Tag Archives: #NewEnglandCountryMusic

Keep Your Eyes on the Restless Road

The rising trio, Restless Road is hitting the road this summer as they embark on their Bar Friends Tour. NECM caught up with the group, made up of Garrett Nichols, Colton Pack, and Zack Beeke, ahead of their Boston, MA stop on May 16th.

It has been quite the journey for the band so far. Zach recalled the group’s creation, dating back about nine years when Colton and Zack appeared on the TV show, The X Factor. “We auditioned individually and about halfway through the show we decided to join forces.” A fun fact is that Kane Brown also appeared on that season of The X Factor and was originally slated to be the third member of the group. Brown decided the group wasn’t for him and went in his own direction, but their stories would cross paths down the road. 

Restless Road ultimately landed in fourth place on the show. “About a year or so after the show was over we were looking for a brand new member. We kind of took to the internet looking at people on YouTube and the app called Vine. We found some great videos that Garrett had posted and we hit him up in the DM and asked him to join Restless Road. The band just wouldn’t be the same without him and it’s been kicking ever since.”

Fast forward to 2019 when Kane Brown reached out to Colton after seeing a cover Pack posted of ‘Good as You’. “Kane texted me and told me about him starting a label, and we started talking and we wanted to get the band back together,” Pack shared. Not only did Kane want the trio on his new label, he wanted them on his tour, too. “It was within six months of when we had gotten back together that we were playing at the Staples Center – pretty insane!” 

Things were going seemingly well for the trio, but after five or six shows, they hit a roadblock – the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to touring just as Restless Road was getting fired up. The band used the time off to post tons of content to social media, Garrett explained. “We got a lot of fans over that time and connected with new people and now it’s really starting to show when we’re back on the road.”

Last summer, the group got to finish up the tour with Kane. “It really helped us get our name out there and a lot of people got to see us and we got to kind of show what we’re all about. It really has helped us carry over into this next season that we’re in right now. We’re going on our first ever headlining tour and we have a lot of people coming back to our show who were there for Kane’s show. It’s great because we have over twice as much music at our show than during Kane’s and we just got to learn so much from Kane being on tour,” Zack said.

The guys started the tour in April and already have a handful of shows under their belt, including a sold-out show in Nashville. Garrett said the group has been blown away by the support thus far. “We couldn’t ask for anything better! We had so many people supporting us online these past few years and we’re really starting to meet everyone.” He added, “It was kind of a great moment to see all the work that we put in come together, and yeah, it was incredible!”

As mentioned earlier, Restless Road will be playing an all-ages show in Boston on May 16th at the Sinclair. The group can’t wait to get back up to New England. Colton shares the sentiment that many of us New Englanders have, “The people there were absolutely incredible, for one. We’re really excited! This has honestly been one of the best selling shows, I mean, from as soon as we started putting tickets on sale, this one has gone really really fast. I think we’re really excited because that just shows us that fans are really eager to come out to the show.” But that’s not all, “My gosh, you CANNOT forget the food! I’m ready to come back to Boston and get a lobster roll,” he laughed. 

It’s obvious that the future is bright for this band. And even though they’ve already checked off so many things on their bucket list – from their Opry debut to playing on The Bachelor – they have so much to look forward to. The road might be restless, filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, but as they like to say, “It’s all about just hanging on and enjoying the ride… No matter what life brings you, just keep your eyes on the road and keep going.”

To stay up to date with Restless Road, you can follow them on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Sam Hunt: ‘Sinning With You’ Single Review

Fresh into 2020 and Sam Hunt is back in the country music spotlight. Hunt unveiled his latest single ‘Sinning With You’ at midnight on January 3rd. The release comes just three months after his 2019 single ‘Kinfolks.’ 

The subdued single confesses Hunt’s desire to stay connected to his faith while passionately indulging himself in a lover. Both come to him effortlessly and both are highlighted with innocence and forgiveness. With sultry tones and haunting guitar strings, ‘Sinning With You’ instantly gives goosebumps. Although much different than his usual sound, this ballad fits into Sam’s repertoire perfectly. 

