Throwback Thursday Martina McBride Songs You May Have Forgotten

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Born in Sharon, Kansas, raised on the dairy farm, worked on the farm and sang from a young age, sold T-shirts for Garth Brooks, released 13 studio albums and 2 cookbooks, won multiple Female Country Artist of the Year awards. That’s Martina McBride for you.   

 

Her soprano voice is one of the most beautiful and powerful in the country music industry. Listening to her songs is like a warm breeze in the evening in the middle of summer, it’s gentle and comforting. It’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 

“Martina McBride has that kind of once-in-a-generation voice that’s so phenomenal you’d be happy to listen to her sing the phone book – so thank Heaven she chose to sing country music instead” – Grand Ole Opry     

 

  1. That’s Me – A sad song with a heart-touching music video. Being forgotten and left alone by someone you once loved and still love is the worst feeling in the world. “There’s a photo in an album he don’t notice anymore/ That’s me, that’s me/ There’s a stack of cards and letters buried deep inside a drawer/ That’s me, that’s me”

 

  1. Where I Used to Have a Heart – Missing someone always leaves a hole in your heart. It’s a crack that doesn’t heal easily it takes time but always leaves a mark.  “I’ll guess I’ll learn to live with a different kind of pain/ I’m suffering from a sickness that I cannot give a name/ It’s such a strange sensation I’ve never felt before”

 

  1. Cry on the Shoulder of the Road –  It’s not your typical sad “leaving” tune but it’s more like a bright and hopeful kind of track. “And there ain’t no telling what I’ll find/ But I might as well move down the line/ Because there’s no comfort here in your zip code”

 

  1. I Won’t Close My Eyes – It’s a song about lost love with a melody in the style of 80’s European Italo Disco slow songs. It’s definitely something unique in country music. “Love’s a matter of trust/ And I just want to believe in us/ But last night in your kiss/ I felt a lie on your lips”

 

  1. Anything and Everything – It could be interpreted in some ways as a mother expressing her love to her child but more likely it’s a beautiful love song. One of the most beautiful expressions of love. “Close your eyes and baby/ Make a wish and baby/ I’ll give you anything and everything/ The sky’s the limit and my heart is in it”

 

  1. For The Love of a Woman – When a man finds the right woman than magic happens because “For the love of a woman/ A man unlocks his heart/ And reveals all the secrets it holds/ And the love of a woman/ WIll find his better part/ When he gives her the key to his soul/ He will listen to her dreams/ He will ask her what she needs/ He will help her build the life she wants to live/ He will hold her when she cries/ With a love that never dies/ All these things he will give/ For the love of a woman”

 

  1. Wearing White – A positive, uplifting and light-hearted story of a girl with a crazy past who found the right man. “She made her life a mess/ But she was young, the past is done/ Now she’s in love/ And putting on a new dress/ It’s white/ And it’s nobody’s business what she wears/ Anyway the ruth is she don’t care/ Baby it’s her life/ She’ll do what she likes/ And she likes wearing white”  

 

  1. I Still Be Me – Always being who you are is the most important lesson from this song. No matter the circumstances always stay true to yourself. “Empires could rise and fall/ The sun could swallow the moon/ And I don’t hold a crystal ball/ But I promise you/ I’ll still be me/ Just a normal girl from small-town nowhere”

 

  1. House of a Thousand Dreams –  A recipe for an amazing marriage, a beautiful story of a loving family and the meaning of true and unimaginable love. “She says, my husband’s a good man gives all that he can/ I know he thinks he’s let me down/ I just want him and the children to be happy/ It’s not always easy, but it’s all I dream about”

 

  1. Don’t Cost a Dime – It’s the little things that make us happy and they usually don’t cost a dime. The point of the song is to appreciate little things in life and be grateful for all you have.  “Climb out of bed and step outside/ Lookup ahead, it’s all blue sky/ You already have what really matters the most in life”

 

McBride is one of the most talented people in the country music industry. She’s a role model for everyone. She managed to survive in music industry for 28 years and she’s not planning to stop touring and recording music. 

 

To keep up with Martina McBride follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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The Hero Collection by 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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Throwback Thursday: Tim McGraw Songs You May Have Forgotten

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Tim McGraw is one of the most recognizable country music superstars. With his unique voice, he managed to become known for his ability to stir up a wide range of emotions from heart-melting ballads to toe-tapping, dancehall tunes. As he once said in USA Today “There’s a lot of people who can pick up a guitar and sing you a great song, but there’s a very few people that can tell you how they feel. That’s the main purpose of acting or doing an opera or painting or anything. It’s to tell somebody how you feel and more importantly, tell them how they feel.”

