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Troy Cartwright ‘Bygones’ – Album Review

Troy Cartwright’s new album, Bygones is out now, August 30th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

Rising country star Troy Cartwright describes himself on social media as “a heart break troubadour,” who hasn’t “fit in since 1990.” For those reasons, the singer-songwriter made the leap from major label to independent artist and hasn’t slowed down since.

The Dallas, Texas native’s new album, Bygones, out now, takes listeners on a musical journey, as heartbreak weaves its way through ten new tracks. The title track immediately sets the stage, its lush and melodic arrangement accompanying clever lyrics and punctuated by a warm female background vocalist. Here, he’s leaving the past in the past, considering making an old flame new again, musing “Let bygones be bygones, and don’t let a good thing gone too long.”

That unfinished business weaves its way through much of the album, as the hip-hop infused “How Smart I Am” finds him kicking himself for letting a girl go, while “Same” finds him stuck in a rut after a relationship ended, wishing things could be better. Likewise, the poignant and impassioned “Over You By Now” shows him desperate but unable to move on, admitting that he’s “still in love and it don’t make sense.”

“I think it was late September, when I threw away your picture // Somehow, girl, I still see you // I really thought I knew better // When I let you keep my sweatshirt // But I still smell your perfume // I did everything I could to get you off my mind // But your still on my mind // Yeah you’d think after all this time // After all these sleepless nights // I’d be getting there”

“Unlove You” may be the album’s most single-worth track, its catchy melody building as he admits, “If I could unlove you, I would’ve done it by now.” Meanwhile, “Wild One” allows him to give himself grace, accepting the inevitable outcome of playing with fire. 

“Married Now” offers a clever take on the breakup song, as Cartwright wishes happiness for the one that got away, grappling with the questions of what could’ve and should’ve been. 

“And we could have stayed together// Maybe in another life// Yeah, I’m glad you found each other// And I hope he treats you right// Sometimes I’d like to call you up// But some roads you don’t go down// You loved me once but time don’t turn around// And you’re married now.”

It’s not all heartbreak and heartache on Bygones, however, with “One That You Want” offering an exhilarating highlight. The building midtempo has an almost anthemic chorus that finds you immediately ready to drive to a live show and lift your cell phone light in the air.

“I want to be the one // When you’re riding high on as good as it gets // and your whole world is a tangled mess // When your mind runs and you can’t sleep // in those sheets, I wanna be the one that you want // When you get down // wanna go for a drive at midnight // I wanna be the one that you want // If you need somebody the rest of your life or tonight // I wanna be the one that you want”

“Lincoln Continental” is a beautiful story song, Cartwright’s lyrics telling the tale of his grandparents in a way that’s sure to warm even the coldest of hearts. Here, he recounts the story of his Nanny and Papa, longing for that type of love of his own. Meanwhile, the album’s final track, “Deathbed,” is a stunning piano ballad about a moment that lives rent free in his mind. Here, he’s passionate and emotive, reflecting on a moment that he’s sure to remember forever,

 “When all the sand in the hourglass // Runs out and my race is run // St. Peter calls me home // And all my work down here is done // It could be nine or 90 years // But when I’m down to my last breath // I’ll remember this on my deathbed.”

While much of Bygones is centered around heartbreak, there are no two moments that are alike. Between his honeyed vocals, melodic instrumentation, and stirring lyrics, Troy Cartwright is a rising star worth watching.  He may be an independent artist, but he’s truly as talented as they come.

Bygones Track List:

  1. Bygones
  2. Same
  3. Over You By Now
  4. One That You Want
  5. Wild One
  6. Unlove You
  7. How Smart I Am
  8. Lincoln Continental
  9. Married Now
  10. Deathbed

Country Swag Picks:

  1. One That You Want
  2. Bygones
  3. Over You By Now
  4. Unlove You
troy-cartwright-bygones

Troy Cartwright’s new album, ‘Bygones’ is officially out now.

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

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

Bygones  is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

troy-cartwright-bygones

Troy Cartwright Shares New Song “One That You Want” Ahead of Album

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “One That You Want,” out now, August 2nd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new song below.

We have been loving Troy Cartwright’s music lately. The independent artist keeps cranking out music that feels unique, vibey, and perfect for his vocal range. While we have loved every recent release, Cartwright’s new song, “One That You Want” is another favorite.

On the new song, Cartwright leans into his romance side. He sings about how when you love someone, you want to be their whole world, no matter what is going on in their lives. Much like the vows, “for better or for worse,” the song encapsulates a desire so great that feels both romantic, intentional, and relatable.

