What We’re Listening To: February Picks
NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre. At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.
Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our February picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!
FEBRUARY PICKS:
Pick: “Rockin’ All Night Long” – Adam Hambrick
Songwriters: Adam Hambrick, Kelly Archer, Pete Good
“I am currently obsessively listening to Adam Hambrick’s “Rockin’ All Night Long”. Right from the get-go the song creates a nostalgic feeling referencing Don McLean’s “American Pie” in the opening lines. Setting the tone for the track, the first passage references the early days of young adulthood when life was all about chasing good times leading into the chorus: “Bloodshot eyes, watch the sunrise / Sleep when you die, phase of life / It’s a full heart falling hard / Singing songs to her in the dark / Drinking up every moment til it’s gone / Just rockin’ all night long.”
The song moves through the next phase telling the story of meeting the love of your life, “giving in to what your heart wants” and once again enjoying that time of your life of being in love and appreciating those late nights together. PLOT TWIST – the final chorus leads to Hambrick becoming a father, sitting in a rocking chair, rocking his sweet baby girl all night long. “She’s the best reason I’ve ever had…. For those bloodshot eyes…” I know, I know… CHILLS. The song is so sweet and unexpectedly emotional. The story it tells is what everybody wants and/or can relate to and that’s what country music is all about.”
Christina Bosch, Managing Editor
Pick: “Lady Like” – Ingrid Andress
Songwriters: Derrick Southerland, Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
“I wasn’t sure which song to pick this month and then last night the NYCountry Swag team attended a showcase with a new songwriter artist, Ingrid Andress. Andress was recently signed to Warner Music Nashville and released her very first song today. She shared last night before singing her debut single, “Lady Like” that the song is about not fitting gender stereotypes. “Just because I never wear a dress and just because I never brush my hair, doesn’t mean I’m less of a woman,” she explained. Watching her sass and unapologetic way of telling her story, I fell in love with her as an artist and this debut single will absolutely be a fan favorite.
“Controversial, so outspoken, I’ve been told I’m not ladylike / but I’m a lady like woah / I could bring you to your knees / Get you kicked out the Garden of Eden / Untameable, unframeable Mona Lisa oh / Kiss you like a whiskey fire / Turn around leave your heart in a riot / Lipstick in a cigarette pack on the dash / I’m a lady like that.”
I’m so glad that she released this single so I can share the song with everyone that I know and I can’t wait to see how many people love it as much as I do.”
Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Living” – Dierks Bentley
Songwriters: Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Ashley Gorley, Dierks Bentley
“When I first got into country music, “Somewhere on a Beach” was on the radio constantly, so immediately Dierks Bentley was one of my favorite artists. His most recent album, The Mountain is great for all country fans because it has songs of the new style of country such as “Women Amen” and traditional, bluegrass type songs such as “Travelin’ Light” featuring Brandi Carlile.
One song that stands out to me on that album is “Living”. Its message, “just because you are alive and breathing doesn’t mean you’re truly living” speaks to me. It makes me want to do more with my life; be adventurous and take chances! Bentley describes how the world is a beautiful place and you should appreciate every moment this life gives you and make the most of it.”
“Some days you just forget what all you’ve been given / Some days you just get by / Yeah some days you’re just alive / Some days you’re living”
Nicole Bochinis, Contributing Writer
Pick: “If My Heart Had a Heart” – Cassadee Pope
Songwriters: Hannah Ellis, Matthew McGinn, Josh Kerr
“When I first heard “If My Heart Had A Heart” by Cassadee Pope, I instantly loved it. Singing about heartbreak is never easy but it’s such a relatable topic, that I myself can relate to. I have been a fan of Pope since her Hey Monday days and it has been an honor to watch her grow over the years. From Hey Monday to The Voice to her debut album and now to her sophomore album, it’s amazing to see the growth she’s had and how her voice has matured. There is something so special about her voice and it makes me so happy that the world gets to hear it. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer
Pick: “These Walls Talk” – Josh Martin
Songwriters: Marla Cannon-Goodman, Reid Isbell, Josh Martin
“This smooth, country, blues-leaning song is pretty much unlike much you hear on the radio today. I remember it playing randomly on my Spotify shuffle and as soon as I heard the chorus, I had to check the title and singer of this song. That’s when you know the song you’re hearing is really good. It’s got the perfect instrumental storm to make it a compelling track that follows through the protagonist’s push-pull love and heartbreak, through the personification of the walls that surround the couple. Josh Martin is an independent artist, but with writing, vocals and the overall work of art like this song, it won’t be long till power players in Nashville take notice of him!”
Kelly Cunningham, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Keep It Simple” – James Barker Band
Songwriters: Gavin Slate, James Barker, Todd Clark, Travis Wood
“James Barker Band just released this new single in January and it’s their catchiest single yet. They pushed boundaries with this track but its one that’ll be stuck in your head for days. It’s an upbeat mood of the well-accomplished image of Friday night fun. This is certainly one of their future hits.”
Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Raised On Country” – Chris Young
Songwriters: Cary Barlow, Chris Young, Corey Crowder
“When I first heard “Raised On Country”, I thought it was going to be just another anthem to country music as many artists are releasing similar songs. Although, upon first listen, I was hooked. I love the references to such iconic country singers like Joe Diffie, Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, and George Strait, that like Young, I grew up on. It certainly resonates well with listeners due to its nostalgic ’90s vibes and memories of the old days. The song is a celebration of the country music we were all raised on whether it was on our own or through our parents and the incredible lyrics that draw you in while the catchy beats will get stuck in your head. I believe that “Raised On Country” will continue climbing the charts and possibly be Young’s 12th number one song.”
Nicole Piering, Contributing Writer
Pick: “I’ve Been Good” – Cassadee Pope
Songwriters:
“When Cassadee Pope released her new album Stages, it was clear that the singer-songwriter was showing a more personal and vulnerable side of herself. While the album is full of gems including “If My Heart Had a Heart,” it’s the closing track, “I’ve Been Good,” that’s truly a standout. The song paints the portrait of someone painting on a brave face, while they’re dying inside. “I’ve been good at looking people in the eye, saying ‘I’ve been good,'” Pope sings after revealing the heartbreaking truth that deep down she’s struggling. She reveals that she’s “been good at drinking whiskey” and “staying busy,” but doing everything except dealing with her own heartbreak. The song is somber yet realistic, the candor in its delivery breathtakingly refreshing, and I can’t get enough of this record.”
Olivia Reese, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Cool” – Rachel Reinert
Songwriters: Davis Naish, Melissa Fuller, Rachel Reinert
“Cool” by Rachel Reinert, has been a jam of mine since it was released last year. It is a laid back tune reminiscing of a relationship ending and coming back together again. “Never thought we’d get back to/The way we used to be when we were cool/We been love, we been hate/We’ve been hurt, but we made it” It has a one of a kind summer sound, perfect for when the winter blues hit and you want a taste of warmer weather. As a long time fan of Rachel Reinert, I was definitely very excited about this single and it didn’t disappoint.”
Nicole Sellati, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Speed of Love” – Florida Georgia Line
Songwriters: Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Tyler Hubbard
“Luckily last week I got the chance to attend two of Florida Georgia Line’s album release day events for Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, and ever since then I’ve had their album on repeat. One of my favorite songs on the album is “Speed Of Love,” because it is fast-paced while giving off the ultimate country vibe. It’s one of those songs that you just have to get up out of your seat to move around to. Though they did not play it at the iHeart Country Album Release Party last week, hopefully, it will be added to their upcoming tour setlist!”
Danielle Tornatore, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Swerve” – Florida Georgia Line
Songwriters: Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, David Garcia, Josh Miller
“When I listened to FGL’s new album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, this song stood out to me immediately. It’s one of those upbeat jams that the guys are known for, but there’s something a little different about this one. It has a little bit of rock n roll flair to it, with hints of other genres blended in which makes it one of my favorite songs ever from Tyler and BK. I was lucky enough to hear it live the very first time they played it at their iHeartRadio album release party last Friday and it made me love it a hundred times more. It’s such a feel-good song that you can’t help but dance to. I can’t wait to hear it live again this summer at Jones Beach!”
Shanna Vitaliano, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Die From A Broken Heart” – Maddie & Tae
Songwriters: Deric Ruttan, Jonathan David Singleton, Maddie Marlow, Taylor Dye
“For this month, I chose Maddie & Tae’s “Die From A Broken Heart” because it is real, raw, and heart-wrenching. It is a song that can easily take us back to a time in our life when we’ve gone through a devastating breakup and you don’t think things will ever get better. It is during that broken time when you lean upon those closest to you, especially your Mom and Dad. Lyrics such as “Hey Momma, how do you get a red wine stain out of your favorite dress? /Black mascara off a pillowcase?/Cure a one-too-many headache?” are just a few relatable things that remind us of a time where we couldn’t fathom being without a person you love. “Die From A Broken Heart” expresses immense vulnerability and after listening all the way through, we are all reminded that things will eventually be okay because we can turn to prayer and to our loved ones for support!”
Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer
Pick: “Velvet Elvis” – Kacey Musgraves
Songwriters: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby
“With so many talented country artists and awesome songs being released daily, it has become harder and harder to pick my favorite song of the month. After all the buzz around the now Grammy winner, Kacey Musgraves, I decided to listen to her entire record, Golden Hour straight through just before the award show aired. I was truly captivated by her unique sound and lyrical ability, and completely understand why everyone is raving about her artistry. One of the songs that stood out to me off the album was my February song pick, “Velvet Elvis.”
