Tyler Hubbard: ‘Strong’ – Album Review

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Tyler Hubbard releases his brand new album, Strong, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

For Tyler Hubbard, much of his sophomore album, Strong, was inspired by Keith Urban. The former Florida Georgia Line frontman spent months touring with the Aussie superstar while writing this project and honing his craft. “We were watching him play every night, and his live show is just high energy, fun and a great time,” shares Hubbard. “We wanted to write songs good enough to make Keith jealous (laughs).”

Of the album’s thirteen tracks, Hubbard wrote or co-wrote all of them, while also co-producing alongside Jordan Schmidt. For the EMI Nashville artist, the album represents a natural growth and solidification of his sound as a solo artist. Here, he examines themes of love, loss, heartbreak, nostalgia, and celebrating life.

The album opens with “Wish You Would,” an 80’s-tinted mid-tempo that was crafted purely with a good time in mind. Written as a live show opener, the track also makes the perfect album opener, as Hubbard implores someone to  “Be my up all nighter and my morning light, be my shotgun rider, my every Sunday drive.”

Of the track, he reveals, “We were aiming for something fun with a fresh sound and a little different – channeling a show-opener type of vibe. This song was just a natural, fun song, and not much of it changed from the demo to the studio, which is always great.”

That type of vibe is prevalent throughout the album, weaving its way through songs like the semi-autobiographical “Park,” “A Lot With a Little,” and “Night Like That.” The latter was specifically crafted with a live show in mind, and the result is the perfect party starter. “It’s now just one of those songs where you want to hear it on a Friday night — just get the party started and set the mood right,” shares Hubbard in a statement. “We’ve all been there and just needed a night like that in some form or fashion.”

Hubbard also taps into themes of nostalgia and longing for simpler times throughout Strong, evident on song like “Back Then Right Now,” “American Mellencamp,” “Summer Talkin’” and “Take Me Back.” While “Summer Tallkin’’ is an ode to a fleeting summer romance, “Back Then Right Now” finds him dreaming of simpler times and feeling nostalgic for his younger days. “Back then, it was simple, it was slow,” He muses. “We didn’t worry ‘bout what we didn’t know.”

“Take Me Back” is a clever mid-tempo love song to his hometown. While Hubbard admits that he left there at a young age, it’s his hometown that made him who he is, and he hopes they can forgive him, their prodigal son.

“I think about you when a summer rain falls // I sing about you when I’m writin’ these songs //  Didn’t forget about you for a minute // I know I hurt you and it hurts to admit It // I hate that I left you without a goodbye // Would you forgive me, give it one more try // Do I stand a chance if I ever come back around // Would you take me back, hometown?”

The introspective singer-songwriter also takes things down a more personal route with “‘73 Beetle,” a song he considers a continuation to “Miss My Daddy.” Hubbard wrote the song about his deceased father and one of their favorite pastimes. “This song is written about a really personal part of my life. It’s part of one of the things my dad and I loved to do together,” he shares. “I still have that car – that ‘73 beetle. It’s not completely finished, but it’s close. Every line is a true story in this song. And, it’s the only song on this album I wrote solely by myself.”

“Vegas” is a fun standout, a whimsical take on love at first sight that has Hubbard prepared to take a girl to Vegas and wife her up immediately. Meanwhile, “BNA” is another standout with its sunny instrumentation that allows the Georgia native to experiment with a new sound. He admits that the goal of the airport-inspired tune was to have an “80s/1975 undertone vibe” and that the super catchy tune does just that.

The album closes with its titular track, a lyrical representation of Hubbard’s love for his wife, Hayley. “It’s kind of a cool way to express that in a country boy-type of way. There’s something powerful about talking about the strength of the things I touch on in the song, but ultimately, it’s how I have felt since the beginning with her,” he shares.

In addition to representing his relationship with his wife, Hubbard admits that “Strong” is a true representation of this LP and his career at the moment. “It represents the overall project and where I am. It’s also how I’m feeling. And, hopefully, it helps and encourages others to kind of channel their inner strength in a way that can be fun. We are all probably a lot stronger than we think. Yes, it has multiple layers, but I do love the heart behind this song…I’m glad this made the record, and I’m so glad this song is going to get to live in a live show.”

