Jon Pardi: Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) Album Review

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Jon Pardi’s Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) is available now, October 2nd, and includes two brand new songs. Check out our review below as we dig a little deeper.

Jon Pardi Heartache Medication Deluxe New Album

Jon Pardi Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version)

Singer-songwriter and country traditionalist, Jon Pardi released the deluxe edition of his third studio album, Heartache Medication today (October 2nd). It contains the fourteen songs on the original, the reimagined “Ain’t Always the Cowboy,” and two brand new tracks, “Bar Downtown” and “Beer Light.”

Pardi released “Ain’t Always the Cowboy (Western Version)” on August 28th. The new adaptation of this ballad is noticeably slowed down in the beginning to better capture the heartbreak of this now lone cowboy. Now the track is a little more produced, but still includes fiddle, steel guitar and other elements of neotraditional country that Pardi brings to mainstream radio.

“Bar Downtown” is a catchy tune about a guy at bar dwelling on his past relationship. He is hopeful that his ex is doing the same thing he is doing now–waiting for the other to walk through the door–just at a different bar. The songwriting on this track is excellent, using a lot of repetition and different rhyme schemes any English teacher would appreciate.

In the second verse, Pardi sings “Are you acting like I’m acting just acting like it’s all alright? Are you going to different places just trying to find my face and wearing every crown? Or have you come to the conclusion that this ‘over-us’ solution just ain’t working out?”

This creativity is shown in the chorus as well: “Are you somewhere in a bar downtown, thinking about me, baby? Drinking about me, baby? / Am I heavy on your heart right now? Like you were all mine wishing we could rewind just a little?”

“Beer Light” is also about using a bar to get over a woman, but in a much gloomier tone. Whiskey is not the right alcohol for this kind of breakup because “her leaving burned enough.” However, the worst of it is behind him so the singer leans on light beer to fill-in the cracks of his broken heart.

“When I start thinking about the past nothing gets me past it like sitting right here sipping / Light beer needs an old beer light”

Heartache Medication did well on the charts upon its release last year on September 27th 2019, debuting at number two and number eleven on the Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 charts, respectively. It is up for Album of the Year at the 2020 CMA Awards and also received an ACM nomination, but lost to Luke Combs’ What You See Is What You Get. Its lead single and the title track, “Heartache Medication,” reached number one, making it Pardi’s third chart-topping hit.

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

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

Heartache Medication (Deluxe Version) 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
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Here is Filmore’s Debut Album, ‘State I’m In’

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Filmore’s debut album State I’m In is out now. Check out our full First Impression Review of the project and give it a listen below.

Filmore State I'm In

Today marks the day that one of our favorite artists, Filmore drops his debut album State I’m In. The singer-songwriter burst onto the mainstream scene in 2018, and since then, he has mesmerized fans and is taking the music industry by storm. He also found himself snagging a spot on our NYCS 2019 Artists to Watch list! If this 18-song record is any clue of what is in store, Filmore is sure to continue to be one to look out for.

“This album is a look into my life over the last few years. It’s the ups and downs in relationships, experiences from my hometown, life on the road, and living in Nashville,” the singer shares in a recent press release, “I wrote every song from a real and personal place with amazing writers and friends. My hope is that you can listen to the album from start to finish and know who Filmore is by the end.”

The singer’s sentiment perfectly embodies the record. The album features breakup songs that showcase different stages of a dissolution of a relationship and songs that explain how it feels to be so deeply in love with a person and with life. “London” and “Pictures On The Fridge” focus on the bittersweet nostalgia that comes from a breakup. The former takes us through all the places in London that the couple would have gone to together had they stayed together. The latter focuses on all the pictures that are no longer meaningful. Both songs are ironically upbeat for having a sad theme.

“Those 3x5s only remind me what I miss about you / You’re just a memory now, I still can’t take them down / It’s 3AM I’m lost again, damn these pictures on the fridge / These pictures on the fridge” 

“Blue Skies,” “State I’m In,” and “Heart’s Having A Hard Time” focus on the emotions when you are in the thick of a breakup. All three songs convey an honest approach to music, as well as, to what we all feel as humans when we go through hard times. One of our favorites, “Heart’s Having A Hard Time” is especially poignant. It depicts the unique challenges of being the one to end the relationship, equally as painful in different ways.

