The highly anticipated third album from country star Thomas Rhett is finally here and it was worth the wait.  Thursday afternoon lucky winners got a chance to sit at Nash FM’s Stage 17, an intimate setting to hear songs off of Life Changes and were let in on insight about the new record before it hit shelves. The record showcases authentic, real-life stories that Rhett couldn’t make up if he tried. On first listen through, so many different sounds are recognized whether it’s his signature blend of smooth R&B with a country flair (“Kiss Me Like A Stranger”), fast-paced rap-like verses (“Life Changes”) or even an ode to doo-wop (“Sweetheart”)  the fourteen tracks on the record offer something for every fan.

“I write best about what I know about, I know how to write those things cause I’ve lived them,” Rhett explained yesterday at the exclusive Nash FM 94.7 Stage 17 performance.  Thanks to social media everyone seems to know every facet of Rhett’s life including his true love for his wife Lauren and their two baby girls, one which they adopted earlier this year from Uganda.  Nash FM’s Katie Neal asked what has been the best and worst advice you’ve gotten since becoming a dad.  “The days are short and the years are long but I know I’ll look back in 10 years and miss this time” Rhett explained. “And the worst advice is probably something Luke Bryan told me” he laughed.

Instead of shying away from personal stories, each song off the new album highlights them in a genuine way.  Fans can feel even more connected to one of their favorite artists by his honesty throughout his songwriting. “As long as I can be honest about the songs I put on the radio, that’s all I can do” Rhett explained to Nash FM’s Jesse Addy after discussing the pressure of continued success and number one hits.

“Craving You” featuring Maren Morris off the new record marks Rhett’s 8th number one single and in his short time in the spotlight of country music, his phenomenal growth as an artist is highlighted throughout Life Changes.  Nostalgia is a key feeling through out the record with “Sixteen” and the current single “Unforgettable” which transports listeners back to a different time and although they are specific to Rhett’s experiences, the songs remain relatable.

“I hated rules, even as a kid growing up… I don’t like staying in a box,” he says of creating the kind of music that doesn’t stay confined to barriers of genre.  His music is never boring and when the slow fade of one song ends you never know what to expect when the next song starts up.  In our opinion, being a great artist understands genre is fluid and making great music is more important than coloring within the lines.

For more exclusive content from Thomas Rhett’s Nash FM 94.7 appearance be sure to check out our Instagram and make sure you are listening to NashFM 94.7 to win tickets to private events and meet and greets with your favorite artists.