“I want to be the one // When you’re riding high on as good as it gets // and your whole world is a tangled mess // When your mind runs and you can’t sleep // in those sheets, I wanna be the one that you want // When you get down // wanna go for a drive at midnight // I wanna be the one that you want // If you need somebody the rest of your life or tonight // I wanna be the one that you want”

“One That You Want” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. His flair truly is a perfect blend of country lyrics with a buttery and easy vocal. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

troy-cartwright-one

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “One That You Want,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“One That You Want” 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.

Troy Cartwright Drops New Single “Lincoln Continental”

Troy Cartwright shares new single “Lincoln Continental,” out now, June 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

Troy Cartwright knows exactly who he is an artist in country music. Since deciding to go independent, he has been creating and releasing music that feels distinctly “him.” Each and every release feels almost more authentic than is predecessor. Today, Cartwright adds to his growing music catalog with a song called “Lincoln Continental.”

Cartwright is a true expert at crafting lyrics that read like a story. On “Lincoln Continental” the singer is able to share his grandparents love story in a truly heartwarming and special way. Throughout the song he recounts memories of his Nanny and Papa’s love story, while feeling hopeful that he and his wife can have an epic love story too.

“Sitting on a red brick mantle in an easel back 4 by 6 // Nanny and Papa in a getaway car // Yeah they looked like kids // Summer of 59 // Now they’re 85 // Still in love as they were when they were kissin’ // Underneath confetti and rice // in that Lincoln Continental // Scootin’ just a little bit closer // White dress on leather seats // in that Lincoln Continental / Runs like day one when it’s older // Feels better than new // Something borrowed, powder blue // I hope one day that’s me and you”

“Lincoln Continental” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. His flair truly is a perfect blend of country lyrics with a buttery and easy vocal. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

troy-cartwright-lincoln-center

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “Lincoln Center,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“Lincoln Center” 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.

troy-cartwright-get-out-of-this-town

Troy Cartwright Drops New Single “Get Out Of This Town”

Troy Cartwright shares new single “Get Out Of This Town,” out now, May 3rd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

Since going independent, Troy Cartwright has been cranking out music that feel authentic to his true sound and style in country music. His previous releases like “Over You By Now” and “How Smart I Am” were incredible additions to his catalog. Now, the singer-songwriter is releasing another song called, “Get Out Of This Town.”

Written by Cartwright with Seth Alley, Brendan Cooney, and James McNair, “Get Out Of This Town” recounts painful memories, as you try to move on. Throughout the song, Cartwright is putting as many miles as he can between him and the heartache he is trying to leave behind. While the singer is happily married, he manages to tap into the pain and emotions that are all too relatable, when going through heartbreak.

“My whole world’s been a seven mile stretch // Kicking up dreams in the dust // Round here, that’s about as far as you can get // But tonight I’m all gassed up // I’ve saved up every dead end dollar // I’ve got a truck that’ll fly // There ain’t a street there I ain’t been down and it’s got me feeling like // I gotta get out of this town”

“Get Out Of This Town” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

troy-cartwright-get-out-of-this-town

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “Get Out Of This Town,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“Get Out Of This Town” 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.

Troy Cartwright Shares New Single “How Smart I Am”

Troy Cartwright shares new single “How Smart I Am,” out now, March 22nd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

Troy Cartwright kicked off 2024 cementing his true sound and style in country music with his song, “Over You By Now.” Now, Cartwright is continuing to stay firmly planted in his artistry with another new release. His new song, “How Smart I Am” adds another layer to the singer-songwriter’s impressive talent.

“Another Friday, another whiskey // Last weekend she was sitting here with me // She gave me nothing // but second chances / so I don’t understand why I don’t understand it // ‘ Cause I can fix a truck if the truck won’t run // I can tell the time by the angle of the sun // Put a rod in my hand, ain’t a brag but I am lights out when I’m fishing not he lake // I did pretty good on my SAT // but I couldn’t ‘do the math right in front of me // I let a perfect girl slip through my hands // so that’ll tell you just how smart // just how smart I am”

While “Over You By Now” is a ballad, “How Smart I Am” is a mid-tempo track that feels fun to listen to despite the content of the song. Written by Cartwright with Zach Abend and Matt Rogers, “How Smart I Am” paints a picture of a downfall of a relationship and the mistakes that were made by the protagonist. The song feels stage-ready, a perfect addition to Cartwright’s growing catalog of music.

troy-cartwright-how-smart-i-am-single

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “How Smart I Am,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“How Smart I Am” 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.

troy-cartwright-release

Troy Cartwright Shares First Release of 2024 with “Over You By Now”

Troy Cartwright shares new song “Over You By Now,” out now, January 12th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

After having an incredible year finding his true sound and style in country music in 2023, Troy Cartwright is set to continue that momentum in 2024. Today, the singer-songwriter is adding to his growing catalog of songs with a new song called, “Over You By Now.”

The new single is a heartbreaking ballad about unresolved love. Throughout the verses, Cartwright laments about still being in love, despite the break-up. The singer highlights the exact emotions that we all feel when we go through heartbreak and still feel attached to our ex-lover. “Over You By Now” is relatable, genuine, and catchy; despite, the heartbreak it showcases.

“I think it was late September, when I threw away your picture // Somehow, girl, I still see you // I really thought I knew better // When I let you keep my sweatshirt // But I still smell your perfume // I did everything I could to get you off my mind // But your still on my mind // Yeah you’d think after all this time // After all these sleepless nights // I’d be getting there”

Cartwright has a unique voice in the country music genre. His music transcends into the space of true art put to song. “Over You By Now” is a song that is a must-add to your music library!

troy-cartwright-release

Troy Cartwright shares new release, “Over You By Now,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“Over You By Now” 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.

troy-cartwright-deathbed

Troy Cartwright Releases New Song “Deathbed”

Troy Cartwright shares new song “Deathbed,” out now, December 15th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Since making the decision to leave his record label in favor of being an independent artist, Troy Cartwright has found his true North in his music. He continues to grow his music catalog with brand new songs the speak to his talent and knack for story-telling. Today, the singer shares another beautiful new song called “Deathbed.”

The introspective and vulnerable new song is a sincere reflection that almost reads like a poem or a prayer to someone to a loved one. “Deathbed” is focused on a perfect moment stopped in time. It is emotive, pensive, and deeply heartwarming. Cartwright’s vocals shine throughout the track, while the lyrics are a true standout of the song.

“When all the sand in the hourglass // Runs out and my race is run // St. Peter calls me home
// And all my work down here is done // It could be nine or 90 years // But when I’m down to my last breath // I’ll remember this on my deathbed”

Cartwright has a unique voice in the country music genre. His music transcends into the space of true art put to song. “Deathbed” is just another notch in his belt. It is a must listen to and a must add to your music playlists.

troy-cartwright-deathbed

Troy Cartwright shares new song, “Deathbed,” 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 Troy Cartwright releases.

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

“Deathbed” 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.

who-is-troy-cartwright

Who Is Troy Cartwright? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music (2023)

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

who-is-troy-cartwright

Troy Cartwright | Photo credit: Erika Rock

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Troy Cartwright Dixon
Birthday – 04/03/1990
Hometown – Dallas, Texas
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Tom Petty, Jimmy Buffett, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton
Current Single – “Girl I Loved Before” (Out 10/30/23)

The Beginning:

Back in 2021, we introduced you to singer-songwriter Troy Cartwright. At the time Cartwright had just released his project called, Halfway To Houston. Much of Cartwright’s career has evolved since, but for the singer, it is all good things! We caught up with the artist and chatted about the last two years and what fans can expect moving forward.

Growing up in Dallas, Texas, he recalls always loving music. “I’ve always been into music. I always joke that writing songs is the only thing that nobody told me to do.”

At just twelve years old, Cartwright started playing guitar. “Once I could play, I just kind of stopped practicing, and just started writing songs,” shared Cartwright. “I always sort of had a knack for that part of it.” Despite loving music, interestingly he tried to avoid the country genre at first because it was his older sister’s favorite.

“When I was kid, it was just sort of whatever was popular at the time like Simple Plan and New Found Glory and stuff like that […] There was some singer-songwriter stuff that I fell in love with like Pete Yorn.” On the contrary, now, Cartwright also draws inspirations from artists that his parents listened to when he was younger like, Tom Petty.

“I find that I’m doing even more and more digging into the stuff that has stood the test of time. I have probably listened to more Tom Petty in the last two years, then I have my whole life,” he shared. Adding, “At a certain point, like an artist that is a legend like that, it’s something that your parents listened to and then it changes over to something you choose to listen to. I guess for me, I don’t why, but it’s hitting different these days.”

The Turning Point:

Cartwright loved music so much that he took a leap of faith. He headed to Boston for college to pursue a degree in music business. Little did he know, this move would soon change the trajectory of his life.

During his junior year of college, Cartwright participated in an internship that became a major turning point for him. “I realized that was not the path that I wanted to go down,” shared the singer about the business-oriented job. “I realized through that process like ‘hey if you’re going to be an artist’ you just got to go for it.”

Upon graduating college, Cartwright headed back to Dallas to pursue his career as an artist.“ I was able to pretty quickly string together enough shows to pay the bills. […] That was kind of my start in country music, just playing the honky tonks and the bars that would have me.”