“Yeah I know I made up my mind / But my heart / My heart’s having a hard”

Continuing to explore the same type of narrative, “W.I.L.D.” takes the idea of a broken relationship to a different level. The acronym, which stands for “when I lay down,” shines a light on the emotions that overtake us at night, when we go to bed and long for an ex-lover. Normalizing these feelings helps us all feel a little closer to the singer.

Of course, the record isn’t all break-up songs. Filmore gives us a power anthem on being single with “Nothing’s Better.” The brand new track reminds us of how good it feels to be confident in who you are.

“Nothing’s better than us not together / ‘cause the best kind of me is me without you”

Filmore’s debut album also fills our hearts with some promising love songs. “Love That About You,” “Me Lately,” and “Other Girl” depicts a different stage in a relationship. “Love That About You” is a complete jam about falling in love and appreciating all the little things about your significant other. “Me Lately,” tells the story about how the entertainer went through somewhat of metamorphosis when he finally found the love he was looking for. He sings about a special lady giving him the confidence to love himself, all because she loves and accepts him for who he is. Lastly, “Other Girl” is the song for when you realize you have found your forever.

Earlier this year, Filmore joined us a live swag session in New York City where he performed “Love That About You,” “Other Girl”, and “Slower,” before joining us for an interview. Check out the full video below.

Finally, to lace the whole record together, Filmore finds resolution and acceptance with songs like “Country Song,” “My Place,” and the concluding track, “Anyone But Me.” “Country Song” is the singer-songwriter’s ode to country music. It is the song that we can’t wait to hear live and sing along to. Similarly, “My Place” is another song made for the stage. Finally, “Anyone But Me” completes Filmore’s story for his debut album. He ends the record with an honest and truthful anecdote about how his life has changed for the good and for the bad over his nine-year journey in Nashville. The song is able to simultaneously wrap up a cohesive project and leave room for a second chapter in the next record.

Filmore explores the gamut of emotions throughout this record. Each of the eighteen tracks is clearly dosed with a whole lot of Filmore charm. From the lyrics to the production to the order of the tracks, State I’m In proves that Filmore is a talent like no other!

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Anyone But Me”
  2. “Country Song”
  3. “Love That About You”
  4. “W.I.L.D.”

 

State I’m In Tracklist:

  1. New To This
  2. Slower
  3. Country Song
  4. I.L.D.
  5. State I’m In
  6. Heart’s Having A Hard Time
  7. Blue Skies
  8. Nothing’s Better
  9. Busy
  10. Love That About You
  11. My Place
  12. Other Girl
  13. Pictures On The Fridge
  14. Me Lately
  15. Day Hour Minute
  16. London
  17. Livin Easy
  18. Anyone But Me

State I’m In is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Granger Smith’s New Album ‘Country Things, Vol. 1’ is Out Now

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Granger Smith’s new album Country Things, Vol. 1 is here, marking this his tenth studio release. The eight-track project is one you’ll want to listen to and then listen to again, as it will teach you to appreciate the moments in life that money can’t buy, not to take anything for granted, and enjoy every moment spent with your loved ones.

Granger Smith Country Things

Smith began working on this project last year before it was put on hold when he and his wife, Amber, tragically lost their son River, in an accidental drowning. While it must have been difficult to start back up, the singer-songwriter showcases his incredible strength and gratitude for the life he built with each song.

The title track “Country Things” starts off the album in true country fashion with a fiddle. Written by Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Ernest K. Smith, Brian Kelley and, Hunter Phelps, this song sets the whole upbeat yet deep, tone of the album. It shares the message that no matter where you’re from, take a moment, and enjoy the simple “country things” in life, including dirt roads, manners, and passed down recipes.

“I Kill Spiders” is a song that every parent needs to hear and even if you’re not a parent, it will still pull on your heartstrings. Written by Smith and Tim Owens, this song starts with a little girl’s voice calling her dad saying she needs him. The touching melody shares the message that whether you need them to kill spiders or help you when you’re feeling lost, your parents will always be there for you to make your world a bit brighter.

Smith does a fantastic job reminding us to live in the present with “That’s Why I Love Dirt Roads”. He also reminds us to be thankful for the people in our lives who go the extra mile to make sure we succeed with “Heroes”.