In all of McGraw’s songs, this sentiment is undeniable especially in “It’s Your Love”, “Speak To a Girl”, “Don’t Take The Girl” or “Humble and Kind”.

 

With 15 studio albums, 21 singles to hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country 100 chart, 3 singles named the number one country song of the year (It’s Your Love, Just To See You Smile, and Live Like You Were Dying), 3 Grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 3 People’s Choice Awards, McGraw is certainly one of the most decorated artists of our time. Here are a few songs that we love, that you may have forgotten about. 

 

  1. Welcome To The Club –  This first song is for those who were dumped and broken-hearted.  “You gave her everything you thought she wanted/ Now all you want is gone/ you’re just one of many broken-hearted/ Wondering what went wrong/ Welcome to the club” 

 

  1. Tears In The Rain  – While listening you can feel his sadness because his love might come back if she could see his tears in the rain. “Now, I’ll regret that moment ‘cause I didn’t let her know/ How much I still loved her, I was hopin’ it would show/ But the raindrops and the teardrops ran together on my face/ Now she’ll never ever know no one can take her place”

 

  1. The Great Divide – Sometimes an argument can lead to a great divide which is hard to overcome. The hole between two people can bo so deep that even if they want to bury it but the ground would still tender. “And it’s a long, long way/ Across the great divide/ The songs that they once sang/ Now echo far and wide/ They could still get back/ All the love that they have lost/ But only if they both will reach across/ ‘Cause it’s a long, long way to the other side/ Of the great divide”

 

  1. You Just Get Better All The Time – One of these songs where love is almost touchable and you can feel the affection. A wonderful piece of music. “You just get sweeter every day/ The little things you do and say/ If only you could see you through my eyes/ You just get better all the time”

 

  1. Senorita Margarita – When your heart is sad and you need someone to comfort you but the one you love is the cause of heartache you need senorita margarita. “Senorita, margarita I’m as lonesome as a man can be/ I still love her/ I still need her/ I’m just hoping you can comfort me/ I don’t want to do her wrong/ I don’t need somebody new/ I just can’t be alone tonight/ So senorita, margarita, let me hold you tight”

 

  1. Let Me Love You – A country song with a Latino vibe, now you’ve heard it all. It will make you sway to the rhythm and feel like a professional samba dancer.  “Show me what it is like to lose control/ Free the desire in your soul/ Oh oh let me love you/ Let me take you the place like nowhere else/ Show you the things you never felt/ oh oh let me love you” 

 

  1. Home – There’s no place like home sweet home. Home is not just a building it’s much more, it’s feelings and memories. It’s almost like a time machine that can take you to happy and simple times. “Later on we’ll sit around/ Bellies tight from supper/ telling all them stories/ That we just can’t get enough of/ And somewhere in an honest laugh/ It’ll finally hit me that I’m/ Home”

 

  1. Old Town New – a blue song because of the painful past. A Town, people, and places remind of a failed relationship that’s why you have to make old town new. “Color other than blue again/ I would have something to do again/ Instead of thinking about you again/ But the people I know/ The places I go/ Remind me of you/ Oh, somebody came around/ And make this old town new”

 

  1. Open Season On My Heart – “I can’t blame anyone but me/ This reckless fool I’ve come to be/ My tired excuses just don’t fit/ It don’t look good from where I sit/ I’ve tried to change without much luck/ I reached the point where I get stuck/ I hit the streets and the fireworks start/ It’s open season on my heart” 

 

  1. Forever Seventeen Letting go of past experiences and moving on in life is easier to say than to do it and contemplating life choices and past is effortless but not painless. That’s why we should remember that we’re not flawless, we make mistakes and past is the past. “A reckless lover, a father figure/ You search for both in every man you meet/ You’re not a mother ad sometimes you wonder/ if a son or daughter just might make you feel complete/ But no, you don’t need someone else/ No, it’s hard enough to learn to love yourself”

 

McGraw’s ability to hone in on all kinds of emotions through songs makes him really special, one of the kind. He performed many memorable songs and sang many amazing lesser-known tracks that will stay in the hearts of his most devoted fans. 

To keep up with Tim McGraw follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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The Hero Collection by 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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Throwback Thursday: Faith Hill Songs You May Have Forgotten

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Faith Hill is a Grammy award winner and country music artist with multiple hits on country charts, a wonderful mother and wife, in other words, a role model and inspiration for others. She’s also is the only country artist and one of only three artists ever to perform both “The Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” at the Super Bowl. 