“After I came to Nashville for the first time and got to co-write, I knew I was going to move to Nashville no matter what… I just had to figure out how to get there,” Cartwright explains. Eventually, he caught the ear of a publisher in town who offered him the opportunity to write. He also landed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville; however, now, the singer is happily an independent artist.

“I’ve since gone independent, and that happened pretty soon after we put out that record. That’s been pretty life-changing for me. I think at the time it was pretty scary, but it’s actually been great. The results have hopefully spoke for themselves, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to forge my own path in my career and with the music and get to release whatever is inspiring me at the time,” shared the singer.

In the last two years, since we last spoke, Cartwright has reinvented himself, drawing on new inspirations both as a songwriter and as an artist. “It’s interesting like I write so often, I’m probably writing 3 or 4 days a week that like you actually oddly listen to less music, which seems counterintuitive, but from a songwriting perspective, I think I’ve been spending a lot more time trying to source interesting topics. […] I’ve been reading a lot more books and trying to watch more film and TV to get different ideas, and for all my melodies and stuff, I’m constantly trying to switch it up.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Cartwright is cranking out new music. “It’s been a really wild two years. If you would have told me the ride it was going to be, I wouldn’t have believed you, but it’s been fun. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been a lot of rewarding work,” he shared.

Most recently, Cartwright released two songs called, “Girl I Loved Before” and “Can’t Stop Falling Apart.” The former was inspired by the crossroads between possibly breaking-up and falling in love.

“Well “Girl I Loved Before” more or less I was just kind of chasing this idea of there’s a lot of songs about break-ups and about being in love, but there’s not a lot of songs about trying to accept where a relationship might be at, if it’s going to workout or now,” he shared. Adding, “To me in the song, the person is deciding that we’re going to do this thing and make it work, and there’s a spark in that, a rekindling of a frame that’s an exciting concept to tackle as a writer and an as artist for me.”

On the other hand, “Can’t Stop Falling Apart” is an introspective song that uncovers the messy truth of being human in today’s day and age. “Then “Can’t Stop Falling Apart” is one of the most honest songs I’ve written,” began Cartwright. “It was really just a day where the advantages of the new music landscape with TikTok and Instagram reels are so amazing, but it’s also really exhausting because you feel like you never have any rest period. It’s always I have to create today, and you can choose to say I have to or I get too, and most days I say “I get to,” but some days it gets to me, and that day I was coming from this place of ‘man, I’m super burnt out right now’.”

Both songs really speak to Cartwright’s growth as both a vocalist and as a songwriter. According to the singer, more new music is coming down the pipeline soon. Fans can get excited for more authenticity and honesty showcased throughout the singer’s music.

“I’m really excited about the future and some of the music that I’m making. I think one of the things that I love about being independent is getting to try different things, and I really look forward to getting to continue that and trying some different angles, and experimenting with releasing stuff not just as singles but a whole project or something like that.”

Connect:

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

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

Troy Cartwright’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.

who-is-troy-cartwright

Who Is Troy Cartwright? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

who-is-troy-cartwright
The Beginning:

This week, our spotlight is shining on an artist that was born to be a musician. Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Troy Cartwright is one to look out for. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, he recalls always loving music. “I’ve always been into music. I always joke that writing songs is the only thing that nobody told me to do.”

At just twelve years old, Cartwright started playing guitar and writing songs.”Once I could play, I just kind of stopped practicing, and just started writing songs,” shared Cartwright. “I always sort of had a knack for that part of it.” Despite loving music, interestingly he tried to avoid the country genre at first because it was his older sister’s favorite.

“When I was kid, it was just sort of whatever was popular at the time like Simple Plan and New Found Glory and stuff like that […] There was some singer-songwriter stuff that I fell in love with like Pete Yorn.”

Cartwright loved music so much that he took a leap of faith. He headed to Boston for college to pursue a degree in music business. Little did he know, this move would soon change the trajectory of his life.

The Turning Point:

In college, Cartwright rediscovered country music, after missing home and its familiarity. Artists like Eric Church and Chris Stapleton became his “North Star” later in life, as an artist.”I started missing home and that kind of was the start of it to country music and now it’s my career.”

During his junior year of college, Cartwright participated in an internship that became a major turning point for him. “I realized that was not the path that I wanted to go down,” shared the singer about the business-oriented job. “I realized through that process like ‘hey if you’re going to be an artist’ you just got to go for it.”

Upon graduating college, Cartwright headed back to Dallas to pursue his career as an artist.“ I was able to pretty quickly string together enough shows to pay the bills. […] That was kind of my start in country music, just playing the honky tonks and the bars that would have me.”

Eventually, Cartwright caught the ear of a publisher in Nashville.“I had a publisher here in Nashville say ‘hey why don’t you come write some songs here.’,” adding later, “After I came to Nashville for the first time and got to co-write, I was going to move to Nashville no matter what, I just had to figure out how to get there.”

Today:

Now, Cartwright is living his dream, as a signed recording artist. Most recently, the singer-songwriter released his debut major-label EP, Halfway To Houston. The five tracks all portray the rock influence from the singer’s childhood mixed with his love for the storytelling that country music does best.

“Most of these songs were written during the pandemic,” begins Cartwright. “I had a lot of time to think about what I really, really wanted to say as an artist.” Later, the singer shared, “I kind of had it in two buckets. It was what’s the real stuff that I want to say and then what’s the rock n roll part I want to get out.”

His songs “Hammer” and “Halfway To Houston” bring out the rock side of the collection, while “Break Every Heart In Texas” is one of the most emotive songs on the project. According to Cartwright, “It’s a song that I’ve always loved and I love the story and the picture that it paints about this guy watching the love of his life basically marry someone else. I think it’s a pretty powerful emotion.”

This is only the beginning for Cartwright. Fans can expect more music coming in 2022, as well as a tour with LANCO coming even sooner. Stay tuned and make sure to keep the singer on your radar!

Connect:

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

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

Troy Cartwright’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.

who-is-troy-cartwright

Troy Cartwright: ‘Halfway To Houston’ – EP Review

Troy Cartwright’s major-label debut EP, Halfway To Houstonis out now, October 15th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Troy Cartwright is officially making his major label debut. The singer-songwriter’s brand new EP, Halfway To Houston features five new songs that showcase his artistry and undeniable talent. Halfway To Houston is out now.

The record kicks off with the title track. Written by Cartwright with Brandon Hood and Billy Montana, the rock-heavy tune explores the nuances of lust and love. The single showcases the gritty side of the country singer’s persona.

Next up is “Breaking Every Heart In Texas.” The touching slow-burn shows off the vulnerable side of the singer. Similar topically to “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett, the song emotes the hard-to-explain feeling of watching someone you are in love with, marry someone else. The storytelling song is one of the best on the record.

“She’s breakin’ every heart in Texas // Leavin’ behind a bunch of could’ve-been should’ve-been’s // As her daddy gives her hand away // From Amarillo down to Galveston Bay // She’s makin’ all them cowboys jealous // Wishin’ they could hear her say, “I do” in his shoes // But they all try to force a smile // She don’t know it walkin’ down the aisle // She’s breakin’ every heart in Texas”

Cartwright continues to firmly plant his feet in vulnerability and honesty on the next track. “God is Good” sings about life and faith on this stellar new song. His vocals shine on the heartfelt tune that is a true ode to a friend who is battling an illness, while remaining steadfast in his faith. This song is one anyone can relate to, regardless of your relationship with God.

On the other hand, “Hammer” leans into the more gritty side of the singer-songwriter. The imagery the song conveys is what makes this break-up track so intoxicating. Cartwright shows off his present and his readiness for the live show on this absolute jam.

Finally, the record ends with Cartwright’s “Shine On Me.” The single is the autobiographical song on the new EP. It is clear that the entertainer has always been just a kid with a big dream. As a listener, it is inspiring to listen to Cartwright convey his story, his heart, and his journey on this catchy and heart-filled song.

“Cause if it happened for Waylon // Willie and the king // One of these days // Luck’s gonna shine a little light on me // It’s gonna shine on me // Yeah, I know it’s gonna shine on me // It’s gonna shine on me // Yeah, I know it’s gonna shine on me”
Overall, Halfway to Houston is an EP you are going to want to listen to. It is the perfect introduction to all of the talent Cartwright has to offer, while keeping you invested for much more in the future!

Halfway To Houston EP Tracklist

  1. Halfway To Houston (Troy Cartwright, Brandon Hood, Billy Montana)
  2. Breaking Every Heart In Texas (Brett Tyler, Wynn Varble, Jeff Outlaw, Troy Cartwright)
  3. God Is Good (Troy Cartwright, Brandon Hood, Billy Montana)
  4. Hammer (Troy Cartwright, Brandon Hood, Billy Montana)
  5. Shine On Me (Nolan Sipe, Ben Caver, Troy Cartwright)
Troy Cartwright's debut EP 'Halfway To Houston' is out now, October 14th.

Troy Cartwright’s debut EP ‘Halfway To Houston’ is out now, October 14th.

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

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

Halfway To Houston 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.