Posts

Nate Smith: ‘California Gold’ – Album Review

/in , , , /by

Nate Smith shares brand new album California Gold, officially out now, October 4th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

Sony Music Nashville’s Nate Smith has already notched an impressive three #1 singles and scored an ACM for New Male Artist of the Year. Now, the rising country superstar is back with his sophomore album, California Gold.

On the sixteen track collection, the California native explores new yet familiar sounds, which he describes as “nostalgic” but with “modern country context.” In fact, much of the album is inspired by and takes cues from some of the biggest pop-rock bands from the early 2000’s, including Lifehouse, 3 Doors Down, and the Goo Goo Dolls.

That influence is heavily felt throughout the LP, weaving its way through many of the anthemic tracks, where his voice sounds perfectly at home. Songs such as the album opener “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “Want Me Back,” “Perfect,” and “I Wish I Never Felt” find Smith firmly settled into that radio-friendly country-rock lane.

Of “Fix,” Smith says, “I’ve always been a huge fan of big epic pop-rock songs of the 2000s…to me, [it] feels like the perfect blend of 2000s rock and heartfelt country. I want to make love songs that cut deep but are still tough. I teamed up with the same crew that wrote ‘World On Fire’ with me: Ashley Gorley, Lindsay Rimes and Taylor Philips. This is easily one of my favorites that I’ve released. It’s a bit of a theme song for this new project.”

Likewise, “Want Me Back” is a driving and catchy uptempo that’s absolutely perfect for radio as he grapples with the aftermath of a woman who’s changed everything about him. “As I miss who I was baby, I want me back,” He muses.

That same early 2000’s pop influence can be heard most noticeably on “Can You Die From a Broken Heart,” which finds him trading verses with pop-punk icon and frequent collaborator, Avril Lavigne. “‘Can You Die From A Broken Heart’ is the epitome of what a heartbreak ballad should feel and sound like,” Smith says.  “The bridge is my favorite part of the song because it’s so epic with the soaring ‘ohs’ and feels like it gives the slightest nod to ‘I’m With You’, which happens to be my favorite Avril song. I think this song will touch hearts in a deep and meaningful way.”

Smith grapples with heartbreak on tracks like “I Wish I Never Felt,” “Faith,” and “Gave It All.” While “I Wish” finds him regretting a relationship due to the heartbreak it led to, “Gave” is a thumping dance-inspired track about giving all to a relationship that just didn’t work out. “Faith” finds him stretching his voice into a powerful growl, cleverly turning lyrics into a double meaning as he sings, “I lost Hope on a Friday night, watched her walk away under neon lights, I found Grace almost made her mine, had to cut her off at closing time… Everything changed as soon as you told me your name, tonight I need a little Faith.”

The California native has a voice that truly shines on ballads, including the powerfully building “Carry You Home” which finds him jumping headfirst into a new relationship, in the hopes that a drunken one night stand will turn into much more if they decide to slow things down the morning after. “Not Of This Earth” is an ethereal and lush love song about a love that’s so great it transcends the natural world, while “Bittersweet” finds him channeling his inner Teddy Swims over mournful piano and strings. Here, he’s lost between love and hate, his raspy voice emoting “The last line of the song of you and me is always gonna be bittersweet.”

The album’s title track is one of the most unique on the album, a sonic detour into a lush and Laurel Canyon-inspired ode to growing up in California. Inspired by a text conversation with a friend, the phrase “California Gold” immediately evoked memories of life in the Golden State, musing, “You can’t put a price on the good times that never get old, California gold.”

While Nate Smith dabbles in new sounds throughout his sophomore album, his voice and style find him at home in whatever he does, and California Gold is truly Nashville gold.

California Gold Track List:

  1. Fix What You Didn’t Break
  2. Want Me Back
  3. What Alone Looks Like
  4. Can You Die From A Broken Heart (with Avril Lavigne)
  5. Perfect
  6. Carry You Home
  7. Goodbye Again
  8. Not Of This Earth
  9. Wish I Never Felt
  10. Faith
  11. Bittersweet
  12. Gave It All
  13. Hurtless
  14. Bulletproof
  15. California Gold
  16. I Like It (with Alesso)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Fix What You Didn’t Break
  2. Want Me Back
  3. Can You Die from a Broken Heart
  4. Carry You Home
  5. California Gold
nate-smith-california-gold

Nate Smith shares new album, ‘California Gold,’ 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 future Nate Smith releases.

To keep up with the rising star, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

California Gold is 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.

nate-smith-world-on-fire

Nate Smith Earns 3rd Number One at Country Radio with “Bulletproof”

/in , , /by

Nate Smith earns his third number one single at country radio with his incredible song, “Bulletproof.” Get all the details here.

Rising superstar in the making, Nate Smith has been one of the most consistent rising artists as of late. He started off 2023 landing his first number one single with his song, “Whiskey On You.” and later earned his second number one single at country radio with “World On Fire.” Today, the singer adds to his streak of number ones with his third hit single, “Bulletproof.”

Written by Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, and Ben Johnson, “Bulletproof” is the lead single from Smith’s Through the Smoke EP. The break-up song is the perfect blend of rock with modern-country. The singer pushes the envelope just enough, while still standing firmly in the country music genre with this awesome and relatable song.

“You’re still right here on my mind // You sure did a number on me // I’ve tried Jack // I’ve tried Jim // I’ve tried every last one of them // Old heartbreak bottles up on that shelf // But the burn don’t work and the buzz don’t help // Been takin’ these shots, shots, shots // 80, 90, everything they’ve got // But the whiskey don’t kill like it’s ‘sposed to do //Baby, your memory must be bulletproof”

Congratulations to Smith and his team on an incredible accomplishment! Smith is currently three for three for hit radio singles. We look forward to more music from Smith in 2024!

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Bulletproof” 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.

Lee Brice Joins Forces with Nate Smith + Hailey Whitters on New Single

/in , , /by

Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey White’s with new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,” out now, April 26th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Summer is just around the corner and Lee Brice just released the perfect song for the season. Featuring Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters, “Drinkin’ Buddies” is a great celebration of friendship. The threesome are the perfect country music pairing!

Written by Zach Kale, Chris Destefano, and Justin Wilson, the track starts off with what some people consider one of the greatest sounds, the sound of a can being cracked open. Continuing with an upbeat vibe, Lee Brice starts out the song with his distinct vocals while Nate Smith comes in for verse two. Brice and Smith come together seamlessly for the chorus before welcoming Hailey Whitters into the mix. As they all join in for the second go around on the chorus, the blending of their voices make it seem as if they have teamed up before.

The message of the song is no matter what your friends will always be there for you. Whether you had a tough day at work, morning a breakup or just need a fun night out you can always depend on your drinking buddies.

“Thank god for drinkin’ buddies // They can make a bad day better // Yea their drinkin’ buddies // You know we tip em all back together”

“Drinkin’ Buddies” is certainly a song that you will want to crank up and we can’t wait to do it all summer long. It follows Brice’s first release of 2024, “Checking In.” We’re excited to see what’s next for the the iconic country star.

lee-brice-nate-smith-hailey-whitters-single

Lee Brice joins forces with Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters on new single, “Drinkin’ Buddies,’ out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Lee Brice, Nate Smith, and Hailey Whitters releases.

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

To keep up with Hailey Whitters, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Drinkin’ Buddies” 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.

nate-smith-world-on-fire

Nate Smith: ‘Nate Smith’ Deluxe Album Review

/in , , , /by

Nate Smith makes his debut with his self-titled deluxe album, officially out now, April 28th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

With a platinum #1 single already under his belt, Sony Music Nashville’s Nate Smith released his debut album today, a hefty deluxe collection of 26 new songs. On his self-titled offering, the golden voiced singer-songwriter offers a poignant mix of love lost, love found, and loving life. 

“It has been so much fun making this album, and I really believe in every one of these songs,” Smith revealed in a statement. “Releasing an album has always been a goal of mine, but at the end of the day it’s really not about me. It’s about being able to reach other people with music that means something.” 

“If I could sum everything up in one word, it’s hope,” he continues. “We all go through things, we really do. But I truly believe the world is trying to bend in your best interest. I really believe that with my whole heart.”

Hope weaves its way throughout the musical journey, which traverses sounds and styles over its initial 20 tracks and the 6 new additions on the deluxe version. Of the previously-released tracks, there’s “Whiskey On You,” Smith’s biggest song to date and “Wreckage,” one of the best country ballads in recent memory. On the latter, he celebrates someone who loves him for all that he is, baggage and all. “I’m a little damaged, but damn you saw the good // When everyone saw baggage, you loved when no one could // Laying in this bed beside you, I don’t have to hide away,” He sings. “You see all the wreckage, and it wrecks me that you stay.”