While this album may make you stop and think, Smith did a great job of balancing out the deep songs with the traditional love and country pride songs we are used to. Additionally, no need to worry as fan-favorite and Smith’s alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., closes out the album with a fun twist of the popular kid’s tune “If You’re Happy And You Know It”. Appropriately retitled “Country & Ya Know It”, the song shows appreciation to the country lifestyle, and instead of clapping your hands, you raise a beer. We cannot wait to sing along to this at a future live show.

Country Things, Vol. 1 gives you a new appreciation for the little things in life and we can’t wait to see what Volume 2 brings.

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

Country Things, Vol. 1  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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Carrie Underwood’s Christmas Album ‘My Gift’ is Here

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Carrie Underwood’s Christmas Album is finally here and although it’s only September, it seems the holidays have come early. The country superstar has recorded multiple holiday tracks since winning American Idol in 2005, but today’s release titled My Gift is the first full-length Christmas album of her 15+ year career. 

Carrie Underwood My Gift

With a mix of Christmas classics like “O Holy Night”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Mary Did You Know”, and “O Come All Ye Faithful”, plus original songs sure to become holiday favorites such as “Let There Be Peace”, “Sweet Baby Jesus”, and “Hallelujah”, the album truly has something for everyone. There are even special guests including John Legend and a very unique ‘Little Drummer Boy’, Underwood’s 5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher. 

The record is full of gospel and soul and showcases two of Carrie Underwoods’ most notable qualities; her killer pipes and her religious devotion. The album has plenty of powerful registers known around the world, but fans will also see a softer side of Underwood’s voice throughout the project as she lends gentler vocals to the spiritual lyrics. The singer-songwriter (plus lifestyle brand entrepreneur and most recently best-selling author) has always put her faith front and center in her career and this project is no different. Even the name of the album, “My Gift” came from a place of worship. 

“I tried to think about the songs that were in it and one of my favorites is “Little Drummer Boy” because the sentiment behind it is so honest,” Underwood said in a teaser video for the project earlier this year. “They’re bringing gifts to baby Jesus and he doesn’t have anything, he’s poor. So he says ‘I’m gonna play my drum for him, that’s what I have’. And to me, that is a gift that was given to him by God. I love music. I love singing. That is my personal gift that I have that I am blessed to do and I want to use that gift and give it back to Jesus”. 

The timing may have finally been right for the songstress to release a holiday project, but the coronavirus pandemic provided a unique challenge when it came to finishing the album. Thanks to technology, however, producer Greg Wells was able to be with Underwood in the studio via Zoom. Behind the scenes, video from the sessions show studio musicians and choral singers socially distant and wearing masks. 

Fans will get a chance to experience the album another way this winter when HBO Max airs an exclusive holiday special. Underwood will appear with a live orchestra and choir, performing both traditional and original songs from the album. An air date for the special hasn’t been announced yet.

“Now more than ever we all need to focus on what Christmas is about,” says Underwood.  “Even though it has been a tough year, sometimes I feel like the greatest realizations can come in the worst times or in the most stressful times and it makes you more thankful for the things that you do have.”  Right now, we’re thankful for the new Carrie Underwood music!

To keep up with Carrie Underwood, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

My Gift is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. 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.

NYCS First Impression: Luke Laird ‘Music Row’

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Luke Laird Music Row

Luke Laird has built a reputation for himself as a country music songwriter and producer. He has penned over 24 number one hits which have earned him Grammys, ACM’s, CMA’s, BMI Songwriter of the Year, and many other accolades throughout the duration of his songwriting career. He has written songs such as “So Small,” “Temporary Home” and “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood, “Pontoon” by Little Big Town, “Head Over Boots” by Jon Pardi, and a plethora of other chart-topping hits.

Music Row is Luke Laird’s debut album under his name. It chronicles the story of a child born and raised in Hartstown, Pennsylvania, and the journey of making it to music city. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Laird recorded the project himself, while Bill Bottrell, the producer behind Sheryl Crow’s Tuesday Night Music Club, produced the record. Music Row is eclectic, an astonishingly authentic assemblage of personal diary entries not made to charm the top of country music charts. The low-fi energy speaks to the persona of Laird.

The title track and album starter “Music Row” hosts an island-like aura, dedicating its lyrical content to Laird’s appreciation for country music. “Good Friends” trails off of the happy-go-lucky vibe of the title track and spreads this low-fi energy throughout the duration of the record. “Hangin’ Out” depicts his relationship with his wife Beth and the story they have created. “Jake and Mack” extends that story to include their two sons.

