I am a big 90’s Country girl- after all, it’s what I grew up on. My small town of Henderson, TN only had one radio station, and it was Country (107.7!), so it was basically all I listened to for a while growing up. Both Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood were radio staples, and I absolutely loved them. So, naturally, I was excited to hear that a tribute album to The Judds would be coming out this Fall. One of the re-imagined songs was just released, and it’s Wynonna and Trisha on one of my favorite Judds songs, “Cry Myself to Sleep”.
Yep, exactly what I had expected it to be.
Two incredible voices on a classic… you can’t go wrong with those two!
“A Tribute to The Judds” will feature more collabs with everyone from Carly Pearce to Reba to Jelly Roll to Cody Johnson.
When I was in High School in the late 90’s, you were either #TeamNSYNC or #TeamBackstreetBoys. I was always fully commited to *NSYNC because, duh, Justin Timberlake.
Obviously, 14 year-old me knew what was up, as JT is still a freaking superstar.
ANNNDDDD *NSYNC is BACK! If only for one song.
It’s called “Better Place” and it’s off of the “Trolls 4” Soundtrack:
Nope, that did not disappoint.
Super catchy, and perfect for the upcoming “Trolls 4” soundtrack.
I mean, I was hoping for a full on reunion album or tour, but I’ll take what I can get.
I have been waiting on this drop for weeks since I heard it was going to happen.
The Rolling Stones have teamed up with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder for a song called “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and it’ll take you to church whether you’re a believer or not!
Duddddeee… I was NOT expecting that. But I like it. A lot.
Mick sounds great, as does Gaga (always!) and Stevie tickling the ivories… definitely adding this one to the playlist!
Of course, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” is off their upcoming album “Hackney Diamonds” out October 20th.
I was saying last week that there’s been an influx of Classic Rock in Country Music lately, and Chris Young’s latest song is more proof to that statement.
The song is called “Young Love and Saturday Night”, and it heavily samples the guitar riff from David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”:
Again, I don’t hate it. It’s catchy as hell, and the riff makes the song.
And a Chevrolet that doesn’t run, well, a truer lyric has never been written.
Also, Chris Young lost 60 lbs, and looks awesome! I’ve always liked him because looks-wise he reminds me of my husband.
Dolly Parton just made my Friday EVEN better by giving us another song off of her upcoming “Rockstar” album. She has teamed up with the legendary Linda Perry for a version of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes. At first, I wondered how she would handle the escalating vocals and vibe, but who was I kidding?
It’s Freaking Dolly.
I don’t think there is anything she can’t sing. And remember, she’s in her mid-70’s.
#RESPECT
I seriously cannot wait for her full “Rockstar” album, which drops November 17th.
It’s been a big week for Phil Collins and “In the Air Tonight”.
First off, Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg and Cindy Blackman Santana debuted their version of the classic for this season’s “Monday Night Football” this past Monday… and it’s stellar.
So, there’s that, and Kane Brown just dropped a song that heavily samples “In the Air Tonight” called “I Can Feel It”:
Yes, Kane did get Phil’s permission to do this.
I honestly don’t hate it. It’s fun, radio-friendly, catchy… and has the iconic drum solo. I did think he said “I Saw Your Boobs Bouncing to the Beat” in the first verse, but it was boots, not boobs.
Been cooler if he had said boobs.
Anyhow, this song follows the new trend of sampling Classic Rock staples in Country music. I’m ambivalent about it. I love Classic Rock, and this is a good way to keep bringing the music to a new audience. BUT… my heart will always belong to the originals.
That being said, expect more of this in the future. Also, expect more Kane Brown as he’s working on a new album and announced a tour for next year.
Jelly Roll is collabing with everyone and their Grandma these days.
Seriously, though, I’m not mad at it.
His latest collab is with Country singer Dustin Lynch, on a song called “Chevrolet”. It’s basically Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away”, but with a truck.
Catchy, and definitely something I can hear on Country Radio as a single. Bascially, easy tailgate listening. That should be a Country sub-genre in itself, right?
