NYCS First Impression: Josh Turner ‘Country State of Mind’

The “Your Man” country singer-songwriter, whose 2003 debut album Long Black Train marked the beginning of a successful career in the mainstream music industry, has returned two years after his latest album I Serve A Savior. Josh Turner’s new album Country State of Mind features seven collaborations and five standalone tracks, all of which are new renditions of previous country hits such as Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me” and Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever, Amen”. In fact, the two country legends lay down vocals in this project from Turner, which ensures an intriguing production from these iconic partnerships.

After Travis’ stroke in 2013, which caused him to suffer from aphasia, the world-renowned artist and entertainer returned to the music world with his latest single “Fools Love Affair” that was released in July.  Now, the long-serving influence has added to the excitement of his comeback with Turner through a performance that, throughout his entire career, is rare. Travis’ only collaborations can be found on his 1990 album Heroes and Friends where four other country veterans like Tammy Wynette, George Jones, and Merle Haggard are recognized, which makes Turner’s new rendition of “Forever and Ever, Amen”, with help from Travis, that much more compelling.

“I’m gonna love you forever, forever and ever, Amen / As long as old men sit and talk about the weather / As long as old women sit and talk about old men”

Country State of Mind is the first album from Turner since one of his tour buses crashed in central California in September 2019 where one of his crew members, David Turner, lost his life and seven others suffered severe injuries. Though Turner was not on the bus, the loss and anguish affected him, the families involved, and the industry itself.

This new project that has taken place through the many hands and voices involved is, if nothing else, a celebration of life and music. It’s a showcase of both traditional and modern country with contemporary artists like Maddie & Tae and Runaway June, who are also featured on the project alongside several matured entertainers of country music.

Country State of Mind Track Listing:

1. I’m No Stranger To The Rain
2. I’ve Got It Made (Duet with John Anderson)
3. Why Me (Duet with Kris Kristofferson)
4. Country State Of Mind (Duet with Chris Janson)
5. I Can Tell By The Way You Dance
6. Alone And Forsaken (Featuring Allison Moorer)
7. Forever And Ever, Amen (With Special Guest Randy Travis)
8. Midnight In Montgomery
9. Good Ol’ Boys
10. You Don’t Seem To Miss Me (Featuring Runaway June)
11. Desperately (Featuring Maddie & Tae)
12. The Caretaker

To keep up with Josh Turner, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

‘Country State of Mind’ is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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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