Maren Morris shares another new song, “Nervous” off upcoming album, Humble Quest. Listen to the brand new track below.
Maren Morris is proving that her music has no boundaries with each pre-release off her upcoming record Humble Quest. Last week, the singer-songwriter dropped “Background Music.” Today, the songstress is sharing her new song “Nervous.”
Written by Morris with collaborators Natalie Hemby and Jimmy Robbins, the singer leaves herself exposed on the track. A sexy, yet vulnerable song, “Nervous” is a pop-country anthem. The song dives into the sexuality in womanhood in a way we have never heard before. With each and every release, Morris is proving that she is every ounce of the superstar and woman she has grown to become.
“You make me // Out of control // Out of our clothes // Motion in slow, yeah // You take me // You take me // In my feelings // Through the ceiling // Leaving my inhibitions exposed // You make me nervous”
Humble Quest is looking to be one of Morris’ most innovative projects to date. If her previous releases are any inclination, the singer-songwriter will break down barriers and show extreme growth through her vocals and songwriting on her forthcoming third studio album
Maren Morris’ new song, ‘Nervous’ is out now
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Maren Morris releases.
“Nervous” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/maren-morris-album-cover.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-03-11 01:14:092022-03-11 01:14:09Maren Morris Releases New Song “Nervous” Ahead of Album
Drake White’s new album, The Optimystic is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.
Less than three years ago, Drake White didn’t know if he’d ever be able to perform again. After suffering a hemorrhagic stroke on stage in August of 2019, the golden-voiced White went through multiple surgeries and rounds of physical therapy just to relearn to walk. Yet, somehow he always stayed optimistic.
Today, March 11, he’s ready to tell his story through the release of his sophomore album, The Optimystic. Featuring twelve tracks co-written by the Alabama native, each song drips with personality and flair. From the opening chords of “50 Years Too Late” to the swoon-worthy “Power of a Woman” and the final notes of “The Optimystic” that bleeds into a prayerful moment of “Amazing Grace,” it’s clear this album is something special.
“50 Years Too Late” launches the album with fire straight out of the gate, White’s gritty country twang proclaiming that he’s a man who doesn’t quite fit in the modern world. Here, White introduces himself, appreciates the simpler things in life, and admits he should’ve been born way back when things were easier. It truly sets the stage for the rest of the album, which White admits was intentional as the track is a sonic fave of the soulful singer-songwriter.
White is eager to remain optimistic throughout The Optimystic, many songs touching on the idea of overcoming obstacles. “You can’t go through a near-death experience, or a pandemic… without it changing your perspective, or your songwriting,” shared White in a recent press round. “You don’t really know if you’re optimistic until you go through something. You kind of have to battle test it,” He continues of the spirit behind his album. This attitude is reflected in songs including “Rainbow State of Mind,” “Giants,” and “Hurts the Healing.”
“Rainbow” reminds us that it’s sometimes necessary to look on the bright side, and let go and let God (or fate or whatever you believe in) take control. “When you give up control // You’ll find that pot of gold,” He sings. “And you’ll get the rainbow.”
Meanwhile, the deeply personal “Hurts the Healing” is especially meaningful for White. “I think, line for line, it is probably the best song I’ve ever written, as far as writing goes. It is my song, it says exactly what I was feeling…I just think there was some magic.”
Another of the album’s highlights is “Giants,” a triumphant proclamation that it’s possible to overcome whatever it is that holds us back. Over twangy instrumentation, White’s voice booms as he challenges life to “bring on those giants.” With a hand-clapping second half, it’s impossible not to feel jubilant alongside White on this track, as he invites each listener along for the ride. “We all feel like a David facing Goliath sometimes // Well they make us feel so small back against the wall,” He proclaims joyfully. “But they don’t know they’re turning dogs to lions // Bring on those giants.”
White also uses his album to pay tribute to the special people in his life. In “Power of a Woman,” he honors the amazing women in his life, including his mother and his wife, Alex. Meanwhile, “Legends Never Die” tells the story of an older mentor whom he aspires to be like. “When he leaves this world // There won’t be no goodbyes // ‘Cause heroes are remembered // But legends never die,” He sings. “He’s pushin’ eighty and going on twenty-one // Pushin’ daisies will have to wait ’til he gets done.”
