacqueline’s Aching “If I Were You” Video
The Hero Collectionby NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.
The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) was established in 1974 as an association of Indiana State Troopers with a focus toward promoting better law enforcement to the citizens of Indiana and gaining state-wide support for Indiana Troopers.
Since their humble beginning in 1974, the Alliance’s scope has broadened significantly. Today they have expanded its responsibilities to include increased member benefits such as legal assistance, legislative lobbying, funeral support and survivor benefits, college scholarships, and numerous community support activities throughout the state.
The Indiana State Police Alliance works directly with the Indiana State Police Department, the governor’s office and members of the state legislature on issues of state-wide law enforcement and public safety. Additionally, the Indiana State Police Alliance is the only association of Indiana state police officers recognized by the National Troopers Coalition. Ever growing and always looking for ways to meet the needs of members and the citizens of the great Hoosier State, the Indiana State Police Alliance has further incorporated Alliance Security, offering off-duty employment opportunities for troopers, and Cops For Kids.
Now through the end of September, 10% of all sales from our Hero Collection will be donated to The Indiana State Police Alliance. You can shop the collection here. Thank You in advance for your support. We hope that with your help, we can continue to pay it forward to our heroes.
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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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