“That’s Why I Don’t Drink Anymore” arrests Laird’s vulnerability as he softly tells his story of his downfall. Guitar caresses Laird’s vocals and lyrical captivity of addition which he premiered at the Bluebird Cafe years back. Shortly before the release of the record, Laird shared a little insight behind the emotional track. At 27, the singer + songwriter finally understood that he had a problem with alcohol. He sings: “By the grace of God / I’m waking up at home ‘stead of passing out in a parking lot … Don’t matter how hard some days can be / I am found and I am free / What else do I need?”

“Leaves On The Ground” depicts Laird’s best friend from high school. “Branch From a Tree” is the only song on the collection written with co-writers, which he wrote with Lori McKenna and Barry Dean.

The album was inspired by Laird’s wife, Beth Mason Laird, who mentioned that he should release an album of his own stories since he had a bunch of songs that he wrote for himself piled around. In 2011, Luke and Beth founded the publishing and management company Creative Nation that represents Laird, Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Steve Moakler, Kassi Ashton, and more.

Follow Luke Laird on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Music Row 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Drew Green ‘Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP’

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Drew Green Dirt Boy EP

Last month we introduced you to Sony Music Nashville’s newest signee, Drew Green in one of our Swag Spotlight features. Today, we present to you some brand new music by the singer-songwriter. He released his debut EP entitled Dirt Boy Vol. 1 and country fans are going to want to take a listen.

Each of the seven tracks are special and stand-out in their own way. The EP can be summed up in a few words: innovative, charming, and honest. Green finds a way to appeal to modern-day country fans, but still utilize guitar riffs, instrumentals, and story-telling lyrics that will appeal to traditional country music lovers.

The opening track “She Got That” is a bop. The song is full of swag and feels reminiscent of labelmate, Adam Doleac’s hit single “Famous.” Green unapologetically expresses his love for a special someone, dropping compliments throughout the verses. This track has radio written all over it.

“She got my heart, my soul, my back / She got my heart, my soul, my back / And whatever she wants/ Whatever she needs / Whatever it is / She’s gonna get it from me.”

The next song, “Woods,” is just as fun and funky. The track is a perfectly blended deliciousness of country-tradition with modern vibes, something Florida Georgia Line has always done well. The song feels familiar, yet unique, which is a combination you do not see very often. We especially love the unexpected banjo section midway through the song. The same vibe continues in the song “Dirty Money” too. On that track, Green relies on that rhythmic sing-talk voice, which adds to the innovation.

Of course, the singer proves his vocal chops with “Little More Be Alright,” a previously released song, and “Fine by Me.” We learned from our interview with Green that the former was inspired by a buddy from back home in a simple conversation about wanting something that you did not necessarily need. The conversation turned into a lyrically driven song and a much needed quiet spot on this project. On the other hand, “Fine by Me” is a killer, vocally-driven track. The song features vocal layers, which only adds to the ambiance and vibe of the alluring track.

“It ain’t nothin’, girl to turn it around, hit a u-turn / ‘Cuz you turn me on right now / Or we can keep driving around, girl / Whatever you want / So fine by me / Fine by me”

Finally, the record ends with the song that showcases Green’s urban influences. “Right Where I Be” is the perfect ending to a cohesive and exciting project. Just like an EP should, Dirty Boy Vol. 1 keeps fans excited for what’s to come for the newcomer.

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “She Got That”
  2. “Little More Be Alright”
  3. “Fine by Me”

Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP Tracklist:

  1. She Got That
  2. Woods
  3. Little More Be Alright
  4. Fine by Me
  5. Money Don’t Sleep (Interlude)
  6. Dirty Money
  7. Right Where I Be

Dirt Boy Vol. 1 EP 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.

 

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Keith Urban ‘THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1’

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Keith Urban The Speed Of Now

There is no one like Keith Urban in the music industry. For over twenty years, we have had the pleasure of watching Urban evolve as a musician, songwriter, and bonafide superstar. He continues to deliver music that is true to who he is in the moment, blending sounds across genres. His newest LP, THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1 marks the singer’s 11th full-length record, and it is Urban at his finest.

Each and every one of the sixteen tracks are cohesive, yet impactful individually. Although the production of each song may be different and genre-bending is evident, every song focuses on the importance of ‘now’ and ultimately not waiting to speak your truth. In the reflective, yet nostalgic tune, “Live With,” Urban explores the narrative that the goal is to live a life you love, rather than the life someone expects you to live. “We Were” of course, both the original track and the feature with writer, Eric Church, culminates this idea, affirming that our choices set us up for the rest of our lives.

Along with Church, Urban collaborates with funk/pop icon Nile Rodgers and Breland, as well as, megastar P!NK on the opening tracks. “Out The Cage” with Breland and Nile Rodgers is a funky, electronica track that begs fans to listen to it. The song is one that moves you solely based on production alone. However, the cut with P!NK, “One Too Many” is a vocally-driven ballad. The duet showcases how well the two singers’ voices blend together in a buttery and soulful jam.

“I spent all my money drinking on my own, yeah / In this bar just sat here, staring at my phone /  And I keep second-guessing where did I go wrong / I know I’m proud, but I’ve had one too many- come take me home”

The bigger picture is apparent in songs like “Polaroid” and “Say Something.” The former captures the bittersweet passing of time through the lens of photographs. The instant-gratification track is all about making choices that are right for your life. The latter, which is arguably one of the most important on the record, “Say Something” is an unequivocal plea to human beings to speak your truth, to stand up for what you believe in, and use your voice as an action tool. In today’s day and age, this is even more crucial, and Urban is taking it upon himself to empower the voiceless.

“From track to track there’s a spirit I’m seeking to capture from beginning to end,” Urban shares about his record, “There’s a fluidity to these songs. It’s multi-dimensional and multi-faceted because truly we have more in common than different.”

The record continues to flow into songs with a simpler message. Love songs like “God Whispered Your Name” and “Ain’t Like A Woman” fit right into Urban’s wheelhouse, as an expression of true love is apparent in his relationship with his beautiful and successful wife, Nicole Kidman. Both of these songs, sonically, will appeal to long-time fans of Urban.

Of course with love, also comes heartbreak. “Superman” and “Change Your Mind” both perpetuate heartbreak in different ways. “Superman” is an upbeat tune that features sad lyrics. Reflecting on a broken relationship, where you felt on top of the world is bittersweet, and Urban expresses this effortlessly. On the other hand, “Change Your Mind” is a slow burn song. It expresses the dissolution of a relationship with brooding and self-deprecating lyrics, backed by just a simple guitar production.

“I was the problem, self-sabotaging / You had no option / You had to go when you had to go / And I couldn’t stop it / I was not willing to bend / You said it, again and again, / You need a heart that better fits you”

Overall this record is not going to appeal to one particular fan, it will appeal to the masses. There is a song for everyone on this project, but that is exactly what we have come to love from the superstar. He makes music for the soul, sets higher standards for himself, while ridding himself of any parameters or boundaries, and just creates. Good music is good music and Urban knows it.

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Say Something”
  2. “One Too Many” (duet with P!NK)
  3. “Change Your Mind”
  4. “Live With”

THE SPEED OF NOW Part 1 TRACKLIST:

  1. Out The Cage (featuring Breland and Nile Rodgers)
  2. One Too Many(duet with P!NK)
  3. Live With
  4. Superman
  5. Change Your Mind
  6. Forever
  7. Say Something
  8. Soul Food
  9. Ain’t Like A Woman
  10. With You
  11. Tumbleweed
  12. God Whispered Your Name
  13. Polaroid
  14. Better Than I Am
  15. We Were
  16. We Were (featuring Eric Church)

THE SPEED OF NOW PART 1 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Kelsea Ballerini ‘ballerini’

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Kelsea Ballerini new album

On March 20th, Kelsea Ballerini put out her third studio album, kelsea, a project full of life and created to be sung loud at parties and arena concerts. She had so many plans that went hand-in-hand with that release, and when everything was put on pause, those plans were put on hold. While a fantastic record, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to reimagine the songs and dive even deeper into the writing itself, so she released a new version of the album titled ballerini on September 11th.

“overshare”, which was a smooth, pop-country jam on kelsea is now a groovy, folksy, and even stronger album opener. This time around, with a few lyrical and melodic changes that make you want to play it on repeat, it feels back-porch personal, which is the very intent of ballerini.

“Yeah I know there are moments that I’m missing / If I’d just shut up and listen, but /
Silence makes me scared / So then I overshare,” she sings over a catchy guitar.

“club” and “the way i used to” are examples of big, arena tour-ready songs that are turned into gorgeous piano ballads. Lyrically, they always captured some of the insecurities that come with being young and going out, but now they feel like you’ve stayed up too late and you’re too in your head.

“love me like a girl” is a stunning, perfectly quiet moment. On the new version, Ballerini leaves space and uses her voice as an instrument. Harmonies and serene guitars surround the song in a perfectly understated way, making it all about the lyrics.

“I wish you could get inside my head/Baby, maybe then, you’d understand/It doesn’t mean that you’re not my whole world/But I wish you could love me like a girl.” 

“bragger”, “hole in the bottle” and “love and hate” are three of the most country songs, and particularly on “love and hate” does Ballerini show off her Knoxville roots. “needy” and “half of my hometown” stay true to their original form, but because of the production choices, listeners are really able to focus on what she’s saying and how great of a writer she truly is.

Ballerini worked with longtime friend and frequent kelsea collaborator Jimmy Robbins to complete and produce the album together. They made a soulful, subtle record that really allows fans to dig into who Kelsea Ballerini is at the core.

ballerini proves that often times, artists don’t need all the bells and whistles and glitter that surround music today. At least if you can tell a story in the way Kelsea Ballerini can. If kelsea was self-aware, ballerini is all about intuition. We’ve met the colorful, vibrant Kelsea, but now we’ve formally met the girl behind the songs. Nice to really meet you again, Kelsea Ballerini.

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

To keep up with Kelsea Ballerini, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

ballerini 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.

 

ballerini TRACKLIST

1.     overshare (ballerini album version)
2.     club (ballerini album version)
3.     homecoming queen? (ballerini album version)
4.     the other girl (ballerini album version)
5.     love me like a girl (ballerini album version)
6.     love and hate (ballerini album version)
7.     bragger (ballerini album version)
8.     hole in the bottle (ballerini album version)
9.     half of my hometown (ballerini album version)
10.  the way i used to (ballerini album version)
11.  needy (ballerini album version)
12.  a country song (ballerini album version)
13.  la (ballerini album version)

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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NYCS First Impression: Mickey Guyton EP ‘Bridges’

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Mickey Guyton Bridges

2020 has been one of the most turbulent years in history. Between a pandemic, civil unrest, and natural disasters, it seems like it’s never-ending. With all the chaos comes clarity, though, and Mickey Guyton, one of country music’s best vocalists, has used her voice in every way, which resulted in her fantastic new EP, Bridges, out today, September 11th.

The current single and project opener, “Heaven Down Here” is the perfect song for uncertain times. The track was written by Guyton, and legends Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, and Hilary Lindsay. Guyton spends the verses speaking to God, asking him to send a little light down to Earth. It’s the kind of anthem everyone wants to hear right now.

“If you got a little love/Left in your back pocket/Rain it down like pennies/In this wishing well of tears/I know that you’re busy/But if you could hear me talking/We could use a little more heaven down here,” Guyton sings hopefully on the chorus.

The title track “Bridges” captures the feeling of hope similarly to “Heaven Down Here”, but from a different lens. Guyton is not only a talented singer and songwriter, but she is constantly using her platform to lift other women up and to speak on topics that move her.

“Gonna need more than prayers and wishes to build those bridges, bridges, bridges/It’s gonna take way more work to fix it, gotta build those bridges.”

Sonically, it feels distinctly pop country, but has Gospel undertones that make Guyton’s voice particularly shine. There are fun moments like “Rosé” and “Salt” that showcase Guyton’s effortless charm and mystique. “Rosé” is a front-porch-sipping type of track, whereas “Salt” is like a leather jacket and a red lip. Both have completely different vibes and show even more sides to who Guyton is as a person and artist.

“Two years ago, this project didn’t feel like it was even a possibility,” shares Guyton. “This EP proves that in your darkest moments, you can have your biggest breakthroughs. I think back to all of the obstacles in my life and career, including writing and recording most of this EP in quarantine during a time of social unrest, and how it has all led to the birth of this beautiful project. I hope these songs provide others with the same happiness and strength they have provided me in these uncertain times.”

“What Are You Gonna Tell Her” is an absolute show stopper of a song. The introduction is haunting; the sound of a toy piano before Guyton’s precise vocal delivery comes in. “She thinks love is love and if/You work hard, that’s enough/Skin’s just skin and it doesn’t matter,” she sings softly on the first verse. As each verse builds, her voice gets louder and stronger with more intent. “And that her friend’s older brother’s gonna keep his hands to himself/And that somebody’s gon’ believe her when she tells/But what are you gonna tell her?/When she’s wrong?” Guyton states this so plain and simple, and perhaps that’s part of what makes it so heartbreaking. Because it’s the definition of three chords and the truth.

