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Here Are The 2023 ACM Awards Winners (Full List)

Here is the full list of 2023 winners of The ACM Awards…

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2023 ACM AWARDS WINNERS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Jason Aldean
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton *** WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Kane Brown
Morgan Wallen

 

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
Carly Pearce
Kelsea Ballerini

 

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Luke Combs
Chris Stapleton
Kane Brown
Jordan Davis
Morgan Wallen *** WINNER

 

DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks and Dunn
Brothers Osborne *** WINNER
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War & Treaty

 

GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion *** WINNER
Zac Brown Band

 

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Priscilla Block
Megan Moroney
Caitlyn Smith
Morgan Wade
Hailey Whitters *** WINNER

 

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Zach Bryan *** WINNER
Jackson Dean
ERNEST
Dylan Scott
Nate Smith
Bailey Zimmerman

 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
“Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson
“Never Wanted to be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell *** WINNER
“Thank God” – Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown
“Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson

 

SONG OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s):

“Sand In My Boots” – Morgan Wallen
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell *** WINNER
“‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
“You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Ashley McBryde Presents Lindeville – Ashley McBryde
Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
Palomino – Miranda Lambert
Mr. Saturday Night – Jon Pardi

 

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Nicolle Galyon
Ashley Gorley *** WINNER
Chase McGill
Josh Osborne
Hunter Phelps

 

ARTIST SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
ERNEST
HARDY *** WINNER
Miranda Lambert
Morgan Wallen

 

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR
“HEARTFIRST” – Kelsea Ballerini
“She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell
“Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown
‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson *** WINNER
“What He Didn’t Do” – Carly Pearce

 

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

“At the End of a Bar” – Chris Young with Mitchell Tenpenny; Producers: Chris DeStefano, Chris Young; Label: RCA Nashville

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina [Remix]” – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Warner Music Nashville

“Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville

“Thinking ‘Bout You” – Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: Broken Bow Records

“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson; Producers: Derek Wells, HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt; Label: Big Loud Records *** WINNER

 

 

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

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Riley Green Adds Luke Combs on “Different ‘Round Here”

Riley Green and Luke Combs team up on new rendition of “Different ‘Round Here,” out now, May 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

During Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville for media and radio programmers, country star Riley Green made a special announcement—his song “Different ‘Round Here” is getting a facelift! Green confirmed that his next single will be a new rendition of the track featuring country superstar, Luke Combs. The song officially impacts country radio today, May 11th.

Its lyrics are an anthem for Americans who are proud to live in this country. Written by Green, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton, the singer isn’t afraid to expresses his opinion and show off his southern roots.

Brave is eighteen wearin’ army green // Truth is in the words, in red we read // Proud is what you say about where you’re from // Heroes are daddies and mamas are love // The right is right and wrong is wrong // Yeah, we’re doin’ things a little different ’round here”

Although never an official single, the title track from his debut 2019 album Different ‘Round Here was always a fan-favorite. With Combs’ influential vocals added, this song will surely catch the ears of more fans of the genre.

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Riley Green and Luke Combs collaborate on new rendition of “Different ‘Round Here,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Riley Green and Luke Combs releases.

Green is currently supporting Combs on his massive World Tour along with Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry, and Brent Cobb. For tickets, head to his website.

To keep up with Riley Green, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Luke Combs, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

For the newest country music hits check-out our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Adam Doleac Releases New Version of “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise”

Adam Doleac releases new version of his song “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise,” out now, May 8th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

On Friday, Adam Doleac gave fans another taste of a new era of music with his new song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise.” As a surprise, Doleac also dropped the stripped-down demo version of the song, out now. Both versions showcase the singer-songwriter’s incredible vocals and songwriting ability. Full of raw emotion, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” truly ups the anti for the talented rising artist.