Like “Wreckage,” Smith owns his broken and celebrates love on songs like “You Ain’t Been in Love,” the stunning “I Found You,” and the incredibly moving “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven.” On “I Found You,” he’s wondering about the what-ifs of life and where he’d be if he never found her, while “Heaven” is a slow ballad about life being beautiful here on Earth.

“I don’t wanna go to heaven // When heaven’s right here lying next to me // I count every kiss and every blessing // As the only proof I’ll ever need // I don’t wanna go to heaven // When heaven’s right here lying next to me.”

There’s love lost on the album, weaving its way through songs like the grooving “You Only Want Me When I’m Drunk” and “Back At It Again,” finding him caught up with someone he shouldn’t. 

“But I’m back at it again // Two drinks pulling you in // Getting caught up in your eyes // One more one last time// It’s crazy how one kiss from your lips can hit undo // On all that getting over you // Just when I think I’m moving on from square one // I’m back at it again”

Thematically, the album’s opening track, “If I Could Stop Loving You,” is similar to its clever take on moving on from a broken heart. As an album opener, it’s absolutely perfect. It starts with minimal instrumentation and vocals, but then builds to a musical roar with a radio-ready hook that immediately invites listeners in and implores them to keep listening. 

There are fun songs here, including the summer-ready “One Good Girl,” the pop-leaning “Bad Memory,” and “Alright, Alright, Alright,” a subtle nod to Matthew McConaughey’s most famous catchphrase as he tries to turn someone’s frown upside down. Additionally, “LFG” is the most straightforward party song here, but the celebration of the simpler things in life is sure to be a crowd-pleaser on both radio and at live shows.

Smith is also a gentleman at heart, as reflected on songs like “Better Boy” and “You Shouldn’t Have To.” On both tracks, he’s sure to treat his woman right and warns others to do the same. “Never let her think somewhere out there,” He sings, “There’s a better boy.”

Likewise, both “Oil Spot” and “Raised Up” are nostalgic, with the first celebrating all of the special moments that happen in a truck, ranging from car trips to bringing a baby home from the hospital. Meanwhile, “Raised Up” has him reflecting back on the things that he grew up on, bringing him back to the basics.

“The day we wrote it, I had to leave the room because I was tearing up,” Smith says of “Raised Up.” “The song talks about ‘Any time I lose my way, I turn the way I was raised up,’ and for me, whenever I’m lost or feeling alone, I’ve got God.’ That has really helped me, but it can be whatever somebody needs. It could be thinking about something your grandma said one time you now hold on to or the phrase you have tattooed on your arm. It’s however you find your way back home. I’m all for that.”

While Smith’s album was originally planned for a February release, it was pushed back to late April to pair with Smith’s packed touring schedule. During that time, the singer-songwriter added six new tracks to the debut, creating a jam-packed deluxe edition. The addition kicks off with “World on Fire,” another radio-ready anthem dedicated to someone who turned Smith’s world upside down, in the best, and then worst, ways possible.

Meanwhile, much of the deluxe section is punctuated with clever lyrics, including on “What An Angel Ain’t,” “Good By Now,” and “I Don’t Miss You.” The latter continues to exemplify why Smith is one of country’s most incredible new vocalists as he flips the lyrics to tell the tale of missing someone. “And this world don’t turn, the sky ain’t blue, the sun don’t shine, the stars don’t shoot,” He sings. “People don’t lie, girl, If that was the truth, Then I don’t miss you.”

The deluxe portion of the albums conclude with “Love Is Blind,” a sparse and twangy celebration of love without question, very similar to “Wreckage” and “I Found You.” While the California native knows he’s damaged, he’s endlessly thankful to the one who loves him despite his flaws. “I ain’t that patient, I ain’t that kind // Little bit crazy, most of my life,” He admits. “Girl, you saved me, I don’t know why // But I thank God that your love is blind.”

On his debut album, Nate Smith shows listeners why he’s one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. With 26 tracks dedicated to all of the good things in life, love, brokenness, hope, and more, the golden-voiced star is clearly just getting started.

Nate Smith Track List:

  1. If I Could Stop Loving You (Jason Massey/Matt Rogers/Justin Wilson)  
  2. Alright, Alright, Alright (Joey Hendricks/Jessie Jo Dillon/Daniel Ross)  
  3. One Good Girl (Nate Smith/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton)  
  4. Back At It Again (Trannie Anderson/Adam Doleac/Jason Massey)  
  5. You Ain’t Been In Love (Nate Smith/Zach Abend/Andy Albert/Blake Pendergrass)  
  6. Better Boy (Michael Hardy/Taylor Phillips)  
  7. You Only Want Me When You’re Drunk (Nate Smith/Lindsay Rimes/Seth Alley)  
  8. Bad Memory (Nate Smith/James McNair/Lindsay Rimes/Emily Weisband)  
  9. Oil Spot (Jared Hampton/Tate Howell/Drew Kennedy)  
  10. Wreckage (Nate Smith/Mary Kutter/Chris Sligh/Paul Wrock)  
  11. LFG (Nate Smith/Adam James/Mikey Reaves)  
  12. Whiskey On You (Nate Smith/Lindsay Rimes/Russell Sutton)  
  13. You Shouldn’t Have To (Nate Smith/Matt Alderman/Brian Bunn)  
  14. Sleeve (Nate Smith/Brian Scott Alexander/Mary Kutter/Noah Jackson Lubert)  
  15. I Found You (Nate Smith/Chris Gelbuda/Kyle Schlienger)  
  16. Backseat (Adam James/Steven McMorran/Andy Sheridan)  
  17. Name Storms After (Nate Smith/Trannie Anderson/Seth Alley)  
  18. Raised Up (Nate Smith/Trannie Anderson/Jonathan Smith)  
  19. Under My Skin (Nate Smith/Trysette Maree Loosemore/Larry McCoy)  
  20. I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven (Nate Smith/Daniel Fernandez)
  21. World on Fire (Nate Smith/Ashley Gorley/Taylor Phillips/Lindsay Rimes) – DELUXE
  22. I Don’t Miss You (Seth Alley/James McNair/Heath Warren) – DELUXE
  23. Good By Now (Nate Smith/Ashley Gorley/Taylor Phillips/Lindsay Rimes) – DELUXE
  24. What an Angel Ain’t (Nate Smith/Zach Abend/Michael Hardy) – DELUXE
  25. Dear Heart (Nate Smith/Tofer Brown/Emily Weisband) – DELUXE
  26. Love Is Blind (Nate Smith/Jessie Jo Dillon/Jesse Frasure/Geoff Warburton) – DELUXE

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Better Boy”
  2. “Wreckage”
  3. “If I Could Stop Loving You”
  4. “World on Fire”
  5. “I Don’t Wanna Go to Heaven”
  6. “LFG”

Nate Smith releases his brand new self-titled album, 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 future Nate Smith releases.

The singer-songwriter will be joining Thomas Rhett on his Home Team Tour 23, which includes a stop at the UBS Arena on July 22.

To keep up with the rising star, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Nate Smith is 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.

nate-smith-number-one

Nate Smith Earns First Number One Song with “Whiskey On You”

/in , , /by

Nate Smith earns his firsts number-one song at country radio this week with his single, Whiskey On You.” Learn all the details here.

Country music singer-songwriter, Nate Smith has officially earned his first number-one single at country radio with “Whiskey On You.” The Sony Music Nashville artist debuted the single last year, and it has steadily climbed the country charts since.

Written by Smith with Lindsay Rimes and Russell Sutton, “Whiskey On You” is a true-blue country song. Fans across the genre clearly love the song equally. While the song is essentially a break-up sad-jam, it tugs at your heartstrings because of its relatability. Smith is an artist that is clearly showing fans and industry-alike that he is a mainstay in the genre.

“Ain’t gonna waste one more night missing, wanting you back // No, I ain’t gonna cry another tear in this glass // You didn’t waste any time finding somebody new // So, I ain’t gonna waste another drop of whiskey on you // No, I ain’t”

Congratulations to Smith and his team on an incredible accomplishment! This is sure to be Smith’s first of many number-one songs. It will be interesting to see what song he ships to country radio next.

nate-smith-single-number-one

Nate Smith’s single “Whiskey On You” marks his first number one song at country radio.

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Whiskey 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.

nate-smith-tenille-townes

Tenille Townes Joins Nate Smith on “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven”

/in , , /by

Nate Smith collaborates with Tenille Townes on new song, “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven,” out now, March 18th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track here.

Nate Smith’s musical journey has had its twists and turns, but in 2018, after performing at a few festival shows, the California-native made his way to Nashville to sign a record deal with SONY. Since then, he has released several singles such as “Wildfire,” “Under My Skin,” “Raised Up,” and of course, “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.”

If you haven’t heard the song yet, it’s similar to Kane Brown’s “Heaven,” as the subject in the song compares simply lying next to the one he loves to making it to the promised land. This already beautiful ballad gets prettier when Canadian singer-songwriter, Tenille Townes jumps in to add backing vocals to the chorus and provide a female perspective in the second verse. This is the third version of the song that Smith has released; earlier this year he put out one with a church choir.

“I don’t wanna go to heaven, when heaven’s right here lying next to me // I count every kiss and every blessing, it’s the only proof I’ll ever need”

nate-smith-tenille-townes

Nate Smith and Tenille Townes collaborate on “I Don’ Want To Go To Heaven.”

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

To keep up with Tenille Townes, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven” 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.

nate-smith-number-one

Who Is Nate Smith? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

/in , , /by

Who is Nate Smith? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

who-is-nate-smith

Nate Smith // Photo by Robby Klein

The Beginning:

Today we share with you the humbling story about Nate Smith’s success in the industry. The newly signed SONY music artist is both an incredible vocalist and talented songwriter. Although it has not always been easy for Smith, he shared his story with us in a way that shows faith, humility, and empathy. It is hard not to love him!

Growing up in a small California town called Paradise, Smith always gravitated towards music. “I would play guitar and stuff, and always bother my brother with my singing,” he shared, recalling sharing a bunk bed with his sibling. Music was always on his mind “I just loved singing. It felt as natural as breathing. […] Eventually, when I started playing guitar and stuff, I was like I’m going to play on stage,” shared Smith.

The singer recalls watching Garth Brooks perform on television, and credits both Brooks and Elvis for his early love of singing. “There’s so many artists, a lot of rock, and pop, and some country as well that I love.” Smith also credits his father for his love of Classic Rock and reflects on his own love of bands like Blink 182 and Creed.

The melting pot of musical influences helped Smith curate his own unique sound and voice. At just 23 years old, the singer made the move to Nashville, and got himself a publishing deal. After a tragedy struck, Smith made the difficult decision to go back home to California, leaving music behind for what he thought would be for good.

The Turning Point:

If it was not for another tragic event in 2018 and the love and belief from his friends and family, Smith may have not found his way back to music. “In 2018, in Paradise, my hometown where I grew up, we had a wildfire happen,” shared the singer. “I lost everything that I ever had and a friend of mine sent me a guitar, and I began writing songs just about that experience” he added.

The hardship really inspired Smith to start writing music again. He credits his friends for convincing him to move back to Nashville to pursue his dream. After playing at a few festivals thanks to Melissa Carbone, Smith was able to secure himself a management deal. Through pure heart, and hustle, the singer made connections that led him to his SONY Music Nashville record deal. “They offered me a deal and I could not believe it […] When I signed with SONY, I had $14 left in my account.”

For Smith, this whole experience was truly something out of a storybook. “I definitely look at it as a second chance at life.”

Today:

Now, as a signed artist, Smith is connecting with fans across genres. His newest single, “I Don’t Want To Go To Heaven” is a true masterpiece. Its haunting, innovative, and incredible in every way. Written by Smith with Dan Fernandez, the song was inspired by the way the singer tries to live his life each day.

This whole concept just started happening organically, it was one of the easiest writes ever for both of us,” begins Smith. “It’s just about not taking anything for granted and the people and the things you have right now.”

The song resonated so much with Smith and his fans that the singer just released another version of the mesmerizing track. The new version features a choir. Smith got the idea after listening to a song called “I Found” by Amber Run. “The choir just gave us chills, they brought something so special to that song, that would never have happened without them.” Smith goes on to add, “I honestly probably love it more than the original because it has the extra thing about it.”

Smith also shared with us that there is going to be a third version of “I Don’t Want To Go To Heaven” released soon. The new rendition will feature another artist on the tune. Until then, fans can anticipate more new music coming down the pipeline by the artist, as he shares that he is writing every day and cutting new tracks as we speak. This is sure to be a big year for Smith!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Nate Smith’s music 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.