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MacKenzie Porter: ‘Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart’ – Debut Album Review

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MacKenzie Porter shares her new debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out now on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new tracks here.

With a slew of #1 hits already under her belt in Canada, MacKenzie Porter is poised to make a name for herself in the states. On her debut full length with Big Loud Records, the singer-songwriter promises that Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.

Produced by Joey Moi, the nineteen track collection is sure to take listeners on a journey. Porter co-wrote on nine of the album’s tracks, enlisting Music Row heavyweights like Hillary Lindsey, Tofer Brown, Emily Weisband, Parker Welling, and more to contribute.

Best known for duet with Dustin Lynch on the #1 hit, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” Porter is thrilled to get these new songs to her fans. “Nobody’s born with a broken heart. We all start with the naivety and innocence of youth, but then life happens. There are so many circumstances and events in a lifetime that can slowly chip away at your heart, and in the end you’re this beautiful, imperfect, cracked, mess. But isn’t that what living really is? If you didn’t have the grit, would you really know the grace?” She wrote on Instagram. “That is what this record is about. These songs are those moments in my life. I hope they maybe heal a couple of those moments in yours.”

Despite being happily married with a new baby, much of the album revolves around the universal theme of heartbreak. “Every time I tell people that [the album is about heartbreak], they’re like, ‘well, you’re in a relationship and you’re happy.’ I am, of course, but there’s a lot of different elements of heartbreak in life.” 

The album opens with one of those such songs, “Easy to Miss,” a perfect slice of R&B tinted country pop that’s the perfect album kick off. The project was built around this track, allowing Porter to stretch herself vocally, lyrically, and stylistically.

Other songs centered around heartbreak include “Young at Heart,” “Confession,” and “Pay Me Back in Change.” On “Young,” Porter channels her inner “Picture to Burn”-era Taylor Swift, admitting that she can’t quite be mature in the aftermath of a breakup. On the powerful “Confession,” she’s more vulnerable, admitting she’s still in love with her ex, voice laced with sadness. Lastly, “Pay Me Back in Change” is lyrical brilliance, Porter imploring a guy to change in order to be a man who’s worthy of her. 

“You can’t pay me back in sorry // Can’t pay me back with what you say // All those pretty words lose meaning // If I’m still lonely the next day // Can’t pay me back with breakfast in bed // Or a Sunday matinee // The only thing that’ll settle this debt// Is if you pay me back in change”

Likewise “Strong Things” finds her drowning her sorrows in the bottle, while “Foreclosure” cleverly compares the end of a relationship to losing a house. “Sucker Punch” leaves her breathless after an infidelity, remembering both the good and bad moments that managed to take her breath away.

“Thought we were the champions// Thought we were the type// To never throw the towel in// Never lose a fight// Didn’t hear the train// ‘Til it hit me from behind// Feeling like a fool now// ‘Cause it caught me by surprise// When you laid it on me all at once//It hit me like a sucker punch”

On “Bet You Break My Heart,” the Canada native finds herself swooning over a guy who she knows isn’t good for her, while “Wrong One Yet” is a bit more optimistic, finding hope in a new relationship. Over airy music, her heart is aflutter as she muses, “I ain’t saying he’s the right one, but hell, he ain’t the wrong one yet.”

Porter is truly content on tracks like “Coming Home to You” and “Less is More,” both which find her achieving solace in simplicity. On the latter, she admits, “They say that we got nothing, but nothing here is everything.” LIkewise, “Coming Home” is a sweet midtempo which finds her soothing lilt soaring above strumming acoustic guitars and light percussion to achieve a whimsical and airy feel. Here, she loves what she has, and realizes that the grass isn’t always greener.

“There’s always gonna be bigger houses // Longer driveways with nicer cars // There’s always gonna be whiter fences // Redder roses, in a greener yard // Most people would kill for a // Higher up hill looking down on a better view // But I don’t want no bigger house if I ain’t coming home to you”

Porter puts her own spin on truck songs with “Along Those Lines” and “Pickup,”  with “Pickup” finding her wondering who’s riding shotgun now. With the catchy TikTok-able soundbite, she asks “Who’s that pickup picking up now?”

There are some  country bangers here in the form of “Walk Away” and “Rough Ride for a Cowboy.” Both find her putting a cowboy in his place, with “Rough Ride” settling into a wild west, horserace musical vibe. It’s uber catchy as she proclaims, “Now he’s ‘bout to learn what lonely looks like // When I cut him loose but his hands are tied // Nothing breaks his heart like breaking his pride // When he ain’t got the reigns on goodbye // That’s a rough ride for a cowboy.”

Other pieces of earwormy pop-country include “Have Your Beer,” a kiss off track that finds her toying with the old adage that one can’t have his cake and eat it too, musing “You can’t have your beer and drink it too.” Likewise, “Chasing Tornadoes” sounds like early 2000’s-inspired country in the best way possible, finding Porter flexing sounds that could best be compared to Some Hearts-era Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, or Gloriana.

Porter is as sensitive as she is tough, evidenced on songs like “Nightingale” and  the title track, “Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart.” “Nightingale” is a poignant letter of encouragement to her current self to be more like her younger self. “The song is about just being the girl that I was when I moved to Nashville, who literally thought that anything was possible and that I was going to be on the radio and a star,” She reveals. “I wanted to think like her again.”

The album concludes with its stunning title track about the innocence of youth, inspired by her own young daughter. “My little girl is gonna come into this world with no negative thoughts or preconceived notions, and she’s going to have relationships and experience heartbreak,” She reveals. “And I hope she does, because that’s what shows that you loved and that you lived.” 

“I learned the hard way that growing up is hard // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Love’s a blade and God it’s sharp // Smooth as steel but leaves a mark // Proof of life is dying with scar // ‘Cause nobody’s born with a broken heart // Yeah nobody’s born with a broken heart.”

While heartbreak may be a prevalent theme on Nobody’s Born with a Broken Heart, MacKenzie Porter possesses a vulnerable honesty seen by the likes of early Kelsea Ballerini or Taylor Swift, sure to win over a whole legion of new fans.

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart Track List:

  1. Easy To Miss (Hillary Lindsey, Emily Warren, Will Weatherly)*
  2. Young At Heart (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband)
  3. Bet You Break My Heart (Mark Holman, Chris Tompkins, Travis Wood)
  4. Pay Me Back In Change (Emma Klein)
  5. Rough Ride For A Cowboy (MacKenzie Porter, Lauren Hungate, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan)
  6. Coming Home To You (Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, Emily Weisband)
  7. Strong Things (MacKenzie Porter, John Byron, Jacob Durrett, Lauren LaRue)
  8. Confession (MacKenzie Porter, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski)
  9. Wrong One Yet (Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson, Lauren Watkins)
  10. Pickup (MacKenzie Porter, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
  11. Nightingale (MacKenzie Porter, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling)
  12. Have Your Beer (MacKenzie Porter, Jason Massey, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)
  13. Sucker Punch (MacKenzie Porter, Tommy English, Nick Long)
  14. Walk Away (MacKenzie Porter, Chris DeStefano, Jon Nite)
  15. Foreclosure (Jared Hampton, Harper O’Neill, Vinnie Paolizzi, Ash Ruder)
  16. Less Is More (Devin Dawson, Zachary Kale, Jon Nite)
  17. Along Those Lines (Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
  18. Chasing Tornadoes (Emily Landis, Jamie Moore, Lainey Wilson)
  19. Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart (MacKenzie Porter, Luke Niccoli, Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Wrong One Yet
  2. Coming Home to You
  3. Rough Ride for a Cowboy
  4. Pickup
  5. Chasing Tornadoes
Mackenzie-porter-4-new-song

MacKenzie Porter’s new album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out now.