Strong Tracklist:

  1. Wish You Would (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
  2. Park (Tyler Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Canaan Smith)
  3. A Lot With A Little (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Parker Welling)
  4. Night Like That  (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
  5. Take Me Back (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
  6. Back Then Right Now (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton)
  7. Vegas (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
  8. Turn (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Josh Miller)
  9. American Mellencamp (Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Jordan Schmidt)
  10. BNA (Tyler Hubbard, Chase McGill and Jordan Schmidt)
  11. Summer Talkin’ (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley)
  12. ‘73 Beetle (Tyler Hubbard)
  13. Strong (Tyler Hubbard, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Miller)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Take Me Back
  2. BNA
  3. Vegas
  4. Strong
Tyler-hubbard-strong-album

Tyler Hubbard saures his brand new album, ‘Strong,’ 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 Tyler Hubbard releases.

This summer, Hubbard will be hitting the road with Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour. For tour dates and more, visit his website here.

To keep up with Tyler Hubbard, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Strong is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music 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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Cole Swindell Shares New Song “Forever To Me”

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Cole Swindell’s new song, “Forever To Me” is out now, April 12th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Cole Swindell is in love, and he is sharing his happiness with the world.

Written by Swindell, Greylan James, and Rocky Block, “Forever To Me” is a ballad sharing the singer’s love for his fiancée Courtney Little. He shares how she is an answered prayer after he waited patiently for a special someone to come into his life. Painting a beautiful picture of how they met and their engagement you can tell how in love the Georgia Native is.

Swindell and Little met several years ago at a Nascar event as Little works for Monster energy. They exchanged numbers but were just friends. They reconnected when the award-winning singer cast Little in his “Some Habits” video marking that as their first date. And the rest is history.

“She gave 18 summers to Carolina\ Spent a few more wild and free\ Gave a long shot a chance\ To a Georgia boy in Tennessee\ I gave a promise to her daddy\ And a grass stain to my knee\ I mighta gave her the diamond\ But she gave forever to me.

This is Swindell’s second personal song in a row as “Forever to Me” follows his single “3 Feet Tall” where he opened up about watching divorce unfold through a child’s perspective. He sure isn’t shying away from showing his vulnerable side. It really gives his fans a chance to connect with his experiences and see him as relatable and not just as a famous artist. 

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Cole Swindell shares new song, “Forever To Me,” 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 Cole Swindell releases.

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Forever To Me” 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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Riley Green: ‘Way Out Here’ – EP Review

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Riley Green releases his brand new EP, Way Out Here, out now, April 12th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

On his new EP, Way Out Here, Riley Green continues to establish himself as one of the genre’s most consistent hitmakers. The seven song collection, released April 12, allows the singer-songwriter to get recorded versions of these songs into the hands of his fans.

“We’ve been playing these new songs on the road and wanted to get them to the fans as soon as possible,” said Green of his decision to release the EP. “I’m always working on new music and have more coming throughout the year.”  

On the follow up to 2023’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo, the Alabama native wrote or co-wrote five of the collection’s seven tracks. Here, he pairs his modern traditional sound with poignant and personal lyrics.

The EP opens with “Jesus Saves,” a perfect song for Green that tugs at the heartstrings much in the vein of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” On the sparse ballad, he tells the story of an encounter with a homeless man, sharing stories of how things ended up that way. It’s a story similar to Emerson Drive’s “Moments,” reminding listeners that appearances can be deceiving. “It’s hard to see all that when you’re driving by,” He sings of the man’s story. “So I just write down ‘Jesus Saves,’ ’cause there ain’t no way I could fit that on a sign.”

The EP also features the previously released “Way Out Here” and “Damn Good Day to Leave,” both of which are Green at his finest. On the latter, he’s tongue in cheek as he deals with a breakup with a positive attitude, while “Way Out” is a catchy celebration of all the best things about country life.

“We don’t take a dime if we ain’t earned it // When it comes to weight, brother, we pull our own // If it’s our backwoods where you live and you’re concerned with // Well, you can leave us alone // ‘Cause we’re about John Wayne, Johnny Cash and John Deere // Way out here”

“Good Morning from Mexico” is an immediate standout, a beachy and playful letter to the girl who broke his heart. On the tropical tinted tune, he lives it up in Mexico, saying “adios” to his ex. “Well good morning from Mexico, I found a little senorita, and she don’t wanna let me go, we got us a bungalow, and I’ve been living off of coconut and Modelo,” He muses. “Thought I never would recover, find another lover, Hey I guess you never know, so good morning from Mexico.”

