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Brett Eldredge: ‘Songs About You’ – Album Review + Interview

Brett Eldredge’s new album, Songs About You is officially out now, June 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the record below and check out our full review.

Brett Eldredge first came on to the country music scene with his soulful voice and unique perspective when storytelling, and all these years later, that is still what makes him stand out. His first three records were more modern country-pop records, including his self-titled junior album, Brett Eldredge. That project is when he began to lean even more into his soulful side, and his phenomenal 2020 release Sunday Drive felt like a total cumulation of his love for americana, jazz, and, country music.

Lyrically, Songs About You is also incredibly strong. If Sunday Drive dipped a toe into a new sonic pool, Songs About You dove in wholeheartedly. It’s country meets blue-eyed soul. The album opens with the ecstaticly fun, big-band esque, “Can’t Keep Up”.

“Pour me a glass of somethin’ special // I’m in the mood to celebrate // Dance like the devil went down to Georgia // ’Cause he can’t keep up with hell we raise”

Written with longtime collaborator Heather Morgan and producer Nathan Chapman, the song is filled with horns, rhythmic, layered percussion, rowdy gang vocals, and more. It is a fantastic opening song, leaving listeners excited for the remaining 11 tracks.

“Songs About You”, the title track, is the second song on the record, and while a good portion of the record is romantic and intoxicating, there are hints of heartbreak scattered throughout. This is one of those moments. Eldredge describes that some of these songs weren’t just written about his life, but written for his fans’ lives. “That’s why I [write], for that connection, and hopefully, helping people through their lives, dance when they need to dance, cry when they need to cry,” he explained to us in recent conversation. “That’s where the title came [from], and that’s the you in these songs. Hopefully, [fans] are looking back on these songs 20 years from now and remembering that part of their life.”

“Hideaway”, the fifth track on the record is a gorgeous, simple, true songwriter’s song about leaving your anxieties and hardships behind to go somewhere to “hide away”. The album in general dances between moments of finding love, dodging heartbreak and learning to live with your anxious ghosts. This song leans towards the latter, and it’s sweet guitar is sonically, a high point on the record.

“I’ve been falling apart // Sure could use a new start // Yeah I’ll follow the needle from your steady heart”

“If I’m not writing music as therapy, then I’m listening,” he shared with us recently. “Writing, I go through stages to where I am deep in a certain place in my life where I am really reflective, like on ‘Sunday Drive’… kind of breaking down what makes me who I am and the things that hold me back… this record was sort of stepping into the confidence zone of my life and of being there for myself, and knowing my heart. It all becomes parts of therapy and self-empowering…. Music’s a magical thing.” This mindset is heard throughout the entirety of Songs About You, but really stands out on a song like “Hideaway”.

Songs like “Where Do I Sign” or “Home Sweet Love” have those old-time, Sinatra-inspired feelings that Eldredge has always been so drawn to. It’s exciting to hear those influences in his original songs this time around, and this new jazzy, bluesy sound that is heard on Songs About You seems very natural for him. The combination of this sound and his love for Americana and modern country is such an interesting sonic cocktail.

“Being vulnerable in the public eye, it’s scary sometimes, but I’ve learned to chase it,” Eldredge shares. “It’s empowering for sure, and makes me want to talk about it more, and you realize everybody is just trying to make it through this life together…. it’s the most human thing possible. I want to be here to be a voice for that.”

Without a doubt the standout of the record is the closer, “Where The Light Meets the Sea”, co-written with longtime collaborator Jordan Reynolds. Gorgeous piano by Ian Fichituk fills listeners ears and Sarah Buxton’s beautiful rich voice joins him on background harmonies.  It’s like an older brother of 2017 song “Castaway”. The song could be interpreted in several different ways. It could be about a breakup, or even something as dark as death, but it also could be about one’s battle with anxiety and depression and the decisions that come with living with both.

“All your friends say that you should be movin’ on // I hate to say it, but darlin’, I agree // I was broken but I finally found my peace // In the place where the light meets the sea”

“Being defined less by the work that I do and more so the person that I am…. that defines my music. I wanted to create a record that encourages others to find their self-acceptance, and not be so hard on yourself. There are songs on this record that are about standing up for yourself against the worries in your mind, and being there for you. That’s been a powerful thing for me.”

Eldredge once again continues to be brave in his storytelling and lays it all on the line for fans. He showcases both his highs and his lows unapologetically. It’s important to note that Songs About You is not as risky as previous album Sunday Drive. When listening to that record, it felt like holding your breath underwater. This record is the aftermath of that – when you emerge from the water and take that first deep breath. Eldredge is continuing to find himself in his writing, as an artist, and as a person, and Songs About You successfully continues Eldredge’s ongoing journey.

Songs About You Tracklist:

  1. Can’t Keep Up
  2. Songs About You
  3. I Feel Fine
  4. What Else Ya Got
  5. Hideaway
  6. Get Out Of My House
  7. Home Sweet Love
  8. Want That Back
  9. Wait Up For Me
  10. Where Do I Sign
  11. Holy Water
  12. Where The Light Meets The Seat
brett-eldredge-album

Brett Eldredge’s new album, ‘Songs About You’ is out now.

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

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Songs About You 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.

5 Things To Know About Brett Eldredge’s New Album ‘Songs About You’

Brett Eldredge’s brand new album, Songs About You is due out TONIGHT, June 17th at midnight! Based on a recent conversation we had with the singer-songwriter, we are sharing 5 things to know about the new record and this stage of his life.

Country Swag's Stephanie Wagner with Brett Eldredge

Country Swag’s Stephanie Wagner with Brett Eldredge

  1. Sonically, this record is different than his previous four. 

“I like to try and take every record to a different place any chance I can because I don’t want to do the same thing over and over. This record gave me that opportunity, and since Sunday Drive, it gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into what I do and go after the things I haven’t gotten to do yet. I really got to take some chances.”

  1. This project isn’t just for Eldredge, it’s songs anybody can relate to, and he wants it to be universal.

“This record was [such a] wide variety of emotions, and really, I thought to myself, ‘I write the songs, and I love to sing… but at the end of the day, these songs are about you. These are songs for the people that are listening to it. That’s why I do it, for that connection, and hopefully, helping people through their lives.”

  1. Being a vulnerable and authentic writer and artist is incredibly important to Eldredge. 

“I was kind of trying to find that self-love and that kid that I kind of ignored for a long time because you’re just chasing your love for music, which is amazing, but you’re also chasing the pressures…. you want to make everybody happy. But I felt empty. So I had to do that work, and Sunday Drive was the start of that work for me. Songs About You is the [true] stepping into myself in a way I never even could have imagined that I could. Going through making this record, I’ve never felt more confident in myself, what I’m doing, the music I’m making, but more importantly, the kind of person that I am away from all the music. Being defined less by the work that I do and more so the person that I am.”

  1. The album’s closer “Where The Light Meets the Sea” was originally written for Sunday Drive.

“It’s the only older song for the record. It’s a song that I wrote five years ago with Jordan Reynolds… it was one of my favorite moments writing a song. We recorded that, and it was so good that we were gonna put it on Sunday Drive, but “Sunday Drive” [the song] was the heartbeat of that record and I wanted [this song] to have a big moment on a future record, so I saved it.”

  1. Eldredge’s music taste is incredibly eclectic and listening to music can be like therapy for him.

“If I’m not writing music as therapy, then I’m listening. I usually go to nostalgic music that makes me feel like there’s magic in the world. I love Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World’; it gets me to a great place. It’s like a gratitude song…. I’ll listen to some Sinatra, Ray Charles, that helps me get out of a funk sometimes. Music’s a magical thing.”

brett-eldredge-album

Brett Eldredge’s newest album, ‘Songs About You’ is due out this Friday, June 17th

Check back in on Friday, June 17th, for a full review of Brett Eldredge’s new album Songs About You.

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

Brett Eldredge Releases New Song “Want That Back”

Brett Eldredge’s new song “Want That Back” is out now, January 14th on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the new track below.

Following the release of his newest Christmas record, ‘Mr. Christmas’, Brett Eldredge is sharing a brand new song with fans. Written in a time that felt uncertain for all of us, the singer speaks from the heart on this track. The new song “Want That Back” is out now.

The simplistic tune is one of those songs that strip away all the glitz and the glam to reveal a touching melody. Nostalgic, beautiful, and thought-provoking, Eldredge makes us all feel something in this song. We all have those moments in life that we wish we could relive over and over again.

According to Eldredge in his latest Instagram caption, the song came to him at a time that he needed it. “I woke up at 3am one night feeling the weight of everything going on in the world and I was overwhelmed,” he began. “I quickly recorded the words and the melody to the chorus as I tried to find comfort in the real and simple things in life.” The singer later added, “I hope this song makes ya think, I hope it helps ya reach for the real things that have made ya who ya are…I hope it’s some light in times of darkness.”

“Want That Back” is a song that is pure country music at its finest. Kudos to Eldredge on this release!

Brett Eldredge's new song "Want That Back" is out now, January 14th

Brett Eldredge’s new song “Want That Back” is out now, January 14th

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

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

“Want That Cack” 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.

brett-eldredge-mr.-christmas

Here Is Brett Eldredge’s Holiday Album: ‘Mr. Christmas’

Brett Eldredge’s brand new holiday album, Mr. Christmas is out now, October 22nd on all streaming platforms. Check out the details and listen to the brand new music below.

When it comes to the fusion of Christmas music with country music, there is no one else that comes to mind quite like Brett Eldredge. The singer mesmerized fans with his Christmas record Glow and special performances nationwide of the record. Today, the singer releases his next holiday album. Eldredge’s perfectly-titled Mr. Christmas is finally here.

The brand new record features our favorite holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” as well as a couple of originals. Eldredge includes the new song, the title-track “Mr. Christmas” on this enticing project. According to the platinum-selling artist himself, “This album is so much fun and full of joy and magic. […] We captured that nostalgic, classic feel that Christmas brings and mixed it with the soulful side of my music influences. It’s got a lot of heart and magic.”

Check out the track list and listen to the full-length record below.

Mr. Christmas Track List

  1. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
  2. Mr. Christmas
  3. Merry Christmas Baby
  4. Jingle Bells
  5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
  6. I Hear the Bells on Christmas Day
  7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  8. Cool Yule
  9. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
  10. Feels Like Christmas
  11. O Come All Ye Faithful
brett-eldredge-new-album-christmas

Brett Eldredge’s brand new Christmas Album ‘Mr. Christmas’ is available now.

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

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Mr. Christmas 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.

opening-acts-summer-2021

Get to Know the Opening Acts of Summer 2021’s Hottest Country Music Tours

All of the greats we know and love today were once the opening acts, too. Get to know today’s openers from summer 2021’s hottest country music tours.

Not only did your favorite superstars reunite with the stage this past summer, but your future favorite entertainers had the opportunity to share it with them this country concert season as well. Country music is famous for having incredible ‘superstars-to-be’ open for their major tours, and here at Country Swag, we have your guide to all the of the show openers. Learn more about this year’s opening acts below.

Tenille Arts just earned her first #1 on country radio with the smash “Somebody Like That”, following the release of her second studio album, Love, Heartbreak & Everything In Between. All her hard work is paying off this year, as she gears up for new releases and as summer set in, Arts found herself as the opening act on on Lady A’s ‘What A Song Can Do Tour’. Tenille Arts is without a doubt one of the best vocalists and songwriters of this new class of country artists and if you caught the show, you will probably agree.

Matt Stell, one of our artists to watch and Live Swag Session alums is taking over country music one single at a time. His debut single, “Prayed For You” is one of the most popular love songs in country music, and his new single, “That Ain’t Me No More” has been sent to country radio. This summer, he joined Old Dominion and Miranda Lambert on their respective run of shows.

Lainey Wilson and HARDY were both opening acts for Jason Aldean’s ‘Back In The Saddle Tour’ and if you caught the show, you know they rightfully earned their time in the spotlight. This isn’t the first time the two have toured together either; they opened for Morgan Wallen on his first headline tour over two years ago. HARDY and Wilson both released critically acclaimed albums in the past year (A ROCK and Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’, respectively) and as those albums indicated, their fiery songs got fans up and out of their seats each and every night just as fast as they sat down in them!

The full list of country tours and their opening acts are listed below. One of the best feelings is when you go to a show not knowing the opener and leaving a forever fan. If that rings true for the show’s you attended this year, be sure to remember their names, follow them on socials, stream the music and get ready to see those artists when they head back your way. For New York City country fans, head to our calendar to find out when the next shows in the area are.

SUMMER 2021 TOURS:

Blake Shelton
Lindsay Ell
Martina McBride
Trace Adkins
Tracy Byrd

Brad Paisley
Jimmie Allen
Kameron Marlowe

Brett Eldredge
Morgan Evans

Brothers Osborne
Tenille Townes
Travis Denning

Dan + Shay
Band Camino
Ingrid Andress

Dierks Bentley
Parker McCollum
Riley Green

Ingrid Andress
Georgia Webster

Jason Aldean
HARDY
Lainey Wilson

Kane Brown
Restless Road

Lady A
Carly Pearce
Tenille Arts

Little Big Town
Caitlyn Smith
Hailey Whitters

Luke Bryan
Caylee Hammack
Dylan Scott

Old Dominion
Blanco Brown
Caitlyn Smith
Matt Stell
Randy Houser
Scotty McCreery
Walker County

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

Make sure to follow Country Swag on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep up with all the latest in country music!

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.

The 88th Annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting – Full Recap

Last night, the 88th annual Rockefeller Tree Lighting took place and aired on NBC. Artists of all genres including, Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Tori Kelly, Jimmy Fallon, Leslie Odom Jr., Megan Trainor, Pentatonix, Goo Goo Dolls, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Radio City Rockettes and several entertainers from Broadway’s “Ain’t Too Proud” performed. Dolly Parton, Brett Eldredge and Dan + Shay represented country music. Keep reading below for a more in-depth review.

Brett Eldredge Rockerfeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Normally, this event would bring thousands of people from all over the world and pack the streets of New York City. However, this is no normal year. Instead, we got to watch the tree lighting from the comfort and safety of our own homes. NBC’s Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker hosted this magical night.

Kelly Clarkson kicked off the special with a performance of her original song, “Underneath the Tree” from Los Angeles. Right after, Dolly Parton sang a duet with Tonight Show Host, Jimmy Fallon for their rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” This pre-recorded skit took place in Parton’s Nashville room, while she sang with Fallon via video chat. Throughout the song, Fallon was slowly putting on his Santa suit, and at the end, he jumped into his chimney on set and dropped down into the room Parton was singing in. Later in the show, Parton gave a powerful performance of “Mary, Did You Know?” Both these songs (including the Fallon feature) are on her latest album A Holly Dolly Christmas.

Brett Eldredge was the next performer. No country artist has quite embodied the holiday season like Eldredge has over the past few years. It seems he releases a new holiday track every year, and in 2016 he put out a full-length album titled Glow, which was followed by a deluxe version in 2018. The past two years, he has gone on holiday tours, stopping at Beacon Theater both years. Before his performance of “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” he delivered a Christmas wreath made from actual branches from the tree in Rockefeller Center to medical professionals at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Eldredge came on again later in the show, delivering an emotional performance of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in front of the frontline health workers.

Dan + Shay took the stage in front of the Prometheus statue twice last night, performing both their new Christmas songs, the upbeat “Take Me Home For Christmas” and the slower “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.” As usual, Shay Mooney’s dominant lead vocals were on full display.

Due to her recent engagement to country superstar, Blake Shelton, we have to give a holla to Gwen Stefani (see what we did there?). She performed two original songs from her new holiday album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, “Here This Christmas” and the title track. Although he did not sing with her last night, Shelton features on the title track.

The final performance of the night was a pre-recorded duet of Brett Eldredge and Kelly Clarkson singing their new, original holiday song “Under the Mistletoe.” Finally, after a short countdown from the hosts, the giant tree was lit, officially beginning the 2020 Christmas season.

 

Still need help getting in the spirit? Listen to our NYCS Christmas Playlist and check out our favorite, new holiday songs by our favorite country artists in our latest blog post.

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ft. Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, and More!

Tonight, NBC will kick off the most wonderful time of the year with the annual lighting of New York City’s famous tree on the 88th Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Although things may look a little different this year, as the special event will be closed off to the public, the night is sure to be a celebration not to miss.

2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

As we get into the holiday spirit some of our favorite country artists like Dan + Shay, Dolly Parton, and the country king of Christmas, Brett Eldredge, are set to appear on the two-hour special.

Airing at 8PM ET on NBC tonight, December 2nd, “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” will also feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Fallon, Goo Goo Dolls, Tori Kelly, Leslie Odom Jr., Pentatonix, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gwen Stefani, and Meghan Trainor. Additionally, the cast from Broadway musical “Ain’t Too Proud” and the Radio City Rockettes will also make appearances on the show. NBC’s Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker will host the magical show.

2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

Don’t forget to tune in tonight to catch the special show. Happy Holidays!

Want to hear more about country music news and release? Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

Written By: Tyler Johnson – The Hit Songs You Know, by the Songwriters You May Not Know

The best music comes from a world where genres are limitless and all that matters is getting lost in the lyrics, melody, and instruments. Behind every song are the songwriters, and Tyler Johnson, this month’s featured writer, has one of the most eclectic and magical catalogs there is. Here, we spotlight 10 of the songs that he has written and produced.

Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson

“Where The Heart Is”, Brett Eldredge (Sunday Drive)

The opener on Brett Eldredge’s latest record, Sunday Drive, is one that is met with such a feeling of wonder and liveliness. “In a world that’s gone cold, show me where the heart is,” reads the chorus. Without even reading the song credits, lyrically, it sounds like a Tyler Johnson song – there are multiple layers of hope and vulnerability spread throughout the track.

 

“People Need A Melody”, The Head and the Heart (Living Mirage)

The Americana hit by the Seattle natives The Head and the Heart is a gorgeous, hopeful tune about music being what people need in hard times. “People need a melody to open their eyes/To a memory frozen in time.”  Tyler Johnson co-wrote and produced the track, as well the entire Living Mirage album, and he did a spectacular job at making it sound radio-friendly and personal at the same time.

 

“Diane”, Cam (The Otherside)

The lead single from Cam’s newest album, The Otherside, was the outstanding “Diane”, a song written from the other woman’s perspective. “It’s kind of like she’s Jolene, but she wanted to come at it from the other side, and focus on the idea that this is an apology that a lot of people deserved that they never got,” Johnson told Billboard in an interview. Sonically, it’s an epic song that really focuses on the vocal delivery.

 

“Maybe You’re Right”, Miley Cyrus (Bangerz)

Perhaps one of the most influential pop records of the 2010s was Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz. Tyler Johnson, along with the incomparable Cam, co-wrote the deep cut “Maybe You’re Right” with Miley. Melodically, it is clear that both Tyler had a hand in writing it. In many of the pop songs he is a part of, he goes for these harmonic, soaring choruses.

 

“Shade”, Maren Morris (GIRL)

While never released as an official single, “Shade”, off Maren Morris’ latest record, became a fan-favorite after Morris performed it at the CMT Awards. Tyler Johnson had a hand in writing it, and similar to the Miley Cyrus cut, the melody and harmonies are distinct.

 

“Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)”, Keith Urban (Ripcord)

Johnson co-wrote and produced another major country artist’s album opener, and that artist is the three-time entertainer of the year Keith Urban. The jaunty track, which features upbeat pop drums and slick banjo is one that Johnson is proud of. “I love how that track sounds. It has a different sonic basis but Keith, as an artist, knew what he wanted and it comes across as authentic,” he told Sounds Like Nashville in an interview.

 

“Photograph”, Ed Sheeran (x)

Tyler Johnson didn’t actually write this major Ed Sheeran hit, but it’s one of the first songs that he helped engineer and produce and put him on the map. The four-minute-song is all about trying to preserve a relationship forever – making it stand the test of time, keeping the love ageless in a photograph.

 

“Two Ghosts”, Harry Styles (Harry Styles)

The second single from Harry Styles’ debut solo project, “Two Ghosts” is a stunningly sparse song about lovers who aren’t the same people they were. It’s country in the way Beck, Jeff Tweedy, or even Kacey Musgraves is – folksy with rock and pop undertones. Harry is known for experimenting genre-wise on his records, and country is a sound he dabbles in frequently. Tyler Johnson’s expertise in the Nashville sound definitely has influenced Harry’s own sound to make it a cohesively alternative country song.

 

“Burning House”, Cam (Untamed)

It’s hard for a ballad to work at country radio. But a woman in country releasing a ballad and going #1 is even rarer. It went on to be nominated for a GRAMMY. “Burning House”, which Tyler co-wrote/produced with Cam, is practically an acoustic track, with just vocals, guitar, and string arrangements. “There’s a weight to [this song]. Writing [it] was amazing and incredibly life-changing,” he told Sounds Like Nashville. It’s painted with intense imagery, and it’s the type of song to stop you in your tracks.

 

“Fine Line”, Harry Styles (Fine Line)

It’s hard to put into words the brilliant, yet simple song that is Fine Line, the closer on Harry Styles’ latest chart-topping LP. Tyler co-wrote and produced the song, and he did it flawlessly. Lyrically, it reads like a folk song. “We’ll be a fine line/We’ll be alright,” is repeated throughout the choruses, with verses of more intricate poetry throughout. It’s about how in life, one will never be 100% happy or 100% sad. We’ll walk the line between all those emotions, and it’s okay to feel. The bridge is absolutely epic as it builds up to a swell of trumpets, crashing drums, and an orchestral arrangement. It’s beautiful lyrically, but Tyler Johnson’s vision as a producer, sonically, speaks volumes on this song. It’s more than a song – it’s an experience.

To keep up with Tyler Johnson, you can find him on Instagram here.

To listen to some of Tyler Johnson’s discography, you can find the playlist here.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Brett Eldredge ‘Sunday Drive’

Brett Eldredge Sunday Drive

 

“Why do I, always try, to run away from you?” Brett Eldredge asked on his 2017 self-titled album. At the time, the closer, “Castaway” was the most vulnerable he had ever gotten with fans. On his latest release Sunday Drive, out today, July 10th, Eldredge has stopped running from himself and embraced everything he used to shy away from. Lyrically, sonically and personally, this is Eldredge’s bravest piece of work.

The opener is the overwhelmingly joyous “Where The Heart Is”, co-written by Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Tyler Johnson. The acoustic guitar is folksy and the soaring strings and harmonies add an extra layer of depth. “Where’d you lose your sense of wonder? / The firework goin’ off in your head / ’Cause there was a time we weren’t thinkin’, we were flyin’ / We were alive / I wanna feel alive.” Next is “The One You Need” which follows the same energy. It’s in the same vein as “Love Is A Wild Thing” by Kacey Musgraves – it’s ethereal in its sound and lyrically, about finding a love you can trust.

Eldredge collaborated with Ian Fichituk and Daniel Tashian, who are responsible for projects like Musgraves’ Golden Hour, Little Big Town’s Nightfall, and their band, Skyline Motel’s After Dark. “I couldn’t imagine having created this album with anyone other than Ian and Daniel, who are both incredible and so musically inclined,” Eldredge stated in a press release. “I’ve always wanted to have more space for my voice, not only vocally but also lyrically, and they provided a way for me to do that with this beautiful music. Collaborating with them helped take this album to wonderfully different places, introducing me to a unique sound that is unlike any of my other records.”

Songs like “Fall For Me” and “Then You Do” are two of the more starry-eyed, poppy vibes on the project, while tracks like “Magnolia”, “When I Die”, and “Fix a Heart” lean on the Americana/Triple A-side. Eldredge’s love of indie-pop, traditional country, and swing jazz are sprinkled in each song differently. Sometimes it’s through a slide guitar or a brush drum, or through the storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. No matter the track, everything remains cohesive.

“I knew I had to do things differently this time, so I threw caution to the wind and got away from all that I was comfortable with in order to go deeper,” Eldredge said. “I didn’t even listen to the radio for a year because I didn’t want to know what music somebody else was making. Not because I don’t care, but because I had to figure out what I needed to say for myself. By making sure I wasn’t being influenced by anything other than what my heart was saying, I was able to write what I wanted to, which was important. Recording this album ended up being the most powerful thing I’ve ever been a part of.”

“Sunday Drive”, the title track and the only song that Eldredge didn’t have a hand in writing, and closer “Paris, Illinois”, are beautifully cinematic and atmospheric. Eldredge’s love of the blue-eyed soul is at it’s most prominent, and you can hear the emotion in his voice telling the story. “And that’s where I learned it all, from them / To fight, to love, to laugh again / Man, I thought we were only wasting time / Out on a Sunday drive”. Eldredge grew up in a map-dot town, but it doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are; these stories are universal, and a reminder of how much we share in common. “Paris, Illinois”, is truly a musical moment. The minute-long outro feels like the end of an old-school black-and-white movie, where there’s a convertible going down the road in slow motion. It’s as if the credits are rolling, and you can take in the whole picture that is Sunday Drive. It’s reflective and classic, which is exactly what the album is.

“You have to give yourself permission to do anything in life, to be brave a little bit,” Eldredge explained. “I got to a certain point where I felt like I wasn’t giving enough of myself and it took a lot of self-awareness to finally realize that if I do have more in me, then I’ve got to step up and take that step off the edge.”

Eldredge did more than just take that step off the edge. He opened his heart, jumped, and took a chance that resulted in this timeless album. In 50 years, when people talk about Brett Eldredge, this is the record they’ll remember. It’s not about radio airplay or hit chasing. It’s about taking the long way down a road until you know where you’re going. He held on to these messages and songs for a long time, and it may have taken 7 years and a few detours, but Brett Eldredge has finally arrived.

 

SUNDAY DRIVE TRACKLIST

1. Where the Heart Is – Brett Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tyler Johnson
2. The One You Need – Brett Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Rogers
3. Magnolia – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
4. Crowd My Mind – Brett Eldredge, Ross Copperman
5. Good Day – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
6. Fall For Me – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
7. Sunday Drive – Barry Dean, Don Mescall, Steve Robson
8. When I Die – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
9. Gabrielle – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
10. Fix A Heart – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
11. Then You Do – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
12. Paris Illinois – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk

 

NYCS Staff Picks:
Where The Heart Is
Sunday Drive
Then You Do
The One You Need
Fall For Me

 

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Sunday Drive’ 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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Brett Eldredge Tells Emotional Story with “Sunday Drive”

Brett Eldredge Sunday Drive

When a song moves you in a way that it feels like it’s telling your story, it’s one of the most special feelings. It’s a reminder of how big the world is, and yet, how small it is — that we feel the same things and share so many similar chapters. Brett Eldredge’s new LP Sunday Drive is out July 10th, and today he shared the title track with fans two weeks early.

“Sunday Drive” is not the typical modern country cut.  Clocking in just shy of 5 minutes, it’s is a gorgeous and evocative piano-and-strings song about looking back on your childhood and learning how to see life from your parent’s point of view. You listen to their favorite music, look at the scenery, and hear their thoughtful conversations. “And we were only young but they were trying hard to reach us/How was I to know that there was something so worth keeping?” The roles reverse as both Eldredge and his parents get older. Eldredge helps them to the backseat and takes his parents on that same drive they went on as a family all those years ago. “And I listened as they reminisced,” he sings on the third verse. “About a world that they had always known/And how it’s changing/Probably never gonna be the same again”.

Eldredge didn’t write the song; it was written by Barry Dean, Don Mescall, and Steve Robson. “Many years ago, I was an intern at universal music publishing where I worked in the basement tape room transferring CDs into MP3s,” Eldredge explained in a press release. “I loved listening to all of the incredible songwriters’ songs and was always blown away by what people could create from their soul. One day I stumbled upon this song called “Sunday Drive,” and I was stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t believe a song could be written by someone else but feel like every word and melody was every part of my life existence. I secretly/selfishly hoped and prayed no one would record it so that one day when the time was right, I could record it and make it something extremely special.”

When you’re a kid growing up, all you can hope for is to be just like your parents. Or maybe it’s the complete opposite; you want to learn so you don’t make their same mistakes. You want to be the best version of yourself and make them proud. Sometimes, it may feel like you don’t need your family as much as you used to. But as Eldredge says, “…that’s where I learned it all, from them/To fight, to love, to laugh again/Man, I thought we were only wasting time/Out on a Sunday drive”.

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Sunday Drive’ 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on InstagramTwitter & Facebook:

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