The single is a reflection into Hunt’s own mental and emotional processes – which makes the single that much more relatable.The lyrics show a sense of urgency for whatever it is he is speaking on. With lines like “My past was checkered, your spotless record was probably in jeopardy. Your place or my place, His grace and your grace, felt like the same thing to me” and “...I felt forgiveness in my heart with you, saw the light in the dark with you, felt like I could fly,” Sam’s approach to being raw shines bright. 

The chorus displays an inner battle between his morals, and challenges the teachings of his faith against his desires. The lyrics will resonate with many: “I never felt like I was sinning with you. Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning. I knew that I would end up with you. Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning. If it’s so wrong, why did it feel so right? If it’s so wrong, why’d it never feel like sinning with you? Sinning with you.”

‘Sinning With You’ takes on different forms: oppressive to some due to its introspective approach, or like a breath of fresh air with its truthfulness and purity. Either way, Sam Hunt took his artistry to another level. The single has powerhouse writers Emily Weisband, Josh Osborne, Paul DiGiovanni, and Hunt himself behind it. If this is what to expect out of Sam in 2020, we are excited and ready to see what he has in store for us!

Favorite Lyrics: “But I never felt shame, never felt sorry, never felt guilty touching your body. As long as you’re for me, as long as I’m for you; who could be against us, baby?”

Listen to ‘Sinning With You’ now: Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

NECM’s WCW Spotlight: Kelsea Ballerini

We, at New England Country Music, are continuing our series spotlighting women in country music. While the acronym WCW, standing for ‘Women Crush Wednesday,’ is often used for physical attraction, that is not the case here. This series will feature talented women who are crushing it in country music.

This week we’re featuring Kelsea Ballerini, a twenty-five-year-old country/pop singer and songwriter from Knoxville, TN. Growing up as an only child, Ballerini spent her younger days dancing at a local dance studio and singing in the church choir. When she was a little girl, she was influenced by pop sensations like Britney Spears and NSYNC. It wasn’t until later that she discovered country music and gained an appreciation for artists like Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, and Alison Krauss. Kelsea Ballerini wrote her first song when she was only twelve years old. A few years later, she moved the two and a half hours away from home, to Nashville.

When she was nineteen, Ballerini signed with Black River Entertainment. Her music career kicked off with the release of her EP, ‘Kelsea Ballerini.’ Six months later, she dropped her first full length album, ‘The First Time.’ Her debut single released from this album, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’ made it to Number One on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. Having a debut single reach Number One was quite an accomplishment, as Carrie Underwood is the only other solo, female country artist to do so. The album’s second single, ‘Dibs,’ also reached Number One on the Country Airplay Chart. The third single to be released was ‘Peter Pan,’ and it too, reached Number One. Having three singles reach Number One was quite remarkable. In fact, Ballerini was the first female, solo country artist to do this since Wynonna Judd in 1992. And to top this off, she wrote all three of these Number One hits. That’s something not even Judd can say. In November of 2017, Ballerini released her second album, ‘Unapologetically.’ This album went on to get a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album at the 61st annual GRAMMY Awards.

Just this month, Ballerini was asked to join the Grande Ole Opry. She was singing a duet with Little Big Town, when the group cleverly changed the lyrics to ‘Girl Crush’ and surprised Ballerini, mid-song, by singing “Kelsea Ballerini – Want to join the Opry?” She’ll be formally inducted in April, making her the youngest current member of the long-time running show. She told the Associated Press: “The Grand Ole Opry, playing it was the first step. And then joining has been the next step. That’s been on the goal list ever since I played it the first time. And I guess I get to check that off now.” Here’s a little glimpse from that memorable night:

The sky is the limit for Kelsea Ballerini. Not only has she has been asked to join the Opry, she has also been chosen as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. And she has been talked about quite a bit over the years. She was named the “The Country Sweetheart” by People Magazine, “Country’s Next Queen” by Billboard Magazine, and “The Nashville It Girl” by Rolling Stone Magazine.

