This Friday we were graced by a brand new album from superstar Carrie Underwood titled Cry Prettyas well as new singles from Eric Church, Brett Young, Erin Enderlin, Dolly Parton featuring Sia and Heather Morgan. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/newmusic914.jpg288480Christina Boschhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngChristina Bosch2018-09-14 13:40:152018-09-14 13:40:15New Music Friday – The Playlist
There’s no denying the power of Carrie Underwood within the country music community. The golden-voiced superstar has been a fixture in the genre since her American Idol win back in 2005. Today, Underwood releases her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, which only further serves to cement her role as the reigning queen of country. However, unlike previous efforts, Cry Pretty shows Underwood stretching her sonic wings, veering in different directions musically, topically, and emotionally.
Sonically, Cry Pretty shows Underwood exploring different sides of her voice, hints of a more R&B/ soulful tone lacing many of the album’s tracks. The LP contains thirteen songs (including a bonus track “The Champion”), with each showing a different side of Underwood. For the first time in her storied career, many of these lyrics sound like they’re coming directly from the singer’s heart, rather than presenting her in character. The album also allows her to wear both her producer hat, co-producing with David Garcia and her writer hat, having written on nine of the album’s tracks.
While Underwood has always excelled in the art of the story song, as evidenced by the likes of “Last Name” and “Two Black Cadillacs,” she truly shines when she lets down her guard and sings from the heart. Nowhere on the album is this more evident than on track 12, entitled “Kingdom.” The song, co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Dave Barnes, plays as a love song to Underwood’s own husband and children, remarking that their perfectly imperfect life is their kingdom.
Cry Pretty also shows Underwood tackling some difficult subjects, touching on the long-term and long-reaching effects of a single bullet in “The Bullet.” She also hits on the topics of school shootings and politics in “Love Wins.” While she doesn’t overtly advertise an opinion within these songs, she uses her platform to draw attention to some tough topics, and “The Bullet,” co-written by Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, and Allen Shamblin, provides one of the album’s most poignant moments.
On the album, Underwood also shows off a more lighthearted side, releasing what could be described as her first party song. It would be safest to liken “Southbound,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Josh Miller, to a Little Big Town song in the vein of “Pontoon” or “Day Drinking.” While the song is certainly a departure for Underwood, it does work here, and we expect to hear it blasting at tailgates for the next fifty years. “The Song That We Used to Make Love To” also veers into a more poppy sound for Underwood than listeners may be used to hearing, but with a voice like hers, it works.
“Low” and “Backsliding” show off the groovy side of Underwood, revealing a more R&B side to her voice. “Backsliding,” written by Underwood, Garcia and Hillary Lindsay, is an ode to going back to an ex that you most definitely shouldn’t, and interestingly, wouldn’t sound out of place on a Thomas Rhett album. Alternatively, “Low,” written by the same writing team as “Backsliding” really allows Underwood to show off a different and underused side of her voice. Rather than focusing on belts and glory notes, she explores different tones, riffing and running the notes from high to low.
Other highlights of the album are “Ghosts on the Stereo,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and the late Andrew Dorff, and “Drinking Alone,” co-written by Underwood, Garcia, and Brett James. On the latter, Underwood laments the old adage that misery loves company, while the former tells of her “having a ball with Hank, Haggard, and Jones.”
For Underwood fans, Cry Pretty is a unique but engaging offering, stretching the singer outside of her normal realm, yet still keeping her planted in her musical roots. For country music purists, the overall body of work might veer too much away from the Underwood of “I Told You So” and “Jesus Take the Wheel,” but for fans of music as a whole, Cry Pretty offers something for everyone.
The album is available to buy or stream everywhere today.
Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Track List:
Cry Pretty (Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Ghosts On The Stereo (Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, Andrew Dorff)
Low (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Backsliding (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Southbound (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
That Song That We Used To Make Love To (Hillary Lindsey, Jason Evigan)
Drinking Alone (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
The Bullet (Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, Allen Shamblin)
Spinning Bottles (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
Love Wins (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Brett James)
End Up With You (Hillary Lindsey, Brett McLaughlin, Will Weatherly)
Kingdom (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Dave Barnes)
*Bonus Track* The Champion (Carrie Underwood, Brett James, Chris DeStefano, Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris)
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This week the ladies are taking over our New Country Music Spotify Playlist with new EP’s from two of our Swag Spotlights: Jillian Jacqueline and Abby Anderson as well a debut EP from the ladies from our Swag Session from last month Runaway June. Also check out new songs from Ben Danaher, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Ruston Kelly, Kelsey Lamb, and Caroline Glaser.
Give us a follow and listen below:
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/newmusic.jpg288480Christina Boschhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngChristina Bosch2018-09-07 14:07:292018-09-07 14:07:29New Music Friday – The Playlist
The rising trio Runaway June, which includes the beautiful and talented ladies Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer, have given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Today they dropped their self-titled EP and it can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available. The group has been working on this project for two years with well-known producer Dann Huff. In a press release about the EP, Jennifer said that Dann Huff has changed their lives, while Hannah said it best with “The EP is a really fun and diverse look into our sound as a band. It incorporates the fun of the live show, but also shows some soft moments that fans can relate to.”
The EP consists of 5 songs, “Buy My Own Drinks”, “I Am Too”, “Got Me Where I Want You”, “Wild West” and their own spunky version of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”. The trio gave fans a taste of their EP last month when they released “Buy My Own Drinks” which was written by the ladies themselves alongside songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. Fans love that single and will love the rest of the songs on the EP.
The collection of songs feature their spectacular harmonies on lyrics that touch on heartbreak, finding the perfect love and being badass, empowering women. This being their debut release on Wheelhouse Records, the project proves that the chicks of Runaway June are primed for stardom.
Last month Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session where they performed “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks.” They talked to us about their exciting plans for next year. They will be joining Maddie and Tae on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour. You will not want to miss the trio when the tour hits NYC next year, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can also watch the full Swag Session below.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/RJcov.jpg288480Nicole Bochinishttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Bochinis2018-09-07 11:34:092018-09-07 11:34:09NYCS First Impression: Runaway June Debut EP
With Carrie Underwood’s new album, Cry Pretty, being released on September 14, there are sure to be twelve new classic tracks to bless our ears. Yet, while we wait for what’s to come, it’s only fitting to take a look back at her incredible catalog of hits over the past thirteen years.
While pretty much every Underwood song is perfect in its own right, her hits span the gamut of emotions from love and longing to betrayal and revenge to religion and spirituality. It was nearly impossible to choose a list of favorites, but here are ten of Underwood’s best songs, so far.
10. “Dirty Laundry”
“Dirty Laundry” makes this list for its catchy hook and incredibly clever lyrics, with Underwood telling her cheating man that “all the Ajax in the world ain’t gonna clean your dirty laundry.” The track was written by Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, and Hillary Lindsey and appeared on Underwood’s Storyteller album.
9. “Temporary Home”
While “Temporary Home” may not have been one of Underwood’s biggest hits, it’s easily one of her most poignant. As the second single from her 2009 album, Play On, “Temporary Home” touched on the singer’s spiritual side. She co-wrote the track with Zac Maloy and Luke Laird, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
8. “Jesus, Take the Wheel”
In many ways, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is the song the started it all for Underwood, as the first single off her debut album, Some Hearts. Written by Brett James, Hillary Lindsey, and Gordie Sampson, the song was Underwood’s first step in establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in country music. The song also cemented her position as a Grammy darling, taking home the trophy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.
7. “Blown Away”
“Blown Away” served as the second single off of Underwood’s album of the same name, setting a darker tone for the era. The song tells the story of an abusive father passed out on the couch during a tornado, while his daughter hides in a shelter, praying for him and the home to be “blown away.” It was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear.
6. “Last Name”
“Last Name” tells the story of “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” with Underwood taking on the tongue-in-cheek role of a woman whose raucous night ended with her married to a man whose last name she doesn’t know. Written by Hillary Lindsey and Luke Laird, the Carnival Ride single showed Underwood’s lighter side and earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
5. “Two Black Cadillacs”
“Two Black Cadillacs” hearkens back to the old days of country music’s story songs, and it’s a masterful track in the vein of classics like “Goodbye Earl” or “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” The song was the fourth single from the Blown Away album, continuing the darker trend started by the title track. It was co-written by Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Kear.
4. “Just a Dream”
Underwood’s “Just a Dream” is the type of song (and video) that tests for working tear ducts, telling the story of a young military widow. It was released as a single from Carnival Ride and written by Gordie Sampson, Steve McEwan, and Hillary Lindsey.
3. “Wasted”
While “Wasted” may have been the sixth and final single released from Underwood’s debut album, Some Hearts, it’s one of her best. Written by Hillary Lindsey, Marv Green, and Troy Verges, “Wasted” is certainly a simpler song by Underwood standards, but a perfect snapshot of everything great about country music in the first decade of the 2000’s. It’s fluff, but not too fluffy; it’s country, but not too country; it’s pop without being too poppy. Lyrically and musically, “Wasted” remains all kinds of delightful.
2. “Before He Cheats”
While Underwood has had a ton of massive hits, one could argue that “Before He Cheats” is her most iconic release thus far. On the revenge anthem, which became her largest selling single to date, Underwood takes a Lousiville slugger to both headlights and slashes all four of her man’s tires, promising that she’ll never be cheated on again. The 2007 single was written by Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, and can be heard in karaoke joints and cover bars across Nashville to this day.
1. “Something in the Water”
There’s just something magical about “Something in the Water, ” earning it the top spot. The track, which was released as a single from Underwood’s Greatest Hits: Decade #1, was co-written by Underwood, Chris DeStefano, and Brett James. It doesn’t sugarcoat its spirituality and the “Amazing Grace” background choir into the ending is truly chill-inducing. Grammy voters agreed, with “Something in the Water” nabbing a coveted award for Best Country Solo Performance.
How does our list of our Top Carrie Underwood Songs match up to yours? Check back here in a next week to read our First Impression of her highly anticipated next album, Cry Pretty.
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Our July NYCS Woman of the Month and co-host of Nash Night Live, Elaina D. Smith featured Carrie Underwood as a guest, on the now national podcast on Westwood One ‘Women Want to Hear Women.’ The remarkable podcast shines the spotlight on different women in country music and counteracts the narrative that states women do not want to listen to female artists.
On September 3rd, the two accomplished women discussed the narrative in relation to the airplay given to female artists on the radio, women being pitted against each other, the singers new women-centered clothing brand “Calia,” as well as, Underwood’s upcoming, The Cry Pretty Tour 360 accompanied by duo Maddie and Tae and Runaway June (coming to MSG in NYC on October 2nd, 2019).
Smith and Underwood shared similar sentiments that there needs to be more women representation in country music, including on the radio, music charts, and award shows. More importantly, the podcast shines a light on the importance of women standing up for and empowering other women. The singer, producer, songwriter, and “BOSS”, shared this sentiment, “I’m a fan, ya know. It’s good when women support women, and I think we can do more than that. One of the good things that have come out of these conversations have been the rallying we have had for each other, behind each other, which we all need more of that in our lives. I feel like that’s where it starts.”
When asked about her 2019 tour, Underwood discussed the dismay she has seen because of her all-female lineup. She goes on to voice that “What rules we think there were, no. It’s about creating a norm […] This is just a tour.” This powerful statement supports Smith’s mission to create equality for women in country music. “I feel like the more we do of that, and the more normal it is, why would I not want to take women out on the road with me?!,” continues Underwood.
You can catch snippets of Smith’s ‘Women Want to Hear Women’ podcast with Underwood below, as well as, listen to the powerful conversation in its entirety on nashcountrydaily.com.
Since Underwood said it best closing out the segment: “Thank you [Smith] for opening these doors to having these conversations because they need to be had. Because I’m like you, the more people, the women I get to know in this industry that are amazing, and talented and special and for whatever reason aren’t recognized as such, it just infuriates me. And, we just all gotta keep sticking together and voicing that and voicing our concerns.”
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/elainacov.jpg288480Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2018-09-05 11:06:452018-09-05 12:18:14Women Want to Hear Women: Elaina Smith Chats with Carrie Underwood
Platinum-selling duo Maddie & Tae have released the official music video for their latest single off of their upcoming full-length sophomore album, “Friends Don’t.” The upbeat single was written by Madison Marlow (Maddie), Taylor Dye (Tae), Justin Ebach and Jon Nite. This is the pair’s first new single released under their new record label, Mercury Records, an imprint of Universal Music Group.
In a recent press release, Dye shared “To us ‘Friends Don’t’ feels sexy and confident, but with a dash of that uncertainty, you have at the start of a relationship, because you don’t know if the other person feels the same way you do. We wanted to play off that push and pull we’ve all felt before.”
In the video, you see exactly that. It starts off with the Texas and Oklahoma duo at a late night house party and each seem to have a flirtatious relationship with separate love interests. There are text messages exchanged as well as mixed emotional signals and one big grand gesture.”We both got to do a little acting and play out separate storylines with a love interest,” revealed Marlow. “It was pretty outside of the box for us to act, so we just tried to have fun with it.” You’ll have to watch to see what happens in the end.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Maddiecov.jpg288480Danielle Tornatorehttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDanielle Tornatore2018-08-16 09:29:252018-08-16 09:29:25[Watch] Maddie and Tae’s Captivating Video for “Friends Don’t”
Just one month before Carrie Underwood releases her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty on Sept. 14, Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360 announcement surprised us with more than just dates and locations.
The exciting news comes out that her tour is kicking off in May 2019, since she has another baby on the way! “Mike and Isaiah and I are absolutely over the moon and excited to be adding another little fish to our pond!” she shared this morning via social media. “This has just been a dream come true, with the album and with baby news and all that stuff. We’re just so excited, and just so glad that you guys can share in this with us.”
She broke the news this morning that she will bring up-and-coming female artists, Maddie & Tae and Runaway June along with her for all dates. Her tour which will be ‘in the round’ will allow Underwood to get up close and personal with fans as the stage is a circle, and allows the venues to sell all of the tickets, not leaving out the seats behind the stage.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 17, at 10 AM. Make sure you enter on her website, for a chance to win two tickets to see Underwood in your city. New Yorkers can look forward to the Cry Pretty Tour 360 hitting Madison Square Garden on October 2nd, 2019.
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The dynamic duo is back! Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are set to host the 52nd CMA Awards for the 11th year in a row. These mega superstars will take their spots on stage Wednesday, Nov. 14 in Nashville for country music’s biggest night, airing at 8 p.m. on ABC. Paisley and Underwood are known for the humor, wit, and pranks they bring to the show, and we can expect nothing less this year.
Underwood explained that although the funny laughs and onstage chemistry she and Paisley have perfected over the years may seem effortless, both co-hosts work hard each year to make the awards show a special event. “The trick is to try and keep everything fresh,” Underwood explains. “To try and figure out just what we’re gonna talk about, and how to keep everything rolling. We want to be funny, and we want to be timely, and we want to be respectful, and we want to just make it a great show. There’s a lot of love that’s put into hosting the CMAs, and I hope people feel that above all else.”
While no 2018 CMA Awards nominees have been announced yet, the full list will be revealed on Aug. 28th. during Good Morning America with Luke Bryan. The two-time CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year winner will share a few select nomination decisions from his brand-new downtown Nashville bar and restaurant, Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink. Dan + Shay and Sugarland will also be on hand to help with the announcements. Right after the live-on-TV select nominees are revealed, a full list of the nominees will be released online. Red carpet broadcast details have yet to be announced, but we will make sure to share those details when they’re made available.
Readers can tune in to the 52nd annual CMA Awards live on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8PM ET on Nov. 14. The awards are just around the corner so gather your friends, family, and get ready for Country’s Biggest Night to Rock!
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This Sunday night, live from Vegas the Academy of Country Music Awards are set to take place, bringing incredible performances from Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Florida Georgia Line, and many more. On this #TBT let’s take a look back at some of our favorite collaboration performances and moments from the prestigious award show.
At last year’s ACM Awards, Florida Georiga Line sang their most recent single “God, Your Mama and Me” with help from boy band Backstreet Boys then they all did the iconic dance to “Everybody” together, making a memorable moment for all watching.
Ethan Miller Getty Images
Back in 2014, Hilary, Charles, and Dave of Lady Antebellum collaborated with Stevie Nicks to sing the title track from their 2013 album Golden. The addition of Nicks’ voice to their already incredible harmonies made for quite the performance.
Getty Images
Power vocalist Carrie Underwood took the stage to perform with rock icon Steven Tyler. They sang her single in 2001, “Undo It” then finished their performance with “Walk This Way”. This moment was a definite highlight of the 2011 ACM Awards.
Ethan Miller Getty Images
One of our all-time favorite duets, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson are reviving this 2007 collaboration this Sunday night at the ACMs. Back in 2007, they performed a heartfelt, emotional rendition of Clarkson’s “Because of You”. Which song do you think they will sing together this year?
Photo Credit: Mark J. Terrill
Brad Paisley joined by John Mayer performed “Beat This Summer” at the 49th Annual ACM Awards back in 2013. The duo went head to head shredding on their electric guitars, wowing the viewers.
Getty Images for ACM
Which collaborations would you love to see on Sunday night? Tweet us @NYCountry Swag and let us know! Be sure to follow along as our team LIVE Tweets the show Sunday at 8 PM ET.
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