When I first started blogging I wrote a lot about what I was listening to. I was working at a country radio station in Philadelphia and had first access to new releases, which was awesome! I no longer have that privilege, but still download new music all the time. Here's some of the things I've downloaded recently and think you should too:
Jekyll & Hyde [ALBUM], Zac Brown Band This album is all kinds of awesome. If you listen to nothing else from this list, listen to this!!!! Traveller [ALBUM], Chris Stapleton Small Town Dreams [ALBUM], Will Hoge Girl Crush, Little Big Town
This song has been getting some backlash from fans and has been pulled from some radio stations because it "promotes a gay agenda". If people actually listened to the lyrics and the story they're telling, they'd hear that it's about jealousy.
Love You Like That, Canaan Smith
She Don't Love You, Eric Paslay
Break Up With Him, Old Dominion This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head and make you want to dance! Fall Apart, Casey James
Crash & Burn, Thomas Rhett
It's no secret Thomas Rhett is one of my favorite new artists. You should definitely check him out.
Has Lady Antebellum released anything that is short of amazing?!
Yeah I can't think of anything either and their Deluxe Edition of their
latest album, Golden, is well, amazing.
Golden was
released back in May, but last week the group released the Deluxe
Edition with 6 additional songs- 3 never heard before, including their
newest single Compass and 3 renditions of previous hits.
Lady Antebellum is the type of group that pleases all sorts of audiences with songs ranging from tragic to sassy and innocent to frisky. The melodies on this album are so ear-catching that you automatically find yourself humming and dancing along. Different ballads on the record highlight Charles and Hilary's vocal capabilities, both together and individually, all variations being, simply put, beautiful!
Not only are the songs musically awesome, the lyrics are brilliant. You don't have to listen/ pay attention to the lyrics in order to enjoy the songs, but when you do, it makes the songs 100x better than they already are. There is not a song that on this album that I want to skip. It lives up to its title and is truly, Golden. I'm swooning over this entire album, no joke!
I tried to narrow down my favorites:
Compass- Let your heart, sweetheart, be your compass when you're lost and you should follow it wherever it may go
I love And The Radio Played because it references so many awesome country songs. Everytime I hear it I pick up another song that it references. It's one of those song that you stop and tune everything else out so you can just listen. I really love it. See if you can pick up on all of the other song references in it, it's fun, I'm also a dork.
I really hope you guys enjoy this album as much as I do. Call me crazy, but it has the power to put me in a great mood!!! :)
What do you think of Lady Antebellum? Do you love this album?
Toby Keith is the first country artist that I started listening to. He was also my first country concert on his Shock 'n Y'all tour, which I went to with my mom, dad, sisters and best friend, Nina, at the Delaware State Fair in the summer of 2003. Fun Fact: Blake Shelton opened for Toby on that Tour, how wild is that!! I credit his Unleashed (2002) and Shock 'n Y'all (2003) albums for getting me into country music and they are still my favorites of his to this day! Should've Been A Cowboy is one of my favorite songs off all time, the live version, of course!
Toby Keith recently released his Drinks After Work album, which I think is his best album in years. Don't get me wrong, he's had some great singles, but as a whole, I really like this album. With the genre of country music somewhat changing and ranging from country-rock to country-pop, Toby Keith remains country. His songs are real, and American, and down-home country. He stays true to what brought me into this genre and out of my boy-band phase.
This summer I had that pleasure of meeting Toby Keith for first time with Nina. It was so much fun being able to meet him together 10 years after we went to his concert for the first time. We've seen him a number of times since then too.
It was also fun being able to upgrade my sisters' seats and watch the concert just a few rows back with them! I just really love country music and the experiences I've had with my family and friends surrounding it. It warms my heart!
Now back to talking about the album, Drinks After Work was somewhat delayed due to the devastating Tornadoes tearing through Toby's hometown of Moore, Oklahoma back in May.
As usual the album ranges from heart-felt and sentimental tracks to lighthearted laughs and crowd pleasers. In this album he also experiments with a few new styles including blues and a hint of R&B in one of my favorite tracks, Little Miss Tear Stain (Could we ever get back together or is never still a good time to call... loveeee that line!). Toby gives his fans what they want and look forward to in tracks that tell a story and show off his wit, like I'll Probably Be Out Fishing.