According to Doleac via Instagram, “The original demo of “wrong side” is out now. It’s the same song, but it hits so very different. I love both versions of this song, but there was definitely some extra magic in the first vocal I sang on the day we wrote it,” he shared, adding “I know that bc of how y’all have reacted to it. I believe in listening to my fans, and as you will see in the next slide, almost ALL of you wanted the piano demo to come out. Well, it’s out. Happy Monday, and thanks for bringing this song to life”

“I woke up on the wrong side of a sunrise // She disappeared like a heartbreakin’ thief in the dark // She had me fallin’ in that Alabama moonlight // But I closed my eyes and she slipped right out of my arms // No, her in my T-shirt, no mornin’ kiss goodbye // I woke up on the wrong side of a sunrise // She left a memory // She left a wine glass by the bed, yeah // She left me dreamin’ // About a night I won’t forget”

A true singer-songwriter song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” showcases Doleac at his absolute best. We cannot wait to see what is in store for this chapter of his career.

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Adam Doleac shares new stripped-down version of his song, “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Adam Doleac releases.

To keep up with Adam Doleac, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Wrong Side Of A Sunrise” 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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Two Friends Collab with Russell Dickerson on New Song “More Than Yesterday”

Two Friends collaborate with Russell Dickerson on new song “More Than Yesterday,” out now, May 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

There are few things we love more than a cross-genre collaboration. Lately, EDM music has had its moment with the country music genre. Today, DJ duo, Two Friends collaborate with one of our favorites, Russell Dickerson. Their new song, “More Than Yesterday” is out now.

The collaboration highlights both artists effortlessly. While the song is a beautiful love song, all about loving your partner deeper each day (right up Dickerson’s alley), the track builds into a crescendo before the beat drops, perfectly embodying Two Friends and their talent.

“Hold your breath // darling swim to shore // I’ll tread the water in the heart of yours // and when it storms we’ll sail right through the waves // I’ll love you more than yesterday”

“More Than Yesterday” is a song that proves that cross-genre collaborations are the wave of the future. Fans will appreciate the lyrical prowess on the new track, as well as, the dance-ready beat that is hard not to fall in love with. While Two Friends and Dickerson might have been an unexpected pairing, it definitely works!

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Two Friends and Russell Dickerson releases.

To keep up with Two Friends, follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“More Than Yesterday” 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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Ernest Releases New Song “Takes After You” Just in Time for Mother’s Day

Ernest releases timely new song “Takes After You,” out now, May 10th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Just in time for Mother’s Day, Ernest is sharing one of his most personal songs to date with fans. His new song, “Takes After You” is a perfectly crafted song about love and parenting. While Ernest is known for crafting catchy lyrics and putting on a show, “Takes After You” is a more vulnerable take at the singer’s own life.

“I’m a wild child, definition // of a can’t tell me nothin’ won’t listen // You’re an angel, girl you’re perfect // Don’t know how you thought I was worth it // Well before too long 1 and 1 made 3 // And I’m scared to death ‘cause he looks like me // And I pray to god that apple falls a little further from this tree”

Inspired by his relationship with his wife Delaney Royer and their son Ryman, who are featured on the song’s artwork, the new track is a prayer for his son to be a little more like his wife, rather than him. Written by the singer with collaborators, Jordan Schmidt and Josh Thompson, the track is the perfect song to celebrate motherhood and all of its glory.

According to Ernest, “I heard someone talking to Johnny Cash in a video. They said ‘Johnny I’ve known ya a long time. I got a son now, and if he don’t take after Jesus, I’d be quite alright if he took after you.’ So I immediately thought, I couldn’t agree more with Ryman and Delaney,” he shared. “She is the most humble, kind, empathetic, nature loving, giving, selfless, and downright wholesome human I know. The things she’ll teach Ryman in this life by her actions will transcend anything he’ll learn in a building.”

“Takes After You” is a song any fan can appreciate and quite possibly one of Ernest’s best to date.

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Ernest releases new song, Takes After You,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ernest releases.