“Pick A Place” is a mid-tempo ballad that’s dedicated to escaping the trappings of everyday life and finding somewhere to escape to in order to rekindle an old flame. “Just pick a place where hearts don’t break and I’ll open up a tab, somewhere we don’t know a soul and we can wash away the past,” He implores. “Somewhere it don’t hurt, girl, just say the word and I’m on my way, All you gotta do is pick a place”

Rounding out the EP is the swampy and blues-laden “Worst Way” and a fan favorite from Green’s live shows, a countrified cover of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “Atlantic City.”

Way Out Here Tracklist:

  1. Jesus Saves (Riley Green)
  2. Way Out Here (Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Josh Thompson)
  3. Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)
  4. Good Morning from Mexico (Riley Green)
  5. Damn Good Day to Leave (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
  6. Pick a Place (Riley Green, Erik Dylan)
  7. Worst Way (Riley Green)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Good Morning from Mexico
  2. Jesus Saves
  3. Way Out Here

    Riley-green-ep-way-out-here

    Riley Green shares his brand new EP, ‘Way Out Here,’ 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 Riley Green releases.

Green will make a stop at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on April 24. Tour dates and more can be found here.

To keep up with Riley Green, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Way Out Here is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music 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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Harper Grace Shares New Single”Break It Like A Man’

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Harper Grace releases new song “Break It Like A Man,” out now, April 12th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Since last year, singer-songwriter and Curb Records artist, Harper Grace has grown tremendously as an artist. While her previous singles like “Down In My Hometown” were impressive, her newest song is one of our favorites to date. Today, Grace releases her bran new single, “Break It Like A Man.”

Written by the songstress with Alex Kline and Scott Stepakoff, “Break It Like A Man” is honest, gritty, and in your face in th best way. The song expresses the notion that men should have the courage to break-up rather than to ghost and just keep a person hanging. Throughout the song, Grace feels confident, despite, the heartbreaking nature she is expressing in the anthemic song.

“We were so hot // Burning red // Now you’re like smoke rising off a cigarette / /You drift away // You disappear // too scared to say what’s going on here // I can see it from your look away look // You want me to let you off that hook // But ain’t your mama baby // I ain’t’ your saving grace // If you’re trying to tell me something // better tell me to my face // Go on and wreck it honey // Make sure I understand, quit lying the you love me, while you’re letting go of my hand” 

In her first release of 2024, Grace knocks it out of the park. “Break It Like A Man” feels mature and full of artistry. We are exited to see what’s next for the rising star.

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

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

“Break It Like A Man” 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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Who is Shelby Darrall? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

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Shelby Darrall // Photo credit: Anna Schaeffer

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Shelby Darrall
Birthdate – 04/28/1995
Hometown – Calistoga, California
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Eric Church, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Eagles, Etta James
Current Single – “When I Don’t Love You”  // as of date of article: 4/8/2024

The Beginning:

Today’s spotlight shines on a songstress that knows exactly who she is in this industry. Shelby Darrall is an incredible singer-songwriter, who creates music that has heart, grit, and a whole lot of relatability. We chatted with the singer about her music, her journey thus far, and everything in between.

“With growing up in California, I feel like every time I’m trying to explain where I’m from to people, I just reference ‘The Parent Trap’, because that’s what it felt like growing up there. I’m really lucky to be from Napa,” shared the budding artist.  “It’s a lot of land, and time, and space, and I think country music just filled all of that there. It’s all we ever grew up listening to.”

Darrall recalls loving country music her whole life, finding inspiration in many country artists of her youth including Eric Church. The singer also comes from a musical family, with her dad playing music too. “My dad was in a country band, so I was basically surrounded by country music at all times and I loved it,” she shared. Adding, “I just kind of watched my dad and I wanted to be like him. Eventually, I learned to play myself a little bit and started to play songs. I tried to get gigs wherever I could, but Napa’s small, so it was mostly wineries.”

At just thirteen years old, the songstress taught herself to play guitar and started to write songs whenever she could. “I think it’s just the most natural thing that’s ever come to me I think, and I also love it, so it just made sense right away, but probably because I watched my dad do it so effortlessly that I was like ‘it must run in my blood somewhere’,” she shared. Adding, “I had little songbooks hidden all over my house and under my mattress, and I just practiced, practiced, and practiced.”