In his Deluxe Edition, which I highly recommend, Toby showcases his patriotism once again in Call A Marine and sings a beautiful and deeply powerful tribute to his band member in Chuckie's Gone.
Live in Overdrive Tour, Summer 2012
You won't be disappointed in this album, I suggest downloading the Deluxe Edition! Here are some of my favorite tracks!
I don't think I'll ever forget the first time I heard Thomas Rhett. It was the beginning of my internship at Philadelphia's Country Radio Station (92.5 WXTU). He had come into the studio on his radio tour to play for our Program Director and our Music Director (the people who decide what gets played on the radio). All staff is invited to watch these acoustic performances and it quickly became one of my favorite perks of the internship and working for the radio station.
Thomas Rhett played Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and Whatcha Got In That Cup. I was immediately hooked. I loved his voice, his guitar playing and his image. He was so nice, genuine, and seemed to really appreciate the people who gathered to hear him perform. That experience made me appreciate the new-comers so much more. They
realize it's because of radio that their fans hear their music and help
them succeed.
Since that day in early February 2012, I've seen him perform 4 times and "met" him twice more. His EP was released sometime last year and I, of course, instantly downloaded and couldn't get enough of it. I don't know if it's because of the "relationship" I've formed with him (and by relationship I mean we follow each other on twitter and have hung out back stage) or because of his music, but I really loved it.
Thomas Rhett recently released his first full album, It Goes Like This, which features his first three singles, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and his first #1 hit, It Goes Like This. The album does a great job of showcasing Thomas' strong voice, while having that country-rock feel and being musically diverse over all. Honestly though, I'm a much bigger fan of his EP than the completed album. The EP is where his better songs are. Well, I'm not sure if I should say better or really just the ones I like better.
Though I'm not in love with all of the songs, Thomas Rhett is very talented. He's been on the writing side on a number of hits that you've heard from Jason Aldean and others, not to mention, he's the song of award-winning song-writer, Rhett Akins. It's going to be cool to see his career grow because his
talent is amazing and he's going to be big time! I'm sure he's going to capture a wonderful audience from this debut record. It also doesn't hurt that he's so damn cute and has the best southern twang!
My favorites from the album include: Make Me Wanna, Whatcha Got in That Cup, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer with Jesus (though it's sparked some controversy, I like it), and In A Minute!!
Definitely check out the album and let me know what you think.
I fell in love with Chris Young after I purchased his last album, Neon. I couldn't stop listening to it. I have an obsessive nature with things that I love, as if you didn't already know that. I have a habit of listening to songs non stop for days. And right now it's Chris Young's newest album, A.M., that's on repeat!! It's not like anything he's ever done before.
This album is full of energy and sure to get you moving to the music. Some of the lyrics are wonderfully sad, but somehow they make my heart happy!! I just feel the songs. I know I'm crazy but Chris Young just has a way of speaking to me. I felt the same way after Neon. I only know him through his songs
and what he sings about. I mean if a guy was like the way Chris Young
portrays himself in his songs, I would probably fall in love. I loveee his deep, twangy voice- it literally makes me weak in the knees! I often wonder how he's
single. I met him once and he was just the nicest. He hung out with us
back stage
and didn't act like a celebrity though most of the country artists I've
met haven't acted like that either.
Seriously, though. Check out this album. You won't be disappointed.
Here are my favorite songs from the album and trust me, it was hard to limit it. Definitely listen to the entire thing. Do you love Chris Young as much as I do? What do you think of A.M.? And wouldn't you know it, that as soon as I figure out this whole grooveshark thing, they don't have the songs I need to make this playlist. I didn't feel like uploading them and doing all that jazz, so here's links to YouTube versions...
I've always been a huge Keith Urban fan! To this day, he is one of the best concerts I've ever been to! I remember being on cloud nine for like a week after the first time I saw him. He's seriously that good. Some of my all time favorite songs are by Keith too (& yes, we're on a first name basis!).
circa 2009
Keith Urban recently (I know I'm a little behind) released his new album, Fuse. And of course, the album does not disappoint, in fact, it may be his best yet!!! Keith combines heart-felt, fun, mid tempo, sequences with his crazy good musical/instrumental abilities. I love how Keith Urban experiments and takes chances without losing his sound. No matter what, it's recognizable and I like that about him as an artist. He stays true. And with this album, more than ever, his vocals are a prominent component to the songs. I'm head over heals for this album.
We Were Us, with Miranda Lambert, is by far my favorite song, with these others falling not far behind. The whole album is worth every penny and was definitely worth the three year wait!
Have you listened to the album yet? Do you love it?
Today I start sponsoring my very first blog friend, Erin! I'm so excited to be a part of her blog for a little while and I'm so grateful for the way she's welcomed me into blog world! Make sure to check her out!
Brett Eldredge is a country artist that just released his first full-length album, Bring it back, earlier this month! You may have heard his single, Don't Ya, being played on the radio. A few weeks ago, Brett made a deal with his record label that he would go skydiving if his single went to #1. What you may not know is that Brett is afraid of heights and yesterday he WENT SKYDIVING!!!! Don't Ya officially became his first #1 hit on the Country Billboard charts last week!
I LOVE when new artists find success and are so grateful and appreciative to everyone involved. It really is refreshing! Not that "older" artists don't feel the same way, but there's something special about the reaction of a first #1 hit.
Brett's album, Bring You Back, brings a soulful and acoustic feeling, both are styles that I enjoy. Numerous times when listening to album I found myself rocking or tapping to the beat. The songs are emotional, vulnerable, and heartfelt, and the fact that Brett co-wrote most of the ballads assures me that he's only getting started with exploring his talents.
Brett reminds me of Jerrod Neimann in his style and approach. Bring You Back is definitely worth downloading. Brett is someone who's just getting started and here to stay!
To be honest, I've never really been a huge Luke Bryan fan. I obviously think he's smoking hot and love when he shakes it on stage, who doesn't? But a fan of his music, not entirely.
I was shocked (!!!!!!) when Luke won ACM Entertainer of the Year, but then when I thought about it, it's true. He's an entertainer. He puts on good shows more than playing good music. He gives the crowd what they want... his tight jeans, v-neck t-shirts, dark baseball hats, and probably the most essential aspect- his big pearly whites oh and, shaking-that-ass, duhh! For what it's worth, my sister said that Luke Bryan was her favorite and best concert of the summer. She had the "Mega Ticket" so she also went to Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert/ Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean. I've never seen Luke perform live, but would like to! So, okay, Entertainer of the Year it is! -I still think that was a little premature considering he only started headlining at the beginning of the year, but I'll let it go. Maybe.
Don't get me wrong, from what I can see, Luke Bryan is a great guy. He loves his fans, appreciates them and wants to put on a good show for them. He wants a relationship with his fans and wants to give them what they want. I respect that. He has LBTV which highlights what he's up to and his life on tour, which I do catch up on every now and then. He's respected in the industry. I just don't care for his music. (Have his fans listened to his "Spring Break" Album? Those songs may be fun and appropriate in the moment, but com'onnnnn. His Sorority Girls song literally makes me cringe.. But I do have to admit, I enjoyed BuzzKill, I'm not sure why, but I think that song's funny).
Anyway, with all of that being said, I had high hopes for Luke's newest album, Crash My Party, which hit stores on Tuesday. I've been hoping that he'll be able to do more of what he wants to do instead of label personnel chirping in his ear. I want to see him come into his own. I want to see if there's something that I'm missing.
I was hooked on Luke's first single & title track off this new album, Crash My Party, after he performed it in April at the ACM Awards, and was excited for the release of the album.
Why did I like it so much? Was it because the first time I heard it was while I watched him perform it? Would I have felt the same way if I heard it for the first time on the radio? Did he hook me in with his sexy presence on stage? Maybe, but I still like it, even if it is a little cheesy!
With Crash My Party being Luke's fastest rising #1, ever, I knew hoped this album was going to be awesome! And now, after listening to it repeatedly for the past few days, I'm disappointed.
I don't really know what I wanted or what I expected, but I'm not that impressed. Most of the songs sound the same to me. Am I crazy? There's a good chance. I really really really wanted to love the album. I did. But I just can't see myself getting all giddy and over playing this album like I've done in the past with Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. (Still can't believe I didn't post about that one! My bad. And if you haven't listened to it in its entirety, you're missing out!)
I digress..
But I guess "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", comes to play here. Luke's had great success in the past few years and is still rising. He keeps giving people what they want. I just thought Luke was going to take more risks with this new album. That we were going to hear him do something he's never done before. Something different. But I don't hear that. Maybe next time. In the mean time, I'll continue to watch him perform and catch up on LBTV so I can watch him SHAKEDATASS and listen to his oh-so-cute southern drawl. See, you can't really dislike him!:)
Oh and according to Billboard, this album has the potential to sell almost half a million copies in it's first week. The third best debut-week of the year, behind JT and Jay-Z. So there's that. Impressive.
The songs worth listening to off this album?
Crash My Party, my favorite track!
Play It Again, best story-telling track, which I got stuck in my head and caught myself singing!
Dirt Road Diaries couldn't find a great version, but this'll do!
On another note, I'm so excited for Nashville to be back on!
There has been a few new country music singles that need to be added to your playlists, like yesterday!
Randy Houser :: Runnin' Outta Moonlight
I honestly can't believe I haven't told you how much I love this song yet. It's been on repeat for the past few weeks! Randy is someone who sometimes flies under the radar, but every once in while has a song that you're like, "WOW! That's awesome!"- hence the reason it's on repeat. I'm obsessed.
Miranda Lambert :: All Kinds of Kinds.
This is the newest single off of Miranda's Four the Record album. I love how Miranda can go from crazy, down-home, redneck, country songs to songs that are so heart-felt and meaningful! This song sounds like the later, but when you listen to the lyrics, emphasizes that people aren't always what you think they are and that having so many different people is what keeps things going!
Tyler Farr :: Redneck Crazy
After getting to meet and hang out with Tyler Farr, I've been a fan!This is a wonderful country break-up song. His team is also doing a great job marketing the song with their Redneck Crazy Video Contest, asking fans to submit videos of them going "Redneck Crazy" and also providing tips on how to be "Redneck Crazy". The phrase has officially taken on a new meaning! Also, this song has officially gone GOLD!!
Toby Keith :: Drinks After Work
Because who doesn't like/need drinks after work, especially in the summer. This is a no-brainer!
Tim McGraw :: Southern Girl
I love how this song starts out, mentioning different cities/regions! Also, I'm a wanna-be southern girl who's been "in love with New York City a time or two", so this immediately caught my attention! :) Ain't nothing in the whole wide world like a southern girl! So put on a country song, we'll dance all night long. (If I could do the emoji with hearts for eyes, I would!)
Florida Georgia Line :: Round Here
Florida Georgia Line is a group that came from nowhere and is topping the charts! During an award show I remember them saying something like, "we were watching it at home last year and this year we're winning an award", but of course when I went to look for clarification on what was said and at which award show, I couldn't find it.
When Florida Georgia Line did their radio tour, they were already on the radio! Usually new artists go on radio tours to visit the station, build relationships with the people in charge and play their music for them, hoping they'll play it on the radio. FGL's first single, Cruise, was already on the radio and topping the charts during their radio tour and was out touring shortly after that. Talk about some fast success.
I hope you guys enjoy this list! What are some new-er country songs that you're loving right now?
There have been so many country artists releasing new albums and singles these past couple of weeks. While I regret to say that I have not listened to the albums all the way through yet, I hope to soon and will let you know what I think. For now, here are a few new releases that I am loving:
The Band Perry :: Done
Lady Antebellum :: Downtown
*This album hasn't been released yet, but it's coming and I just heard another song off the album, Goodbye Town and can totally tell this album is definitely not going to disappoint! :)
Luke Bryan :: Crash My Party
He messed up a little in the beginning of his performance at the ACMs, but that's okay! Was anyone else a little surprised that he won Entertainer of the Year? His speech was wonderful though, so heart felt. Gotta love him!
Blake Shelton :: Sure Be Cool If You Did
Have you listened to the new albums in country music yet? What do you think?
I'm sure you've heard Little Big Town'sPontoon, which was the summer anthem of 2012. It's the song that was on the verge of being over played by country radio stations, TV Channels and everyone who downloaded it, but no one could get mad because it's that good!
Every time we were on our boat this past summer that was the only song my dad would let us play.. truly a Summer Anthem!
And now I'm sure you've heard their next single Tornado and current single Your Side of the Bed, thinking that Little Big Town is on a roll.
What you may not know is that Little Big Town is not new to the country music industry. After 13 years of working together, 5 albums and 3 different record labels, Little Big Town has finally topped the charts for the first time and they couldn't be more deserving.
Pontoon became Little Big Town's first #1 hit as the summer of 2012 came to a close. Their newest album Tornato (released on September 11th) was debuted at #1 and held that spot for 4+ weeks.
Have you heard it yet? If not, you should.
I had the pleasure of meeting Little Big Town when they made a stop in the Philadelphia area late last summer on Rascal Flatts' Changed Tour. They were so nice and friendly! I told them how we listened to the song all the time and especially on the water, they loved it! While my co-worker and I were waiting in line to meet them, Philip Sweet kept coming around the back-drop to take a sip of his drink. He kept joking around with us that we put something in his drink. Later when we saw him again backstage as he was getting ready to perform, he joked that he was still awake and that we didn't do a job of roofie-ing him! That day as a whole was my top 3 favorite days of working at the radio station. More details of the day can be found on this post.
Now, let's talk music... Pontoon is a great song, but what about the rest of the album? Is it worthy of that #1 spot and recent nominations/awards?
The answer: Absolutely!
Little Big Town has shown us something we haven't seen before. Four unique artists whose sounds compliment each other wonderfully. I love how each song produces a different feel due to the variety of strengths in each of them.
Little Big Town took home 2 ACMs this past weekend: Vocal
Group of the Year and Video of the Year, "Tornato". And like I said
before, they are so deserving. They have shown that it's not always
easy, but the wait is so worth it. I know they are enjoying &
appreciative of every bit of their success.
The album is for sure worth a listen, but here are a few of my favorite songs off the Tornado album that you haven't heard on the radio:
Sober
Pavement Ends
Front Porch Thing
What do you think of Little Big Town? What's your favorite one of their songs past or present?
Okay so I've waited to post about Taylor Swift's new album because I needed to gather my thoughts. And to be honest, I'm still not sure if I have them put together yet!
Initially I was like "Ughh, Taylor Swift" cause her songs are all about failed love/ relationships. She consistently sounds desperate and its kind of annoying. I feel like she doesn't sing like she's 22. She still sings like she's 16. Her music hasn't matured with age, so ultimately I've out grown her.
Though I wouldn't say her songs are good or really recommend them to
people interested in experiencing country music, her songs have a sense
of fun innocence to them. They can bring you back to a time of
innocence or high school with all of the drama she includes in her lyrics. Not to mention the fact that she is
was dating a kid that is still in high school so I guess I've made my
point. She's immature and going to lose the fans that are her age and
older. She's gonna continue to be a singer for "teeny-boppers"! (My
friends are going to have a field day with that phrase!) Which, again,
is fine since she still produces hit after hit, breaking tons of records
and selling multi-million copies of her CDs.
I have complete mixed reviews about Taylor Swift in general. As for her songs, you have to be in the mood to listen to her music. Taylor Swift as a person in the spotlight is different. I haven't met her, but people who have say she is wonderful. She is a gem of a person- great to talk to and be around. I can see that, but it kinda makes me scrunch my eyebrows and wonder how/why she has so many failed relationships about love to sing about. They're probably more like middle school crushes that she mistakes for love to write a hit. Kudos to her cause it obviously works.
On top of her hit music, Taylor Swift is a great business woman from what I can see. Or better yet, she has amazing Marketing and Promotions teams. They're genius. Teaming up with Papa John's to release her album, I'm sure Domino's and Pizza Hut now have open positions in those departments from whoever dropped the ball on that one. Her album releases are always highly anticipated.
Though I can't pin-point a song that stands out to me as the best, I would have to choose Red as my favorite and without a doubt We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together is my least favorite. And even though I wouldn't nominate this album for Album of the Year, I have to say that I am impressed and give Taylor credit for experimenting with new sounds. This album does sound different than her previous albums and I like that about it. But there's something about the album that still hasn't settled with me yet (hence the reason this post is so late, I was trying to figure it out!)
With that being said, I still find myself listening to it and getting some songs stuck in my head. Go Figure! :)
Jason Aldean is an artist that has progressively climbed the charts throughout his career.
I'll never forget the first time I heard his first single Hicktown. We were on vacation in Cancun and all of the kids were at the "club" at the resort. A beach blonde, shaggy haired boy sang that song on karaoke and he fit it perfectly. I came home from vacation, downloaded the song and have been listening to Jason Aldean ever since. That song peaked at #9 after about 40-50 weeks of being released.
Jason has had a number of hits since then including Why (his first #1), Amarillo Sky, Big Green Tractor, and of course My Kinda Party to name a few.
Jason Aldean's latest single Take a Little Ride made it to #1 in just a couple weeks, infact, I heard on SiriusXM's The Highway that Jason Aldean is the artist who has been at #1 the most in the last 12 months. Pretty Impressive.
I had no doubt that this Night Train album was going to take over the charts just like his previous album My Kinda Party did. But I have to admit I've been interested to see how Night Train does ever since his recent scandal. Jason was photographed flirting and kissing a woman who is not his wife after too much to drink one night while on tour. He made a public apology via Twitter and we haven't heard much about it since.
I have been dying to hear this album, constantly wondering what he was going to do to top My Kinda Party or even Wide Open. I was dying to hear the songs- what they were going to be about, what kind of sound this album was going to have- the lyrics, the instrumentals, everything! I couldn't wait.
I got the pleasure of listening to some of Night Train while tuning into The Highway on SiriusXM (what a treat!). The Highway did an album premier party and had Jason talk about the songs that they played. I was smiling the entire time. I loved all of the songs and didn't know how I was going to wait the 3 days til I could download the whole thing.
The album is amazing!
He continues to impress and make me want more album after album!
Jason Aldean is an artist you, well I, never want to skip over. There are artists that I am a huge fan of but sometimes still find myself reaching for the "next" button when a particular song comes up on my iPod, not Jason. If my iPod is on shuffle and a Jason Aldean song comes on, it always stays. I never get sick of his songs and always love listening to him.
This album is no different. I have been listening to it non-stop since I downloaded it and can't get enough. I found myself tapping my foot and completely sinking into the songs while I had it playing in the background at work. It was definitely a challenge trying to decide which songs I like best on the impressive 15 track list. I could barely narrow it down to five (so I included six videos in this post. Overload? Sorry I couldn't help it. They're worth listening to. Promise!)
One song that defnitely stands out to me is one with something I've never heard before. Jason does a song with Luke Bryan and Eric Church on this album called The Only Way I Know. He called it a "tri-ette" on his premier party with The Highway! That song is great- with three amazing/big time country artists singing together on a track that fits them all perfectly. How can it not be awesome?
I also like "1994" more because of my story with it than for the actual song. The song is co-written by Thomas Rhett, my favorite new-comer to country music (post about him to come soon). While I was listening to the song during the premier party I knew I had heard it before. The first time I heard this song was while I was watching various YouTube videos of Thomas Rhett- I remember smiling and laughing cause the song is just fun like that! Thomas Rhett has performed that song while on tour and started "The Diffie" contest for fans to submit videos of them doing "The Diffie" - pretty much a dance you make up that you think is "The Diffie" (aka country version of "The Dougie"). I liked hearing Jason sing it as well. It's a fun song with a catchy beat, rhythm and chorus... one you can be sure will get stuck in your head.
This album covers the spectrum of fun, upbeat, down home country songs to heart felt stories of lost souls, loneliness and broken hearts- everything you would expect from country music!
I highly recommend Night Train! Jason is absolutely leaving his mark on country music one incredible album at a time, you definitely don't want to miss the train as its sure to not slow down anytime soon!