To be fair, though, I prefer Fords to Chevys, unless it’s a Corvette. But to each their own.
Dustin Lynch’s new album “Killed The Cowboy” comes out September 29th.
The Brothers Osbourne just released their self-titled fourth studio album, and on it, a collab with Miranda Lambert (who I love!) is on it.
It’s a song they co-wrote called “We Ain’t Good at Breaking Up”, and of course, it’s a jam.
I love the sound and groove of the song, and adding Miranda into anything is an instant win.
We’re just getting started on a big Fall season for Country music, so basically, start saving your money!
Here’s a list of all the new Country albums out today:
• “Bigger Houses“, Dan + Shay. This is their fifth album. Their “Heartbreak on the Map” tour kicks off in February, with Ben Rector and Hailey Whitters.
I’ve enjoyed Maren Morris’s music since the first time I heard “My Church”. My husband and I were driving from Tennessee to Kansas in 2015 I believe… and we heard “My Church” for the first time and we both were like, “YESSS!” I knew it would be a hit, and I was excited for the fresh voice and sound in Country Music. Maren would then embark on a solid Country career, and crossover with some Pop hits as well with “The Middle” and “The Bones”.
However, once 2020 and the Pandemic hit, Maren’s political differences with the majority of Country artists and fans started creating a bit of a riff.
Now, I am all for inclusion, and for different points of view. I think perhaps Maren might have come on a little too strong with her opinions for a more conservative fan base. I follow her on socials, and dammmnnn, she can really attack other artists and viewpoints that differ from her own. I know that’s her style, but it definitely didn’t help her career in Country Music. I’m not saying that she’s wrong, buttttt… there were probably kinder ways to handle things. (Dolly Parton always comes to mind when I think of someone who handles situations gracefully)
That being said, Maren does stay true to herself and her beliefs, and I do respect that.
I also respect her as an artist and a songwriter, and she is truly talented. I’ve seen her and her husband Ryan Hurd live before, and they are both incredible.
Maren has been working on a new album, and she released a two song EP this morning called “The Bridge” , and I’m thinking this may be her goodbye to the genre. Here’s what she posted on instagram: “As I’ve been working on my record non-stop this year, I realized these two songs deserved a moment of their own – a story in their own right, written a day apart from each other – a tender duo and bridge to my next album. I welcome, celebrate and grieve the changes that have happened these last few years and these two songs say it better than I ever could in a caption or interview….hope you enjoy these. ‘Wherever I’m going, I hope I’m not the only one.‘”
Take a listen:
“Get the Hell Outta Here”:
“The Tree”:
Listening to the songs, I’m thinking she’s making a not-so-subtle announcement.
Both songs, however, are vocally and lyrically on-point, and could also be relateable to anyone in tough situation- be it romantic, professional, or just a friendship that has run its course.
Well done, Maren.
Also, I’m happy to not only hear more of her original sound with these songs, but also her original look. She went a little hard on the injections, fillers, and extensions for a while. She’s so naturally pretty, and I’m happy to see she’s embracing that again as well.
And whatever path she takes, I wish her all the best. If she’s truly unhappy and uncomfortable in the Country genre, then she is right to move on. I know that with her talent, she’ll do well wherever she goes.
What do you think of Maren’s new songs? Do you think it’s a farewell to Country Music? Or at least Nashville?
Lainey Wilson is pretty much OWNING Country Music these days, and it’s extremely well-deserved. She’s amazing on and off the stage, and has been putting out some solid songs that have taken over Country Radio, as well as making her mark on “Yellowstone” and showing off her personality (and other assets) on social media.
She also just recieved the most CMA Award nominations of any artist this week, including the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” Award category.
That being said, she just released a live version of her song “Smell Like Smoke” off of her latest album “Bell Bottom Country” and I’m reallllly hoping it’s her next radio single.
To me, a mark of a great artist is how good they sound live. Lainey kills it on the stage, as well as the studio.
I seriously can’t wait to see how far she will go. She has the makings of being one of the greats!
Catch her with HARDY on “The Mockingbird and the Crow” Tour this Fall:
Audio, Video