The Turning Point:

Upon graduating high school, Darrall knew she wanted to pursue music for a living, but she headed to school in Arizona first to get her degree and then eventually finished her education at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I was trying to understand how people have careers in this business […] So I was like ‘where can I go in this business’, and Nashville felt like the most comfortable, like the most similar of where I’m from. I just kind of knew that, remembered that, I went to school in Arizona and then transferred to Belmont to finish.”

Once in Nashville, Darrall hit the ground running. “I don’t think there’s a straight path for anyone in the business, so I think I just tried things until something kind of stuck, I remember when my career started moving in a way that felt kind of real is when I met my now manager, Autumn. […] I was playing the Key West Songwriters Festival, and I met her there. I think she was the first person to kind of grab the reigns of my career and help me know what I’m doing,” she shared.

As she progressed, her team grew bigger, and Darrall was able to put her focus on her art. “We started creating an EP and releasing music, and started meeting people in town more. It was the first time I felt like I had a team behind me. It’s gotten even bigger since,” she shared. Adding, “I always knew that my talent belonged to me, and I wanted to make sure it was constantly sharp. It’s always been what I worked the hardest on.”

Today:

Presently, Darrall is making waves in the industry and is truly at the top of her game. With many festival dates lined up, her first headlining show in Napa on the books, and opening spots on tour with Elle King, the singer is having an incredible year.

Additionally, Darrall’s newest song, “When I Don’t Love You” is impressing both fans and industry members alike. “My writing style comes from real experiences for me, at least the best ones, and my favorite ones do,” she shared when asked about her new single. “The day before, that exact experience in that song happened. I ran into an ex and I kind of just realized all of those thoughts, and I went into co-write the next day, and I was just explaining that. I was like, ‘I think I just don’t love him anymore.’ […] The song just kind of naturally fell out and it’s very honest and very real.”

From the time Darrall recored the demo, she knew the song was something special. “I played it at shows, and I always had a good response with that one, so we decided to release it,” she shared. “Sad songs are easier for me to write. I have a harder time with happy songs, probably because that’s my preference and that’s what I like listening to, but this song felt sad. However, it’s actually has an empowering message, too.”

Fans can catch Darrall singing “When I Don’t Love You” and many others at her various gigs this year. Stay tuned for more new music coming down the pipeline soon!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Shelby Darrall, follow her on Instagram, TikTok,  Twitter, and Facebook.

Shelby Darrall’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.

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Parker McCollum Goes Number One with “Burn It Down”

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Parker McCollum’s song, “Burn It Down” goes number one at country radio this week, marking his fourth number one single. Learn all the details here.

Parker McCollum is emerging as an absolute superstar in the country music industry. Last year, he transformed into a mainstay in country music, and today, he is on the path to superstardom. The singer-songwriter adds to his streak of number one hits at country radio, earning his fourth number one with his single, “Burn It Down.”

While much of McCollum’s songs focus on the lyrics, “Burn It Down” is both lyrically-inviting and has a killer groove to it. The song is about a person who is going through a break-up and trying to remove everything that reminds you of the other person out of your life. McCollum finds a way to convey that all too relatable emotion of heartbreak in a way that feels comforting and raw. It is no wonder why “Burn It Down” hit the number one spot on the country charts.

“I’ll leave my memories inside // In that bed we loved in all night // Every word, every fight, every feeling // Stone cold, not a sound // Burn it down ’til it’s ashes and smoke // Burn it down to the smolderin’ coals // Burn it down ’til I don’t want you no more // Baby, burn it down”

Congratulations to Parker McCollum and his team on this accomplishment!

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

To keep up with Parker McCollum, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Burn It Down” 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.

2024 CMT Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

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The 2024 CMT Awards included performances by Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis & more along with special tribute to Toby Keith. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the special event is the only entirely fan-voted award show in the country music world, honoring the genre’s best and most fan-favorite artists.

Heading into the show, several artists shared the spot for top nominees including Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, and this year’s host, Kelsea Ballerini – all with three nominees each. It was Ballerini’s fourth consecutive year and she confirmed, last year hosting the show.

Of those nominations, Wilson, Jelly Roll, Johnson, and Ballerini were all up for the night’s biggest honor: Video of the Year. The category began with 16 nominees. After the first round of voting, it was narrowed down to six and after the second round of voting it was cut to only three nominees – Cody Johnson for “The Painter, Jelly Roll for “Need A Favor” and Kelsea Ballerini for “If You Go Down (I’m Goin Down Too)”.