To keep up with ERNEST, follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

“Takes After You” 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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Morgan Wallen Placed on Six Weeks of Vocal Rest

Morgan Wallen revealed to fans in an Instagram post earlier today, Tuesday, May 9th that the country music superstar was under strict doctor-ordered vocal rest for the next six weeks.

“I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I reinjured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do.

They want me not to talk at all, but they said if I need to, it’s okay to for something like this. I also tore my LAT while we were in Australia, I’ve been trying to work through that quietly, but this time off is going to help me get that back right as well.

We are working on rescheduling all the dates during this timeframe. We’ve almost got that done but some of them are pending, so I’ll keep you updated. I won’t be able to make these festivals that I have during this timeframe, but we are going to make those right next year.

I won’t be able to do the ACM [Academy of Country Music] Awards or Lifting Lives event, but y’all make sure you still go – it’s for a great cause. They told me that if I do this the right way, I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, then I’ll permanently damage my voice.So for the longevity of my career, this is just a choice I had to make.

I hate it. But I love you guys, and I appreciate all the support that you always give me. I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”

Tickets for the original dates will be honored for all rescheduled performances.

30-day refund window will open at point of purchase when new dates are announced imminently.

Wallen is working to reschedule any missed festival appearances to 2024.

Rescheduled dates to follow.

We at Country Swag are wishing Morgan a speedy recovery! Follow us on Instagram, @CountrySwag for future updates.

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Who Is Josiah Siska? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

Who is Josiah Siska? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Josiah Siska
Birthdate – August 7th
Hometown – Dacula, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Keith Whitley, Johnny Cash, Jim Croce
Label – Black River
Current Single – “3 Tequila Floor” (As of article date – 5/8/2023)

The Beginning:

Some artists have dreams that evolve over time, but for today’s spotlight artist, Josiah Siska, music was always the goal and the dream. “I went into music without a plan B. […] It was like a calling,” shared the singer-songwriter.

Siska grew up in a small-town in Georgia, where he credits his family for his early love of music. I grew up in the church. My dad was in the ministry. I played keys, my mother would sing, and my oldest brother would play guitar and sing,” he began. “That’s where I started performing and really learning music in church. From that, I started to want to write my own songs and tell my own stories, so as I got older, I started writing.”

Despite Christian music being the primary genre in his household, Siska itched to get his hands on all different kinds of music. “I listened to everything I could get my ears on because I loved music, but it was a lot of Christian music in the household growing up. I was just waiting to find a record that my parents wouldn’t let me listen to,” he shared. Adding, “I’ll never forget the first time I heard rock and roll or Queen or other classic rock bands and some outlaw country.”

Some of Siska’s biggest musical influences stem from both that rock and roll and traditional country genre.“I would say my biggest influences on my sound, when I listen to an artist and I dissect their music and try to analyze everything they are doing, the little mundane details that make it unique, I would say I listen to a lot of Keith Whitley and Don Williams, and I take notes from them. I love Johnny Cash too,” shared the singer, who also named Jim Croce as one of his all-time favorites.

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, Siska made the big move to Nashville. “When I was a little kid, I was chasing the mailman so to speak, which was the music dream. […] It’s a big dream to say that I’m going to move to Nashville and write songs, and try to get a record deal,” he reflected.

After a stint on the popular show American Idol, Siska knew that Music City was calling his name. “Right when I got done with high school, I packed my bags and started to head to Nashville,” he shared. “I did American Idol, when I was seventeen, and then when I got off the show, I came straight to Nashville, and went searching for a deal or someone to work with, and a way to get started.”

While American Idol was not Siska’s path to stardom, he credits the show for instilling a “no quit” attitude and a belief in himself. “What I think it’s really great at doing and what it did for me at a young age, it developed me in a way. […] That was probably the best situation for any young artist to just learn and grow, just because of all the pressure you’re put under right away. […] I still use some skills that I picked up from idol today.”

While in Nashville, the singer-songwriter played every gig he could. Eventually, he connected with Mark Miller, who would go on to introduce him to his team at his label, Black River. “Through some family friends, I got a meeting with Mark Miller. […] We hit it off real good and we’ve been working together and real close buddies ever since then. He brought me in to Black River and I met Doug Johnson, and we hit it off too, and he produces my record and writes them with me a little bit.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Siska is living out his dream. Last year, the artist released his debut EP, a seven song project called, Three Chords at a Time. The project is an incredible compilation of the singer’s one-of-a-kind talent as both a vocalist and as a songwriter.

“When I was writing some of the songs for the EP, especially the title track, I wanted to give people kind of a little peephole into my life. […] Look through the glass and see what my stories are, and the [title track] is really about what I feel and my relationship with country music and radio, and the way it has shaped me into who I am now. I love all the tracks on that record though. They’re all different,” he shared.

While the single, “3 Tequila Floor” is an obvious standout and a hit with fans, the final record on the EP, “Better Man” is also a special one.

One of the things that I think is cool about it though is the end of the record, the seventh song, a song called “Better Man” is a gospel song that I wrote,” he began, My thought of it was, the old-school folks, the Johnny Cash’s and the George Jones’ folks, used to finish off their records with a gospel song, so I wanted to stick it in, in the sense of traditionalism with country and do the same thing with my first EP.”

Despite an incredible first outing, this is only just the beginning for Siska. The artist has shows on the books and more songs coming down the pipeline sooner rather than later. Keep your eyes and ears on the lookout!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Josiah Siska releases.

To keep up with Josiah Siska, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter.

Josiah Siska’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Parker McCollum Earns Third Number One Single with “Handle On You”

Parker McCollum’s song, “Handle On You” goes number one at country radio this week, marking his third number one single. Learn all the details here.

In the last year, Parker McCollum has transformed himself into a mainstay in country music. Last year, McCollum earned his second number one single at country radio with “To Be Loved By You.” Today, the singer-songwriter continues the streak, landing his third number one with his latest radio single, “Handle On You.”

McCollum has a knack for creating songs that tug at fans’ heartstrings. Written by the singer with Monty Criswell, the song is a clear fan-favorite. Each of his releases feels distinctly perfect for his artistry. “Handle On You,” his newest number one, is an emotive, heartbreak song that is both relatable and painful all at the same time.  While the chorus is catchy, the verses are where the true magic happens on this song.

“Sittin’ at the table, baby, breaking the seal // Gonna see how much of this pain I can kill // I went and bought the biggest bottle they got ’cause you’re gone // Tennessee and Kentucky ’cause you ain’t here to love me // I drink now that there’s nothing to lose // I’ve been fightin’ with your memory, I hate the way it hits me // I wake up every day, black and blue // After all this back and forth, a fifth won’t do // Yeah, I finally got a handle, finally got a handle on you”

Congratulations to Parker McCollum and his team on this accomplishment!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Parker McCollum announcements and releases.

To keep up with Parker McCollum, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Handle On You” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes 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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Justin Moore: ‘Stray Dog’ Album Review

Justin Moore shares his new album, Stray Dog, officially out now, May 5th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

When it comes to country artists who consistently release solid albums but tend to fly under the radar, Justin Moore is at the top of that list. The modern traditionalist is back with Stray Dog, the follow up to 2021’s Straight Outta the Country, featuring eight new tracks. Moore co-wrote all but one, the already-released duet with Priscilla Block, “You, Me, and Whiskey.”

Opening with the rocking “Everybody Get Along,” Moore partners with Riley Green on the tune dedicated to the idea of unity between people. There’s nothing preachy here, but the message is clear: We’re all different but the same. We may have different opinions, but we can all get along, despite our differences.

“I like this and I like that // But when it comes down to it // We got each other’s backs // In a world where all we do is fight and fuss and disagree // Why can’t everybody get along like you and me?”

The other duet on the album is the soulful and aforementioned “You, Me, and Whiskey,” which finds Moore and Block trading verses about rekindling a relationship over a few too many drinks. On the sexy duet, Block is the perfect partner for Moore, their voices blending as smoothly as a good glass of whiskey.  “I can’t find this me in a red wine glass,” She drawls, as he adds,  “Yeah and I can’t find it in a beer…Ain’t nothin’ as sweet// ain’t nothin’ as strong // As you, me, and whiskey all night long.”

Alcohol continues to play a role on “That Wasn’t Jack,” a mid-tempo that finds Moore blaming drunk dials and lonely moments on himself, instead of the drinks, while “Rich or Drunk Trying” is a tongue-in-cheek look at the search for a “sugar mama.” Lyrically, it finds Moore looking for love in all the rich places, searching for a CEO or another well-off woman to spend his time with.

“Better Slow” is an immediate standout, about enjoying life while you still have time because you may not always have the time. Here, Moore croons about how “You just never know…Some things are better slow.” Meanwhile, “With a Woman You Love” hit #1 on Billboard’s US Country airplay chart, and with good reason. The lead single from this record is one of Moore’s strongest, most poignant offerings to date.

Lastly, the LP’s autobiographical, title track, “Stray Dogs,” finds the Valory recording artist unapologetically himself. It’s a triumphant ode to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, but in the end, is true to themselves. “I’ve never just gone along with the crowd,” Moore says in a statement. “I’ve always tried to follow my heart and let the chips fall where they may, and I’m really proud of that.”  

On his new album, Stray Dog, Justin Moore continues to walk the line between traditional and modern country. While he may sometimes feel like an outsider, songs like “Better Slow,” “Everybody Get Along,” and “With a Woman You Love” continue to prove why he’s a country mainstay.

Stray Dog Track List:

  1. Everybody Get Along feat. Riley Green (Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover)
  2. That Wasn’t Jack (Justin Moore, David Lee Murphy, Chris Stevens, Jeremy Stover)
  3. With A Woman You Love (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, Jeremy Stover)
  4. Better Slow (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  5. Stray Dogs (Justin Moore, Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover)
  6. Country on It (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover)
  7. You, Me, And Whiskey feat. Priscilla Block (Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill, Cole Taylor)
  8. Get Rich or Drunk Trying (Justin Moore, Casey Beathard, Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover)
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Justin Moore’s newest album, ‘Stray Dog,’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Justin Moore releases.

To keep up with Justin Moore, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

Stray Dog is 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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Megan Moroney: ‘Lucky’ Debut Album Review

Megan Moroney’s major-label debut album, Lucky is officially out now, May 5th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Since the release of 2022’s “Tennessee Orange,” Megan Moroney has been one of Nashville’s most buzzed about new talents. Today, the Sony Music Nashville/ Columbia Records’ recording artist released her debut album, Lucky, a compelling mix of lyrical prowess, infectious melodies, and traditional country twang.

As the follow up to her EP, Pistol Made of Roses, the Lucky LP is the next step for the Georgia native. Produced by Kristian Bush of Sugarland, the album allows her to flex her impressive songwriting skills, co-writing on each of the project’s thirteen tracks. 

​​”After we wrote the title track ‘Lucky,’ I knew I wanted it to be the name of my debut album,” she explained in a press release. “If you know anything about me and my story, a lot of things (both good and bad) happened to get me to where I am today, and I just feel very lucky.”  

From the first listen of the album, it’s glaringly apparent why she chose “Lucky” as the album’s title, as the track is truly an immediate standout. It’s a catchy, two-stepping, hand-clapping country tune about not being afraid to make bad decisions with an ex while drunk. However, the twist here is that it’s him who’s the lucky one, as she’s not afraid to give in when inebriated.

“Cause me my phone and the neon’s buzzin’ // Three four in and I’m missin’ your lovin’,She sings.
“We said naw never again// And we said we’d be better as friends // But come over and don’t overthink it // Tonight you’re lucky I’m drinkin.”

Throughout the album, most of the tracks center around relationship issues, broken hearts, and losing yourself in a relationship, but lyrically, Moroney does this differently than most. There’s the heartwrenching “Girl in the Mirror,” which finds her grappling with the fact that she no longer recognizes herself in the light of a relationship that may not be the best. “She loves the boy more than the girl in the mirror, She sings on one of the album’s most poignant lyrics.

She’s more savage on “Sleep On My Side,” which has her tangled up with a Mr. Wrong, declaring that his wandering eye makes him not-so-right for her. “I sleep on my side and you sleep with everyone,” She muses. Likewise, the twangy “Georgia Girl” deals with a two-timer, as she mentions all of her man’s other women by the states they’re from.

“Kansas Anymore” is a sparse breakup ballad that finds her realizing that a relationship has ended with a play on the old adage that they’re “not in Kansas anymore,” while “Mustang on the Me” finds her wondering which will break down first as she literally and figuratively leaves an ex in the rearview mirror.

One of the album’s clear standouts is “Why Johnny,” which finds her musically chatting with June Carter Cash on her relationship with notorious womanizer, Johnny Cash. On the stripped ballad, she muses, “I think I’ve got a Johnny of my own,” asking the elder woman “What made you wanna make it work?” despite a man drowning himself in “booze and pills and perfume smells.”

It’s not all heartbreak on Lucky, as the album’s opener, “I’m Not Pretty,” finds the singer-songwriter playfully musing about all the untrue things her ex’s new flame may say about her.

“Somewhere out there my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s scrolling through my Instagram //  Tearing me down, passing the phone around like there’s nothing better to talk about //  Zooming out, Zooming in, overanalyzin’ // Like the queen of the mean girls’ committee // But hey whatever helps // Keep on telling yourself I’m not pretty.”

“Another on the Way” is a sassy ode to moving on, as there’s always another man, and another drink, just around the corner, while “Traitor Joe” is a classic story song that has Moroney letting Joe know his girlfriend is cheating on him.

“Tennessee Orange” is an interesting juxtaposition of lyrics versus music as the instrumentation sounds downtrodden and dark, which has her proclaiming her love for her man through wearing his team’s, and her family’s rival’s, colors. “So ‘Tennessee Orange’ is about me being a Georgia girl. I was born and raised in Georgia and I graduated from the University of Georgia. And, I moved to Nashville for music and I met and fell for a Tennessee boy. So, this is kinda my version of a love song,” Megan explains.

The album ends with the lush and almost ethereal “Sad Songs for Sad People” which finds Moroney confused over writing a love song when she tends to thrive on the writing about broken hearts.

“I write sad songs for sad people // Something ’bout the pain // I want every word to hurt like blue eyes crying in the rain,” She proclaims. “They say do what you love and that’s just what I do // I write sad songs for sad people // But I wrote this love song for you.”

On Lucky, Megan Moroney continues to prove why she’s one of country music’s fastest rising stars. With a well-balanced mix of brilliant lyrics, classic country instrumentation and pop sensibilities, she toes the line perfectly in the vein of Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, and even early Taylor Swift. 

Lucky Track List:

  1. “I’m Not Pretty”
  2. “Lucky”
  3. “Tennessee Orange”
  4. “Kansas Anymore”
  5. “Girl In The Mirror”
  6. “Another On The Way”
  7. “Traitor Joe”
  8. “Why Johnny”
  9. “God Plays A Gibson”
  10. “Georgia Girl”
  11. “Sleep On My Side”
  12. “Mustang Or Me”
  13. “Sad Songs For Sad People”

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Lucky
  2. Girl in the Mirror
  3. Why Johnny
  4. I’m Not Pretty
  5. Tennessee Orange
Megan-moroney-lucky-debut-album

Megan Moroney’s debut album, ‘Lucky’ is officially out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Megan Moroney releases.

The singer-songwriter will hit the stage at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom on September 20.

To keep up with Megan Moroney, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Lucky is 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.