This “Nashville It Girl” is married to Morgan Evans, a country singer from ‘down under.’ Life on the road leads to crazy schedules and that means they are not able to kick back and relax together as often as they would like. When Kelsea Ballerini does have some free time and is home in Nashville, you might catch her at some of her favorite spots: hanging out at songwriter’s nights at The Bluebird and The Listening Room, eating sushi at Virago, shopping at the trendy boutique Posh, or grabbing a drink at Patterson House.

Kelsea Ballerini will be on the Miss Me More Tour starting in April 2019. We’re sad to say that there are currently no New England dates on the schedule.

Be sure to download ‘I Hate Love Songs’ from her album ‘Unapologetically’ on iTunes here.

You can stay connected with Kelsea Ballerini by following her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Stay tuned for our next installment of WCW in country music. It is set to hit our page on Wednesday, April 10th.

Kenny Chesney: ‘Song For The Saints’ Album Review

We know that Kenny Chesney has a love for New England, the birthplace of No Shoes Nation, like no other, despite being a Tennessee native. However, we also know that he has a love for the Virgin Islands, specifically Saint John, that runs deeper than most. It’s a place where he spends most of his off-season, and a place that he calls his second home. When Hurricane Irma hit the islands in 2017 and nearly destroyed everything, Kenny felt the brokenness that engulfed the ‘Saints.’ He decided to write about it to try and heal the wounds that were left upon the islands, the amazing souls who live there, and even the ones within himself. In an interview with Billboard, Chesney stated “I’ve spent the majority of my adult life walking those beaches and hanging out in those bars and writing songs. All of a sudden, it was a place that was… very broken.” ‘Songs For The Saints’ is Chesney’s 17th studio album, but probably his most heartfelt and reflective. In this 11 song album, he pays tribute to the lives lost and the beautiful spirit that lives within those islands.

“If you believe music heals and rebuilds the human spirit, this has the potential to be one of the most important albums I’ve made.”

1.) ‘Songs for the Saints’ – Written by Kenny Chesney, Tom Douglas, and Scooter Carusoe.
Impression: To open the charity album, Kenny goes with a gospel sounding intro. It features an acoustic guitar, paired with Kenny’s strong, yet somber voice. The chant-ridden single motivates the devastated people and it draws all the attention to the fact that this album will be based around the “saints” – standing for both the islands and the people that inhabit them.
Favorite Lyrics: We say we can when they say we can’t. See what it is when they see what it ain’t…

2.) ‘Every Heart’ – Written by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
Impression: Bringing his beachy vibes back, ‘Every Heart’ encompasses the steel guitars and drums that scream the sun and the sand. Chesney describes that every heart is an island – it will lead you back home, every time. He points out that most things in this life are based off of material things, except for the islands. They were created for us to admire and enjoy, much like resembling the heart of a person.
Favorite Lyrics: Tryin’ to find our way home and every tear is an ocean. We’re all brothers in a storm and we’re tryin’ to survive it…

3.) ‘Get Along’ – Written by Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Ross Copperman.
Impression: This song quickly became one of Kenny’s many No. 1 Billboard chart toppers. The single follows suit of Chesney’s song library with strong guitars cutting through the noise and a positive beat you can tap to. However, the whole song is set up as a call and response with a tribal, campfire feeling to it. Some can even say it resembles a little bit of John Mellencamp and older rock songs of that nature. It was the first single released off the album.
Favorite Lyrics: Met a man wearin’ a t-shirt, that says “Virginia is for lovers.” Had a Bible in his left hand and a bottle in the other. He says ‘All you’re really given is the sunshine and your name.’ We both started laughin’ when the sky started to rain.

4.) ‘Pirate Song’ – Written by Kenny Chesney and Jon Randall.
Impression: A strong guitar-filled intro takes hold of track four. ‘Pirate Song’ can be considered a song that embodies what Kenny feels while he is on his beloved island of Saint John. It describes the island life and what he yearns for year after year. Everything is much simpler there, and everything is at peace. Chesney says he wishes he was a pirate living under his own flag, out there on the ocean.
Favorite Lyrics: …Runnin’ for no reason and no reason to turn back. Salt and rum on my tongue, sails tattered and torn. Laughin’ in the devil’s face, ridin’ out a storm…

5.) ‘Love for Love City’ – Written by Kenny Chesney and Scooter Carusoe.
Impression: ‘Love for Love City’ was named after the foundation Chesney started in order to support to U.S. Virgin Islands during their time of turmoil after the hurricane. Ziggy Marley is featured on the song which adds the perfect island rhythm. The single expresses that all the love that the islands have given to others needs to be given back to the islands during this time. They are a home, a healer, and a heaven to most. Fans can expect a complete island vibe to this track.
Favorite Lyrics: My healer, my heaven, my home. The day that I found you, my burdens were gone…

6.) ‘Ends of the Earth’ – Written by Ben Schneider.
Impression: ‘Ends of the Earth’ is composed in a way that is resemblant of his smash hit ‘Somewhere With You’. It cuts deep into the listeners soul, and the strong instrumentals capture your attention. This song urges someone to travel out to the unknown and explore all the beauties that this Earth has to offer. Staying stagnant in one place is not what this life was meant to be – adventure to the islands and get lost in their danger and serenity.
Favorite Lyrics: I was a-ready to die for you, baby, doesn’t mean I’m ready to stay. What good is livin’ a life you’ve been given if all you do is stand in one place…

7.) ‘Gulf Moon’ – Written by John Baumann.
Impression: This song is reminiscent of the dive bars that line the island, the special stops that mark the piers, and all the people that filter in and out of the island’s best spots. All of these places are highlighted by the gulf moon that illuminates the sky. You can always count on it to be there, watching from above.
Favorite Lyrics: With a glass half-full of Jameson, well, I was born to croon. I might as well, ‘neath the gulf moon…

8.) ‘Island Rain’ – Written by Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally.
Impression: Track 8 brings a much more upbeat tempo to the serious, reflective album. It has soft rocker tendencies with hints of Tom Petty underlying. This song is about the healing powers the island rains have on a soul.
Favorite Lyrics: Maybe what you have ain’t what you wanted, where you are ain’t where you wanna be. Maybe you feel tied down, maybe somethin’s gonna come around, to set you free…

9.) ‘Trying to Reason With Hurricane Season’ – Written by Jimmy Buffett.
Impression: Two of country music’s most iconic beach singers collaborate on this track that is the embodiment of island time. This song was originally written and cut by the great Jimmy Buffett, but Chesney later covered it for this album with Buffett as a feature. The name is absolutely fitting for this occasion, and these two island men coming together to stand behind some of the most beautiful islands is extremely respective.
Favorite Lyrics: Somethin’ about a Sunday, it’s the most peculiar gray. Strollin’ down the avenue…

10.) ‘We’re All Here’ – Written by Kenny Chesney, Casey Beathard, and David Lee Murphy.
Impression: Another happy tune adds life to this album. This song explains that everyone on the islands are all there because maybe they all “aren’t there.” They all have a few screws loose, came on a whim or a prayer, and all have scars that make them who they are. These are the island people, and they’re all here.
Favorite Lyrics: We ain’t closin’ down anytime soon. If you wanna come howl at the moon, we can always make a little more room.

11.) ‘Better Boat’ – Written by Travis Meadows, and Liz Rose.
Impression: The last song of the album is a very relaxing one at that. It features the lovely Mindy Smith and her angelic back up vocals enhance the track’s calmness. The final song signifies the rebuilding of the islands and their people. What they have been through only makes them stronger, even if they can’t see it right away.
Favorite Lyrics: What ain’t workin’, what’s still hurtin’, all the things I feel like cussin’ out. Now and then I let it go, I ride the waves I can’t control…

Kenny Chesney’s ‘Song For the Saints’ is out everywhere now! If you’d like to donate to his charity “Love for Love City” you can do so here: https://loveforlovecity.org.

Luke Combs: ‘This One’s For You Too’ Review

Luke Combs has taken the country music industry by storm – perhaps by hurricane? The singer/songwriter continues to produce Number One hits, release-after-release. Maybe you’ve heard his No. 1’s- ‘Hurricane,’ ‘When It Rains It Pours,’ and his latest ‘One Number Away.’ Combs teases his fans over social media with acoustic videos of the countless songs that he writes or covers, leaving them completely enticed and wanting more. Well, he takes his fans’ wants/demands very seriously. He delivered a deluxe version of his first studio album ‘This One’s For You’ with five new songs titled ‘This One’s For You Too.’ Fans have been going crazy – perhaps beautifully crazy – over these new songs and we COMPLETELY understand why.

1.) ‘Houston, We Got A Problem’ – Written by Luke Combs, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton.
Impression: This is for sure going to be another No.1 single from Combs, hands down. The fluidity of Luke’s voice paired with the hard rock guitars is so powerful you can’t help but get absorbed by the sound. The chorus is pure gold that embodies the new modern country concept, while still maintaining the twang and burl in his voice that represents the bluegrass side. Y’all need to listen to this immediately.
Favorite Lyrics: But I still feel like I landed on the moon, ’cause it ain’t got you. Houston, we got a problem

2.) ‘Must’ve Never Met You’ – Written by Luke Combs, Robert Williford, and Jonathan Singleton.
Impression: This is the perfect song about losing your soulmate and not being able to find that love again. In typical Luke fashion, the rock guitars and slamming verses keep the mood of the song rather rebellious instead of sad. He incorporates the cliche sayings such as “the grass is greener on the other side,” “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and “time heals everything” to show his frustration in the things he is feeling.
Favorite Lyrics: And whoever said that “time heals everything and everything will be alright,” whoever said “it ain’t the end of the world and you’ll find somebody new” must’ve never met you…

3.) ‘Beautiful Crazy’ – Written by Luke Combs, Robert Williford, and Wyatt B. Durrette.
Impression: In the new Luke Combs sensation hit, the burly singer/songwriter slows it down a few notches and takes to a more acoustic guitar approach for this amazing ballad. Girls are swooning over this song because it takes on a whole new form of adoring your girl. The single highlights his voice in the best way possible and displays how versatile he can be. This single is on its way to becoming another No. 1 for him, as it sits at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Favorite Lyrics: When she gets that “come get me” look in her eye, well it kinda scares me the way that she drives me wild…

4.) ‘A Long Way’ – Written by Luke Combs, Larry McCoy, and Sam Grayson.
Impression: ‘A Long Way’ is reminiscent of the “good ole days.” Things seemed to last much longer and off of very little effort back in the day. It didn’t take much to have a good time and make the memories last. Combs does it again with another strong country-rock song that will make you want to jam out to it.
Favorite Lyrics: Back when things seemed just a little bit stronger. Back when the weekend lasted a little longer. I can’t tell you why they did, things seemed to never end back then…

5.) ‘She Got the Best of Me’ – Written by Luke Combs, Rob Snyder, and Channing Wilson.
Impression: In a different version than the acoustic one he released in 2016 off of the ‘Can I Get An Outlaw’ EP, Combs revisits this popular hit on his deluxe album. Luke writes about a heartbreak and how he deals with the pain through his music. His guitar takes the abuse and his fans listen to him pour his heart out about it. It has a much faster tempo, filled with rocker tendencies.
Favorite Lyrics: So you jump right in, ain’t afraid to fall and you give it all. She got the best of me, she broke my heart…

If you don’t take the time to listen to Luke Combs’ five new songs off of his deluxe album, then Houston, we got a problem. Ok, seriously with all Luke Combs’ puns aside, this artist is definitely on his way to absolute stardom. We predict he will be selling out headlining shows, this time next year. Until then, keep your eye on him and the charts to watch his music to continue to climb.

Sam Hunt: ‘Downtown’s Dead’ Single Review

Sam Hunt had taken a self-imposed break from music after producing his smash hit ‘Body Like A Back Road’ over a year ago. The single was the first taste of Sam’s sophomore year in his artistry after his well-loved debut album ‘Montevallo.’ The song did not disappoint fans, as it spent 34 weeks at the top of the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – marking an all-time record. Now, fifteen months later, Hunt steps back onto the scene with his new single ‘Downtown’s Dead’ – a much anticipated wait.

Hunt had set the tone for his new single with a series of Instagram posts. After wiping clean his entire account, the singer/songwriter solely focused on marketing his new song with pictures of what appears to be a Spanish inspired town. Warm tones, desert vibes, and desolation are prominent throughout, leaving fans up for interpretation.

To open the single, an eerie Latin sounding guitar cuts through the noise with hints of hip-hop background vocals. As part of Sam’s repertoire, his vibrant and upbeat vocals capture the listener and takes them on a distinct – and catchy – journey. With country/pop crossover styled music, ‘Downtown’s Dead’ depicts the story of a girl leaving, presumably the “life of the party,” and now nothing seems alive without her. Despite being in the midst of clubs with strobe lights and house music, the feeling of emptiness is depicted with the lines “everywhere I go looks like the place to be I see people that I know and I feel like there’s no one here but me.”

‘Downtown’s Dead’ is written by Hunt, Shane McAnally, Zach Crowell, and Josh Osborne – the same team that co-wrote his Grammy-nominated ‘Body Like A Back Road’ and much of his album ‘Montevallo.’ It’s safe to say this band of writers work well with Hunt and continue to produce chart-toppers. And we can predict this new single will follow suit. Sam Hunt released this new single just in time for summer – which will be an automatic download and playlist appearance after just once listen. The chorus is hauntingly catchy and the flow of the music will make you want to put it on repeat, without even realizing.

You can see Sam Hunt perform this new song live at his two stops in New England this summer: June 29th at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, CT and on July 6th at Fenway Park in Boston, MA.

Favorite Lyrics: Then Friday night it might as well be just another Tuesday night without you as long as you’re still in my head…

Kenny Chesney: ‘Get Along’ Single Review

Kenny Chesney is back y’all… ‘No Shoes Nation’ are you ready?! And with less than 75 days until summer officially arrives, it’s the perfect way to start setting the mood for the sunshine. Let’s be honest, when we think of summer, we immediately think of Mr. Chesney himself.

In Kenny’s first release of 2018, fans are brought the typical beachy tones and guitar riffs that encompass ‘No Shoes Nation.’ Over the course of his 15 year career, Chesney has established his place in the country music industry. He has created his own genre of country that has hints of a little Jimmy Buffett, Zac Brown Band, David Lee Murphy, and of course, lots of Kenny Chesney! Along with setting the vibe of his music, Chesney also likes to add underlying lessons of morality, humility, love, respect, and carefree living. His new single ‘Get Along’ is nothing shy of what fans would expect from the summertime king.

The single follows suit of Kenny’s song library with strong guitars cutting through the noise and a positive beat you can tap to. However, the whole song is set up as a call and response with a tribal, campfire feeling to it. Some can even say it resembles a little bit of John Mellencamp and older rock songs of that nature – I mean, Jack and Diane are a staple in country music history and apart of Kenny’s repertoire.

‘Get Along’ was written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman and Josh Osborne – writers that Chesney loves to mesh with. With household names on this track, it’s sure to be a hit on radio and definitely in a live performance – yes we’re talking about you Gillette Stadium. The single brings humbleness to humankind in saying, at the end of the day, life is too short to not do all the things that we deem as tedious or not necessary like “paint a wall, learn to dance, call your mom, buy a boat…” The main questions being addressed is “why can’t we all just get along and keep moving on with our lives?”

In a world that is rampant with cruelty, massacres, and lack of attention and love, Chesney is contributing his music for people as a way to express themselves and escape from the harshness of whatever they’re facing. ‘Get Along’ was not intended to be a “message” song based on the state of the world, but as a way to find peace amongst it all. However, subconsciously, the writers ended up gravitating towards something of that manner because it was a topic that was in their hearts. In this single, Chesney provides a lighthearted depiction of remembering to remain modest, and to always be kind. At the end of the day, we are all human and we will all end up in the same place once everything is all said and done. Be kind! Have a beer! Give a smile! Lend a hand! Love everyday!

The best part about this single is the fact that it is the first song off of Chesney’s new album! Yes you read that correctly, his new album! With no set release date and no details other than that it is said to be his most personal album to date, fans will have to hang on, for now.

New England is preparing for Kenny’s visit in August on his 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour, which, of course, is ending in typical fashion at the famous Gillette Stadium. We can’t wait to see you Kenny, and thank you for the new single to hold us over until then!

Favorite Lyrics: A man wearin’ a t-shirt, says “Virginia is for lovers” had a Bible in his left hand and a bottle in the other. He says ‘All you’re really given is the sunshine and your name.’ We both started laughin’ when the sky started to rain.

Scotty McCreery: ‘Seasons Change’ Album Review

The wait is over! Scotty McCreery has finally released his album ‘Seasons Change’ (on March 16th) – his first album in nearly five years. McCreery is a co-writer on the entire album, which is something he was very excited about. When we spoke to him last May, he shed some insight on what was to become ‘Seasons Change.’ “I think it makes it more personal and makes it sound like what I like my music to sound like. There’s something different about writing a song yourself,” he said, “It’s about what you were thinking that day and you write it the way you want it to be written.” With many of the same co-writers, there is much fluidity throughout Scotty’s stories. The entire album tells the narrative of his life, piece by piece.

1.) ‘Seasons Change’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, James McNair, and Tommy Cecil
Impression: The album opens with the sound of rain and thunder, with a muffled radio playing Scotty’s voice in the background – what a way to grab the attention of your audience with the first track! The title track is a definite summer song with happy vibes and riffs. The song defines getting over the obstacles in life just as quickly as the seasons change. Even when you think you can’t get make it through, just remember seasons change, and so do hard times. This song is a testament to all the big changes Scotty has endured over the course of his career, and he is embracing every one of them, just like he does when the seasons change.
Favorite Lyrics: Wintertime, springtime, summertime, fall. Good times, bad times, been through them all…

2.) ‘Wherever You Are’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, and Dan Isbell
Impression: McCreery shows off some of his higher notes in ‘Wherever You Are.’ Yearning to be with the one you love and doing whatever it takes to do so is the main theme of this song. Another lighthearted melody with the usual catchy Scotty lyrics.
Favorite Lyrics: Enough of this damn being apart. I’ll fill up a tank or buy me a ticket, whatever it takes you know I’m with it.

3.) ‘Boys From Back Home’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Dan Isbell, and Jason Gantt
Impression: ‘Boys From Back Home’ pays homage to McCreery’s friends and hometown activities. With many similarities to Kenny Chesney’s ‘I Go Back,’ the writers of this song hit home with reminiscing on the good times you had with your friends. This song is a classic McCreery song and gets you hooked within the first 30 seconds of listening.
Favorite Lyrics: And I go back in time to those October nights. And when I hear that song it don’t feel too long since things changed and life moved on…

4.) ‘Five More Minutes’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Monty Criswell and Frank Rogers
Impression: The recent Number One plays out scenarios where people wish time would stop and allow them to get just “five more minutes” in that moment. In an interview with NECM last May, Scotty said, “you know, I didn’t really know what to expect. But it’s definitely the best response I’ve ever got from a song I’ve put out there. I knew it was a special song the day I wrote it. It’s my favorite song I’ve ever written.” McCreery actually debuted the song in 2016 at his memorable performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Scotty informed us,“I wrote it for my granddaddy. But then it took on the meaning of more than just life in general and just granddaddy. It’s talking about those moments in your life when you’re young and don’t have a care in the world.”
Favorite Lyrics: At eighty-six my grandpa said there’s angels in the room. With all the family gathered ’round, we knew that time was coming soon. With so much left to say I prayed ‘Lord I ain’t finished, just give us five more minutes.’

5.) ‘In Between’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Jessi Alexander, and Jonathan Singleton
Impression: ‘In Between’ could possibly be Scotty’s way of describing himself. He’s “a little bit of ball cap, little bit of pearl snap button down shirt” or between a “Friday night wild and quiet Sunday morning, between done after one and keep on pouring.” Rocking guitars take hold of this song, with a small intermission that you can drum to.
Favorite Lyrics: I can see your pretty eyes reading me like a map, wondering who I am and where I’m at.

