Best Country Music Songs of June 2021: “What We’re Listening To” Picks

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Country 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 June 2021 picks of the current best country music songs. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

JUNE PICKS:

 

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “I Quit Drinking” – Kelsea Ballerini & LANY
Songwriters: Nicolle Galyon, Kelsea Ballerini, Paul Jason Klein

When I first saw Kelsea Ballerini and LANY perform this song together during the CMT Awards, I was immediately hooked. I love a good collab, especially cross-genre, that brings unique voices and flairs together and this one knocked it out of the park. I love the concept of this song where most break-up songs sing about needing that drink to move on and this one is quite literally the opposite. Not being together is the reason the main character can’t enjoy those drinks now. It’s such a simple concept that makes so much sense and on top of that it’s extremely catchy and the kind of song that makes you want to blast and sing along to.

“Waking up sober, it feels kinda nice // Except that I can’t sleep at night // You’re the reason there’s no whiskey, anywhere inside this house // You’re the reason all my friends know I don’t go downtown // You’re the reason I hate champagne // Never used to turn it down // You’re the only thing I want when one drop hits my mouth // Baby, you’re the reason // I quit drinking”

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Better Man” – Little Big Town
Songwriters: Taylor Swift

Little Big Town’s The Breaker album is one of my favorites to go back to, and I never get tired of listening to “Better Man”. Karen Fairchild’s vocals sound like a diary entry, and the rich harmonies that fill the space add so much depth to the already powerful lyrics. Taylor Swift’s lyricism is always brilliant, and on this track, it’s no exception. It’s heartbreaking yet empowering, “the bravest thing I ever did was run” – and I think that the overall strength of the song is what always brings me back to it. “Better Man”, in my mind, will go on to be one of the classics of this era of country music.

 

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Summer Job Money” – Chris Lane
Songwriters: Blake Pendergrass, John Byron

Chris Lane released a lot of new music lately, but “Summer Job Money” is, in my opinion, the stand-out of the bunch. Its comical and catchy lyrics backed by its mix of modern and traditional country sound make it a great summer-love tune. I constantly find myself singing the chorus over-and-over in my head.

In his earlier stuff, I feel he was leaning heavily on the big pop-productions, like on “Fix,” “Let Me Love You,” and “Take Back Home Girl.” It is apparent that Lane is returning to his roots with these new songs. As someone who generally appreciates lyrics over background music, I think a simpler sound works better with Lane’s style and persona. I’m looking forward to more from him this summer!

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Famous Friends” – Chris Young & Kane Brown
Songwriters: Cary Barlowe, Chris Young, Corey Crowder

One of the reasons I love Chris Young is the energy he brings to his songs whether it be a ballad or an upbeat drinking song. “Famous Friends” fits in the latter category but it’s about a group of friends that might not be famous by Hollywood standards but they’re local celebrities in their hometown. The song namedrops counties throughout Tennessee in the chorus, a shout out to the Volunteer State.

“I’ve got some famous friends you’ve probably never heard of // But back in Hamilton County our crowd is second to none // You might not know ’em here in this big city we’re in // But when I go back home I’ve got some famous friends”

Young brought his real-life friend Kane Brown onto the song and he’s the perfect addition. They both closed out the CMT Music Awards earlier this month with “Famous Friends” and you can tell their friendship runs deep.

 

Pick: “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan
Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins

Every so often a song comes along that gives me chills not just the first time I hear it, but every time after that. Maybe I’m sentimental after the year we’ve all had, or maybe I’m extra emotional because I recently got married, but this track about what really matters has been giving me all the feels this month. The song is catchy, heartfelt, simple, and so very country. And the collaboration between a rising talent and an established superstar is just the icing on top.

“Buy dirt // Find the one you can’t live without // Get a ring, let your knee hit the ground // Do what you love but call it work // And throw a little money in the plate at church // Send your prayers up and your roots down deep // Add a few limbs to your family tree // And watch their pencil marks // And the grass in the yard all grow up // ‘Cause the truth about it is // It all goes by real quick // You can’t buy happiness // But you can buy dirt”

 

Pick: “Woman You Got” – Maddie & Tae
Songwriters: Laura Veltz, Maddie Font, Mark Holman, Taylor Kerr

This month, I chose “Woman You Got” by Maddie and Tae as a song I have had on repeat. The track is fun and catchy yet gets it right about growing in a relationship whether that be dating or marriage.

“You say you love me, I know you love me // Love that you love me, baby // I know you know me, but if I know me // I’m gonna drive you crazy // The thing about me is I’m always getting better // The truth is, boy, it might take forever but // When it comes to loving you I’m never gonna stop // And that’s the kind of woman you got”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Middle Man” – Kasey Tyndall
Songwriters: Kasey Tyndall, Lainey Wilson

After getting to interview Kasey Tyndall for our Swag Spotlight series, I knew I had to choose her song “Middle Man” as my pick of the month. I already loved the song, but hearing how effortlessly the track came together really spoke to me. I love songs that can make me feel something. “Middle Man” fits the bill. Although I do not have divorced parents, I can literally feel the emotion that Tyndall conveys in the poignant new single.

“I was too young to understand // I was a little girl // And the middle man // I got a taste of rock n roll // Swear I learned to talk to Jesus // And I made best friends with the road // I got real good // I got real good at leaving”

The songstress finds a way to matter-of-factly speak her truth, while speaking for a larger landscape of people. She does not cast blame on anyone, which makes the song even more special. We are all just people after all. “Middle Man” reminds listeners that we are always influenced by where we come, regardless of our circumstances. That is a beautiful message to come out of a tender, yet gritty single!

 

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.

5 Things to Know About SmithField’s Latest EP ‘New Town’

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SmithField’s new music, an EP, ‘New Town,’ is out now, June 16th, on all streaming platforms. Check out five things to know about the new music below.

  1. The whole New Town record is a story from start to finish that displays ‘SmithField 2.0’.

“Every song on the EP tells its own story, but the record as a whole is one long narrative about ups and downs of life and love and relationships.”

 

  1. The title track felt really personal to the duo and truly embodies their journey and decade in Nashville.

“The song is about falling in love with the town all over again when you fall in love with somebody”

 

  1. With the release of this new project, SmithField hopes to breathe new life into country music male/female duos.

“It’s been ten years since we’ve had a female/male duo break, so we really hope we can be the new generation for what Sugarland and Thompson Square started many years ago.”

 

  1. Their song “Something Sexy” was inspired by other country artists and their songs that have the romance factor, like Chris Young, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill. The song happened effortlessly during a write.

“There are 12 references to country music artists and their songs.”

 

  1. SmithField hopes the record inspires others to sit with their feelings and a cup of coffee. There’s truly a song for everyone on the new EP.

“Tre and I are really big coffee people. We love to have coffee talk every day. That’s where we like to share our hearts and our writing.”

Lean more and listen to SmithField’s New Town here.

smithfield-new-music-new-town

SmithField’s new EP, ‘New Town’ is available now, June 16th, on all streaming platforms

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

To keep up with SmithField, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

New Town 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.

Dierks Bentley Earns 20th #1 Single with “Gone”

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Dierks Bentley’s song “Gone” rises to the top of the country music charts this week, earning him his 20th number-one single at country radio.

Dierks Bentley is one of the most recognizable names in the country music genre. Back in October, he released his brand new single, “Gone,” and it was clear then that he had another hit on his hands. Today, Bentley’s song “Gone” is officially the number one song at country radio.

Written by Nicolle Galyon, Ben Johnson, and singer-songwriter, Niko Moon, “Gone” was primed for greatness. The song is all about a man going into hiding when his lover walks out of him. Bentley manages to bring the broodiness and the cheekiness to life with this creative tune. When asked about the song, the singer related it to how he felt sitting at home during the quarantine. He missed being out on the road.

“My buddies think I’m on the lake // Boss thinks I’ve been sick for days // And mama’s probably on her way // ‘Cause I ain’t picked up the phone // I’ve been a million places // But they’re all up in my head // Over-drinking, overthinking ever since you left // I’ve been gone, I’ve been gone”

“Gone” overtook Luke Combs’ mega-hit “Forever After All,” which sat in the top spot for three weeks straight. The song is Bentley’s second consecutive #1, following “Living.” It marks an impressive twenty number ones for the superstar.

Dierks Bentley Gone

Dierks Bentley // Photo by: Justin Aharoni (@jaharoni) for Country Swag

Congrats to Dierks and his team on an incredible feat!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dierks Bentley announcements and releases.

To keep up with Dierks Bentley, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Gone” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music‘ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who Is Noah Hicks? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

Noah-Hicks

Noah Hicks // Photo by: Austin Screws

The Beginning:

Today we are highlighting a rising artist in country music that feels like an overnight sensation. During our conversation with singer-songwriter Noah Hicks, we learned how humble and genuine he is as a man and as an artist. We chatted about everything from his upbringing to his current songs. Learn more below.

Growing up on a chicken farm in Georgia, Hicks never even dreamed of a music career. “I’ve always played guitar and played in church and stuff like that,” he shared, adding that it was really all just for fun. The singer always thought he would make a living doing blue-collar work, but music was still something he loved from an early age.

Thinking back to middle school, Hicks recalls loving the fresh sound of duo, Florida Georgia Line. “I remember being at high school parties with my brother and seeing the reaction to their uptempo vibe,” he shared. “I became just like in love with the fact that music can make you feel a type of way.”

Hicks also credits artists like Rhett Akins and Jason Aldean as early inspirations. Nowadays, he loves artists and songwriters like HARDY, Ernest, and Luke Combs, among many others. “I’m definitely a fan first,” stated the singer. “Now I’m a fan of songwriters ‘cause the songwriters are just as cool as the artists, if not cooler,” he added.

At seventeen years old with a push from one of his hometown buddies, Hicks started singing and taking his natural talent more seriously. “Ever since then I’ve been chasing this crazy dream and I somehow worked it out.”

The Turning Point:

Although clearly gaining popularity in his home state of Georgia, Hicks really started to gain traction earlier this year when he recently signed with RED Creative Group. Prior to his signing, the singer would travel back and forth from Georgia to Tennessee, eventually making the move to Nashville to pursue his dreams.

“I never thought I’d be in the position I am,” shares Hicks, “It happened a lot faster than I can keep up with.” The singer also credits his quick success to the friends he has made in Nashville. “I fell into a great group of guys who live up here. And it took all of the hard work out of moving to town and meeting people,” adding, “They would just knock out the hard part and say ‘this is my friend Noah Hicks.’”

The singer also recalls the moment he knew that music was his passion. “When I first released my first ever single ‘Raised On The Radio’, we had a big old concert down on the square and all these people showed up. I was like ‘okay, this could be possible.’”

Today:

Now, Hicks has two more songs out under his new partnership, “No More of ‘Em” and “Miss You Back.” The former is a collaboration with one of his heroes, Rhett Akins. “I had these people I wanted to write with and Rhett was one of them […] I saw his name on my calendar and I planned ideas for two weeks and he shot down every one of them,” he laughs reminiscing about what it was like to write with Akins for the first time.

After the song was created, the singer made a comment to his manager about asking Akins to be on the song, and to everyone’s surprise, he agreed. The Georgia native wanted to release a song that was close to his heart and a story that could help fans get to know him and his artistry. “No More of ‘Em” was that song.

On the other hand “Miss You Back” showcases a different side of the singer’s talent. “It was me, Paul [DiGiovanni], Cole Taylor, and Jeremy Stover, during a write, and we wrote six songs in four days.” “We just kept trying to write about me and get really specific about me cause every song that I release, I want there to be some truth behind it.”

As it turns out, the singer was able to tap into a more somber emotion to create the song with his fellow songwriters. “It’s a double lining. Obviously, it’s about a girl, but also when we were writing, we all talked about it being universal, you can miss anyone back.”

The two songs are just the beginning for Hicks. “Writing songs, playing shows, realizing music, that’s what I hope to do in 2021,” he declares. Fans are in for a real treat with this budding star!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Noah Hicks, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“No More of ‘Em” and “Miss You Back” are 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.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 6/25/21

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NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – 6/25/21

  • LADY A – On their new EP, What A Song Can Do (Chapter One), Lady A has released songs that embody everything a song can do: make you dance, make you cry, and steal your breath. – More >>
  • BRIAN KELLEY – Lifelong Florida Georgia Line fans can learn a lot about Brian Kelley, as he embarks on a solo project with his debut album: Sunshine State of Mind. – More >>
  • LAKEVIEW – Rising duo, LAKEVIEW showcases their undeniable charm and talent in each and every song on their debut EP, ‘Small Town Famous’. – More >>
  • TENILLE TOWNES – Tenille Townes reminisces of a younger, more carefree self, something we can all relate to in her brand new song “Girl Who Didn’t Care”. – More >>
  • RAY FULCHER – Songwriter behind hits like Luke Combs’ “When It Rains It Pours” and “Does To Me”, Ray Fulcher continues to make a name for himself as an artist. Today he drops three brand new songs and you’re going to want to give em a listen… – More >>
  • CONNER SMITH – Country newcomer Conner Smith introduces himself today with two brand new tracks “Learn From It” and “Tennessee” and we’re sure they’ll make you a fan. – More >>
  • BEN GALLAHER – Ben Gallaher’s Every Small Town is an EP about embracing and enjoying the simple things in life, and we expect to be blasting it all summer long. – More >>
  • CHRIS LANE – After previewing a new song with a touching home video documenting Chris Lane and his wife, Lauren as they prepared for the arrival of their firstborn, Lane is now officially releasing the sentimental track. Check out “Ain’t Even Met You Yet” here. – More >>
  • TEDDY ROBB – One of our favorite rising artists, Teddy Robb just released a romantic and vulnerable new track, “Whiskey Can’t”. – More >>
  • JIMMIE ALLEN – Jimmie Allen adds 9 collaborations to his already successful project with Bettie James Gold Edition. Listen to the new music including one-of-a-kind tracks with artists like LOCASH, LANCO, Pitbull, Little Big Town, Keith Urban and more. – More >>

Take a listen to all of these tracks and more here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Jimmie Allen Releases Gold Edition of Collaboration Album: ‘Bettie James’

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Jimmie Allen adds nine collaborations to his already successful project, Bettie James on the new Gold Edition. Available now, June 25th, on all streaming platforms, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

The original seven-track project was an incredible collaborative piece on its own including duets with Nelly, Mickey Guyton, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Charley Pride, Tauren Wells, Rita Wilson and The Oakridge Boys, and Noah Cyrus. Now, Allen adds 9 more tracks to the collection including collaborations with LOCASH, LANCO, Pitbull, Breland and Lathan Warlick, Monica and Little Big Town, Neon Union, Lindsay Ell, and Babyface.

Not only has Allen established several relationships with artists across the genre and the industry, but this collective work alone has demonstrated his musical range across genres and his infectious personality based on his credibility and relationships with some of the best in the industry. Allen adds his own unique style in each song that meshes differently based on the other artist’s sound, making this project a unique mix of one-of-a-kind sounds.

Allen’s songs with LOCASH and LANCO, “Get Country” and “Home Sweet Hometown”, respectively are lyrically classic country songs but form into each group’s own distinctive sound in country music. They’re about getting back to your roots and what you know and going back to and never forgetting your hometown.

“Home Sweet Hometown // where you keep your first sins // your amens // your kinfolks // your old friends // Home Sweet Hometown // everybody’s got one // or forgot one // aor maybe they’re still calling one // yeah we all try to leave this place and chase some big dreams down // but the world could leave a bitter taste without // Home Sweet Hometown”

Allen’s song with Keith Urban, “Boy Gets A Truck”, is a cover of a deep cut from Urban’s Ripcord album. The two artists duet on the song bringing new life to an already incredible song. It’s a love story told through a hand-me-down truck. 

“A boy gets a truck, truck gets a girl, girl gets a midnight feeling he’s the one // one night turns to love, love turns into one knee down, down payment on a three-bedroom house // filled with the sound of little feet, then you blink and he’s asking for the keys to pick her up”

“Somebody” with Breland, already a trailblazer in country music, and Lathan Warlick is a cross-genre song with notes of trap and pop. Allen then slows things down in “Pray” with Monica and Little Big Town and broadcasts his vocals in ways that have been less common for him thus far in past works. 

No two songs of this project sound the same or follow the same path yet Allen is able to combine them all into this incomparable project and form them to his own sound. As if the original album didn’t get us excited enough for future Allen music, his Gold Edition speaks for itself in his ability to make a name for himself and carve his own space in country music.

Jimmie Allen's 'Bettie James Gold Edition' is out now, June 25th

Jimmie Allen’s ‘Bettie James Gold Edition’ is out now, June 25th

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

To keep up with Jimmie Allen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bettie James Gold Edition 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.

Teddy Robb Premieres Brand New Song “Whiskey Can’t”

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Teddy Robb’s new song “Whiskey Can’t” is available now, June 25th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Teddy Robb is a rising artist that we have loved from the very beginning. We have been eagerly awaiting new music from the singer-songwriter. Today, Robb officially released his long-awaited, entrancing new song “Whiskey Can’t.”

Instantly recognizable, Robb has a unique quality and sound to his voice. The new tune is romantic and vulnerable. It displays how it feels to be “drunk on love,” so to speak. Robb shared on his YouTube channel that he wrote this song with Pete Good, Brandon Ratcliff, Kelly Archer, and Josh Jenkins mid-pandemic. The singer even took inspiration from his friend and fellow country artist, Matt Stell’s song “Whiskey Would.”

“You’ve got the whole world spinning // You’ve got my heart racing // I’ve seen a lot of things // but nothing like you baby // Cause I’ve been three sheets to the wind, but I ain’t never been this drunk // Never had a harder time getting out of bed or waking up // I feel something different when I got you in my hands // There ain’t a better buzz, you do what the whiskey can’t”

According to Robb, “Whiskey Can’t” is all about that moment when you are hanging out with your person and it is time to focus on the girl, rather than the drink. The lyrics convey this message perfectly! It is really fun to hear about the singer’s writing process, and how meaningful this song has become. Kudos to Robb on another great track!

Teddy-Robb-whiskey-can't-new-song

Teddy Robb’s new song “Whiskey Can’t” is out now, June 25th

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

To keep up with Teddy Robb, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Whiskey Can’t” 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.

Ben Gallaher: ‘Every Small Town’ – EP Review

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Ben Gallaher’s new EP, Every Small Town, is out today, June 25th on all streaming platforms. Featuring “Never Get Old” and the anthemic title track, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

For Quartz Hill Records artist Ben Gallaher, June 25 marks the release of his debut EP, Every Small Town. The singer-songwriter-guitarist co-wrote all five songs on the collection, which includes the anthemic title track. Produced by Mickey Jack Cone and Derek George, the album also features songs co-written by Nashville heavyweights including Ash Bowers, Joey Hyde, and more.

The EP opens with the title track, an electrifying ode to the small towns that make up the backbone of America. This song is perfect for summer and it’s impossible not to picture it behind a moving video montage showing off the best of humanity in the U.S.A. We cannot wait to hear this one in concert as it’s the kind of track that lends itself perfectly to a live show. 

“In every small town // In America, we’re the backbone // We’re the rock this country was built on // We’re the underdog // We’re the little guy // With the flag flying high 365,” he sings.

“We’re the wake up with the sun // Go and get the job done // Cold beer crowd // In every small town in America”

“Get On One” came from a guitar riff Gallaher couldn’t stop playing that became a full song in two hours during a writing session with Hyde and Mike Walker. Unlike most love songs, “Get On One” is an uptempo and not a ballad, but the sentiment is still there. Meanwhile, “Town Ain’t Dry” deals with heartbreak, Gallaher seeking to mend a broken heart in the bottom of a bottle. As he thinks about drinking his sorrows away, he muses how grateful he is to not live in a dry town. 

“Never Get Old” celebrates the things in life that are timeless to us, impossible to get tired of.

“But cold beer, hot summer nights // Good guys winnin’ fights // Friday hittin’ five, cashin’ that paycheck // Born in the USA // Advice my old man gave // Amazing grace and the letters in red // A bottle of whiskey, the way that you kiss me,” he sings.

“The war stories grand-daddy told // They never get old”

The album’s closing track, “Til’ It’s Yours,” allows Gallaher to show off a different side from the full-throttle uptempo songs on this power ballad. Like “Every Small Town” and “Never Get Old,” “Til’ It’s Yours” is a track about appreciating the smaller things in one’s life. According to an interview with WITF Music, Gallaher was inspired to write the song on a trip through Kansas. “It just got me thinking. Things, in general, mean more to you when they’re yours…To somebody else, it doesn’t have any value but if it’s yours it means everything. And I couldn’t get that concept out of my head.”

For Gallaher, this EP is a celebration of life. “To me, country music is the soundtrack to everyday life,” he says in a statement. “That’s what these songs are about: the American spirit, family, community, love, loss, God, hard work, and being proud of who you are and where you’re from.”

Every Small Town is an EP about embracing and enjoying the simple things in life. From celebrating small towns to enjoying the things that are truly yours, Gallaher embraces them all here, and we expect to be blasting these songs all summer long.

Ben Gallaher’s new EP, 'Every Small Town' is out now, June 25th

Ben Gallaher’s new EP, ‘Every Small Town’ is out now, June 25th

Every Small Town EP Tracklist:

  1. Every Small Town – Ben Gallaher, Ash Bowers, Jim Collins
  2. Get On One – Ben Gallaher, Joey Hyde, Mike Walker
  3. Never Get Old – Ben Gallaher, Derrick Southerland, Andrew Jacob Pruis
  4. Town Ain’t Dry – Ben Gallaher, Mark Irwin, Shane Minor
  5. Til’ It’s Yours – Ben Gallaher, Billy Montana, Jared Mullins

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

To keep up with Ben Gallaher, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Every Small Town 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.

Lady A: ‘What A Song Can Do (Chapter One)’ – Review

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Lady A’s new project, What A Song Can Do (Chapter One), is out now, June 25th on all streaming platforms. Featuring seven new tracks by the GRAMMY-Award winners, including “Like A Lady,” take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Lady A is going back to basics, embracing what made the band a success in its earliest days on their new collection of music, What A Song Can Do (Chapter One), out today, June 25. Produced by the legendary Dann Huff, the seven-track project features the harmonies and musical styles that made Lady A one of country music’s hottest groups.

Fueled by the events of 2020, each song on What A Song Can Do is co-written by at least one member of the band, alongside some of country’s biggest hitmakers. Other big-name writers on the EP include Ryan Hurd, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon, Dave Barnes, Thomas Rhett, and more.

On the EP’s title track, the trio celebrates the amazing powers of a great song, as they muse “Ain’t it crazy what a song can do?” Featuring Charles Kelley on lead with Hillary Scott’s perfect accompaniment, the track is Lady A at its finest. A simple song has the power to change one’s mood or even change one’s life, and this song, written by Kelley, Sam Ellis, Hurd, and Laura Veltz, does just that, immediately sure to lift a listener’s spirits.

The collection’s first track, “Talk of this Town,” shows Lady A dealing with heartbreak in a unique way. Over the melancholy music and haunting drumline, Scott and Kelley trade verses about how they no longer want to be the topic of town gossip. Written by Scott, Kelley, Dave Haywood, Galyon, and Jordan Reynolds, the song finds the pair praying for anything to happen in their small town to distract people from their breakup. “Baby I could get over you,” They sing.“If you and I could be old news.”

“Like A Lady,” is a perfect female empowerment track, as evidenced by the band’s performance at the CMT Awards, which featured other female powerhouses including Carly Pearce and Lindsay Ell. Meanwhile, “Chance of Rain” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Lady A’s earliest albums, and that’s a good thing. Written by Haywood and Kelley with Topher Brown and Justin Ebach, the song is about taking chances and embracing life.

“Never going all in ’cause you’re scared of goodbye // Is like never seeing Paris ’cause you’re scared to fly,” they sing.“Never falling in love’ cause a chance of pain // Is like never seeing summer ’cause a chance of rain.”

Lady A is more introspective on “Things He Handed Down” and “Worship What I Hate.” On the former, they sing about the wise words of wisdom handed down from a father or grandfather, in a way that’s remnant of Chris Young’s “Voices.” Meanwhile, on the EP’s final track, “Worship What I Hate,” Lady A tackles tougher subjects, including body image, alcoholism, and technology addiction. With Scott on lead, the track is a moving and much-needed look at how easy it is to fall into unhealthy habits and begin worshipping the things we claim to hate. “I keep looking at myself in the mirror // Hoping it will change,” she sings. “And I keep wishing for a brand-new body // That I didn’t have to blame.”

On What A Song Can Do (Chapter One), Lady A truly embraces the EP’s title, offering a collection that embodies everything music can do. There are songs here that can make you dance, make you cry, shake the ground, and steal your breath. Ain’t it crazy what a song, and a great chapter of music, can do?

Lady A’s new project, 'What A Song Can Do (Chapter One)' is out now, June 25th

Lady A’s new project, ‘What A Song Can Do (Chapter One)’ is out now, June 25th

What A Song Can Do (Chapter One) Track List

  1. “Talk Of This Town” | Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
  2. “What A Song Can Do” | Charles Kelley, Sam Ellis, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz          
  3. “Like A Lady” | Hillary Scott, Dave Barnes, Michelle Buzz, Martin Johnson, Brandon Paddock
  4. “Things He Handed Down” | Charles Kelley, Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett
  5. “Fire” | Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Justin Ebach
  6. “Chance Of Rain” | Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Topher Brown, Justin Ebach  
  7. “Worship What I Hate” | Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott, Natalie Hemby, Amy Wadge

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

To keep up with Lady A, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

What A Song Can Do (Chapter One) 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.

Brian Kelley: Sunshine State of Mind – Album Review

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Brian Kelley’s debut solo album, Sunshine State of Mind is out now, June 25th, on all streaming platforms. This beach-inspired project features seventeen tracks, including the four off the EP, BK’s Wave Pack. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the collection of music.

Back in April, we got a taste of what style of music Brian Kelley, who serves as one half of the GRAMMY-nominated duo, Florida Georgia Line, was gearing up to release with his forthcoming solo project. This time without long-time bandmate, Tyler Hubbard. Although the same feel-good vibes are present throughout the record, Kelley’s lyrics are delivered in a much calmer and tropical essence. He truly embraces his Florida roots in this collection of island-themed tracks.

The album starts off with the relaxing “Boat Names,” in which the singer takes his girl to the dock to check out all the boats. He promises her that one day he’ll have his own boat he can name after her. This is followed by the previously released “Made By The Water,” as he portrays a perfect day at the beach with the love of his life.

Aside from island life, love is another major theme on the album. Kelley shows gratitude for his wife on numerous tracks including “Fish All Day,” “Say The Word,” and “Songs For You.” Kelley puts his country roots on display in the traditional sounding “Fish All Day.” According to Kelley, fishing all day and loving all night is the perfect recipe for a wonderful day.

“Say The Word” is a low-tempo, sexy song in which the couple just got home from their beach vacation, referring to it as “heaven on earth.” However, they immediately miss the sun, waves, and sand beneath their feet. He reassures her by agreeing to go back anytime she wants. In “Songs For You,” the singer serenades his girl by playing the songs he wrote for her. With the sun going down behind them on the beach, he describes this as “a picture-perfect end to a day.”

Country singers often sing about driving their truck down backroads and on highways with their lover riding shotgun, but in Kelley’s songs, they’re on the water and he and the girl are captain and co-captain of the ship. In “Highway On The Water,” he explains why this is his preference — there’s never any traffic and they can float at their own pace. Kelley understands that boats can bring out different moods in different people; some like to party and some just like to relax. The tempo changes song by song. While this song is upbeat and contains a heavy amount of fiddle, “Boat Ride” is much calmer and includes a backing ukulele. “By Boat” is a mid-tempo track in which Kelley is in awe of his view from his boat of the sunset kissing the ocean, and if he’s ever going to get to heaven, it won’t be by stairway, it’ll be by boat.

Although the general sound on this album is much different than the typical Florida Georgia Line one, several songs, such as “Real Good Day” and “Party On The Beach” are reminiscent of it. The former leans hip-hop and simply describes what makes a good day; drinking by a bonfire and listening to George Strait on the speaker with good friends and attractive women. “Party On The Beach,” which was previously released, includes sounds from a traditional Hawaiian luau and a screeching seagull. Both are perfect songs to throw on your beach playlist.

“Good times, good vibes, good people // Sittin’ ’round a fire, gettin’ higher than a seagull // Every flip floppin’ day of the week // Yeah, it’s a party on the beach”

Kelley brings the good vibes across this entire album, but there are a few songs that are very personal to him, including “Sunburnt,” “Don’t Take Much,” and the album’s closer “Florida Boy Forever.” “Sunburnt” sounds like a true story about their relationship. They met by the water, fell in love by the water, and celebrated their marriage by the water. In “Don’t Take Much,” he reflects on his seven years of marriage, realizing that all he needs is her, some sand, and a blanket full of stars above them. In the final track, driven by banjo, he discusses what growing up in Ormond Beach was like; catching crayfish and playing baseball. Although he had to leave to pursue his career and see the world, he knows that he’ll never stray too far from his roots.

“Carolina, Mississippi, always keep that sunshine with me // Sure as waves crash on the shore, I’ll be a Florida boy forever, I know”

If you like conflict in music, you won’t get it on this album. However, listeners can learn a lot about Kelley on these seventeen tracks. Since Florida Georgia Line burst into country music in the early 2010s, Hubbard has been the predominant voice on most of their songs, especially on their last two albums. It was nice to hear Kelley be the center of attention for a change.

Maybe one day, we’ll see Kelley on the road as a solo artist. His tropical presence would match up perfectly with artists such as Kenny Chesney or Jake Owen.  For now, Kelley and Hubbard will tour as Florida Georgia Line this fall on their I Love My Country Tour with Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, and Redferrin. For tickets, head to their website.

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Boat Names
  2. Sunburnt
  3. By Boat
  4. Made By The Water
  5. Sunday Service In The Sand
Brian Kelley's new album, 'Sunshine State of Mind' is out now, June 25th

Brian Kelley’s new album, ‘Sunshine State of Mind’ is out now, June 25th

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

To keep up with Brian Kelley, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Sunshine State of Mind 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.