“Can’t Have My Dog” may be White’s most country track on the album, a tongue-in-cheek jaunt of love gone wrong. He’s ready to give up everything except his four-legged friend. “You can have my truck // The old house too // The Winnebago, the fast boat, and the pontoon // Take this old guitar // Take my buddy John,” He muses. “You can have it all // You can’t have my dog.”
The album concludes as solidly as it starts with the title track finding White longing for the days “before we knew ’bout this big bad world.” Finally, the haunting notes of “Amazing Grace” close the album, sung by White’s grandfather’s church community. And if that doesn’t sum up Drake White, and this album, we’re not sure what can.
For Drake White, The Optimystic is a true reflection of his character. “It’s been five years since my last album,” He shared in a statement. “I’ve had two record deals, six brain surgeries, a hemorrhagic stroke, and a pandemic that has tried to rip us all apart. Through it all, I’ve always fought to keep my glass half full.”
For listeners, The Optimystic just may be the album we all need. It’s truly impossible not to smile when listening, and in a time that’s been full of uncertainty due to the pandemic, politics, war, and seemingly endless chaos, it’s nice to look at the glass half full. Here, White reminds us that everyone has struggles, and that’s what makes us all human. Yet, with a little faith and hope, we can all overcome… And do so jubilantly.
The Optimystic Tracklist:
“50 Years Too Late” (Drake White, Leith Loftin)
“American Thunder” (Drake White, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
“Rainbow State of Mind (Feat. The Woods)” (Drake White, Dan O’Rourke)
“Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Jonathan Singleton)
“Giants” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Phil O’Donnell)
“Hurts the Healing” (Drake White, Aaron Chafin, Allison Veltz Cruz)
“It Takes Time” (Drake White, Chris DeStefano)
“Power of a Woman” (Drake White, Lindsey Hinkle, Kelli Johnson)
“Legends Never Die” (Drake White, Jeremy Bussey, Adam Sanders, Ron Womack)
“Can’t Have My Dog” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Ava Paige)
“Angel Side of You” (Drake White, Allison Veltz Cruz, Eric Paslay)
“The Optimystic” (Drake White, Kelli Johnson, Lauren Weintraub)
“Amazing Grace”
Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ is officially here.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Drake White’s announcements and releases.
The Optimystic 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.
Chris Bandi shares his brand new song “Carolina Blue,” out now, March 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Music can make us feel so many different emotions. Some songs have us dreaming about the future, while other songs bring us back to a time in our past that we would love to revisit. Chris Bandi’s new song “Carolina Blue” is all of the feelings of nostalgia wrapped up in a catchy melody.
Written by Bandi with Matt Willis and Jason Massey, the song was one of the first songs the singer wrote over Zoom when the world shut down. “There are very few things in life that can take you back to a certain place or time,” shared Bandi in a recent press release. “It could be a song that brings you back to 18 hanging out with your best friends or a white Jeep that reminds you of an ex. This song is about seeing that certain shade of blue that always brings back the memory of a flame that burnt out too soon.”
“It was white sands, flip-flops in your hands // Swaying along to a boardwalk band // Sippin’ cheap margaritas in a hotel bar // Kissing your lips // and wishing on stars // Made the outer banks come alive // Yeah we roll in and out with the tides // Yeah, I still smile and think of you // When I see Carolina blue”
“Carolina Blue” has a way of bringing us all back to a moment in time when we felt the most free. Country music truly does nostalgia the best. Bandi has created a song that makes us all feel those moments of a past flame that we can all relate to in this incredible new track.
Chris Bandi’s new song “Carolina Blue” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Chris Bandi releases.
“Carolina Blue” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/chris-bandi-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-03-11 01:08:472022-03-11 01:08:47Chris Bandi Shares Nostalgic New Song “Carolina Blue”
Ernest’s full-length album, Flower Shops (The Album)is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.
One of Big Loud’s biggest songwriters, Ernest Keith Smith (known professionally as ERNEST) has penned number-one hits for artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt, and Kane Brown but now is working on his career as a singer and performer. Since signing with Big Loud in 2019, ERNEST has released a nine-track album called Locals Onlyand a few singles including “American Rust,” but has predominantly focused his craft on songwriting. Following the success of his collaboration with Wallen, “Flower Shops,” which skyrocketed to #1 on iTunes, Apple Music Country, and Spotify Country upon its release and currently sits in the top-25 on country radio, he decided to turn it into a full album.
