Posts

caitlyn-smith-album

Caitlyn Smith: ‘High & Low’ Album Review

Caitlyn Smith’s new album High & Low is officially out now, April 14th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

In April of 2022, Caitlyn Smith released the critically acclaimed High, a beautiful and poetic eight-track celebration of the great things in life. Today, however, the singer-songwriter is back with High & Low, exploring the full gamut of emotions by adding 6 new songs to complete the full picture.

Much like those on social media who only share a highlight reel of the positive moments in life, Smith realized she was doing the same thing musically. “Nobody can have the highs without the lows,” she revealed. “When I decided to produce this album, I knew it was going to be a challenge – and musically it was a beautifully stretching & exciting experience. But it brought me into this unexpected season of life where I started facing all these roadblocks that were holding me back. Fear. Doubt. Denial. And I was really forced to finally bring these issues into the light. I went from hiding behind my songs to being able to say it out loud in the room – and that’s something I’m really proud of.”

For the Monument recording artist, High & Low feels like a peek into the introspective singer-songwriter’s most personal diary as she details her insecurities, her doubts, her lost love, and much more. Instead of emphasizing just the highs, the album explores all sides of life: the sweet, the bitter, and the bittersweet.

“High” serves as the album’s introduction, and it’s the most perfect way to begin this chapter, cleverly juxtaposing melancholy lyrics over lush instrumentation. Here, she’s both high and low as a relationship has ended, but she doesn’t quite feel that way. Co-written by Smith with Miley Cyrus and Jenn Decilveo, the chanteuse proclaims, “Sometimes I get a little too high // Got my mind going places I don’t wanna go // Sometimes I get a little too low // And I can’t see myself through the fire and smoke…And in my head I did my very best // Saying goodbye, goodbye // And I don’t miss you but I think of you // And don’t know why // I still feel high, I still feel high.”

Love lost permeates the album, Smith’s mournful voice ripe with emotion as she rips your heart out with her lyrical mastery. This is evident on “I Don’t Like the World Without You,” “I Think of You” and the chill-inducing piano ballad, “Lately,” which finds her desperate to occupy herself in light of a relationship ending. Likewise, “Alaska” finds Smith proverbially lost in her relationship, her voice dripping with emotion on the sparse ballad, which begins with the line “I’m terrified we’ll end up like my parents, together but alone.”

Smith finds herself in another state on “Mississippi,” which features stirring male background vocals by non-other than superstar, Garth Brooks. The vocals add an incomparable depth to the song. Here, she’s longing for the state, which seems to act as a metaphor for someone she used to know. “Mississippi, do you ever miss me? // It’s been a while but you’re always on my mind // Sometimes it hits me like a burnin’ whiskey // That I’ll never really ever say goodbye // To you, Mississippi.”

It’s not all doom and gloom on High & Low, with tracks like “Downtown Baby,” “Dreamin’s Free” and “Good As Us” providing much-needed moments of levity. The former has hints of pop, while “Dreamin’s Free” is a lush and ethereal ode to the fact that money can’t buy happiness. Likewise, “Good As Us” has an almost Daisy Jones-like vibe with its airy melodies and smoky vocals, punctuated by a grooving baseline and tambourine shake. In fact, we can almost imagine Daisy and Billy on stage singing along to this track, proclaiming, “Nothing else can make me feel as good as us.”

“Maybe in Another Life” is a clear standout, starting as a subdued ballad before building into a heart-stopping orchestral moment. Here, she longs for a universe in which her love story has less of a tragic end. “And I’ll love you forever with the fire in my soul // Maybe I could be your girl // And we don’t ever say goodbye,” She proclaims. “Maybe in another life.”

Alternatively, “Writing Songs and Raising Babies” has Smith accepting the less-than-glamorous hand she’s been dealt in life, embracing the mundane. On the groovy track which finds her channeling her inner Maren Morris, the singer-songwriter proclaims that there’s “nothing here too glamorous, taking it one day at a time, but damn it’s a beautiful life.”