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

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart are 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.

sacha-new-song

Sacha Shares Debut New Song “Hey Mom I Made It”

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Sacha’s new song, “Hey Mom I Made It” is out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

There is nothing we love more than championing new artists, who are breaking into the country music scene. Nashville-based country artist, Sacha fits the bill. The singer-songwriter recently signed a record deal with SONY Canada, and today, she is making her debut with her brand new single. “Hey Mom I Made It” is officially out now.

At first, the new song seems to be about Sacha finally making it in country music with the signing of her record deal, but the greater message has much more to do with her as a person. “Hey Mom I Made It” is a fun and catchy song that depicts how it feels to be proud of how far you have come. Sacha does an incredible job of introducing her sound and her story on her debut.

“So I just wanted to let you know // Hey Mom I made it // I ain’t talking about being famous // Do you remember all this times you prayed when // I strayed, well I finally found my way // Got me a good man // and learned to love who I am // Yeah, I’ve been through hell and back again // And I’m still standing // Anyway, just called to say, hey mom I made it”

“Hey Mom I Made It” is a solid debut single for Sacha. We are excited to see what is in store for the newcomer! Make sure to listen to the new song and follow along on her journey.

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

To keep up with Sacha, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Hey Mom I Made It” 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.

Lee Brice Joins Forces with Nate Smith + Hailey Whitters on New Single

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Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey White’s with new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,” out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Summer is just around the corner and Lee Brice just released the perfect song for the season. Featuring Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters, “Drinkin’ Buddies” is a great celebration of friendship. The threesome are the perfect country music pairing!

Written by Zach Kale, Chris Destefano, and Justin Wilson, the track starts off with what some people consider one of the greatest sounds, the sound of a can being cracked open. Continuing with an upbeat vibe, Lee Brice starts out the song with his distinct vocals while Nate Smith comes in for verse two. Brice and Smith come together seamlessly for the chorus before welcoming Hailey Whitters into the mix. As they all join in for the second go around on the chorus, the blending of their voices make it seem as if they have teamed up before.

The message of the song is no matter what your friends will always be there for you. Whether you had a tough day at work, morning a breakup or just need a fun night out you can always depend on your drinking buddies.

“Thank god for drinkin’ buddies // They can make a bad day better // Yea their drinkin’ buddies // You know we tip em all back together”

“Drinkin’ Buddies” is certainly a song that you will want to crank up and we can’t wait to do it all summer long. It follows Brice’s first release of 2024, “Checking In.” We’re excited to see what’s next for the the iconic country star.

lee-brice-nate-smith-hailey-whitters-single

Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters on new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,’ out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Lee Brice, Nate Smith, and Hailey Whitters releases.

To keep up with Lee Brice, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Drinkin’ Buddies” 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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Dylan Schneider: ‘Bad Decisions’ – EP Review

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Dylan Schneider shares new EP, Bad Decisions, out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Signed to BBR Music Group/ Wheelhouse Records, country newcomer Dylan Schneider has already amassed quite the following. With over 1.8M + fans and over 340M streams, the rising star has toured with Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Florida Georgia Line, and more.

With a knack for toeing the line between pop and country, the singer-songwriter’s new EP, Bad Decisions, does that expertly. “Somebody like me, having so much that I’m influenced by and so much that I listen to, I’m always finding new doors that need to be opened,” he explains in a statement.

“I want to write songs that tell stories, and that’s what I’m excited about,” he explains. “I feel like people are going to relate to it and feel connected that we’ve been through the same things – growing up, growing apart, heartbreak, I want to show where I’ve been and where my head is now, and that this new music is just a taste of what’s to come.”

On Bad Decisions, the Indiana native’s new EP, Schneider does just that. The title track is a seductive mid-tempo that finds him in a toxic but irresistible relationship, unable to quit a former flame.

“Girl, we’re good at making bad decisions // We go up in smoke the second we start kissing // They tell me I’m crazy, baby, I don’t listen // And I just can’t let you go // You’re so good at blurring out my vision // You hit me harder when the whiskey kicks in // We both know there’ll be consequences // But, girl, we’re good at making bad // Good at making bad decisions”

Clear highlights on the EP include the romantic ode to shooting your shot, “Buy That Girl A Beer” and “Carhartt,” a unique take on a one night stand that finds him down a hoodie. The latter finds him admitting that his shirt “looked a whole lot better on her than it did on me,” while “Beer” may be the pep-talk that led to the events of “Carhartt.” On “Buy That Girl a Beer,” he wonders if a girl at the bar could be the love of his life, encouraging himself to buy her a beer so he won’t look back and wonder what could’ve been.

On the brooding,  Jason Aldean-esque “Ruin This Town,” he laments a breakup that finds him unable to enjoy his hometown, while “Ain’t Missing You” has him cleverly promising his girl’s ex that she’s certainly moved on..for the better, with him.

The EP concludes with the vulnerable and autobiographical, “Daddy Drinks Whiskey,” a poignant look at the change in his father once he picks up a drinking habit. 

“But now daddy drinks whiskey doubles // Hear mama talking ’bout the troubles // That we’re going through // Don’t know what to do or how to fix it // Yeah, daddy gets mad, daddy slams doors // Daddy says things he never said before //Yeah, I wonder if he’s too drunk to even miss me // ‘Cause now daddy drinks whiskey”

While Schneider may be making some Bad Decisions on his new EP, giving it a listen is definitely a good decision.

Bad Decisions Track List:

  1. Bad Decisions
  2. Carhartt
  3. Buy That Girl A Beer
  4. Ruin This Town
  5. Ain’t Missin’ You
  6. Daddy Drinks Whiskey

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Bad Decisions
  2. Buy That Girl a Beer
  3. Carhartt
Dylan-schneider-bad-decisions-ep

Dylan Schneider shares new EP, ‘Bad Decisions,’ 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 Dylan Schneider releases.

Visit his official website for tour dates and more.

To keep up with Dylan Schneider, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Bad Decisions 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.

who-is-mackenzie-porter

Who is MacKenzie Porter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music 2024

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Who is MacKenzie Porter? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-mackenzie-porter

MacKenzie Porter // Photo credit: Bree Marie Fish

Quick Facts:

Full Name – MacKenzie Lea Porter
Birthdate – 01/29/1990
Hometown – Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – The Chicks, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks
Label – Big Loud Records
Current Single – “Easy To Miss”  // as of date of article: 4/22/2024

The Beginning:

This week’s spotlight artist is one that we have loved for a few years, ever since she came on to the American country music scene. Canadian country artist and Nashville transplant, MacKenzie Porter has had music in her blood since she was a young kid. We chatted with the singer-songwriter about her childhood, her move to Nashville, record deal with Big Loud Records, and her debut album slated for release this Friday (4/26).

Growing up on a ranch outside of Alberta, Canada, Porter found herself gravitating to music when she was only four years old. “We lived on a ranch. There was nothing else to do other than play music,” she shared. “Country music was just what my parents listened to, what my grandparents listed to. It was all that filled the car and the house as far as music, so I fell in love with it when I was super young because of the lifestyle and where I grew up.”

Porter recalls singing and playing the fiddle at an early age, always drawing inspiration from the iconic 90s country artists she listened to on the radio. “I grew up in the 90s, so it was the radio. Anything 90s country was kind of like how I was raised. The Chicks was my first concert,” she shared. Adding, “I feel like I can pull inspiration from anyone like Kacey Musgraves, even my friends who are songwriters that are making music. I’m just inspired by different songs that they write, and even their work ethic too.”

With artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, The Chicks, and Deana Carter on her radio airwaves, Porter aspired to move to Nashville and fulfill her dreams. She started writing songs and eventually began making trips back and forth to Music City.

The Turning Point:

Almost ten years ago, Porter made the big move to Nashville to pursue her dreams. “I started making trips to Nashville almost 10 years ago [before moving] just trying to write with whoever I could write with and weasel my way into parties and rooms just to get to know people,” shared the songstress.

Eventually, Porter met her now producer, Joey Moi, who changed the trajectory of her career. “Over the course of ten years, I met some really pivotal people. I met Joey Moi. He’s my producer to this day, and he signed me to my record deal. […] He’s kind of been my champion from the beginning,” she shared. “We’ve been working on music together since 2016, and we were finally at the place, where my team and I felt it was finally the time to put out my debut record.”

As a Big Loud Records recording artist, Porter has been working on her craft for years. She has written hundreds of songs a year, since moving to Nashville, as well as, continues to entice fans with her one-of-a-kind talent. “It’s so worth it to see people feel something about your music.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Porter is on the brink of releasing her major-label debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, out this Friday, April 26th. The record boasts 19 songs that all speak to the songstress’ growth as an artist and her hardworking over the last several years.

“There’s been so much love and tears and everything that has gone into this record. […] We’ve been cutting it for over a year, but I’ve been writing songs for years, trying to get the right ones for this body of work. I’m excited to because now I get to be on this schedule where they’ll never be this long of a gap between records again,” shared the singer.

While there are fun, anthemic songs on the record like her newly released single, “Have Your Beer,” most of the record showcases the more introspective side of Porter in the hopes that fans will feel heard and understood through her music.

“The theme for the record is centered around heartbreak, and not just relationship heartbreak. There’s heartbreak like in the song “Nightingale,” that’s a little bit more about my career. “Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart” is kind of like a lifestyle struggle from my whole life,” shared the singer. “I wanted it to be like we all start off so innocent and pure and life throws shit at us, and we have to be hit by it or dodge it or get scraped by it, and at the end we are this hot mess, but it’s really beautiful because it shows you loved people and went through things and took chances. I feel like each of these songs are these little scrapes that I’ve endured along the way.”

Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart will open new doors for Porter, as she embarks on the biggest year in her carer. Catch Porter at one of her live shows this year, and make sure to stream the album when it comes out!

Connect:

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

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

MacKenzie Porter’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.

Sam Hunt Goes Number One at Country Radio with “Outskirts”

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Sam Hunt earns a number one at country radio with his song, “Outskirts,” marking his eleventh number one single of his career. Learn more here…

On the heels of his new project, Locked Up, Sam Hunt scored his eleventh number one single at country radio. His infectious song, “Outskirts” is officially the number one song on the charts this week. The song follows Hunt’s previous number ones “Wishful Drinking” and “23.”

“Outskirts” is quite possibly one of the singer-songwriter’s best mid-tempo songs to date. The song is catchy and primed for radio. It is no surprise that the song finally found its way to the top fat country radio charts. On the song, Hunt shows off his talent and gives fans a song that is reminiscent of previous hits like, “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road.”

Photo Credit: Steven Alan Worster

“But soon as I get out here on the outskirts // I wish I was runnin’ by your house first // Somethin’ ’bout a summer in the South, sure // Shines like gold down these old // Round bale, river valley backroads // Way back in the holler where the grass grows // God almighty, baby, we were that close // To ditchin’ this town and settlin’ down // Out here on the outskirts”

Congratulations to Sam Hunt and his team on their eleventh number one single at country radio with “Outskirts!”

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

To keep up with Sam Hunt follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Outskirts” 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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The Best Country Music Shows in New York This Spring 2024

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Country music is alive and well in New York. Here are all the best country music shows and tours in New York City this Spring!