“It’s a very good feeling to have this body of work ready to share with the world,” he said in a recent press release. “It feels like there’s a shift happening in country music and the people want to hear more honesty in songs, and with honesty comes pain – sometimes we need to feel that too. I hope this project provides a little sepia tone world for the listener to escape to and go on a journey of their own…feeling everything from love to lost.”
Like he said, the major themes on this record are love and heartbreak. It tells the story of a relationship that almost wasn’t in a much more country-sounding manner than he is used to, sprinkling steel guitar all over this album. Itwas entirely co-written by ERNEST, with collaborators from other major Nashville-writers Ashley Gorley, The Warren Brothers, Rodney Clawson, Mark Holman, Ryan Vojtesak, and label-mates Ben Burgess and Lily Rose.
While most of the tracks are slow or mid-tempo, it starts with the upbeat, very descriptive “Sucker For Small Towns.” ERNEST sings about how this girl persuaded him to get into a relationship by showing him all around her two-lane town. Its catchy lyrics like “fool for a full moon, you sure set the right mood” make it fun for listeners to sing along to. The other upbeat track, “Did It With You,” sounds like the follow-up to the former. ERNEST mentions how much he misses this girl and how driving down these roads feels much different without her next to him in the shotgun seat.
“If You Were Whiskey” is a much more melancholy break-up song. While drinking at a bar, he realizes that if his ex was more like Jack Daniels, he’d be a much happier man.
“But if you were whiskey, it looks like I’d still have you right here with me // and I’d be getting a different kind of tipsy, instead of sitting here sipping number seven all night long // But if you were whiskey, I’d still be holding you and we’d still be going strong”
Love and gratitude is expressed in the next three tracks. “Tennessee Queen” tells the classic story of not having a lot, but having all you need. ERNEST makes a lot of Elvis Presley references in the song including mentions of “Graceland” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up,” “Hunk of Burning Love,” “Love Me Tender” and “feeling like a King.” ERNEST mixes in his R&B influence in “Classic”—a tune about staying in with a girl and a record player instead of hitting the town. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” is his most vulnerable track on the project. He addresses a former alcohol and drug addiction, describing it as having “neon demons.” It was the only way he felt comfortable with himself until his met the person who changed his entire perspective on life.
“It’s always lonely after midnight, getting what I want not what I need // I’m only comfortable when I’m crazy // Girl, look what you made me do to me”
“Feet Wanna Run” portrays the life of a touring artist—constantly conflicted between staying home with the ones you love or hitting the road and chasing your dream.
ERNEST shies away from the simple acoustic production towards the end of the record on “What It’s Comes To” and “Some Other Bar.” In the latter, the man in the song meets someone that really piques his interest, however, he does not hear back from her after they say their goodbyes. This gets him wishing on stars hoping that he will see her at some other bar. The eleventh and final track is an acoustic version of “Flower Shops.”
ERNEST will perform his new set to a hometown crowd at back-to-backsold-outshows headlining Nashville’s famed Exit/In on March 21 and 22. Until then, he will remain on the road supporting Chris Lane’s FILL THEM BOOTS tour with Lily Rose including a stop at New York City’s Irving Plaza this Sunday, March 13th. For tickets, head to his website.
Flower Shops (The Album) Tracklist:
“Sucker for Small Towns” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
“Tennessee Queen” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
“Classic” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
“Feet Wanna Run” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Comfortable When I’m Crazy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
“Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
“Did It With You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
“What It’s Come To” (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
“If You Were Whiskey” (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
“Some Other Bar” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
“Flower Shops” (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
Ernest’s album ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ is officially out now!
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Ernest announcements and releases.
Flower Shops (The Album) 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/ernest-album.jpg6301200Dylan Bestlerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDylan Bestler2022-03-11 01:07:032022-03-11 01:07:03Ernest: ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ – Album Review
Everette releases their brand new song “Gonna Be A Problem,” out now, March 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
Country duo, Everette, made up of Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, are equally great at what they do. Not only are the two enticing songwriters, but they’re both extremely talented vocalists. Their music is both catchy, yet traditional – a combination that is often hard to find in the genre. Everette’s new song “Gonna Be A Problem” fits the bill.