Finally, the album ends with “The Great Pretender,” an uber-relatable ode to dealing with facades and imposter syndrome. Here, Smith is at her finest, shining through as a folksy songwriter and storyteller in the vein of a mastermind like Brandi Carlile. “Nobody knows I’m crying in a bathroom stall // And I’m living in a house of cards about to fall,” She emotes. “But I make them believe that I’ve never been better // I am the great pretender”

On High & Low, Caitlyn Smith takes listeners on a journey through the highs and lows of life in a way that’s equal parts heartbreaking, beautiful, and heartbreakingly beautiful.

High & Low Track List:

  1. High – Intro
  2. High
  3. Dreamin’s Free
  4. Lately
  5. Mississippi
  6. Good as Us
  7. Alaska
  8. Maybe in Another Life
  9. I Think of You
  10. Nothing Against You
  11. Downtown Baby
  12. Writing Songs and Raising Babies
  13. I Don’t Like The World Without You
  14. The Great Pretender

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “High”
  2. “Mississippi”
  3. “Alaska”
  4. “Maybe in Another Life”
  5. “Lately”
caitlyn-smith-album

Caitlyn Smith’s new album, ‘High & Low’ 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 upcoming Caitlyn Smith announcements and releases.

The mega-talented singer will headline her own acoustic tour in support of Independent music venues on The Great Pretender Solo Tour. “I wanted to bring my fans into the room with me to where these songs began. Feelings. Stories. One voice and one instrument. Songs in their purest form,” She shares. “Sharing these wonderfully intimate rooms with people allows me to connect and be more vulnerable than I have been able to be in years. Hopefully, this experience will mean as much to my fans as I know it’s going to mean to me.”

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

High & Low 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.

Caitlyn Smith: ‘High’ – Album Review

Caitlyn Smith’s brand new album, Highis out now, April 8th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new music below and check out our full review.

Caitlyn Smith is a singer-songwriter who personifies artistry. She is a uniquely talented songstress, who believes in having a hand in every part of her craft. Today, the artist releases her newest album, High.

Smith’s third album is one of her best records to date. Featuring eight tracks, the singer-songwriter knows what kind of music she wants to create. Moreover, this is the singer’s first time producing every song on the album. “Self-producing has taught me so much about trusting my own compass,” says Smith. “It has been a beautifully terrifying experience and has added a layer of vulnerability when you’re also responsible for painting the sonic landscape as an artist, in addition to writing and singing the songs.”

The record kicks off with an introduction that moves into her version of the song she wrote for Miley Cyrus, “High.” Because of how much Smith loved “High,” it was important for her to release her version of the track. Smith’s rendition is piercing, haunting, and vocally driven. With more instrumentals than Cyrus’ version, the songstress brings a whole new life to the already incredible song.

Next up is “Dreamin’s Free” and “Good As Us.” The former is a whimsical song about how important it is to believe in your dreams. Written by Smith with prolific songwriters, Shane McAnally and Lori McKenna. In the song, the vocalist opens up about how hard it has been to keep her dreams alive throughout her career.

The latter song, “Good As Us,” uses imagery in a new way. The song screams romance and nostalgia in a unique way. Similarly, on “Downtown Baby” Smith paints a picture of what love and romance truly looks like in her mind. The song is fun and provides a much-needed moment on the album.

Smith continues to show off her incredible ear for music on the next two tracks, “Nothing Against You” and “Maybe In Another Life.” On “Nothing Against You,” Smith’s emotions are palpable. It is clear she knows what yearning and hurt feel like. Despite it all, she knows love conquers all. “Maybe In Another Life” describes those same feelings, but instead of working out, the relationship is just not meant to be. Although the love was not “evergreen,” the moments were worth it.

The record ends with the mesmerizing song, “I Don’t Like The World Without You.” It is hard to describe how incredible this song truly is. Like the rest of the record, Smith proves that she is an artist that we all should pay attention to. High is a quiet masterpiece with captivating stories and relatable emotions laced throughout.

High Tracklist:

  1. High – Intro
  2. High
  3. Dreamin’s Free
  4. Good As Us
  5. Downtown Baby
  6. Nothing Against You
  7. Maybe In Another Life
  8. I Don’t Like The World Without You
caitlyn-smith-high-album

Caitlyn Smith’s new album ‘High’ 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 and announcements about future Caitlyn Smith releases.