Tim McGraw
May 9th at USB Arena, NY
Find tickets here

 

Mason Ramsey
May 14th at Gramercy Theatre, NY
Find tickets here

 

Bailey Zimmerman
March 22nd + 23rd at Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC
Find tickets here

 

MC4D Summer Kickoff Presented by Country Swag
March 224th at Bungalow Bar, Rockaway Beach
Find tickets here

 

Dylan Gossett
March 27th at The Mercury Lounge, NYC
Find tickets here

 

Morgan Wallen
May 17th + 18th at MetLife Stadium, NJ
Find tickets here

 

Tyler Childers
May 29th at Madison Square Garden, NYC
Find tickets here

 

Lainey Wilson
June 26th at Radio City Music Hall, NYC
Find tickets here

 

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

For music, check out the newest country music songs 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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Wyatt Flores: ‘Half Life’ – EP Review

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Wyatt Flores’ brand new EP, Half Life is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

If you haven’t heard of Wyatt Flores yet, it’s time you hop on the bandwagon; no country artist’s popularity has grown as fast as this Oklahoma-native’s. After releasing his seven-track EP, Life Lessons, he dropped another collection of eight songs just six months later. Like all of Flores’ lyrics, they are passionate, hard-hitting, and real, allowing listeners to get to know the 22-year-old on a personal level.

“These songs capture my perspective on relationships I’ve had with my family, friends, love, music, mental health, life, and death over the past couple years. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do at 22 but I’m thankful for everyone who’s ever given my music a chance,” he gratefully posted on Instagram. “I hope these songs help you with whatever you might be going through and remind you that you’re not alone in whatever it is you’re facing.”

No song is heavier than the title track. Directed to his family, he sings about the regret of leaving home to chase his dream without calling, and his addiction and how it affected his relationship with his now deceased father. He apologizes for living only a “half-life.” The opening track, “Running Out of Time,” speaks on making the most out of life. Sang from the funeral of someone close to him (likely his father), he says we have to hold the ones we love and do what makes you feel alive before we all die. Our time on this earth is short, and we must make the most of it. The most powerful lyric comes in the second verse, “Most people die at twenty-seven, get buried at seventy-two.”

The EP contains the previously released tracks, “Wish I Could Stay,” and “Milwaukee.” The former is the most light-hearted tune on the album. The singer talks about the difficulty of leaving the one you love; if he could keep her in his arms forever, he would. In “Milwaukee,” the singer feels remorse about his past relationship but wants to assure her it wasn’t for a lack of love. He also included his cover of The Fray’s “How To Save A Life” on the project. Just when you think a song couldn’t get more emotional, Flores adds his raw vocals to it, making listeners tear up almost twenty years after its initial release.

At the end of the project are “I Believe in God” and “Devil,” two extremely powerful songs. In the first, the singer confesses he is having a hard time connecting to his faith because he feels God lost faith in him. The latter is about a relationship, but not one with another human, the one with himself. He constantly fights with his inner thoughts when he’s lonely, singing in the bridge:

“Why do you find me at the worst times, just when I thought I was doin’ fine? // You wanna put a gun to my head and turn that ceilin’ red // Well, I won’t let you steal my soul // God damn lonely, just leave me alone”

At 22, most people are finishing college and discovering who they are and what they want to do for the rest of their life. Although Flores took a different route, he’s on the same path, which makes his music so relatable to others. From love, death, and mental health, there are a lot of intense themes for someone so young to explore, but they are real, and hearing someone overcome these hardships will aid others who are struggling with similar problems. The future is bright for the new singer-songwriter, and it’s only a matter of time before country fans all over the world know the voice of Wyatt Flores.

“I’m only getting one chance at life, so I try to be present,” he states in a recent press release. “There’s more to existence than what the average person experiences. No matter how old or young you are, life is here and gone. Death is always riding in the passenger seat. You can either be friends with it or make it an enemy. I choose to be friends with it. If you know that and start questioning what you’re doing, maybe you’ll go out and live a better life.”

Half Life Tracklist

  1. Running Out Of Time
  2. Half Life
  3. Wish I Could Stay
  4. Milwaukee
  5. If I Don’t See You Again
  6. I Believe In God
  7. How To Save A Life
  8. Devil
Wyatt-flores-half-life

Wyatt Flores shares his brand new EP, ‘Half Life,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

In celebration of the new music, Flores will embark on his “Here, There & Gone” headline tour this summer with shows in the middle, western, and southern parts of the United States. For tickets, head to his website. 

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

To keep up with Wyatt Flores, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Half Life 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.

mackenzie-porter-debut-album

MacKenzie Porter Shares “Have Your Beer” Ahead of Debut Album

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MacKenzie Porter shares a brand new song called “Have Your Beer,” out now, April 19th. Listen to the new track here.

Canadian-country star, MacKenzie Porter is on the brink of having a huge year. The Big Loud Records recording artist’s debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, will be out on April 26th. Porter is giving fans a final taste of the album with another brand new song off the highly-anticipated project. Her new song, “Have Your Beer” is out now.

While much of the record speaks to different iterations of heartbreak, Porter does a great job sprinkling in some anthemic and stage-ready songs throughout her umping project. “Have Your Beer” is one of those songs. The new track speaks to the “boy bye” mentality, after a break-up. Throughout the song, Porter reminds girls to know their worth and doubles down on the notion that it is his loss.

“Don’t forget who broke up with who // We both know that’s on you // Yea baby you // Can’t say goodbye then show back up // Can’t change your mind when you get drunk // Can’t shoot your shot after it’s gone // Can’t want me soon as I’ve moved on // You said you don’t now you do // But it’s too late baby you // Can’t have your beer and drink it too”

Porter is an artist to lookout for. Everything she releases feels undeniably “her.” Stay on the lookout for her debut album, Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart coming out next week (4/26).

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MacKenzie Porter shares new song, “Have Your Beer,” 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 MacKenzie Porter releases.

To keep up with MacKenzie Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Have Your Beer” 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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Anne Wilson: ‘REBEL’ – Album Review

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Anne Wilson’s brand new album, REBEL is out now, April 19th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Anne Wilson is a rebel, but not in the traditional sense. While country music tends to walk the line between faith and outlaw living, Wilson has her feet firmly planted in her faith. In fact, her debut album was 2022’s Christian mega-hit, My Jesus. However, with Christian and country often going hand-in-hand, she’s committed to both on her debut country project, Rebel, out now.

 “I am who I am — I’m Anne Wilson. I love God and that’s my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both,” She says of the album that magically combines both.”I ’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things Country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on Rebel.”

The Kentucky-native co-wrote all of the album’s 16 songs, collaborating with some of Music Row’s biggest names, including Nicolle Galyon, Emily Weisband, Jaren Johnston, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, and more. Christian superstar Matthew West also helped Wilson craft much of the album, co-writing 13 of the 16 songs with her.

Produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, Rebel is a beautiful work that shows a singer who is clearly in love with both her music and her God. The 22-year-old is not afraid to be herself, and if that makes her a “rebel” in the eyes of the world, than that’s just fine by her.

The album opens with the title track, perfectly weaving together the UMG artist’s Christian roots with a modern country sound. In some ways, it’s similar to something Gabby Barrett or Carrie Underwood might release, etched with genuine conviction. The twangy and bluesy stomp immediately sets the stage for what’s to come, lyrically revealing just who Wilson is over a twangy and bluesy revival stomp.

“Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Who finds power in an old book they read? // In a world full of doubt, who still believes? // Who talks to a man that they can’t see? // Call me crazy, call me a fool I ain’t scared ’cause I know the truth // Ain’t gonna run, ain’t gonna hide // Ain’t gonna change my mind”

“I remember thinking ‘If being a follower of Jesus makes me a rebel, because Jesus was a rebel,’ I’m gonna stand up for my faith,” She says. “In that moment, it all kind of clicked. I wrote the song, then the whole viewpoint of the record came into focus. We had that title on a white board, and every song we wrote after came from that question: what does it mean to be a rebel?”   

Like the title track, “God & Country” is an immediate standout that shows exactly who Anne Wilson is, as both a person and an artist. It’s a catchy and earwormy piece of pop-tinted country that is equal parts catchy and poignant. “I wanted to write a song that explains who I am as an artist. I was writing with Matthew, Jeff, and Trannie Anderson, and we talked about what the message was and how to put all the pieces of me in it.” 

“I’m hallelujah hands high and friends in low places // Red, white, and blue and red letter pages // Back row pew and front seat Ford // New King James and old King George // I’m washed in the water and mud on the tires // I’m Friday night lights and Sunday morning choir // I’m prayers up to heaven, roots down in Kentucky // Made by God and country”

Much of the album revolves around the theme of finding strength in the Lord, as evident on songs like “Strong,” “The Cross,” “Sinners Prayer,” and “Rain in the Rearview.” The latter has her questioning how much a heart can “take before it breaks,” starting as a ballad before building triumphantly. Meanwhile, “Strong” finds her overcoming tough times by hitting her knees. “The world’s gonna try to break me,” she acknowledges, “But I know the one who makes me strong.”

The album also includes some star-studded moments including Christian superstar Chris Tomlin on “The Cross”, and country’s own Jordan Davis and Lainey Wilson. Davis and Wilson trade verses on “Country Gold,” which finds them celebrating the simple things that are important and how great it is to strike country gold. Meanwhile, Wilson (Lainey) joins Wilson (Anne) on “Praying Woman,” the incredible women trading verses about faith and the power of a devoted woman.  “When she whispers ‘Dear Jesus,’ Heaven can hear it, and the devil gets back to Hell running, that’s the power of a praying woman,” they sing, backed by a female choir that helps build the song to an ethereal level.

While the album is incredibly deep and powerful, there are also moments of fun and levity, including the guide to choosing a man, “Red Flag” and the standout and twang-laden “Songs About Whiskey,” which finds her examining her place in country music.

“I’ve heard songs about Jack Daniels // Songs about Jim Beam // Heard songs about one night regrets, neon and nicotine // I guess I’m just kind of fixed on, the only thing that’s ever fixed me // That’s why I sing songs about Jesus, instead of singing songs about Whiskey.”

“Southern Gospel” is a full on call and response revival, while “My Father’s Daughter” is a beautiful love letter to her dad and the man he is. “Dirt Roads in Heaven” finds her pondering the afterlife, while “316” shares her conviction over the Bible verse, John 3:16.

The album ends with the solid one-two punch of “Milestones” and “Out of the Bluegrass.” While the latter is a fiddle and steel ode to her home state, the former is a moment of vulnerability as Wilson wonders what she’s missing out on for her career. “This four wheel spinning dream I’m living, got me feeling like I’m skipping milestones,” she sings, powerful voice laced with emotion.

“There was a moment when I wondered if I was too country for Christian music and maybe too Christian for country music,” Wilson reveals. “I felt a little afraid that I didn’t fit in any box. But then it kind of fired me up because that’s the point! I don’t want to fit into any box. I want to be uniquely who God made me to be and I’ve got to stand up for what I believe and the kind of music I believe in,” Wilson shares with the same conviction that laces her music. “I don’t want to change who I am to fit in. Not in the music industry, and not in this world.” 

REBEL Tracklist

  1. REBEL
  2. Rain In The Rearview
  3. Strong
  4. God & Country
  5. Praying Woman ft. Lainey Wilson
  6. Song About Whiskey
  7. Sinner’s Prayer
  8. The Cross ft. Chris Tomlin
  9. My Father’s Daughter
  10. Red Flag
  11. Country Gold ft. Jordan Davis
  12. Southern Gospel
  13. Dirt Roads In Heaven
  14. 3:16
  15. Milestones
  16. Out Of The Bluegrass

Country Swag Picks:

  1. God & Country
  2. Praying Woman with Lainey Wilson
  3. Songs About Whiskey
  4. Rebel
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Anne Wilson shares her new album, ‘REBEL,’ 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 and announcements about future Anne Wilson releases.

Visit her official website for tour dates and more.

To keep up with Anne Wilson follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

REBEL 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.