She’s the voice behind such hits as “Breathe”, “There You’ll Be”, “It Matters To Me”, “The Way You Love Me” and “This Kiss” but do you recall these lesser-known songs filled with all kind of emotions and passion?   

 

  1. Just About Now – Live in the moment, past is the past, you can’t change it and the future is unknown so the point is to be in the moment. Easier said than done but that’s a recipe for a happy life. “It’s just a moment to moment/ Surviving somehow/ This is not about then/ This is just about now”

 

  1. I’ve Got This Friend – Is there anything more heart-melting than a couple who is trying to help their dearest friends to find love? “Maybe in each other/ They might find the lover/ They’ve been missing until now/ They’d trust the judgment of/ Two friends like us who care so much/ Can we get them together, somehow?”

 

  1. Better Days – A voice of hope for a better tomorrow. We all wait for better days especially now. One thing in current turbulent moments is sure, better days are coming, maybe sooner than you expect it. “Better days are coming around/ I know you feel like/ The whole world’s gone and let you down, but/ Better days; they’re coming for you/ I know they will/ ‘Cause I’ll be right here making sure they do”

 

  1. Me – Everyone’s life goal should be finding someone who you can be yourself around. Let’s be honest each and everyone has flaws, therefore you should find the one who loves you despite all your shortcomings. “Me/ That’s all I have to give/ What you get is what you see, yeah/ No second-guessing, no pretending/ With you, all  I ever have to be is me/ All I ever need to be, oh yeah/ All I ever have to be is me”  

 

  1. That’s How Love Moves – Love is everything, the most precious thing in the world. That’s why everyone craves for it.  “It’s such a mystery/ How you found something in me/ That I never knew was there/ But you uncovered it so easily/ You turn me like the season/ And I began to change/ You wrapped your arms around me/ Now I’ll never be the same”

 

  1. A Man’s Home Is His Castle – Don’t be fooled by the title it is not another love ballad. It’s a story of abuse in a relationship. It addresses things that are unsaid and hidden. “He said: A man’s home is his castle/ It always has been/ And so it remains./ But he holds the keys in a fist of rage/ His home is his castle/ And mine is a cage”

 

  1. If You Ask – In every relationship someone has to be the rock and anchor that helps you to survive stormy days. “When you ask for my forgiveness/ When you call my name, I will come/ When you ask for my love, I will give you some/ In the morning I will get you up/ And I will smile just when you want me to/ ‘Cause I’m, I’m all you have”

 

  1. We’ve Got Nothing But Love To Prove – It’s not another love song but it’s a thought-provoking masterpiece. It makes you ask yourself what’s wrong with this world? Why can’t people just be kind to each other? What you can do you make the world around you a better place? The answer is simple: hold the door, say please and thank you, don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie. Be humble and kind, it really makes a difference. “It’s like everything and nothing leads to wisdom/ It’s like no one really means what they say/ While we fight for peace and die for our freedom/ I guess we’ll leave it to our children to find a better way”

 

  1. Wish For You – There’s nothing more beautiful in the world than a mother’s unconditional love. Sang with love by a mother.  “A field of flowers dancing in the spring/ A little creek, a tree, and old rope swing/ Cotton candy clouds against the blue/ That’s the kind of day I wish for you/ First love with all its storm/ Raging like fire within/ Tossing your heart to chance/ You swear the dance will never end”

 

  1. Paris – A beautiful story with slow and soft tunes and velvet voice of Faith Hill. “I’d give this world to you/ Every rock and every stone/ Every masterpiece in Rome/ And if you asked me to/ I’d steal the Mona Lisa/ Tear it up in little pieces/ And lay them at your feet/ For all the world to see/ but tonight I can’t give you Paris” 

 

All of Faith Hill’s songs are incredible. She’s definitely one of the kind. She’s so relatable, grounded and kind. No wonder why Tim McGraw doesn’t want to spend more than three days without her. 

To keep up with Faith Hill follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Throwback Thursday – Reba McEntire Songs You May Have Forgotten

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By Michal Pietrzak

Reba McEntire is a great singer, performer, and actress. She’s definitely one of the greatest female country singers and she might be even a Queen of Country Music. But we all can agree that behind every great man is a great woman and behind country music success there are a lot of great female artists.

Reba McEntire has 32 number one hits and many more great songs so picking ten songs you may have forgotten wasn’t an easy task. Warning: The main theme of the list is love.

 

  1. I Don’t Want To Be a One Night Stand Reba is such a good example for young women and this song is her great advice. Listen to it carefully and draw conclusions. “Well, I do not want to be a one night stand/ So if that’s what you got planned/ Baby before we go, you better let me know/ I don’t want to be a one night stand”

 

  1. Make Me Feel Like a Woman Wants to Feel – “I know you love me because you told me so/ But that isn’t enough because I want to be shown/ Make me feel like a woman wants to feel/ And let me know you miss me when I’m not around/ Go ahead and kiss me when I’m feeling down”

 

  1. I Can See Forever In Your Eyes – Seeing forever and love that never dies in someone’s eyes seems like a dream coming true. It’s such an amazing thing. “Give me all my heart can hold/ Hold me never let me go/ Love was mystery/ Until you touched me with sweet. sweet love/ Now it’s so clear to me/ This is what love is made of/ I can see forever in your eyes”

 

  1. I’d Say You – Usually, men are the ones praising women so why not listen to Reba singing about what love looks like and how good men sometimes can be. “If I had to say what love feels like/ I’d say you/ If I had to say what love tastes like/ I’d say you”

 

  1. Poison Sugar – The song has a western movie vibe. Melody and lyrics create the impression of good ole gold rush times. Ladies, look out for that mysterious cowboy in the saloon. “Oh, they call him poison sugar/ Because there’s poison in his kiss/ Oh, you ladies warn your daughters/ About the stranger with the poison lips”

 

  1. Lookin’ For a New Love Story – Finding true love is the hardest quest in everyone’s life. The best advice is to never give up, eventually, he or she will come to your life when you least expect it. That’s the point of this song. “And I have searched the oceans of many man’s eyes/ But I have yet to feel like more than some deserted island/ I know a relationship will come for me in time/ And I can’t wait to see his face on my horizon/ Because one of these days he’ll sail into my life”

 

  1. Little Girl – Not being constantly in rush seems like an unspoken moral of this story. It sounds like a piece of great advice to not hurry in life. “Daddy used to tell me/ If I ran too fast I’d fall and hurt myself/ But the ice cream man would ring his bell/ And I’d get there before anyone else”

 

  1. He Wants to Get Married – Such an amazing song about important values and definition of a real man which is becoming an endangered species nowadays. Word to the wise, you should stop listening before four last words because they change completely the meaning of the tune and turn in into a sad song. “He’ll build a house in the country/ Where he’ll watch his children grow/ And teach them the values of something/ That most people never even know/ He wants to get married”

 

  1. Good Friends  – Good friends are the family you can choose. After all, they stayed with you despite your flaws. That makes good friends the greatest gift, of course beside true love. “Oh, people even new ones come/ You’re lucky if you find just one good friend/ And we say goodbye/ Knowing what we have will fade away/ We’ll meet another time/ Another day/ My friend”

 

  1. Moving Oleta – Love that lasts through good and bad times can be called true love. The song is about the struggles of being old. Beautiful piece of soft melody and compelling lyrics performed by the Queen of Country Music. “He woke up each morning and drove into town/ He stayed all day until her dinner came/ Then he took her to her room/ Leaned on her wheelchair like a walker/ And covered her with a quilt that she made/ Only God and a couple of nurses/ Helped the old man shoulder the road/ Love is a hard, hard road”

 Reba McEntire is one of the best-selling and beloved country artists of all time. She’s true Queen of Country Music. A list of 10 songs is just a drop in the ocean of Reba’s songs.

To keep up with Reba McEntire follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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Throwback Thursday – 10 Toby Keith Songs You May Have Forgotten

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 By Michal Pietrzak

 

Toby Keith is many things, he’s a singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, patriot, and a great entertainer. He’s released 19 studio albums, 200+ songs. Like life, his songs vary from love records, through sad and funny to beer drinking and partying tracks.

Keith recently announced his 2020 tour called Country Comes To Town which starts in late March and ends in early September.

He’s given us many great and well-known songs like “Red Solo Cup”, “American Soldier” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, “As Good As I Once Was”, “How Do You Like Me Now” and many more but do you remember songs like “Victoria’s Secret” (you might), “New Orleans”, “Just The Guy To Do It” or “Mama Come Quick”? Let’s take a look back at some of his lesser-known tracks.

10. “Mama Come Quick”  – No matter how old you are, when things go wrong you always turn to mom for help, advice or words of understanding. Parents are the only people who love you unconditionally. This is a perfect song for Mother’s Day. “Mama come quick I think I fell/ And hurt myself again/ Mama come quick you know too well/ How much I still depend on you”

9. “New Orleans” – Life writes the best lyrics and this record proves it. It isn’t just a song it’s four verse story about love with a happy ending. Life isn’t always easy, sometimes you have to cut yourself off from troubled past, move on and find happiness. A little act of kindness can alter your whole world and make you feel better. “She was obviously lost but too afraid to ask directions/ So he offered her a smile and a stick of Beech-Nut gum/ He said where you headed to girl, where are you coming from/ She said/ New Orleans but that’s another story/ New Orleans that’s another time/ That’s another town, That’s another life”

8. “Life Was a Play (The World a Stage)” – Live life to the fullest, party hard and be careless, sounds like most of the teenager’s motto. What’s Toby Keith’s advice? “Thought breakin’ rules was bein’ cool/ It’s clear to me now I was a fool/ I still make a mistake or two/ Looking back on my younger days/ Life was a play and the world a stage”

7. “She’s Perfect” – Everyone makes mistakes, some of them are harmless, some of them may be heartwrenching. From time to time even unintentionally you might be the cause of another’s sadness. “It might appear to you she’s broken/ By the teardrops in her eyes/ But there’s nothing wrong with her, she’s perfect/ I’m the one who made her cry/ There’s nothing wrong with her, she’s perfect”

6. “Ain’t No Right Way” – One of the most thought-provoking Toby Keith songs, it’s about morality, making difficult choices, the thin line between right and wrong. It really makes you wonder what would you do in situations described in the song. “There is no right way/ To do the wrong thing/ You can justify/ But it is still black and white/ Paint in any shade/ But it would not change/ There is no right way/ To do the wrong thing”

5. “Victoria’s Secret” – No, it’s not a song about Victoria’s Secret Angels, it’s a lot deeper than that. Being appreciated and loved by your partner helps you make it through the day. When you aren’t, you might seek consolation in someone else’s arm. That why only Toby knows Victoria’s secret. “Seems she’s always and the run/ And she gets so lonely it tears her in two/ That’s when she does what a woman must do/ And I’m the only one who knows Victoria’s secret”

4. “Haggard, Hank, and Her” – Being torn apart between love is not so unusual. Someone can make you miserable and hurt but a tiny part of you still loves that person. “Nobody thrills me/ Nobody chills me/ Nobody kills me/ Like Haggard, Hank and her”

3. “Last Living Cowboy” – Positive vibes, foot-tapping rhythms, and nicely crafted lyrics make it a good country song. As you might assume it’s a story about the last true cowboy who remembers good ole days when the world was a better place. “You’ll find him down on Main Street. That’s where he likes to walk/ It’s worth the price of admission just to hear that old man talk/ He’s the last living cowboy in this town.”

2. “I Know She Hung The Moon” – Having someone special is the most wonderful thing in a world. Catchy chorus will make appreciate this song. “You don’t have to tell me she’s beautiful/ You don’t have to say things like one-of-a-kind/ You don’t have to wonder if she loves me man/ I know that’s crossed your mind/ Seems like everywhere we go/ There’s always somebody staring at her/ Yeah, I know she hung the moon/ I’m the one that held the ladder”

1.“Just The Guy To Do It” – A bit funny and beautiful, definitely a great song to cheer you up. Easy-going tunes quite similar to Jimmy Buffett’s songs make it even better. When you think about it’s lyrically kinda similar to Jon Pardi’s “Tequila Little Time”. “Do blondes really have more fun?/ Or they just easier to spot in the dark?/ Girl, I’m just trying to cheer you up/ I saw you sitting over here all alone/ With a broken heart.”

Compared to 27 years in the music industry and 19 released studio albums a list of 10 songs seems like a drop in the ocean. Picking less known but still good songs was an easy task but narrowing it down to just 10 tracks was way harder.

To keep up with Toby Keith follow him on  Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

Cover Photo Via Instagram and Photo Credit : @roberto_carliux

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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Throwback Thursday – 10 Rascal Flatts Songs You Forgot About

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By Michal Pietrzak

Rascal Flatts

 

Rascal Flatts have announced that they will be heading out on their farewell tour this year after two decades in the country music business.  The Farewell Life is a Highway Tour starts on June 11 and wraps up on October 17. They will perform 26 more times. Indianapolis is a first stop at the map and West Palm Beach is the last destination. They’ll take the stage in 19 states and in Canada. For all of the tour stops, click here.

For New York and New Jersey country music fans, the tour hits the area on September 17th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre and on September 19th at PNC Bank Arts Center with direct support from Chris Lane and an opening set by Caylee Hammack.

Tickets officially go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 21st, but NYCountry Swag followers can grab theirs early on Thursday, February 20th at 10AM with presale code: SWAG. Click here to grab yours. 

Everybody knows songs like “Bless The Broken Road”, “Life is a Highway”, “What Hurts The Most”, “I Like The Sound Of That”. “My Wish” or “Fast Cars and Freedom” but did you a little less known songs like “Compass”, “A Little Home” or “Cool Thing”. If not be sure to check our list below. Some songs are a little more romantic some are a little more country and some are just simply great.

10. “Oklahoma-Texas Line” – Fast rhythm piece, happy and joyful kinda love song which makes your foot tap. The world needs more love tunes like this one. “Got an old dog, it don’t like me much/ That thing starts to bark his head off every time we touch”

9. “I Know You Won’t” – A cover of Carrie Underwood’s song, this one is about people who are resistant to change, they don’t want to change themselves for the better. Yes, ladies, men are not the only ones who don’t want to reform. You can try to teach old dog new tricks but you’ll probably fail if the other side doesn’t really crave it. “You say you’ll call, but I know you/ You say you’re coming home, but I know you/ You say you’ve changed, but I know you won’t”

8. “Love What You’ve Done With The Place” – Love is not defined by grand gestures but by little things that make you feel important and comfortable. Things that remind you of the person you care for are also an expression of love. “Leave the towel on the shower and that empty shampoo bottle/ That makeup on the counter/ You can take, but you ain’t gotta/ Just don’t leave me without leaving a trace/ Cause I love what you’ve done/ yeah, I love what you’ve done with the place”

7. “I Have Never Been In Memphis” – You never know when little cupid with an arrow will hit you. Love will make you travel to new places and experience new things. “I have never been to Memphis/ But if You’re there/ I will pack my bags, and go/ Oh even though it never rains here/ And the sun is always shining\ I have never met a girl like you”

6. “Night Of Our Lives” – Moments that make us grin, make us reminisce. Times when we were young and wild. Good old days. This lively tune definitely will bring you back some good memories from the past. “My little blue-eyed blue jean girl/ We took that Chevy for w whirl/ Innocence and butterflies/ We left them both behind”

5. “A Little Home” – Everyone needs a home. Sometimes when you’re sad or feel down all you have to do is call parents because they love you unconditionally and they’ll always try to cheer you up. “Sometimes you just need a little home/ Some “Hey mom and dad what is going on?/ I am just checking in? No, there is nothing wrong”/ Sometimes you just need a little home”

4. “Summer Young” – Valentine’s Day is tomorrow and here’s another lively and positive love song for you. The tune that will bring you back happy memories from your past when you were summer young. “I stood behind you while you swayed and looked down/ At your pretty face, thought “Man I’m falling hard for her”/ Yeah, we get those moments now and then/ The kind you pray that will never end/ That’s exactly where we were”

3. “Cool Thing” – Sometimes you find love when you least expect it. Single second changes everything. Is this song about just that. “She didn’t come there lookin’ for love/ And the cool thing was/ Neither did I”

2. “Ellsworth” – It’s about til death due us apart, never forgotten love. Amazing story about love only grandparents can experience – a long-lasting one, the most beautiful kind of love. “A front porch light and a blue DeSoto/ Couple of straws and a coca-cola/ You can see it all gong down/ A handsome boy in army green/ A tear on his face, down on a knee/ Shaky voice, a diamond ring/ She’ll put you in that town/ Tomorrow she won’t remember what she did today/ But just ask her about Ellsworth, Kansas, 1948”

1. “Compass” – Creme de la creme of this list. One of the most beautiful, heart-melting country songs you’ll ever hear. Compass, lighthouse, anchor that’s how true love can be described in one word. Rascal Flatts will explain to you what True Love is. “When the night is falling/ So hard upon you/ And the world is aiming/ Heavy on your heart/ When your soul is stranded/ And you’re barely standing/ I will hold you, shield you, show you”

20 years is a long period of time. We should be glad that we had a chance to enjoy their music for quite some time. Maybe in a few years, they’ll reunite and let the fans savor new songs. Time will tell, but, for now, relish in their timeless tracks.

To keep up with Rascal Flatts follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Top 10 Tim McGraw Songs… So Far

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Tim McGraw Top 10 Songs

(Photo by Ron Elkman/USA TODAY NETWORK)

In anticipation of what we can only believe is new music coming from Tim McGraw, after his most recent spree of odd social media posts, we went back to look at his incredible catalog of hits over the years to bring you our top 10 Tim McGraw favorites.

 

10. “Don’t Take The Girl”

From ‘Not a Moment Too Soon’ (1994) – 
McGraw’s southern twang and meaningful lyrics make the song even more attractive to country music listeners whose emotions can be easily stirred by the touching story of Johnny and “the girl” with no name. This song gave McGraw another #1 hit to add to his growing list.

 

9. “Just To See You Smile”

From ‘Everywhere’ (1997) – 
Pining over a lost love isn’t exactly groundbreaking in country music, but McGraw does it so well on “Just to See You Smile,” an old-school country song aimed directly at the broken heart of a man.

 

8. “My Best Friend”

From ‘A Place in the Sun’ (1999)
In the late ‘90s, McGraw dominated country radio playlists and this song was no different, spending two weeks in the Number 1 spot. The song is a classic first dance song for many bride-groom dances during the most special day of their lives.

 

7. “Live Like You Were Dying”

From ‘Live Like You Were Dying’ (2004) – 
It had been ten years since McGraw had a Top 10 hit and this song came and shot through the charts proving he sounded better than ever before. Filled with lyrics to live by, this song earned both a CMA Award for Song of the Year and a Grammy in 2004.

 

6. “It’s Your Love” (with Faith Hill)

From ‘Everywhere’ (1997) –
The lyrics do not ring vague at all, but instead are heard from a deep place of sincerity.  McGraw and Hill’s very first duet was the song that made them country’s ultimate power couple and became one McGraw’s first major hits.

 

5. “Something Like That”

From ‘A Place in the Sun’ (1999) –
McGraw’s ‘Something Like That’ was played non-stop on country radio throughout the entire decade of 2000-2010. The song recalls the narrator’s youthful experience of falling in love for the very first time at age seventeen. Every time you listen to this song you cannot help, but go back to those days young love days.

 

4. “Where The Green Grass Grows”

From ‘Everywhere’ (1997) –
Outlining life in the country, McGraw gives all the reasons why he will live ‘Where The Green Grass Grows’. While this song only peaked at #27 on the charts, it is still one of McGraw’s most recognized tracks.

 

3. “If You’re Reading This”

From ‘Let It Go’ (2007) – 
A standout performance from this special track came during the 2007 ACM Awards when McGraw paid tribute to the families of fallen soldiers, bringing a group of grieving relatives to the stage. The deliverance of the song was so powerful and it is still one of the most unforgettable performances of McGraw’s career.

 

2. “I Need You” (with Faith Hill)

From ‘Let It Go’ (2007) –
McGraw sounds great using his lower voice, but it’s Hill’s vocal performance that sends this song soaring. This is the first time they’ve fully captured on record the chemistry that they have. The power from this song and the music video captivates audiences to this day. The duet was nominated twice at the 2008 Grammy Awards for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and Best Country Song.

 

1. “I Like It, I Love It”

From ‘All I Want’ (1995) –
This one is a classic oldie from McGraw’s powerful 1990s run. The second it comes on the radio, fans can not help but start singing it at the top of their lungs. It is still on every ultimate summer playlist and gets covered by many popular country artists today during their own live concerts.

 

BONUS PICK: “Humble And Kind”

From ‘Damn Country Music’ (2015) –
No Tim McGraw list is complete without the Lori McKenna-penned track, “Humble and Kind”. The song speaks for itself and came at a time when people needed it most.

How does our list of our Top Tim McGraw Songs match up to yours?  Listen to the tracks on the playlist below and check back here soon where we just might have some news on new Tim McGraw music.

 

 

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Remember When Lil Wayne Performed at the CMA Awards?

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Lil Wayne alongside Kid Rock at the 2008 Country Music Awards

Lil Wayne alongside Kid Rock at the 2008 CMA Awards (Getty/Wire)

Hip-hop and rap fans woke up thrilled to find that superstar, Lil Wayne’s long anticipated album, Carter V had been released after years of lawsuits, legal issues and missed release dates. 

The 23-track record is everything lifelong fans of the rap king have been waiting for, but the 14th song on the album, “Hittas” adds a reference to be noted in the country music world. The single opens with David Letterman asking Wayne, “Is it true you performed with Willie Nelson at the Country Music Awards?” before going into the song.

The question brings us back to 2008 where rapper Lil Wayne joined then rock artist, Kid Rock on stage in a surprise appearance at the Country Music Association Awards. Hitting the Nashville stage decked In a Tennessee Titans football jersey, the rapper strummed a guitar while Kid Rock performed his hit single “All Summer Long”. 

Months later, in an interview with Genius, Lil Wayne shared that he didn’t actually know how to play the guitar, but lucky for him country legend Willie Nelson was nearby. The icon taught Wayne the most important chords just moments before the curtains went up. Check out Wayne’s hilarious story of his encounter with Nelson in the video below.

The CMA Awards – one of the biggest nights in country music – have not always been all about country artists. In the past there have been several not-so-country stars who having gotten there share of the stage during this prestigious night, including acts like Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Meghan Trainor, Pink, Niall Horan, and more. 

With the 2018 CMA Awards just a little over a month away, we wonder what surprise artists will we see make an appearance this year? 

Don’t miss The 52nd Annual CMA Awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood on Wednesday, November 14 at 8|7c on ABC. We’ll be live-tweeting the show! Follow Us & join in on the conversation, @NYCountrySwag.

 

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#TBT 5 Things We Know & Love About Eric Church

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Eric Church is back with brand new music, let’s take a look back at five times we loved him for his artistry, his dedication to his fans, and his love for creating incredible music.

5. The First Number 1 –

It took Church three albums to finally have a number one single on the radio, but with his album Chief debuting at number one on both the Top Country Albums and the Billboard 200 charts, you knew this album was different.  Both “Drink In My Hand” and “Springsteen” hit the top spot on the charts and have gone on to be staples in his live shows.

 

4. That Time He Dropped A Surprise Album –

His latest album, Mr. Misunderstood, came as a complete surprise to fans back in 2015.  Members of his fan club, The Church Choir received a vinyl copy of the record on November 3rd, a day before it was available on digital outlets and in stores. With no promotion or advertisements surrounding the release, Church performed the title track during his performance on the CMA Awards the following evening, needless to say, the world was excited about Church’s surprise.

 

3. Why Not Me –

Just days after the country and the music industry were completely devastated by the mass shooting at Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, Church unwillingly took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.  In the video below, he not only breaks down in tears describing those incredible fans that he had the pleasure of playing for just two nights before but also went on to state “Those were my people, those were my fans.” He dedicated his performance to Heather Melton, who’s husband Sonny was one of the victims, they were supposed to be at the show that night.  He goes on to explain that something broke in him that night and the only way he has ever fixed anything that was broken was through music, playing a song he had just written called “Why Not Me”.

 

2. Fans First – 

As more and more fans started wanting tickets to his shows, Church and his team realized that ticket scalping was a real problem for dedicated fans who were trying to buy tickets as soon as they went on sale.  Church told The Associated Press he’s going to do everything he can do to stop what he calls a criminal organization that’s making millions.  “They buy thousands of tickets across the U.S., not just mine, and they end up making a fortune,” Church said in an interview. “They use fake credit cards, fake IDs. All of this is fraud.”  So in order to do his part, he canceled over 25 thousand tickets that he believed were purchased by scalpers to make money and rereleased them to his true fans.

Eric Church

 

1. Church In New York –

The last time Eric Church played in New York, our team knew we had to do something big.  His “Holdin’ My Own” Tour hit the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on Friday, January 27th of 2017 and we decided to go all out.  We hosted a VIP Suite Experience for lucky winners and New York City country fans.  36 fans including our team got to experience the sold-out show from a private suite. The concert was one to remember, Church played 38 songs spanning over a three-hour set.

Eric Church

 

We are loving his brand new single “Desperate Man” and look forward to his new album October 5th. Sign up for our Weekly Round-Up newsletter to be informed first about new music and upcoming events and giveaways.

 

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#TBT Luke Bryan’s Very First Number One Single “Rain Is A Good Thing”

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Luke Bryan is celebrating his 20th number one single this week with “Most People Are Good”, off his recent album, “What Makes You Country,”  In honor of the moment, Let’s take a look back at the video for his very first number one single, “Rain is a Good Thing”.

The video starts out by testimonials from real farmers who spent their entire lives in the fields. “Sixty-something’ years, this has been my livelihood all my life, and it all depends on the water,” a farmer says from his front porch. The video is a clip from Bryan’s ‘Welcome to the Farm Tour’ on Hurricane Plantation in Claxton, Georgia back in 2009.

The video ends with Bryan singing during a huge rainstorm and everyone dancing along. Check it out below…

 

 

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