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

High 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.

caitlyn-smith-high

Caitlyn Smith Shares Her Rendition of “High” Recorded by Miley Cyrus

Caitlyn Smith shares her rendition of “High,” which was previously recorded by Miley Cyrus. Listen to the new song below.

It is always exciting, when a country artist is as fantastic of a vocalist as they are a songwriter. This sentiment describes Caitlyn Smith to a tee! Recently, she even earned a cut on Miley Cyrus’ album Plastic Hearts with her song “High.” Today, Smith releases her own rendition of the incredible song.

Because of how much Smith loved “High,” it was important for her to release her version of the track. Smith’s rendition is piercing, haunting, and vocally driven. With more instrumentals than Cyrus’ version, the songstress brings a whole new life to the already incredible song.

“And in my head I did my very best // Saying goodbye, goodbye // And I don’t miss you but I think of you // And don’t know why // I still feel high // I still feel high // Sometimes I stay up all night // ‘Cause you don’t ever talk to me in my dreams // And I think about eventually you’re holding me // And dancing to the record like a movie scene”
“High” is the first song off Smith’s upcoming, self-produced project. Smith is in a league all of her own. Her songwriting and vocal abilities are mesmerizing and enticing. We should all be excited for what is to come!
Caitlyn-Smith-High

Caitlyn Smith’s version of “High” is out now.

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

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“High” 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.

BREAKING: Little Big Town Announce ‘The Nightfall Tour Returns’

Little Big Town has announced The Nightfall Returns Tour kicking off this Fall 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Little Big Town on tour will be show openers, Ashley Ray and Caitlyn Smith.

Pre-sale tickets are on sale now with code: NIGHTFALL, for tickets & all tour dates visit: littlebigtown.com.

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Little Big Town shows and releases.

Caitlyn Smith and Old Dominion Duet on “I Can’t” from Deluxe Album

Caitlyn Smith and Old Dominion teamed up for a duet on a reimagined version of “I Can’t” from Smith’s Supernova deluxe album.

Back in March, Caitlyn Smith released her sophomore album Supernova at the forefront of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all obstacles of the unprecedented times and the lack of balance felt throughout the world, Smith’s album soared high and well. With praise from practically every media platform and the collection itself reaching #1 on the Apple Music Singer/Songwriter Album Chart, the songstress is back on the airwaves with a deluxe edition to Supernova.

The former solo vocal production of “I Can’t” is now joined and rediscovered through a partnership with Old Dominion, dubbing the duet the group’s first-ever collaboration track.

Smith’s rendition of “I Can’t” fulfills the powerhouse artistry and high-esteemed singer-songwriter category. The lyrics are emotional and unrevealing, while the balance of strength and helplessness keeps the listener engaged through the efforts of interpretation. Though the story behind the lyrics is unclear, the portrayed aftermath holds a significant delicacy that is just as metaphysical to describe. Simply put, “I Can’t” intoxicates the listener well enough to put on a loop.

Caitlyn Smith and Old Dominion I Can't

With Old Dominion reintroducing the track as a collaboration, the auditory motion picture that Smith initially executed is given a new layer of weight and substance. Matthew Ramsey, who acts as the male lead vocalist, offers an entirely additional perspective and personality by assuming the role of the previously considered intangible figure who is mentioned through lyric.

“All the time and the whiskey I’ve wasted / That I ain’t ever getting back / And I’ve tried to find the courage just to face it / But I can’t, I can’t / And I’m tired of you feeling like a stranger / Over and over again / Oh, when everything around me keeps changing / But I can’t, I can’t, I can’t”

This rendition of Smith’s “I Can’t” with Old Dominion is not merely a collaboration. It’s an incredibly skilled and transformative duet that successfully moves like a ballad or an intense yet vulnerable contemporary dance of words. A prominent hardcore and interactive duet that compliments the originally noteworthy, sentimental, and mentally exclusive solo vocal production.

Supernova, the deluxe album, also includes a cover of “Fix You” which Smith released exclusively as an Amazon Original back in May.

To keep up with Caitlyn Smith, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“I Can’t” is now 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.

 

—————

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:

Little Big Town Bring The Nightfall Tour to the Iconic Apollo Theater

To celebrate on the day that their 9th studio album was released, Little Big Town brought their impeccable harmonies to the Apollo Theater on Friday night (Jan 17). The project, Nightfall has a celestial element and the tour with the same name dares attendees to let go of everything they might have expected from the foursome in the past and allow powerful lyrics and dazzling visuals to enhance their concert experience.

Caitlyn Smith Nightfall Tour

The historic stage in New York City has housed some of the greatest artists of our time and to appropriately kick off the night, Caitlyn Smith took the stage, looking absolutely angelic. Performing previously released tracks like “Starfire” as well as “Long Time Coming” and “Put Me Back Together” which will be included on her next full-length album due out in March. The songstress’s voice filled the hallowed halls, her vibe teetering on rock goddess and pop princess while her song lyrics definitely fit the country music storytelling genre. Her soaring vocals on “Tacoma” a song she wrote with Bob DiPeiro and recorded by Garth Brooks stunned the audience and after her thirty-minute set, there is no doubt she garnered plenty of new fans.

Little Big Town Nightfall Tour

Karen, Kimberly, Jimi, and Phillip took the stage to officially start their tour and New York City fans welcomed them with roaring applause. Throughout the night, Little Big Town honored their brand new music by performing almost every single song, introducing fans and giving them a live performance to recall when having the chance to now listen to Nightfall on their own. Adding to their incredible harmonies, the production that accompanied each of the major songs like “The Daughters”, “Sugar Coat”,  “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”, and “Problem Child” was stunning, captivating the audience and perfectly in tune with the aesthetic.

It wouldn’t be a Little Big Town show without hearing some of their major all time hits and over the course of their almost two-decade career,  they have had plenty to choose from. The more upbeat tracks that had the audience on their feet included “Little White Church” which was on their 2010 album as well as bringing it all the way back to “Boondocks” from their 2005 album “The Road To Here”. They also sprinkled hits like “Pontoon”, “Sober”, and “Tornado” into their setlist appeasing long time fans.

Little Big Town Nightfall Tour

The ability to go back into the archives and perform hits from the past along with brand new music that they probably have never performed in from of an audience before is impressive. The band did not miss a beat, proving their longevity and staying power in the genre. As they each took turns taking the lead, their individual voices and styles shined but collectively when they allowed their harmonies to take center stage, they were outstanding.

Closing out the night with undeniably their biggest hit, “Girl Crush”, Little Big Town had the entire venue on their feet and singing along. The echo of the audience capped off a brilliant night of music. For fans looking to catch this tour,  check out the full list of dates through May below.

Jan. 30-31 — Philadelphia, Pa. @ The Met Philadelphia
Feb. 1 — Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Benedum Center
Feb. 7-8 — Boston, Mass. @ Boch Center Wang Theatre
Feb. 14-15 — Cincinnati, Ohio @ Taft Theatre
Feb. 20 — St. Louis, Mo. @ Fabulous Fox Theatre
Feb. 21-22 — Indianapolis, Ind. @ Murat Theatre
Feb. 26-27 — Tampa, Fla. @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 5-6 — Charleston, S.C. @ Charleston Gaillard Center
March 7 — Atlanta, Ga. @ Fox Theatre
March 12 — Detroit, Mich. @ Fox Theatre
March 13-14 — Chicago, Ill. @ The Chicago Theatre
March 27-28 — Salt Lake City, Utah @ Eccles Theater
April 9-10 –Seattle, Wash. @ The Paramount Theatre
April 15 — Portland, Ore. @ Keller Auditorium
April 17-18 — Oakland, Calif. @ Fox Theater Oakland
April 23-24 — Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Theatre at Ace Hotel
April 26 — Las Vegas, Nev. @ The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
April 28 — Phoenix, Ariz. @ Comerica Theatre
May 1-2 — Denver, Colo. @ Paramount Theatre

For tickets and more information head to littlebigtown.com.

To keep up with Little Big Town follow them on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

—————

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:

Country Songwriters That You Need To Know

One of the best things about country music is how many of our favorite artists are also songwriters. Even if they don’t record their own hits (a great example is Little Big Town smash, “Better Man” which was actually penned by Taylor Swift) it’s normal to see songwriter credit given to the same names we hear on the radio, see on tour, and follow on streaming platforms.

But there’s actually a *not so secret* network of songwriting royalty that fly under the radar, despite their ability to churn out hit after hit for the biggest performers of our generation. Here are some songwriters that you need to know:

 

Shane McAnally – Perhaps one of the most well known Nashville writers (and certainly most active on social media thanks to his adorable kids) is country king, Shane McAnally. With an artist roster including Lee Ann Womack, Kenny Chesney, Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, Midland, and Kacey Musgraves, there isn’t a single top country chart he isn’t all over.

Caitlyn Smith – This vocal powerhouse has recently started to release her own music, but you’re much more likely to know her for a slew of number one songs including, “Let it Hurt” recorded by Rascal Flatts, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet, “You Can’t Make Old Friends”, and even pop hit, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” co-written by Meghan Trainor and performed featuring John Legend.

Lori McKenna – Solely responsible for writing Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”, Grammy award winner, Lori McKenna is one of my most sought after songwriters who doesn’t even live in Nashville. McKenna resides with her family in Massachusets but travels to Nashville often to write some of the biggest songs in the genre. Along with Hillary Lindsey and Liz Rose, she wrote Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush”. She has also just released her 11th studio album, The Tree.

Ashley Gorley –  With more than 100 country cuts to date (yup, you read that right) there may be no one as established in the songwriting world than Ashley Gorley. When you’ve written for the greats (George Strait, Darius Rucker, Bon Jovi, and Tim McGraw to name a few) and newer talent (Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, and Chase Bryant) it’s hard to imagine there is anyone in town that won’t take a meeting.

Heather Morgan – Co-founder of all-female seasonal writers’ round “Girls of Nashville” (with previously mentioned Caitlyn Smith) is this Texas gal. You can find Morgan on not one, not two, but seven Brett Eldredge hits, and who knows how many more in the works.

Kelley Lovelace – This Tennessee native known mostly for writing almost every Brad Paisley single, can also be found on track listings for the likes of Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Terri Clark, and Carrie Underwood.

Natalie Hemby – Great songwriters aren’t reserved for country and Natalie Hemby is a perfect example of lending talents to other genres. Famous for Miranda Lambert songs including, “Automatic” and, “White Liar”, her claim to fame this past year was writing “Always Remember Us This Way” alongside the one and only Lady Gaga for the Golden Globe-nominated film, “A Star is Born”.

Luke Laird – Few songwriters can snag the coveted “Triple Play Award” given by the Country Music Association to those with three or more number one hits in one year, but Luke Laird has done it SIX times! With over 20 #1 Billboard singles, including multiple hits for Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan, he has also written and produced songs for Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Darius Rucker, and many more.

Nicolle Galyon – Dan and Shay’s smash, “Tequila” was easily the biggest song of 2018, and it was actually written by an incredibly talented woman. With credits like Kenny Chesney’s, “All the Pretty Girls”, Lee Brice’s  “Boy”, and Raelynn’s “Lonely Call”, and pop hits including Camilla Cabello’s, “Consequences”, it’s only a matter of time before she becomes the household name.

Josh Kear – Not to be confused with Josh Kerr (who you probably also love for co-writing some Kelsea Ballerini favs…) this veteran is no stranger to the top of the charts. From Carrie Underwood and Blake Shelton to Lady Antebellum and Dierks Bentley, there are few people as successful in the country writing circuit.

Hillary Lindsey – An absolute powerhouse for female stars for the last two decades, this Grammy winner has written for Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler, and Taylor Swift, just to name a few. Who run the world? (Country) Girls.

New Music Friday – The Playlist

This week our New Country Music Playlist features “Goodbye Summer” Danielle Bradbery featuring Thomas Rhett, “Dear God” by Hunter Hayes, “One Summer” by Austin Burke, “If I Didn’t Love You” by Caitlyn Smith, “Slower Lower” by Jimmie Allen and more.  Take a listen below & be sure to give us a follow.

 

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC!

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: