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Here Are The 2022 CMA Awards Nominations

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The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for The 56th Annual CMA Awards! Lainey Wilson leads the pack with six nominations, while Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton, and songwriter/producer Shane McAnally secure five nominations apiece.
The awards show will air on Wednesday, November 9th on ABC at 8PM ET. Check out the full list of nominations below.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
  • Luke Combs
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Morgan Wallen
SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer  
  • “Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan
    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
    Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
  • “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (feat. Kenny Chesney)
    Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins
    Mix Engineer: Dan Grech-Marguerat
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
    Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
  • “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
    Producer: Trent Willmon
    Mix Engineer: Jack Clarke
  • “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton
    Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
    Mix Engineer: Vance Powell
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s) 
  • Growin’ Up – Luke Combs
    Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
    Mix Engineers: Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
  • Humble Quest – Maren Morris
    Producer: Greg Kurstin
    Mix Engineer: Serban Ghenea
  • Palomino – Miranda Lambert
    Producers: Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall, Mikey Reaves
    Mix Engineer: Jason Lehning
  • Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’ – Lainey Wilson
    Producer: Jay Joyce
    Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen
  • Time, Tequila & Therapy – Old Dominion
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Old Dominion
    Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank
SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s) 
  • “Buy Dirt”
    Songwriters: Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl”
    Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce
  • “Sand In My Boots”
    Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Josh Osborne
  • “Things A Man Oughta Know”
    Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson
  • “You Should Probably Leave”
    Songwriters: Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Chris Stapleton
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Miranda Lambert
  • Ashley McBryde
  • Carly Pearce
  • Carrie Underwood
  • Lainey Wilson
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
  • Eric Church
  • Luke Combs
  • Cody Johnson
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Morgan Wallen
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
  • Lady A
  • Little Big Town
  • Midland
  • Old Dominion
  • Zac Brown Band
VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Dan + Shay
  • LOCASH
  • Maddie & Tae
MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)
  • “Beers On Me” – Dierks Bentley with BRELAND & HARDY
    Producers: Dierks Bentley, Ross Copperman
  • “If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
    Producer: Michael Knox
  • “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
    Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  • “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
    Producer: Zach Crowell
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR
  • Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
  • Paul Franklin, Steel guitar
  • Brent Mason, Guitar
  • Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
  • Derek Wells, Guitar
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s)  
  • “I Bet You Think About Me” (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift (featuring Chris Stapleton)
    Director: Blake Lively
  • “Longneck Way To Go” – Midland (featuring Jon Pardi)
    Director: Harper Smith
  • “Never Say Never” – Cole Swindell (with Lainey Wilson)
    Director: Michael Monaco
  • “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
    Director: Alexa Campbell
  • “’Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson
    Director: Dustin Haney
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
  • HARDY
  • Walker Hayes
  • Cody Johnson
  • Parker McCollum
  • Lainey Wilson

2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (by market size): 

Weekly National

  • “American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
  • “The Country Top 40 with Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
  • “The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
  • “Today’s Country with Kelleigh Bannen” (Kelleigh Bannen) – Apple Music Radio
  • “With Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
Daily National  
  • “Angie Ward” – iHeartMedia
  • “The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek “Big D” Haskins, Sean “Bubba” Powell, Patrick Thomas, and Carsen Humphreville) – Compass Media Networks
  • “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
  • “Nights with Elaina” (Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
  • “The Sam Alex Show” (Sam Alex) – Sam Alex Productions, LLC
Major Market 
  • “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, and McKaila Poppen) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
  • “Danny Dwyer” – KUPL, Portland, Ore.
  • “Josh, Rachael & Grunwald” (Josh Holleman, Rachel Hunter, and Steve Grunwald) – WYCD, Detroit, Mich.
  • “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Emily Raines, and Joe Wallace) – KKWF, Seattle, Wash.
Large Market 
  • “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
  • “The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Tay Hamilton) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.
  • “The Dale Carter Morning Show” (Dale Carter) – KFKF, Kansas City, Mo.
  • “The Big Dave Show” (“Big Dave” Chandler, Chelsie Shinkle, Jason “Stattman” Statt, and Ashley Hempfling) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • “The Wake Up Call with David and Kelli” (David Bugenske and Kelli Green) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
  • “The New Q-Morning Crew with Mike and Amanda” (Mike Wheless and Amanda Daughtry) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
Medium Market 
  • “Buzz Jackson” – KIIM, Tucson, Ariz.
  • “Cliff & Tanya in the Morning” (Cliff Dumas and Tanya Brakebill) – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
  • “Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy, “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers, and Jon Dennis) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
  • “New Country Mornings with Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
  • “Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
Small Market 
  • “The Cat Pak Morning Show with Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
  • “Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (“Dr. Shane” Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
  • “The Eddie Foxx Show” (Eddie Foxx and Amanda Foxx) – WKSF, Asheville, N.C.
  • “Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
  • “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.
2022 CMA BROADCAST AWARDS – FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):    Major Market 

  • KILT – Houston, Texas
  • KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
  • KSCS – Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
  • WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
  • WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market 
  • KFKF – Kansas City, Mo.
  • WIRK – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton, Fla.
  • WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
  • WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
  • WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market 
  • KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
  • WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
  • WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
  • WQMX – Akron, Ohio
  • WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market 
  • WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
  • WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
  • WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
  • WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
  • WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.

 

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on November 9th on ABC. + Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @COUNTRYSWAG.

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

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10 Country Songs You Need to Listen to That Will Boost Your Mood

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One of the best things about country songs is the way they make us feel. Here are 10 songs you need to listen to that will boost your mood!

“Whiskey Glasses” – Morgan Wallen

This melancholy jam starts any party. As do many of Wallen’s song, this just happens to one of the classics!

 

“I Was On a Boat That Day” – Old Dominion

Old Dominion songs are perfect for the summer, but this single, “I Was On a Boat That Day” is one of our current favorites. Blast this all summer long!

 

“Little Red Wagon”- Miranda Lambert

This playlist is not complete without Lambert’s killer song “Little Red Wagon.” You can not tell us you don’t feel sassy as hell when you sing this song.

 

“Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood

Echoing the statements from the Miranda Lambert song, this Carrie Underwood classic is another tune that is full of sass. Everyone loves singing it!

 

“Song About You” – Sam Grow

This Sam Grow song was recommended by one of our readers on Facebook. We agree that the song will for sure boost your mood.

 

“Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band

Every music lover is obsessed with this song, even if they do not admit it. “Chicken Fried” is fun bottled up in a feel-good song.

 

“Good Time” – Niko Moon

The title of this song does not disappoint! Niko Moon’s number one single is a bop and a jam all at the same time.

 

“AA” – Walker Hayes

Lately, Walker Hayes has been cranking out hit after hit. “AA” is another one of his catchy tunes that you cannot help but jam to.

 

“Does to Me” – Luke Combs ft. Eric Church

When two superstars combine, you know that it is going to be an incredible song. Luke Combs and Eric Church’s “Does to Me” definitely fits the bill.

 

“GIRL” – Maren Morris

We had to end this list with the confidence-boosting-anthem, “GIRL.” This one might be for the girls, but we know the guys love it too!

For more mood-booster songs, listen below.

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

Morgan-wallen-wasted-on-you-number-one

5 Morgan Wallen Songs That Should Have Been Singles

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In his young career, Morgan Wallen has proven to be unstoppable, cranking out hit after hit. With a killer catalog of songs to choose from, we are sharing our favorites that did not quite make it to country radio. Here are 5 Morgan Wallen songs that should have been singles.

  1. “If I Know Me” – If I Know Me

The title track from Wallen’s debut album, “If I Know Me” has always been a crowd-favorite. The song is catchy, fun to sing along to, and showcases the charm that the singer-songwriter has in all of his songs. It would have been a great song for radio!

  1. “Whiskey’d My Way” – Dangerous: The Double Album

Although it is hard to choose some of our favorites off Wallen’s sophomore project, “Whiskey’d My Way” is a top contender. The song has “Chasin’ You” vibes, and showcases the softer side of Wallen. Only time will tell, if this song picks up steam.

  1. “Somethin’ Country” – Dangerous: The Double Album

Another fun-loving jam, “Somethin’ Country’ is a different vibe for Wallen. It almost feels like a Sam Hunt song, with a Wallen twist (which is a good thing, in our opinion). This song is sure to be a hit at the live shows, but would be so fun to hear on the radio during the summer as well.

  1. “More Surprised Than Me” – Dangerous: The Double Album

“More Surprised Than Me” is a vulnerable and heartfelt song off Wallen’s sophomore project. The single is honest and feels true to the singer-songwriter’s story and rise to fame. We would love to hear this tune on our radio speakers.

  1. “Talkin’ Tennessee” – If I Know Me

Finally, “Talkin’ Tennessee’ is one of my personal favorites off the If I Know Me album. I truly believe if “Chasin’ You” was not a single, then this would have been it. That is reason enough to make our list!

 

Check out our Instagram video below of Wallen’s latest number one song, “Wasted On You” and make sure to follow us on Instagram for more exclusive concert videos, country music news, and more.

 

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, 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 Morgan Wallen releases.

Morgan-wallen-wasted-on-you-number-one

Morgan Wallen’s Song “Wasted On You” is Number One

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Morgan Wallen continues his streak of number ones with his sixth song to top the country charts, “Wasted On You.”

Morgan Wallen is officially back on the top of the country charts once again! The singer-songwriter continues to break records with his sophomore record Dangerous: The Double Album. Today his latest single, “Wasted On You” is number one at country radio.

A clear standout on the record, “Wasted On You” became a fan-favorite rather quickly. The song is both innovative and relatable. Wallen’s signature traditional, yet modern sound permeates throughout the catchy single rather effortlessly. It is no surprise that the song is number one.

“Looks like I’m learnin’ the hard way again // It’s all my fault, yeah, I dropped the ball // You’re gone, and I’m gone three sheets to the wind // Thinkin’ ’bout all // I’ve wasted on you // All of this time and all of this money // All of these sorrys I don’t owe you honey”

There is truly no stopping Wallen! His career continues to catapult him to superstardom. It is just a matter of time before he wins entertainer of the year at one of the coveted country music awards. Congrats to Wallen and his team!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Morgan Wallen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Wasted On 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.

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Here is Morgan Wallen’s Brand New Song, “You Proof”

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Morgan Wallen’s new song, “You Proof” is out now, May 13th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

In honor of his own birthday, Morgan Wallen decided to thank his fans with a gift! The singer-songwriter followed his release of “Thought You Should Know” with another fan-favorite, “You Proof.” After teasing the track several months ago, fans have been begging Wallen to release the song, and he finally obliged.

The country song is all about drinking away the memory of a past love. An all too familiar feeling, the singer taps into the emotions anyone who has ever dealt with heartbreak could understand. Although Wallen does not condone drinking away your feelings, it is safe to say he knows how it feels to deal with heartbreak. His vocals soar on “You Proof,” another example of the singer’s one-of-a-kind talent.

“I need something you proof, something stronger than I’m used to // I’ve been pouring 90 to 100 // feelin’ like nothing’s gonna cut it // that’s the hard truth // I need something you proof, aw, I need something you proof”

This is truly the year for Wallen. He continues to give his fans everything with both his live performances and his music. Only time will tell to see how much more the megastar accomplishes in his young career!

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

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“You Proof” 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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Morgan Wallen Drops New Song for His Mom, “Thought You Should Know”

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Morgan Wallen’s new song, “Thought You Should Know” is out now, May 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Morgan Wallen is proving that 2022 belongs to him. Between his sold-out tour and record-breaking album, the singer-songwriter continues to give fans what they want. Today, in honor of his mother, Wallen finally releases his previously teased song, “Thought You Should Know.”

Almost a year ago, the singer shared the song for the first time with fans. Inspired by the relationship with is mother, “Thought You Should Know” is one of Wallen’s most personal songs to date. He showcases the human side of fame on this track, sharing with fans the raw and real side of his life.

“What’s going on mama // Something just dawned on ya // I ain’t been home in some months // Been chasing some songs and women // Making some bad decisions // God knows I’m drinking too much // Yeah I know you’ve been worrying about me // You’ve been losing sleep since 93’ // I thought you should know that all those prayers you thought you wasted on me // Must of finally made their way on through”

We predicted that this song will become a hit with fans, and we have a sneaky suspicion that we are about to be proven right! For anyone who owes a hint of gratitude to their mothers or motherly figures, this song is for you.

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

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Thought You Should Know” 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.

Morgan Wallen Releases New Song “Don’t Think Jesus”

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Morgan Wallen releases his brand new song, “Don’t Think Jesus” out now, April 15th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song below.

Morgan Wallen is proving to be one of the biggest acts in country music right now. As he hits city after city on his sold-out tour, Wallen continues to give fans what they want: more music. Today, he released his highly anticipated new song, “Don’t Think Jesus.”

In typical Wallen fashion, the entertainer shared the unreleased version of this song on social media. Although the singer writes many of his songs, this song was written for him by some of his songwriter friends. Co-written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander and Mark Holman, the track brought out so much emotion in the singer upon listening.

“If I was him I’d say, ‘To hell with you, ain’t no helping you’ // Find someone else to give // Heaven to I’m telling you // I’d shame me, I blame me // I’d make me pay for my mistakes // Oh, but I don’t think Jesus does it that way”

The song portrays a man trying to make sense of the demons in his life, and turning to Jesus as a moral compass. We hope “Don’t Think Jesus” is the start of more and more new music from Wallen. It seems his career just keeps getting bigger and bigger with every release.

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

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Don’t Think Jesus” 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.

Morgan Wallen Set To Release New Song “Don’t Think Jesus”

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After teasing the track back in October 2021, Morgan Wallen surprised fans with a post on TikTok revealing that the previously unreleased song, “Don’t Think Jesus” would officially be released on Friday, April 15th.

Wallen first previewed the song on Instagram, sharing that the tune was written by his friends (Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, and Mark Holman) with him in mind. Admitting the song brought him to tears on first listen, Wallen went on to perform his own acoustic version of the song.

“Don’t Think Jesus” is relatable and comparable to Wallen’s own journey thus far. The ballad has a pure traditional country sound paired with Wallen’s unique vocals making it an instant fan-favorite.

Check back on Friday, April 15th for the official release of the brand new song, “Don’t Think Jesus”.

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

To keep up with Morgan Wallen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

For the latest releases in country music, check out our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Ernest: ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ – Album Review

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Ernest’s full-length album, Flower Shops (The Album) is out now, March 11th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

One of Big Loud’s biggest songwriters, Ernest Keith Smith (known professionally as ERNEST) has penned number-one hits for artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt, and Kane Brown but now is working on his career as a singer and performer. Since signing with Big Loud in 2019, ERNEST has released a nine-track album called Locals Only and a few singles including “American Rust,” but has predominantly focused his craft on songwriting. Following the success of his collaboration with Wallen, “Flower Shops,” which skyrocketed to #1 on iTunes, Apple Music Country, and Spotify Country upon its release and currently sits in the top-25 on country radio, he decided to turn it into a full album. 

“It’s a very good feeling to have this body of work ready to share with the world,” he said in a recent press release. “It feels like there’s a shift happening in country music and the people want to hear more honesty in songs, and with honesty comes pain – sometimes we need to feel that too. I hope this project provides a little sepia tone world for the listener to escape to and go on a journey of their own…feeling everything from love to lost.”

Like he said, the major themes on this record are love and heartbreak. It tells the story of a relationship that almost wasn’t in a much more country-sounding manner than he is used to, sprinkling steel guitar all over this album. It was entirely co-written by ERNEST, with collaborators from other major Nashville-writers Ashley Gorley, The Warren Brothers, Rodney Clawson, Mark Holman, Ryan Vojtesak, and label-mates Ben Burgess and Lily Rose. 

While most of the tracks are slow or mid-tempo, it starts with the upbeat, very descriptive “Sucker For Small Towns.” ERNEST sings about how this girl persuaded him to get into a relationship by showing him all around her two-lane town. Its catchy lyrics like “fool for a full moon, you sure set the right mood” make it fun for listeners to sing along to. The other upbeat track, “Did It With You,” sounds like the follow-up to the former. ERNEST mentions how much he misses this girl and how driving down these roads feels much different without her next to him in the shotgun seat. 

“If You Were Whiskey” is a much more melancholy break-up song. While drinking at a bar, he realizes that if his ex was more like Jack Daniels, he’d be a much happier man.

“But if you were whiskey, it looks like I’d still have you right here with me // and I’d be getting a different kind of tipsy, instead of sitting here sipping number seven all night long // But if you were whiskey, I’d still be holding you and we’d still be going strong”

Love and gratitude is expressed in the next three tracks. “Tennessee Queen” tells the classic story of not having a lot, but having all you need. ERNEST makes a lot of Elvis Presley references in the song including mentions of “Graceland” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “All Shook Up,” “Hunk of Burning Love,” “Love Me Tender” and “feeling like a King.” ERNEST mixes in his R&B influence in “Classic”—a tune about staying in with a girl and a record player instead of hitting the town. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” is his most vulnerable track on the project. He addresses a former alcohol and drug addiction, describing it as having “neon demons.” It was the only way he felt comfortable with himself until his met the person who changed his entire perspective on life.

“It’s always lonely after midnight, getting what I want not what I need // I’m only comfortable when I’m crazy // Girl, look what you made me do to me”

“Feet Wanna Run” portrays the life of a touring artist—constantly conflicted between staying home with the ones you love or hitting the road and chasing your dream. 

ERNEST shies away from the simple acoustic production towards the end of the record on “What It’s Comes To” and “Some Other Bar.” In the latter, the man in the song meets someone that really piques his interest, however, he does not hear back from her after they say their goodbyes. This gets him wishing on stars hoping that he will see her at some other bar. The eleventh and final track is an acoustic version of “Flower Shops.”

ERNEST will perform his new set to a hometown crowd at back-to-back sold-out shows headlining Nashville’s famed Exit/In on March 21 and 22. Until then, he will remain on the road supporting Chris Lane’s FILL THEM BOOTS tour with Lily Rose including a stop at New York City’s Irving Plaza this Sunday, March 13th. For tickets, head to his website.

Flower Shops (The Album) Tracklist:

  1. “Sucker for Small Towns” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
  2.  “Tennessee Queen” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
  3. “Classic” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
  4. “Feet Wanna Run” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  5. “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
  6. “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
  7. “Did It With You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
  8. “What It’s Come To” (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
  9. “If You Were Whiskey” (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
  10. “Some Other Bar” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
  11. “Flower Shops” (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
enerst-album

Ernest’s album ‘Flower Shops (The Album)’ is officially out now!

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

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

Flower Shops (The Album) 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.

2022 ACM Awards: The Complete Recap – Winners, Performances & More

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Check out the full recap of the 2022 ACM Awards, complete with all of the winners, performances, and more special moments from the show.

Dolly Parton and Kelsea Ballerini ACM Awards

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for ACM

The Academy of Country Music Awards had a fresh new look this year. The normally three-hour event that has exclusively aired on CBS for the past 23 years found a new home on Amazon Prime. The show was an hour shorter, had no commercials, and had a whole lot more entertainment. Country music icon, Dolly Parton hosted the event from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas with the reigning New Male and Female Artists of the Year, Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett. Miranda Lambert was the big winner, taking home the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Keep reading below for more winners and special performances from the exciting night.

Allen and Barrett, who were both up for Male and Female Artist of the Year kicked off the show; Allen covered Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas” and Barrett sang Faith Hill’s “Let’s Go to Vegas.” After Eric Church performed a medley of songs over his 16-year career, New Artist of the Year nominee, Walker Hayes sang his new single “AA” as well as his viral smash hit “Fancy Like” as he danced around the entire stadium high-fiving fans and other artists.

The first two awards of the night were presented to Brothers Osborne for Duo of the Year, and Old Dominion for Group of the Year. It was Brothers Osborne’s third and Old Dominion’s fifth straight win for the respective categories. Maren Morris followed this with a performance of her new song, “Circles Around This Town.”

Lainey Wilson came out on top in the stacked Song of the Year category with her number one hit “Things a Man Oughta Know.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood won for Single of the Year for their chart-topper, “If I Didn’t Love You.” Viewers got to see both of these songs live later in the show. Wilson also won the New Female Artist of the Year as well. Next up, two Female Artist of the Year nominees, Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce took the stage for “Never Wanted Be That Girl”, a standout performance. This collaboration took home the award for Music Event of Year.

Two of the most memorable performances of the show included Thomas Rhett who performed his current single “Slow Down Summer” as fireworks shot off behind him during the final chorus, resembling a scene from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Right after, Kelsea Ballerini joined Dolly Parton on stage for a collaboration of Parton’s new song, “Big Dreams and Faded Dreams” from her new “Run, Rose, Run” album. 

One of the biggest surprise wins of the night was Morgan Wallen’s Dangerous winning the award for Album of the Year. Statistically, it makes a lot of sense, given it was the best-selling album across all genres in 2021 with 3.2 million units sold. Wallen humbly thanked his team, fans, and industry for showing him grace over the past year and dedicated the win to his son.

This was followed by 35-straight minutes of performances by artists such as Gabby Barrett, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis. Our favorite performances in this batch included Brother Osborne who gave an exciting performance of their song “Skeletons,” where their glasses, hats, guitars, and matching black and white jumpsuits lit the room neon as the lights went down. Breland had Thomas Rhett and a Baptist choir join him on stage for his fun, new song “Praise the Lord.”

After Lady A performed “What a Song Can Do,” the Male and Female Artist of the Year were awarded to Chris Stapleton and Carly Pearce. Pearce and Stapleton also won this award at last year’s CMAs as well. Top-nominated artist, Chris Young performed two songs after these awards, “Raised On Country” and his collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny, “At The End of A Bar.”

The show concluded with the announcement of the most prestigious owner of the night, Entertainer of the Year. Miranda Lambert took home the award and although she leads the pack with 29 total ACM awards throughout her career, she has never won the Entertainer of the Year. She is currently in London on tour, but she graciously accepted her award remotely.

Other awards not aired included New Male Artist of the Year to Parker McCollum, Video of the Year to Lambert and Elle King for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” and Songwriter of the Year to Michael Hardy. Other performers include Chris Stapleton, Jimmie Allen, Parmalee with Blanco Brown and Brooke Eden, Brittney Spencer, and Kelly Clarkson. The pre-show included performances by Tenille Townes and Kat & Alex.

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