Kicking off the show was the very fitting performance of “That’s Texas” by Cody Johnson. Following Kelsea Ballerini’s opening monologue where she poked fun at her viral reaction at this year’s GRAMMY’s by ‘mind-reading’ fellow artists Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, and even her boyfriend Chase Stoke.

Next up, presenters Montana Jordan & Emily Osment from the TV show “Young Sheldon” introduced Megan Moroney who performed “No Caller ID”. Following Moroney, Emmy-winning actor Paul Walter Houser (Blackbird) presented the Collaborative Video of the Year to Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton for “We Don’t Fight Anymore”. In her acceptance speech, Pearce honored her video director Alexa Campbell who years ago shared with Pearce that it was her dream to become a director, to which Pearce responded by inviting her to direct her videos. 

Actress Amber Riley introduced Parker McCollum who sang his hit song “Burn It Down” which is also the #1 song in the country this week. McCollum brought out special guest Brittney Spencer to perform the chart topper with him.

Megan Moroney & Max Terriet (Fire Country) presented the next two awards: Breakthrough Female Video of the Year & Breakthrough Male Video of the Year. Ashley Cooke took home her first CMT Award and her first award ever with “your place” and Warren Zeiders won for “Pretty Little Poison”.

Wanting her own comeback song much like the success that Luke Combs had with “Fast Car”, Kelsea Ballerini began singing “Come to My Window” when singer Melissa Etheridge joined her on stage. The two then introduced the next CMT Crossroads collaboration: Jordan Davis & NEEDTOBREATHE performing their mash-up of “Brother” & “Next Thing You Know”

Actress Jane Seymour presented Trisha Yearwood with the first-ever June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award. This award recognizes artists for their humanitarian work as a way to honor June Carter Cash whose humanitarian work was an integral part of who she was. Yearwood “lives and breathes that same philosophy” as shown through her work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Carter Project, and The Country Music Hall of Fame, to name only a few as she continues to advocate for new artists as well. In a beautiful acceptance speech where she compares her own life of being a part of a powerhouse couple while also not forgetting to shine her own light, Yearwood stated that she hoped this award reminds us all to “be a little bit less about me, and a little bit more about us”.

Jelly Roll then joined Ballerini to introduce Lainey Wilson who performed her current single, “Country’s Cool Again”. Following this, CMT’s Cody Alan introduced Bailey Zimmerman who performed “Where It Ends”.

Emma Roberts then introduced Keith Urban who performed his new single “Straight Line”. Carly Pearce then presented the CMT Performance of the Year Award to Jelly Roll who won for his performance of “Need A Favor” – the song he sang about a year ago on the 2023 CMT Awards and the first time he sang the song on live television. 

Next up, Parmalee introduced Sam Hunt who performed his latest single “Locked Up”. Then, James Van Der Beek introduced the host herself for her new, reimagined version of her now 10-year-old first single “Love Me Like You Mean It”.

Presenting Duo/Group Video of the Year were four women who are part of CMT’s ‘Next Women of Country’ initiative  and from Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” Album: Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, and Brittney Spencer. Dan and Shay won the award for the category for their hit “Save Me The Trouble”. 

Next, it was time for what would be an incredibly heart-warming tribute to country legend Toby Keith who lost his battle to cancer just a couple of months ago. In a mixture of anecdotes and performances, friends Roger Clemens and Sammy Hagar shared memories of their friend who proved to be exactly the witty, hilarious, and wholesome man that everyone believed him to be. Performances included “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” by Brooks & Dunn, “I Love This Bar” by Sammy Hagar, and “How Do You Like Me Now” by Lainey Wilson – all of which were played with Keith’s long-time band. During the performances, you were able to see everyone in the audience holding a red solo cup along with the band members across their set. At the end of Wilson’s performance, Clemens returned to the stage to Thank Keith’s wife and kids for sharing him with the world and to ask everyone to raise their Red Solo Cups with him as he said “Whiskey for my men” to which the entire room responded together with “Beer for my horses”.

The next few performances included Old Dominion & Megan Moroney performing their duet “Can’t Break Up Now”, Trisha Yearwood debuting the first single off of her brand new album that she fully co-wrote: “Put It In A Song”, and Dasha’s viral single “Austin”.

Minnie Driver presented the award for Male Video of the Year to Jelly Roll which marked his second win of the night for the same song – “Need A Favor”.

Celebrating 25 years of making country music, Little Big Town took the stage with Sugarland as the two groups came together to debut their take on Phil Collins’s “Take Me Home”. The phenomenal performance showcased the incredible blend of six exceptional voices. This collaboration would also foreshadow the future tour together for the two bands – hitting the road this fall. 

Gayle King then presented Female Video of the Year to Lainey Wilson. Before doing so she also joked about how earlier in the night Jelly Roll alluded to the late night that he would be having tonight, despite the early interview he has on CBS tomorrow morning. 

Shortly after, Billy Bob Thronton (Landman) would present the biggest honor of the night: Video of the Year. With his third win of the night, Jelly Roll sweeps all of his nominated categories. Since he was already able to thank many of the necessary people in his previous two speeches, he used his final acceptance speech to warn Gayle King that he would indeed be a little late to his interview in the morning. 

Enjoying the moment and celebrating the incredible night he had at the CMT Awards, Jelly Roll closed out the show with none other than – “Need A Favor”.

You can find the full list of winners and nominees below + follow us on Instagram for more from the show. 

CMT digital-first performance of the year

Musical performance from a production, series, or livestream created for CMT digital/social channels; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).

  • Scotty McCreery – “It Matters To Her” (from CMT Stages)
  • Chase Rice – “Goodnight Nancy” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
  • Dylan Scott – “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley Cover)” (from CMT Digital Campfire Sessions)
  • Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty” (from CMT Digital Campfire Sessions)
  • Nate Smith – “Whiskey On You” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
  • Stephen Wilson Jr. – “Year to Be Young 1994” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
  • The Castellows – “I Know It Will Never End” (from CMT Studio Sessions)

Collaborative video of the year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists.

  • Carly Pearce feat. Chris Stapleton – “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
  • Ella Langley feat. Koe Wetzel – “That’s Why We Fight”
  • Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan – “Cowboys And Plowboys”
  • Justin Moore & Priscilla Block – “You, Me And Whiskey”
  • Lukas Nelson + Promise of The Real feat. Lainey Wilson – “More Than Friends”
  • Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
  • Old Dominion & Megan Moroney – “Can’t Break Up Now”

Breakthrough female video of the year, presented by Walt Disney World
Best video from a female artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.

  • Ashley Cooke – “your place”
  • Anne Wilson – “Rain In The Rearview”
  • Brittney Spencer – “Bigger Than The Song”
  • Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

Breakthrough male video of the year, presented by Walt Disney World
Best video from a male artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.

  • Warren Zeiders – “Pretty Little Poison”
  • Chayce Beckham – “23”
  • Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
  • Zach Bryan – “Oklahoma Smokeshow”

CMT performance of the year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).

  • Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
  • Amber Riley – “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (from CMT Smashing Glass)
  • Bret Michaels & Chris Janson – “Nothing But a Good Time” (from CMT Crossroads)
  • Cody Johnson – “Human” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
  • Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)

Duo/group video of the year

Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists.

  • Dan + Shay – “Save Me The Trouble”
  • Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”  
  • Old Dominion – “Memory Lane”
  • Parmalee – “Girl In Mine”
  • The War And Treaty – “Have You A Heart”
  • Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

Male video of the year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist.

  • Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
  • Bailey Zimmerman – “Religiously”
  • Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
  • HARDY – “Truck Bed” 
  • Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
  • Luke Combs – “Fast Car (Official Live Video)” 
  • Morgan Wallen – “Last Night (One Record At A Time Sessions)”

List of Winners:

Female video of the year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist.

  • Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
  • Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
  • Gabby Barrett – “Glory Days”
  • Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
  • Kelsea Ballerini –  “Penthouse”
  • Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty”
  • Reba McEntire – “Seven Minutes In Heaven”

Video of the year 

  • Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
  • Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)”

(Runner-Up)

  • Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
  • HARDY – “Truck Bed”
  • Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”

(Remaining of the original 16 nominees)

  • Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
  • Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
  • Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
  • Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
  • Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
  • Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
  • Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
  • Parmalee – “Gonna Love You”
  • Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
  • Zach Bryan – “Nine Ball”
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Blanco Brown: ‘Heartache & Lemonade’ – EP Review

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Blanco Brown releases his new EP, Heartache & Lemonade EP, out now, April 5th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

The viral dance craze, “The Git Up,” put Atlanta native, Blanco Brown on the map in 2019. Fast forward five years, and fans finally have a follow-up to the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter’s debut album. The single “Sunshine Shine,” was released back in February. It’s ear-catching blend of playful melodies and good vibes are reminiscent of his number one single.

Brown branches out from his winning formula on the remaining three tracks with romance being the major theme. In the short opener, the singer is conflicted about what caused his most recent breakup and how he feels about it. “Tailgating In The Sun” and “As Good As It Gets” are love ballads.  In the latter, there is a dramatic build-up as the chorus comes in; the singer expresses how much fun life is with his woman. In the bridge, Brown channels in his inner rock star, screeching the final word in front of an electric guitar. While “Tailgating In The Sun” sounds like another party anthem, it’s a mellow tune about how love prevails over everything. He speak-raps the final line:

“Yeah, I remember those summer days // It seemed like I could never get away // I thought I knew what love was // but now I understand what it means // To love even when you’re at the lowest”

Through Heartache and Lemonade, Blanco Brown reaffirms his reputation as a boundary-breaking artist. His ability to seamlessly blend genres enables him to craft a distinctive sound that makes listeners want to dance, cry, love, and everything in between.

“This EP feels a bit different for me,” Brown said in a recent press release. “I’ve now traveled the world, looked death in the eyes and somehow made it back alive. Bitter moments never lasted, sweeter moments brought me back to purpose…Heartache & Lemonade brings about a new chapter. Try turning some of your worst moments into a smile every once in a while.”

Heartache & Lemonade EP Tracklist:

  1. Energy
  2. Tailgating In The Sun
  3. Good As It Gets
  4. Sunshine Shine
blanco-brown-heartache-and-lemonade-ep

Blanco Brown shares new EP, ‘Heartache & Lemonade,” 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 Blanco Brown releases.

To keep up with Blanco Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

sam-hunt-locked-up-ep

Sam Hunt: ‘Locked Up’ – EP Review

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Sam Hunt releases his brand new EP, Locked Up, out now, April 5th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

Sam Hunt is the type of artist who truly beats to his own drum. His rhythmic way of approaching music Chas garnered him millions of loyal fans, since he came on the country music scene. While it has been a windy road for the artist, Hunt has remained honest and true to his music through his songwriting and storytelling. Today, the singer-songwriter shares more of his own experiences and his talent in his brand new EP, Locked Up.

The new EP features four songs that feel like a teaser for what’s to come from Hunt. The record kicks off with the title track, written by Hunt with Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Shane McAnally, and Josh Osborne. “Locked Up,” a catchy, mid-tempo song, depicts Hunt’s experience being charged for a DUI back in 2019. Throughout the song, he owns up to his “rowdy days” and shows appreciation for his wife for standing by his side. The song is a nice display of accountability hidden in an ear worm of a song.

Much like the final song off the EP, “Country House” feels reminiscent of older Hunt songs like “Body Like A Back Road.” The song celebrates where Hunt is in his life right now, settled down with a family to call his own. On the other hand, the other new song off the project, “Last Hurrah,” shows Hunt in a more introspective light. The song displays a man reminiscing about what happened to a wild girl he once new. “Last Hurrah” draw the listener in with the haunting vibes and relatable lyrics.

The four-song project wraps-up with his previously released song, “Outskirts.” On the surface, the single feels like just another fun song (and it is), but under the surface, the song depicts the story of a single man in the city, who finds himself reminiscing about what could have been with a lost love.

Locked Up Tracklist:

  1. Locked Up (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  2. Country House (Sam Hunt, Ross Copperman, Michael Lotten, Josh Osborne)
  3. Last Hurrah (Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
  4. Outskirts (Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Josh Osborne)
sam-hunt-locked-up-ep

Sam Hunt’s new EP, ‘Locked Up’ 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 Sam Hunt releases.

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

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

chayce-beckham-23

Chayce Beckham: ‘Bad For Me’ – Debut Album Review

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Chayce Beckham releases his new debut album, Bad For Me, out now, April 5th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

Since winning the 19th season of American Idol in 2021, Chayce Beckham has been establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in country music. On the heels of his first radio #1, “23,” the California native released his debut album, Bad For Me, out now.

Featuring thirteen new songs, nine of which he wrote or co-wrote, the album allows the introspective and unapologetic vocalist to soar. Produced by Bart Butler, the album features songs co-written by some of Nashville’s biggest names, including Brett James, Parker McCollum, Andy Albert, Natalie Hemby, Randy Montana, and more.

“Once I finished recording this album and had time to live with it, I felt the title Bad For Me fit perfectly. It sums up a lot of my own faults,” reveals Beckham in a statement. “I like a lot of stuff that’s bad for me, even though it ends up being kryptonite but that’s all a part of being human. I am so proud of this record. I just hope there’s a song on this album that makes somebody feel something.”  

Accepting his vices is a common theme of the LP, as Beckham struggles with moving on from a broken relationship, drowning himself in alcohol, dealing with addiction to a toxic woman, and so much more. The album’s title track is an introspective ballad that finds him doing just that, growling through lines like “Tonight I want something bad for me that’s gonna keep me up and losing sleep” and “I want that poison in her kiss to run right through my veins.”

Likewise, the rousing “Waylon in ‘75” and the album’s opening track, “Devil I’ve Been” continue with that outlaw vibe. “Devil” is a blistering and stomping ditty that allows the singer-songwriter to show off his vocal grit. On the Brothers-Osborne-meets-Eric-Church barn burner, he’s an outlaw trying to outrun his past. “Right now I need some saving // This much I know… Trying to outrun the devil I’ve been.” 

Beckham is introspective and apologetic on the stirring, “Mama,” which is a letter of apology for all of the mistakes he’s made. Written while he was competing on Idol, the penitent tune is sparse and heartfelt, as he recognizes both his mistakes and her sacrifice. “A woman shouldn’t have to carry anyone, let alone her own son…” He croons. “I’m sorry Mama, a woman shouldn’t have to do the things you’ve done.”

The 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records/BMG artist shows his more country-leaning side on tunes like “Everything I Need,” “Drink You Off My Mind,” “Addicted and Clean,” and “Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey.” The latter is a full out honky tonk tune which finds Beckham celebrating the finer things from both his homes, California and Tennessee.

Meanwhile, “Drink You Off My Mind” pairs musical sunshine with more downtrodden lyrics in a clever juxtaposition, while “Addicted” is a mid-tempo that finds Beckham a walking contradiction, his voice softer and full of emotion as it subtly shimmies over slide guitar. “Everything” finds him celebrating the simpler things in life, celebrating that the wins are more common than the losses.

“I’m alive and I’m breathing, out here breaking more than even // I ain’t leaving, there’s no place I’d rather be // Ain’t no worry on my mind // Might even roll me one tonight, Let the smoke rise in the moonlight by the creek // And when the sun comes up, I’ll let it dawn on me, I’ve got everything I need.”

“Glitter,” “Something Worth Holding On To,” and “Whiskey Country ” each allow Beckham to show a hint of his more bluesy side, with the latter a romantic invitation for someone to join him down in Nashville. Meanwhile, “Glitter” truly shines, the lyrics painting a poetic picture of appearances being deceiving. “You can’t water silk flowers, expect them to grow or pretend it’s a diamond, when it’s a rhinestone // Yeah, we made it look perfect, like a magazine cover // Shine bright for the pictures, but not for each other // Love wasn’t real, kiss was for show, Baby it was only glitter, it was never gold.”

Pairing an incredible collection of songs with his warm soulful rasp, Bad For Me truly allows Chayce Beckham to shine in a way that’s way more than glitter… It’s gold.

Bad For Me Tracklist:

  1. Devil I’ve Been (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
  2. Addicted And Clean (Chayce Beckham, Emily Landis, Justin Morgan)
  3. Waylon In ‘75 (Jon Randall, Brett James, Parker McCollum, Lee Thomas Miller)
  4. Bad For Me (Joe Fox, Randy Montana, Tyler Chambers)
  5. Drink You Off My Mind (Chayce Beckham)
  6. Everything I Need (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
  7. Whiskey Country (Chayce Beckham, John Pierce, Lindsay Rimes)
  8. Glitter (Joey Hendricks, Mark Trussell, Natalie Hemby)
  9. Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey (Chayce Beckham, Andy Albert, Mark Trussell)
  10. Something Worth Holding On To (John Pierce, Brandon Kinney, Micah Wilshire)
  11. Mama (Chayce Beckham)
  12. If I Had A Week (Chayce Beckham, Scooter Carusoe)
  13. 23 (Chayce Beckham)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Glitter
  2. Smokin’ Weed and Drinkin’ Whiskey
  3. Waylon in ‘75
  4. Addicted and Clean
  5. Everything I Need
chayce-beckham-debut-album

Chayce Beckham’s debut album, ‘Bad For Me’ is officially 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 Chayce Beckham releases.

For tour dates and more, visit his official website.

To keep up with Chayce Beckham, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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