Written by the pair with Harold Ryan Tyndell and Bryan Simpson, the song depicts how far we will go for the people we are enamored with. According to a recent press release, Jordan Davis was originally holding the song to cut himself; however, after he heard the duo sing the track, he convinced them to release it as their own song. A true fan, Davis even sang the background vocals.
“You’re gonna be the reason // I’m havin’ trouble breathin’ // I can already see it // You’re gonna be a problem”
Everette are a unique act in the country music genre. They leave us excited for more and more music to come. The soulful act is one you’re going to want to keep on your radar. “Gonna Be A Problem” is just one example of their exemplary talent.
Everette’s new song “Gonna Be A Problem” is out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Everette releases.
“Gonna Be A Problem”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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/everette-new-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-03-11 01:05:542022-03-12 17:05:53Everette Drops Brand New Song “Gonna Be A Problem”
Jackson Dean’s major-label debut album, Greenbroke is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.
There are many things one might imagine when they hear Jackson Dean’s gritty and soulful voice. In fact, if one was a coach on The Voice, they might imagine they’re turning a chair for the likes of Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, or Larry Fleet. It’s truly safe to assume that you’d never picture a young man behind the weathered and astounding voice.
Enter Jackson Dean, a twenty-year-old who currently has all of Nashville abuzz. While still in high school, the young phenom found himself as one of country music’s most sought-after new stars. He ultimately signed with Big Machine Records, and today, March 11, he releases his debut album, Greenbroke.
For this project, the Maryland native enlisted super-producer Luke Dick, and the pair have created a truly masterful debut. Featuring ten songs co-written by the future superstar, Greenbroke is truly the type of album that breaks the mold and gives hope for the future of country music.
Opening with an acoustic guitar and a stomping soulful beat remnant of Marc Broussard, Dean comes on fast and furious with the album’s first track, “Don’t Come Looking.” With his authentic voice and driving guitars, the track is a declaration of independence. “If I don’t come back, don’t come looking,” Dean warns as he hits the road. He’s a man on a mission as he’s “got nowhere to go, so he’s already there.”
While “Trailer Park” poses Dean as a bit of a ramblin’ man not looking to settle down, songs like “Fearless” and “Love You Anymore” show a different side. On the former, he’s sensitive and vulnerable, admitting that there’s one special person who actually makes him nervous. “I’m fearless, except when it comes to you,” He growls in a way that’s endlessly endearing.
Meanwhile, on “Love You Anymore,” he’s wishing on stars and pennies in a well that he could move on, but finding it impossible. “I wish I didn’t love you, didn’t love you anymore,” He drawls, his voice laced with vulnerability. “Wish I could find a way to get through the day // Without going through hell.”
“Red Light” is a stomping jam that shows Dean with hints of Kip Moore in what may be the album’s most radio-ready track. It’s driving, it’s catchy, and it’s brilliant. Likewise, “Don’t Take Much” offers a moment of musical levity, with a feel-good groove that’s sure to make you smile. Here, Dean muses that “It don’t take much to have it all.”
The album concludes with the poignant double-header of “Wings” and “Greenbroke.” Both show the singer-songwriter’s true heart, with “Wings” offering one of the album’s most unguarded moments, haunting and melodic in a way that can be best described as a prayer. Here, he’s longing for wings to “fly above everything,” his voice laced with a weight far beyond his eighteen years.
The album ends on a positive note, with the title track. Building the moment with a moody instrumental that leads into Dean’s powerful vocal, it offers a lyrical affirmation of what he stands for. He left home at eighteen, never to look back, running free and “writing his story in the sands of time.” If there was any question as to who Jackson Dean is, it’s clear as day here.
Possessing a grit and storytelling ability way beyond his years, Jackson Dean offers a debut album that’s one of the genre’s strongest in recent memory. He’s country music’s next big thing, and we can’t wait to be along for the ride.
Greenbroke Tracklist:
Don’t Come Lookin’ | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick
Trailer Park | Jackson Dean, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure
Fearless | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jonathan Scott Sherwood
Don’t Take Much | Jackson Dean, Marv Green, JT Harding
Superstitions | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Dan Tyminski
Love You Anymore | Jackson Dean, Brian Bunn, Phillip Lammonds
Red Light | Jackson Dean, Jonathan Scott Sherwood, Ryan Tyndell
Other Than Me | Jackson Dean, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell
Wings | Jackson Dean, Park Chisolm
Greenbroke | Jackson Dean, Jeff Hyde
Jackson Dean drops his debut album ‘Greenbroke’ out now.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Jackson Dean announcements and releases.
Greenbroke 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jackson-dean-new-album.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2022-03-11 01:02:402022-03-11 01:07:14Jackson Dean: ‘Greenbroke’ – Album Review
Jimmie Allen’s new song “Down Home,” is out now, March 11th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
During the 2022 ACM Awards in Las Vegas, country music entertainer, Jimmie Allen took the stage! Premiering an unreleased song, Allen mesmerized the audience and the fans watching from home with his forthcoming new track. Following the performance, Allen officially released the new song, “Down Home.”
The ACM co-host honored his father through his performance and the song. “Down Home.” Written by Allen with co-writers, Cameron Bedell, Rian Ball, and Tate Howell, the song pays homage to his relationship. The track details moments in his life with his father, as well as, how life has progressed, since his untimely death in 2019.
“I bet you’re up there making new friends // I’m pretty sure you’re loving every minute// If there’s a gold pond out there to fish // I bet you already caught everything in it // I betcha you’re making everyone laugh”
Songs like this are what make country music so great. Even though Allen is one of the greatest entertainers in the modern-day genre, “Down Home” personifies his talent in ways like no other. It is a relatable song about grief, love, and survival. So much credit goes to the singer for sharing his heart with fans.
Jimmie Allen’s new song “Down Home” is out now on all streaming platforms.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Jimmie Allen releases.
“Down Home” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/jimmie-allen-down-home.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-03-10 17:04:462022-03-10 17:04:46Jimmie Allen Shares Soulful New Song “Down Home”
As we wait for Drake White’s second studio album, THE OPTIMYSTIC to be released March 11th, we chatted with the singer-songwriter to learn more about the record. Check out 5 things to expect here…
1. This is his first album since 2016, and second full studio album.
“I [was inspired]… I wanted to write 2-3 songs a day, I couldn’t get enough.”
2. This project features a lot of independent songwriters.
“I’ve been so lucky and blessed to meet my people, you come to Nashville and hit the ground with your boots. Kelly Johnson, [for instance] is not signed, she came out here and took a leap of faith.”
3. He was able to incorporate his family into the project, selecting a rendition of “Amazing Grace”.
“My grandfather… he could play piano, he could jitterbug dance, he could preach these sermons… he was just amazing. I found his old sermons on tape and I started listening to them… he had this vernacular. This is sonic gold. In a Pink Floyd-esque way, I want to put these sermons on my record.”
4. After a stroke left White nearly paralyzed, he has recovered very well and has a whole new perspective on life, music, and touring.
“It’s been a life-changing perspective shift for sure… this was the test. You don’t really know you’re optimistic until you go through something you have to battle test.”
5. White’s health problems and the pandemic resulted in him being even more inspired to write new music and release THE OPTIMYSTIC.
“I’ve had to keep a good sense of humor about it because of all of the things that have come our way recently…. you can’t go through a near-death experience like that or a pandemic without it changing your songwriting.”
Drake White’s new album ‘The Optimystic’ out this Friday, March 11th.
Check back in on Friday, March 11th, for a full review of Drake White’s THE OPTIMYSTIC.
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Drake White releases.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/drake-white-new-album.jpg6301200Lucie Bernheimhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngLucie Bernheim2022-03-10 16:17:282022-03-10 16:17:285 Things to Expect from Drake White’s Album ‘The Optimystic’
Check out the full recap of the 2022 ACM Awards, complete with all of the winners, performances, and more special moments from the show.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM
The Academy of Country Music Awards had a fresh new look this year. The normally three-hour event that has exclusively aired on CBS for the past 23 years found a new home on Amazon Prime. The show was an hour shorter, had no commercials, and had a whole lot more entertainment. Country music icon, Dolly Parton hosted the event from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the reigning New Male and Female Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett. Miranda Lambert was the big winner, taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Keep reading below for more winners and special performances from the exciting night.
Allen and Barrett, who were both up for Male and Female Artist of the Year kicked off the show; Allen covered Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Barrett sang Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas.” After Eric Church performed a medley of songs over his 16-year career, New Artist of the Year nominee, Walker Hayes sang his new single “AA” as well as his viral smash hit “Fancy Like” as he danced around the entire stadium high-fiving fans and other artists.
The first two awards of the night were presented to Brothers Osborne for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion for Group of the Year. It was Brothers Osborne’s third and Old Dominion’s fifth straight win for the respective categories. Maren Morris followed this with a performance of her new song, “Circles Around This Town.”
Lainey Wilson came out on top in the stacked Song of the Year category with her number one hit “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood won for Single of the Year for their chart-topper, “If I Didn’t Love You.” Viewers got to see both of these songs live later in the show. Wilson also won the New Female Artist of the Year as well. Next up, two Female Artist of the Year nominees, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce took the stage for “Never Wanted Be That Girl”, a standout performance. This collaboration took home the award for Music Event of Year.
Two of the most memorable performances of the show included Thomas Rhett who performed his current single “Slow Down Summer” as fireworks shot off behind him during the final chorus, resembling a scene from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Right after, Kelsea Ballerini joined Dolly Parton on stage for a collaboration of Parton’s new song, “Big Dreams and Faded Dreams” from her new “Run, Rose, Run” album.
One of the biggest surprise wins of the night was Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous winning the award for Album of the Year. Statistically, it makes a lot of sense, given it was the best-selling album across all genres in 2021 with 3.2 million units sold. Wallen humbly thanked his team, fans, and industry for showing him grace over the past year and dedicated the win to his son.
This was followed by 35-straight minutes of performances by artists such as Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis. Our favorite performances in this batch included Brother Osborne who gave an exciting performance of their song “Skeletons,” where their glasses, hats, guitars, and matching black and white jumpsuits lit the room neon as the lights went down. Breland had Thomas Rhett and a Baptist choir join him on stage for his fun, new song “Praise the Lord.”
After Lady A performed “What a Song Can Do,” the Male and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to Chris Stapleton and Carly Pearce. Pearce and Stapleton also won this award at last year’s CMAs as well. Top-nominated artist, Chris Young performed two songs after these awards, “Raised On Country” and his collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny, “At The End of A Bar.”
The show concluded with the announcement of the most prestigious owner of the night, Entertainer of the Year. Miranda Lambert took home the award and although she leads the pack with 29 total ACM awards throughout her career, she has never won the Entertainer of the Year. She is currently in London on tour, but she graciously accepted her award remotely.
Other awards not aired included New Male Artist of the Year to Parker McCollum, Video of the Year to Lambert and Elle King for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” and Songwriter of the Year to Michael Hardy. Other performers include Chris Stapleton, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee with Blanco Brown and Brooke Eden, Brittney Spencer, and Kelly Clarkson. The pre-show included performances by Tenille Townes and Kat & Alex.
Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kelsea-dolly.jpg6301200Dylan Bestlerhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDylan Bestler2022-03-08 15:56:272022-03-10 15:56:582022 ACM Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More
Kelsea Ballerini’s song, “half of my hometown” featuring Kenny Chesney is the number one song at country radio this week. Read about Ballerini’s hit song below…
With country radio still being a male-dominated industry, we are always so excited to see a female singer-songwriter reach the top of the charts. Perfectly timed for Women’s History month, Kelsea Ballerini has landed at the number one spot. This week, Ballerini’s song, “half of my hometown” featuring Kenny Chesney is the number one song at country radio.
The song is one of the songstress’ most vulnerable to date. It portrays the back-and-forth feelings of wanting to stay in your comfort zone, but also wanting to improve. The duet nature of the song with Chesney amplifies the already incredible track. Although unexpected, the collaboration was the perfect fit for the song.
“In their daddy’s Ford // Half of my main street’s mini skirts // Half of my main street’s dressed for church // It could use some rain and a fresh coat of paint // Half of my hometown’s still hangin’ around // Still talkin’ about that one touchdown // They’re still wearin’ red and black”
“half of my hometown” marks Ballerini’s 7th number one song and Chesney’s 35th.
Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Kelsea Ballerini announcements and releases.
“half of my hometown” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/kelsea-ballerini-kenny-chesney-hometown.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2022-03-08 13:52:542022-03-10 13:55:45Kelsea Ballerini’s “half of my hometown” ft. Kenny Chesney Goes Number One