Finally, the EP closes with the critically acclaimed “Black Like Me”, a song equally catchy and thought-provoking. Released during the start of the protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Guyton tells her story of being a Black person living in America. “I’m an adult. I’m a woman going through real shit – and my life isn’t light and fluffy,” she said in a press release. “Black Like Me” covers that side of Guyton; the side that faces the truth, even when it hurts.

Mickey Guyton is one of those rare artists who you know you’re lucky to be listening to their music in real-time. She has so much to say – and she says it well. Guyton freed herself from the chains of country radio, so she could figure out exactly how to use her voice. And once she did that, nothing could hold her back anymore, as heard on Bridges. “I realize the power in truth and love, the power in your voice,” she says. “What you do with it, is up to you.”

 

Bridges Track Listing:

“Heaven Down Here”* (Mickey Guyton, Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
“Bridges”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“Rosé”** (Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks, Karen Kosowski)
“Salt”* (Mickey Guyton, Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, Steven Lee Olsen)
“Black Like Me”+ (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Fraser Churchill, Emma Davidson-Dillon)

*Produced by Karen Kosowski
**Produced by Karen Kosowki and Forest Whitehead
+Produced by Nathan Chapman and Forest Whitehead

NYCS Staff Picks:

  1. “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”
  2. “Bridges”
  3. “Black Like Me”

To keep up with Mickey Guyton, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Bridges’ 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Riley Green ‘IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS’

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Riley Green If It Wasn't For Trucks

We have come to expect bold, true-blue honesty from Riley Green, and that’s just what we get with his latest release. Full of personal storytelling, traditional country vibes, and heart, IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS is another peek into Green’s talent, authenticity, and soul.

All co-written by Green himself, each of the five songs are all sprinkled with a hint of charm and a whole lot of nostalgia. All reflective of the singer-songwriter’s personal journey, the collection of songs shares his values and Jacksonville, Alabama roots.

The opening track “Jesus and Wranglers” is a prideful tune about being unapologetically you. It also just so happens to be an ode to his hometown and country-boy living. “If I Didn’t Wear Boots” amplifies the same message, but manifests as a quasi-love song. With lyrics about gaining courage from a drink and charm from his boots, it has Green written all over it.

The center track and quite possibly the anchor of the whole project, “Better Than Me” is a quarantine track that gave us light during these crazy times. This version features country singer Randy Owen, but the messages continue to be the same. An emotional track, Green acknowledges the mixed feelings that have come from quarantine, but leans on his faith during this time, and has given way to the notion that God must know better than him. In other words, take each day one step at a time, find the goodness and positive thoughts, and remember that there is a purpose and a reason for everything.

“Doing some old friend checking in / It seems like where I’m going might be better than where I’ve been / With all this going on / Found the right in all his wrong / I finally see / Good Lord knows better than me”

Similarly, “Behind The Times” acknowledges that sometimes less modern people know more than we do. Green shares lessons that he has learned from someone he deems “behind the times.” I think we can all learn a little bit from this song.

Finally, the title track “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” is an appreciation song for everything a truck symbolizes for a good-ole country boy. Without being generic, Green finds a way to reminisce through his experiences of love, loss, grief, and risk, while weaving the common thread of having his truck through all of those emotions.

“Where would I have raised all that hell / And talk to God all by myself / How would I have got to Tennessee / Without a bucket seat / Where was I suppose to cry that July day grandaddy died”

These songs are a look into Green’s next full-length project, slated to be released sometime next year. Until then, the singer and his team have (virtually) invited fans for a look into his world. ‘The Golden Saw Series’ benefits musicians, who out of work due to the global pandemic. Green’s #GETTHATBANDABEER and ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund continue to assist members of the community that are in need. Green and special guests will continue to play virtual shows at the Alabama venue through most of September.

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Jesus and Wranglers”
  2. “Better Than Me”

IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS Tracklist:

  1. Jesus and Wranglers
  2. If I Didn’t Wear Boots
  3. Better Than Me featuring Randy Owen
  4. If It Wasn’t For Trucks
  5. Behind The Times

IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: