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

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

SEPTEMBER PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Be Like That” – Kane Brown
Songwriters: Alexander Izquierdo, Kane Brown, Khalid Robinson, Khalif Brown, Mike Will, Ryan Vojtesak

This month I chose Kane Brown’s “Be Like That”. I am a sucker for a BOP and this song delivers. I first heard the track before it was released during his opening night of the Worldwide Beautiful Tour back in February and was instantly hooked. It’s the perfect song to put on and jam along to when you just need a little extra energy. I also love a good collaboration and the way Kane Brown continues to blur the lines and explore sounds outside of country music makes him one of the most talked-about artists across the music industry as a whole. This one will be on my ‘on repeat’ list for a while and I’m excited to see it continue to climb the charts on Top 40 radio.

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “You’re The Love I Wanna Be In” – Jason Aldean
Songwriters: Jason Aldean, John Rich, Vickey McGehee

This throwback from 2005, Jason Aldean’s debut self-titled record was one of the first songs I ever heard when I started really getting into modern country music in high school. The simple story song pulls you in and has you pulling for the underdog in a relationship. I’ve watched artists like Aldean evolve so much over the course of the past 15 years and although I am a huge fan of modern country and how it has changed, sometimes I love going back to those original hits that really honed in my love for the genre and the storytelling.

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “All The Cool Girls” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Jessie Jo Dillon, Brett Tyler, Hailey Whitters

I feel like there’s never a time where I’m not listening to Hailey Whitters. Ever since her debut record, The Dream, came out last February, I’ve had it on repeat. My favorite switches, but at the moment I’m listening to “All The Cool Girls” pretty consistently. There’s so much I love about the song – the references to Shakesphere and Bob Dylan (Midsummer Night Dream, Tangled up in Blue), how sonically, it sounds straight out of a mystery movie, and how retro Hailey’s voice sounds on the track. At some points, it almost sounds to me like she’s taking a long-distance phone call. It’s a song that I can’t compare to any other song: it doesn’t sound like anything I’ve heard before. Hailey Whitters is truly an artist with a unique vision and her work reflects it perfectly. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “For A Boat” – Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Randy Montana, Josh Thompson, Mike Walker 

I really enjoyed Luke Bryan’s new album, Born Here Live Here Die Here, but “For A Boat” stood out to me a little more than the rest. If you read my monthly picks, you know by now I love songs about nostalgia and growing up because I like to relate their experiences with mine. Although I grew up comfortably in terms of finances, we were far from rich and this song is about loving what you have and not what you don’t. I think, and obviously Bryan does as well, a lot of good life lessons can be learned from growing up in the middle class.

He’d say “love what you got, buddy, not what you ain’t / and just about then that bobber would sink / and that outboard dream of mine would disappear / I grew up pretty luck as far as lucky goes / Too broke for a boat

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Bar Back” – Lauren Alaina
Songwriters: David Garcia, Hillary Lindsay, Lauren Alaina, Jon Nite

Most of us have a favorite dive bar, whether it be in our hometown or a city or town you currently live in. A dive bar is all about comfort, familiar faces, and the feeling of being where you belong. Lauren Alaina hits home to a lot of people when she sings about wanting her bar back and not wanting to run into an ex there, which a lot of us can relate to. Alaina talks about giving up and giving back her favorite things like an old sweatshirt, a favorite song, and even her church service all just to have her favorite bar back.

I’ll give you back that sweatshirt, the one that I love // And you can keep our favorite song ‘Like Jesus Does’ // And that 8th Avenue, Sunday 9 AM service // You can have all that, I’ll even change churches but // I’m taking back that little hole in the wall // The red door sign saying come on in y’all // The Deep Eddie shots, the bartender Nick // The smokey patio with all my rowdy friends // You can have any bar that you want / But not this one // In midtown, find a new place to hang out // Better not see you around again // ‘Cause I’m takin’ my bar back

Of course, any song with an Eric Church reference (peep the “Like Jesus Does” mention) is already a winner in my book. I think just about anyone can substitute their favorite things into this song to make it personal to them, and that’s something Alaina does so well: being relatable.

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Got What I Got” – Jason Aldean
Songwriters: Alexander Palmer, Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer

Jason Aldean’s “Got What I Got” is his first single in (what feels like) a while that relies more on storytelling by focusing primarily on the lyrics rather than utilizing dense layers of instrumental accompaniment. And though the entertainer did not play a role in writing the track, Aldean seems to take the message to heart in both the production of the song itself as well as the family-oriented, intimate homemade video.

The song tugs at the heartstrings, which is where Aldean’s artistry is fully portrayed in such a way that moves and inspires the listener. This is executed in his 2018 single “You Make It Easy” in addition to earlier numbers such as “The Truth” from his 2009 album Wide Open and “Laughed Until We Cried” from the former album titled Relentless.

With “Got What I Got”, Aldean seems to have returned to one of his many successful approaches in music that deal with emotion, vulnerability, and tenderness. And the execution is as strong as ever.

Abby Kaye-Phillips, Contributing Writer

Pick: “I Should Probably Go To Bed” – Dan + Shay
Songwriters: Sean Douglas, Dan Smyers, Jason Evigan, Shay Mooney

When Dan + Shay released their self-titled album in 2018 I loved every single song. Since then I’ve been itching for new music, and they did not disappoint with “I Should Probably Go To Bed”. The first time I heard it I was blown away by the vocals, the harmonies, the production, and the lyrics. We have all been in a situation where we (or a friend) were in danger of saying or doing something we’d regret. The song is relatable to everyone, and I can’t wait to hear more new music!

Pick: “Betty” – Taylor Swift
Songwriters: Taylor Swift, William Bowery

My pick for September is “Betty” by Taylor Swift. Taylor is one of the first artists that made me a country music fan and I am so thankful for that. However, when she switched genres it was hard to not picture her in the country scene anymore. With every new album there was always that hope she would go back to her roots. While it was a long wait, it finally happened with “Betty”. Putting out this song shows that she didn’t forget where her career started. Hopefully there will be more “country Taylor” to come in the future.

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “A ROCK” – HARDY
Songwriters: Jake Mitchell, HARDY, Smith Ahnquist

At this rate, my monthly pick should just be called my HARDY pick because it feels like all I do is pick a song by him! However, it is much deserved. Time and time again, HARDY proves that he is a force to be reckoned with and that he is quite possibly one of the best in the industry. His title track to his debut record “A Rock” blows me away. The intricate and intelligent lyric would have been enough to make me a fan, but the fact that the song concludes and pulls together the entire record is nothing short of genius.

“You know what’s wrong and you know what’s right / But you wanna be cool on a Friday night / Somebody puts a bottle in front of your face / For the first time you’re stuck between a hard place and a rock / A rock / A rock”

I will forever be a fan of HARDY as both a singer and as a songwriter. I cannot wait to hear “A ROCK” and all his other incredible tunes live, when country music returns to the New York stages. Until then, do yourself a favor and go listen to this tune.

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

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

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

JULY PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Good Times Roll” – Jimmie Allen feat. Nelly
Songwriters: Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly), Jimmie Allen, Zach Kale

This month I chose Jimmie Allen’s “Good Times Roll” featuring Nelly. The infectious song only came out a few days ago, but I have been impatiently waiting for it since back in December when Allen first teased it during his opening set on the CMT on Tour with Michael Ray in New York City.

The track has the nostalgia of old school Nelly classics like “Country Grammar”, but blends Allen’s familiar and unique vocals of today’s country music. The kind of song you just want to blast with the windows down, the two paired up have created the perfect upbeat, summer anthem that 2020 really needed right now.

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Sunday Drive” – Brett Eldredge
Songwriters: Barry Dean, Don Mescall, Steve Robson

Through first listen I fell in love with Brett Eldredge’s album this weekend but it wasn’t until Sunday afternoon driving in the car with my husband and my son in the back looking out the window that this particular title track struck a chord. The lyrics encourage the listener to focus on the small, seemingly insignificant moments for they become the most memorable in the long run.

“And we were only young but they were trying hard to reach us / How was I to know that there was something so worth keeping?”

The simple piano instrumentation with Eldredge’s smooth and clear vocals tell the story of growing up watching your parents and then as time goes by, you take your parents out on a Sunday drive, giving them the chance to reminisce about the good old days. This entire album is a masterpiece, Eldredge mixes his Sinatra big band vibes with country storytelling and it is definitely some of his best work.

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Haven’t Even Kissed Me Yet” – Aubrie Sellers
Songwriters: Aubrie Sellers

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Come As You Are” – Tenille Townes
Songwriters: Daniel Tashian, Tenille Townes, Marc Beeson

This is such a fun song and it really stood out to me when listening to her new album. The record can be very emotional at times and definitely provokes a lot of thought with songs like “Jersey on the Wall,” and at first, I thought this song was just put on there to break up all the emotions. Upon further listens, it does that and so much more. This song is all about self-acceptance and promotes the message of ‘everyone is dealing with similar problems, so stop overthinking, let loose, enjoy yourself, and live in the moment.’ In these trying times, we all need to be reminded of this. This song is just full of good vibes.

I love Tenille Townes and was blown away by The Lemonade Stand. It takes story-telling and adds a whole new layer to it. Excluding Sam Hunt’s Southside, this my favorite album of 2020 so far. This may be a bold statement, but this might be my favorite album by a female country artist ever.

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “In My Veins” – Lauren Alaina
Songwriters: Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Lauren Alaina, Cary Barlowe

This song by Lauren Alaina has been out for a while but I feel like it’s such a great summer jam. A lot of people went back to their hometowns to quarantine during the Covid-19 pandemic and this song talks about your roots and never forgetting where you grew up because those memories and experiences made you who you are today.

“But you don’t leave with roots that deep // No matter where you’re at It’s in my blood, it’s in my veins // The way I talk and the way I pray // If I close my eyes, I’m there right now // You can take the girl out of the country // But the country stays running in my veins // Running in my veins”

You can hear Alaina’s southern twang on this track. The Georgia native’s lyrics are relatable and something most of us have experienced.

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Then You Do” – Brett Eldredge
Songwriters: Brett Eldredge

Brett Eldredge’s new album is full of sentimental, lyrically-beautiful tracks. It’s definitely one of his most honest and creative productions. Though, “Then You Do” seemed to be the one that instilled the most significant reaction out of me, the first time I truly listened. It was one of those moments that demand attention, leaving you blind and unaware of anything except the lyrics spewing out of the speaker, and the music that paints the background. “Then You Do,” tells a story of a relationship from the moment of meeting, and continues to narrate how it evolves and develops. And, eventually, how it ends. A song rarely covers so much ground in one song, at least not so naturally, but Eldredge and Scooter Carusoe did exactly that. And they did it well.

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Waste of Lime” – Ingrid Andress
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Derrick Southerland, Ingrid Andress, John Phillips, Michael Edward Love, Sam Ellis, Scott McKenzie, Terence Melcher

Ever since I saw/heard “More Hearts Than Mine” on NYCS Instagram story, I was obsessed with Ingrid Andress. An exquisite lyricist, with songs that hit the heart of single 20-somethings, but really touch those of all ages, Andress lightens it a little with this beachy tune, “Waste of Lime”. With a taste of the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” sound, you think you’re on the beach, but then she proceeds to tell the tale of another wasted drink on another unworthy mate. Her tone points to a little heartache, but really the overall mood of moving on to the next one, trying to match the carefree mindset of island time. She’s no longer wasting time on the wrong people, but she’s still considering it a waste of a lime.

Pick: “Why We Drink” – Justin Moore
Songwriters: Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover, Justin Moore

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Think About You” – Alana Springsteen ft. Filmore
Songwriters: Alana Springsteen, Chris Gelbuda, Jeremy Lister

I got the chance to interview talented songstress, Alana Springsteen for our Swag Spotlight feature. I already knew how extremely talented she was, but I didn’t know how humble and passionate she was for music until our conversation. In preparation for our interview, I listened to all her released music and ultimately fell in love with one above the rest. My pick this week is “Think About You” by Springsteen featuring one of my favorite rising artists, Filmore.

I am a sucker for a good duet because of that push-pull dynamic that duets often offer. This particular song is both vocally pleasing and lyrically expressive- two things I love in country music. The combination of Springsteen and Filmore is the vocal duo I never knew I needed!

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

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

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

MAY PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Think About You” – Alana Springsteen feat. Filmore
Songwriters: Alana Springsteen, Chris Gelbuda, Jeremy Lister

This month I chose Alana Springsteen and Filmore’s “Think About You”. The piano ballad gives off a pop-friendly vibe, but at its core, the lyrics speak country music. Describing two old flames and the tension that comes along with running into each other unexpectedly, the emotional song focuses on the ins and outs of mutual unspoken love.

“You walked in tonight and I watched the whole room fade around you / 
Oh I’m not alright I just act like I am because I have to”

Newcomer, Alana Springsteen flawlessly delivers the track while Filmore showcases his soft-spoken vocals in comparison to his generally more upbeat music that we are used to hearing from him. The two paired together make for a great duet in this beautiful song.

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Payin’ Hard” – Kip Moore
Songwriters: Blair Daly, Dave Nassie, Kip Moore, Westin Davis

From the first notes of the final song on Kip Moore’s masterpiece album, Wild World, I was hooked. “Payin’ Hard” clocks in under 3 minutes long but in that short time, you can feel true emotion as the regret-soaked ballad tells the story of sacrifices made to follow a dream.

“At the expense of my heart Lord, I’ve cashed in my soul / Chose this old guitar before the only love I’ve known / I gotta live with that, lose sleep with that when I close my eyes I’ll die with that yeah / My life’s a credit card, play now, pay later and I’m paying hard”.

For anyone who is pursuing an unconventional career whether it be music or not, “Payin’ Hard” is a quiet anthem, reflective on the choices you have made and what they have meant for your life.

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “The Days” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Ben West, Hailey Whitters, Hillary Lindsey

Hailey Whitters has been a longtime favorite of mine, and her sophomore record, The Dream, is one of my most-listened-to albums this year. I’m a senior in High School, and I would have graduated next month. “The Days” is like my personal mantra right now. For everyone, including me, this time at home has been a rollercoaster of feelings. When you’re young, you’re told that these are “the days” to look back on. You hear it in the movies and on the radio, and there’s even a magazine called Seventeen. When I turned eighteen in April, my perspective changed. I realized that these moments I had been waiting for look different, but I can still make the most of them. There are plenty of things I can still celebrate because time won’t slow, and the world is still spinning. In the words of Whitters, “instead of counting up the days, I just want to make them count.”

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Detours” – Jordan Davis
Songwriters: Dave Turnbull, Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis

I feel like I didn’t know anything about Jordan Davis before this song, but after hearing it I now know about his whole life, which says a lot about how deep and beautiful this song is. He tells the story of what it was like growing up as a wild child with divorced parents to becoming the loving husband and father he is today. He thanks the good Lord for helping him find his direction and turning his life around.

I think this song is a big turning point for Davis in his career. His first few singles were fun and very radio-friendly, but it takes a lot of heart to release a song as vulnerable as this one and it really shows how much he has matured as an artist. I’ve been singing these lines in my head since the song was released:

“Yeah, I lost my way / Damn near lost my mind / Pedal to the metal, let the devil leave me blind / I was way outside the lines”

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “A Little Lime” – Jordan Davis
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Kerr

Jordan Davis delivers another jam with “A Little Lime” off his new EP. The upbeat, feel-good tempo makes me want to drive around with my windows down blasting.

“Oh, the next song’s kinda slow // I could pull you in close // Spin you around then wash it down with another round of // A little lime and a lot of tequila”

It’s the perfect summer song that describes meeting someone at a bar and immediately hitting it off. The Louisiana native teamed up with his brother, Jacob Davis and hit songwriter Josh Kerr for the song. I dare anyone to listen to this song and not want to scream it at the top of their lungs.

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Hey World” – Lee Brice
Songwriters: Adam Wood, Dallas Davidson, Lee Brice

“Hey World” is not only the type of song that I would regularly have on repeat for weeks. It’s not only a strong, stripped-down production of honest lyrics with a soft instrumental. It’s all of these things mixed with a worldwide understanding and mutual prayer that the world unplug from the rest of us. The coronavirus pandemic allows these lyrics to hold value with more depth which creates the song to strive solely based on relatability.

It’s pretty rare for a ballad to gain so much attention, but I am all for it when they do. In fact, Brice was practically forced to release this track after posting a clip of it on social media, and we’re glad he did. Besides, the world needs to hear this right now. It’s the official unofficial sponsor for when the quarantine becomes unbearable or when “normal life” seems unbearably far away. Despite the sorrowful words and slow melody, the song has a way of making one feel connected to the rest of the world. Brice is asking the world to leave us alone, but the world answers back with a sense of hope that bonds each of us together.

Alexa Ebner, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Slow Down Summer” – Thomas Rhett
Songwriters: – – 

Thomas Rhett has been giving the country music community many treats throughout this quarantine period – by sharing new, acoustic songs that he’s written. “Slow Down Summer” has been one of my favorites, with the soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. Rhett sings nostalgically about a summer love that must come to an end when the season changes. The song is relatable to all, detailing the feeling of wanting something beautiful to last. The singer beautifully picks his guitar while his voice gently sings this mid-tempo ballad. He uses vivid imagery throughout the song, singing “tangled up with your lips on mine / I’ve never seen a brighter green in those eyes”. The listener is transported to the times in their lives when they’ve experienced something they cherish slip away. To listen, visit @thomasrhettakins on Instagram and head to his IGTV. I really hope that he releases these songs soon!

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Here” – Mitchell Tenpenny
Songwriters: Jordan Schmidt, Marc Beeson, Mitchell Tenpenny

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Champagne Night – Lady Antebellum
Songwriters: Andrew DeRoberts, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Dave Thomson, Ester Dean, Hillary Scott, Madeline Merlo, Patricia Conroy, Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, Tina Gezma

Pick: “Single Saturday Night” – Cole Swindell
Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Mark Holman

I’ve been a huge fan of the NBC series “Songland” since it premiered, but the episodes featuring country artists are obviously my favorite. I was excited to watch Florida Georgia Line on the show, but I didn’t expect to be so obsessed with the song they chose to record. This ballad has a smooth and sincere melody and one of my best hooks I’ve heard in a long time. With a title like “Second Guessing,” I like many people assumed the song would be about doubting a relationship. Instead, the lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the certainty that only comes with experiencing great love.

“Since I met you, I / I ain’t spent one second guessin’ / I made up my mind / I never knew, I / Just had to find my direction / Gettin’ lost in your eyes / Because I’ve turned days into nights / And spent all of my life askin’ questions / Now I don’t spend one second guessin’ “

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “i don’t really like your boyfriend” – Avenue Beat
Songwriters: Sam Backoff, Savana Santos, Sami Bearden, Summer Overstreet

This month I ended up choosing another Avenue Beat song as my pick of the month by happenstance. “i don’t really like your boyfriend” has been stuck in my head, since the moment the songstresses previewed it on their social media. It is catchy, clever, and just so real. I cannot get enough of Avenue Beat’s unprecedented honesty and their authenticity. I truly fall in love with just about every song they release.

“Here’s a solid reason why he’s actually the worst / You can’t get trashed at a party without checking with him first / And he says it’s cause he’s worried cause the world is filled with creeps / But he’s really just projecting his own insecurities, yeah / I don’t really like your boyfriend”

The song is a certified bop that you must listen to ASAP!

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

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

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

MARCH PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Man Enough Now” – Chris Bandi
Songwriters: Jason Allen Duke, Jason Massey

After seeing Chris perform this song live for a Swag Session earlier this month, I loved it even more than I had originally. The lyrics depict a story that everyone who has been in a relationship can relate to. I’m really looking forward to seeing this song take country radio by storm.

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Janice at the Hotel Bar” – Hailey Whitters
Songwriters: Lori McKenna, Hailey Whitters

This was always going to be my pick for March but the words to “make a good life” ring true even more as we face these scary times with COVID-19. The thing I love about this song most is I have been following Living with Landyn on Instagram for over 5 years and I remember her telling a story about a woman that she met in a hotel bar in NYC and one of my all-time favorite songwriters, Lori McKenna heard the story and teamed up with Hailey to write the song.

We all have a ‘Janice’ in our life, someone who has great advice and who has lived a life to admire. The words in this song resonate so clearly to not take anything for granted and to remember what truly matters in life.

“Make good love, good company / Drink good wine, make good coffee / Keep your chin up, but every once in a while / Have a good cry / Well, go on and make a good living, girl, don’t forget / To make a good life”

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Small Town Hypocrite” – Caylee Hammack
Songwriters: Caylee Hammack, Jared Scott

I’ve liked all of Caylee Hammack’s previously released singles, but when I heard her new song, “Small Town Hypocrite”, I was instantly stopped in my tracks. The delicate guitar is stunning, and the lyrics are evocative and cut you right to your core. “And that scholarship was a ship that sailed/When I chose you and daddy gave me hell”, she sings on the second verse, telling the story of a girl who’s dreams were bigger than her town but had succumbed to what she described as a small town hypocrite: everything she used to hate. It’s clear that Hammack is on her way to becoming one of country’s best songwriter-artists. Her voice soars on the chorus, where she sings with everything in her, “And I’m staring at a picket fence/Wondering where the hell time went/I should’ve been running, running, running by now/But I just hang around.” It’s a powerful song that is very autobiographical but manages to still be universal.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: Pretty Heart” – Parker McCollum
Songwriters: Parker McCollum, Randy Montana

This song is getting a lot of airtime on Sirius XM and for good reason. This track is extremely catchy and Parker’s distinctive vocals give it that uniqueness that will make this a smash-hit for him. I never heard of McCollum before this song. I thought he was a new, up-and-coming artist but after looking him up, I discovered he has two full-length albums. I guess I have something to do during the quarantine.

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Thinking ‘Bout You” – Dustin Lynch
Songwriters: Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly 

This album has been out for more than two months and I’m still playing it on repeat. The mix of Dustin Lynch’s smooth, southern twang and Lauren Alaina’s powerhouse vocals gives me a chill every time. The concept is simple as Lynch sings about an old love interest calling him and immediately all these memories come to mind.

“I was just thinkin’ ’bout that weekend out on Cumberland Lake // And that one time in Baton Rouge when we made out in the rain // Where we went chasin’ fallin’ stars on a hill at your daddy’s farm // Don’t be sorry for callin’ me up out of the blue // I was was just thinkin’ ’bout you”

I think almost everyone can relate to a song like this and Lynch, as a songwriter and a singer, is so good at bringing out those nostalgic moments.

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Ain’t Lookin’ Back” – Mo Pitney
Songwriters: Derek George, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley

Mo Pitney’s back with new music this year, baby! His latest release, “Ain’t Lookin’ Back,” reflects on his decision to not let the past define his future while acknowledging the undeniable impact past events have in shaping his life. I think this aspect and two-way thought really resonates with me because, again, of the recent changes and happenings in my life. His sentiment on this encouraging tune comes out at a timely point in my life. “I spend enough time watching the sunset / All the way down into the darkness / Now I just wanna drive every day / Right into the sunrise,” he sings, almost as if he’s lived through these questions, doubts and resolution. Hell, maybe he has– and that’s what makes this delivery special. (side-note: excited about Mo’s sophomore record, due for release later this year! “A Music Man” will hit home for many.)

Erin Crosby, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Halfway Home” – Carly Pearce
Songwriters: Carly Pearce, Jimmy Robbins, Laura Veltz

Carly Pearce lays down her soul with a freeing yet guilty revelation in a new track, from her sophomore self-titled album, “Halfway Home”. It sets the stage to annotate a halfway-out-the-door type of relationship that is preserved solely out of the fear and reluctance in breaking a heart.

The lyrics are magic and take on a more conversational route than what one might be used to. This couplet introduces the humble goodbye to a love grown out of itself which immediately grabs the listeners’ attention and gives Pearce the chance to tell the rest of her story:

“Blame it on me, I’m an actor, I’m a fake / Blame it on me, I broke your heart but by mistake”

The production involves guilt, but somehow the heartbreaker is seen as an innocent. It’s all in the delivery and this singer-songwriter delivered well.

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “God Whispered Your Name” – Keith Urban
Songwriters: Chris August, James Slater, Micah Carter, Shy Carter

“God Whispered Your Name” is Keith Urban’s newest music release since his single “We Were” alongside Eric Church. The song sets the somber mood of a lost soul looking for its way in the world. It was not until God whispered a name that the world suddenly began to make sense again. Whether it was a person that came into your life or a realization you had, everyone can relate to going through a journey of being lost and found again. I personally can relate to that in so many areas of my life and the lyrics really hit me upon first listen.

“Suddenly I wanna live / More than I ever did / I’m never gonna be the same / When God whispered your name”

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “If The World Was Ending” – Hannah Ellis & Nick Wayne
Songwriters: JP Saxe, Julia Michaels

Even before all of the madness that is COVID-19 and social distancing, I was hooked on the song “If the World Was Ending” by Nick Wayne and Hannah Ellis. The song tells the story of two ill-fated lovers, as he asks if she’d come over if the world was ending. The pair may not be meant for each other long term, but there’s love there that they need to express upon the end of the world. On the mostly-acoustic duet, the pair harmonize mournfully over Wayne’s guitar strumming. “But if the world was ending/ You’d come over right?”, they implore each other, and this song has never felt more timely than in these uncertain times. Sometimes you just need a sad song, and “If the World Was Ending” is the perfect one, especially now.

Michal Pietrzak, Contributing Writer

Pick: “I’ll Be The Sad Song” – Brandy Clark
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Chase McGill, Jessie Jo Dillon

I don’t know if it’s her storytelling or voice but she’s simply wonderful. I guess I love sad songs because I can’t stop listening to it since it had been released. This record has all the features I adore, beautiful melody, true to the core lyrics, delightful voice, and amazing performance. So far Brandy Clark’s Your Life is a Record album is my favorite album of the year.

“If your life is a record/ People and places are the songs/ I’ll be your sad song/ Your “what we almost had” song/ Your “might’ve been but wasn’t meant to be”/ Couldn’t be your happy song/ But at least we had a song/ So I’ll be the sad song you sing/ ‘ Cause you’ll always be that song to me”

Pick: “One Margarita”- Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Josh Thompson, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Carter

My song for March is “One Margarita” by Luke Bryan. Times are crazy right now, one thing getting shutdown after another. This song came out at the perfect time to remind us to live in the moment, relax and enjoy a margarita, even if at the moment this has to all be done from home. We can’t stop enjoying life just because we’re stuck inside. The world will hopefully return to normalcy soon.

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “White Lightning” – The Cadillac Three

Songwriters: Jaren Johnston

This month I’m throwing it back to a song from five years ago, “White Lightning” by The Cadillac Three. After recently seeing the incredible trio perform in New York City, and falling in love with their newest album, I rediscovered how much I enjoy this particular song. Although different than their typical ‘rough around their edges’ tunes, I truly believe the song was one of the first to really show how versatile and musical the band can be.

“Faster than number three breaking every record / Faster than a tree dies in the desert / Faster than a bug splattered on my windshield / Faster than you die when you take too many pills / Ooh, I saw white lightning / Ooh, I saw white lightning”

Additionally, I love that it’s a love song because it’s unexpected. The vulnerability in the song is both endearing and believable, and I especially love how pretty, yet strong the vocals are. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the song is a solo-write by Jaren Johnston, which to me, makes it that more special. So in the midst of all the new and great music that is constantly being released, I encourage you to add this old-school jam back to your playlist!

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

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

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

JANUARY PICKS:

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Make Me Want To” – Jimmie Allen
Songwriters: Jennifer Denmark, Jimmie Allen, Paul Sikes

This month I chose Jimmie Allen’s “Make Me Want To”. When this song came out on his debut album over a year ago, it was instantly one of my favorites, but as it continues to climb the charts and is played more and more on radio, I constantly find myself going to put it on as soon as I open Spotify. It’s the kind of jam you just have to put a little louder and bop along to. I hope we can see this song hit # 1!

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Martha Divine” – Ashley McBryde
Songwriters: Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Spillman

Country music does a lot of things well, especially revenge songs. On “Martha Divine”, released just this past Monday, Ashley McBryde continues the narrative from the first hint of new music from the reigning CMA New Artist of the Year award winner, “One Night Standards”. The story is brought to life with the music videos that accompany the songs but what really caught my attention was the powerful drum beat and production.

It’s been over two years since I’ve seen her live, but I can guarantee that “Martha Divine” is going to become a staple in her live set. Revenge killing has been done before, the cheating husband, all of the two-timing bastards, but putting a new twist in this track, it isn’t the man but the mistress getting the ax.

McBryde’s delivery and final ‘nail in the coffin’ line gets me every time I listen, “It ain’t murder if I bury you alive, Martha Divine”. 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sugar Coat” – Little Big Town
Songwriters: Jordyn Shellhart, Lori McKenna, Josh Kerr

One of my favorite songs of the past year is Little Big Town’s “Sugar Coat.” It’s a poignant anthem for women and people everywhere. It’s about women feeling the need to gloss over things even when they do not want to. They have been taught to from a very young age, and oftentimes, that weight gets really heavy, as if wearing a coat – hence the play-on-words title. “Passed down from my mom / She wore it so well / She’d rest it on my shoulders / Say it’s colder out there than you think,” member Karen Fairchild sings on the second verse.

The narrator of the song is not the type to turn to alcohol or pills or one-night stands. But sometimes she wishes she was, just so she could feel something other than pain. “Sometimes I hardly can stand it/I just smile with a lump in my throat/Sometimes I wish I could bear it/Didn’t have to wear this sugar coat,” the band sings on the chorus. It’s brilliantly written and brilliantly performed, and as a young woman myself, I resonate with the sentiment.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Sinning With You” – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Emily Weisband, Josh Osborne, Paul DiGiovanni, Sam Hunt

I’ve been waiting for Sam Hunt to release this since he played it for the first time in September. Written from the perspective of an unmarried man, love puts his faith to the test as he confesses to God that because his feelings for this girl are so strong and he knows they will end up together, the actions they partake in shouldn’t be considered sins.

“As long as you’re for me / as long as I’m for you / who could be against us, baby?”

I find his relationship story so intriguing. The girl he sang all of those songs about on Montevallo (her hometown) is now his wife. In “Drinkin’ Too Much” he straight-up says “Hannah Lee, I’m on my way to you”, and here he is in 2020 singing “I always knew that I would end up with you”. If that’s not love (and perseverance) then I don’t know what is. Like he says in the song, nothing should interfere with true love and they shouldn’t feel guilty about whichever way they want to express it. I believe this song carries more weight than people think.

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Front Seat” – Rayne Johnson
Songwriters: Joe Jordan

I first heard this song on Sirius XM “The Highway” and fell in love with it. When I heard the title I immediately thought it’d be a fun, upbeat song about sitting in the front seat of a car but it’s the complete opposite.

“You belong on the right side /Of the right guy that puts you first ’cause you’re the grand prize / And I ain’t saying you belong with me / But you belong in the front seat”

Johnson compares being in the front seat of a car to being someone’s priority. Country music has a ton of cliche yet catchy love songs but I think the lyrics in this one are so unique and I was immediately hooked.

Alexa Ebner, Contributing Writer

Pick: “London” – Filmore
Songwriters: John-Luke Carter, Filmore

I love this song, as it’s super honest and relatable. I also enjoy that it’s a little bit slower and calmer than Filmore’s other music. The prominent acoustic guitar makes Filmore’s voice shine and also creates a very nostalgic and comforting mood. It’s interesting to see this different side of him and connect with his music on a deeper level, with the extremely honest lyrics and smoother sound. Throughout the song, Filmore features in clever mentions of the city of London, as he sings about visiting a city alone with someone that you once dreamed/and or planned that you’d be going with.

Autumn Haile, Contributing Writer 

Pick: “Good Times” – The Lone Bellow
Songwriters: Aaron Dessner, Brian Elmquist, Jason Pipkin, Zach Williams 

If you need a funky, blues-inspired pick-me-up in the form of a Country/Americana track, look no further than “Good Times” by The Lone Bellow. Nashville transplants by way of Brooklyn, NY, this group of musicians and songwriters make music filled with meaning and washed in stunning harmonies. “Good Times” is no different. It’s a bit more upbeat and atmospheric than some of their previous work, but it’s a reminder as to why these guys have continued to build a strong fanbase year over year — they’re just that good. You’ll want to lift your hands in exultation when the track comes to its wild end.

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Damn Strait” – Adam Sanders
Songwriters: Adam Sanders, Ben Stennis, Jordan Rager

Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer

Pick: “On A Night Like This” – Lady Antebellum
Songwriters: Dave Barnes

One of the songs I can’t get enough of is Lady Antebellum’s version of “On a Night Like This.” I’ve been a huge fan of singer-songwriter Dave Barnes for well over a decade, so to hear Lady A re-record one of his songs was a treat. Their version is stunning and orchestral with a hint of a Christmas vibe, as evidenced by their performance of it on CMA Country Christmas. Make sure to check out the original version as well – they’re both so beautiful and different.

Pick: “Reasons To Drink” – Cole Swindell
Songwriters: Brandon Kinney, Cole Swindell, Michael Carter

My song for this month is “Reasons to Drink” by Cole Swindell. It may be older but it’s a song that can bring anyone together. Whether you’re celebrating a life event, hanging out with your friends, or getting over a breakup, we all have a reason to drink.

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “This Bar” – Morgan Wallen
Songwriters: Ernest Smith, Jackson Morgan, Jake Scott, HARDY, Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak

This month I had to pick yet another Morgan Wallen song. In my opinion, the rising artist’s newest track “This Bar” is just as good as all the tracks on his debut record. The new song is honest, personal, and relatable- and of course, complete with a catchy hook and chorus.

“I found myself in this bar / Making mistakes and making new friends / I was growing p and nothing made sense / Buzzing all night like neon in the dark / I found myself in this bar”

Wallen is one of the most exciting artists out there right now, and so far, he has yet to disappoint. I am eager to see what his next releases sound like and how he continues to grow as a singer-songwriter.

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