6.) ‘This Is It’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis
Impression: ‘This Is It’ is one of the cutest songs by Scotty. This song paints the journey McCreery and his girlfriend, Gabi Dugal, went on during his proposal to her. It tells the story from his perspective and serves as a reflection of that moment and all the ones leading up to it. This is the classic Scotty that girls swoon over him for.
Favorite Lyrics: Now you’re walking down the aisle, and I can’t help but smile. This is it, this is now, it’s what I’ve been talking ‘bout. Looking out, I can see forever…

7.) ‘Wrong Again’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, and Phillip White
Impression: ‘Wrong Again’ is quite possibly the best song of the album. Assuming it is telling the story of how McCreery and his long-time girlfriend met – he thought it would never turn into anything serious, but here she is still sitting there with her hand in his. With short and simple verses and long catchy choruses, this song is undeniably catchy and, as a disclaimer, listeners should be warned that it will get stuck in their head after the first listen!
Favorite Lyrics: I just knew there was nothing to it, just me and you until we just burned out. Wrong again…

8.) ‘Move It On Out’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Dan Isbell, and Aaron Eshuis
Impression: ‘Move It On Out’ resembles much of Scotty’s earlier days and his single ‘Feelin’ It.’ With the same kind of tempo, rhythm, and syntax of the lyrics, you get the same chillin’ it vibe. This single is about feeling the bliss of starting a new chapter of your life.
Favorite Lyrics: Summertime’s a wastin. Girl, grab your things and let’s fire up the truck. You got me dying to see what’s hiding underneath that damned old cover-up.

9.) ‘Barefootin’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, and David Lee Murphy
Impression: Twangy, old, country guitars accompanied with brass horns introduce Scotty through the noise with his low baritone on what appears to be a 90s styled track. ‘Barefootin’ brings you to a moonlit and fire light beach scene in your mind of two people dancing barefoot to this song. It’s very light, carefree, simple and easy. Another great song of this album.
Favorite Lyrics: Let’s do some barefootin’, come on good looking, kick off them shoes, let’s make tonight a good one…

10.) ‘Still’ – Written by Scotty McCreery and Aaron Eshuis
Impression: Track 10 is about treasuring the moment of finding your soulmate. Fans are used to slow Scotty love songs, however, this one will most definitely catch the heart and ears of many with its twist sonically. With a much more swaying tone and beat, McCreery’s lyrics will be hook-line-and-sinker for its listeners. ‘Still’ has a way of cutting deep into the souls of the listeners and will for sure be wedding song in the near future.
Favorite Lyrics: Every day changes but it doesn’t change the way you make me smile when you say my name. And when you laugh, it makes me laugh. And when you cry, it makes me cry. Yeah like it did back then, when we were just beginning, and girl it always will. I want you, I need you, still.

11.) ‘Home In My Mind’ – Written by Scotty McCreery, James McNair, and Tommy Cecil
Impression: The final track of the album dives into the bittersweet feeling of being homesick while on this crazy journey called life. For Scotty, it is being out on the road pursuing his dream. However, he may be 1,000 miles away from where he wants to be, the images in his mind help him cope with whatever he’s feeling and provides him relief.
Favorite Lyrics: When I’m fighting off the lonely just needing you to hold me, hung up in a hotel, there ain’t no telling girl where I’m at. But baby I’m coming back…

For all you McCreerians that have been waiting for this release, it’s finally here! Y’all need to check out the new and improved, and matured sound of Scotty McCreery on his album that retraces his steps through life and the big changes he has undergone. It has multiple tracks that can be potential future releases. If you’re big into storytelling albums, then this one is for you. Welcome back, Scotty. We missed you!

You can purchase ‘Seasons Change’  on iTunes here.

Scotty McCreery: ‘This Is It’ Single Review

2017 was a successful year for Scotty McCreery: his smash hit ‘Five More Minutes’ was released and reached No. 1, news about his new album had been announced, he had a memorable Opry debut, and he proposed to his long-time girlfriend Gabi Dugal. However, 2018 seems to shaping up to be just as successful for the 24-year-old. McCreery is back this year early with the release of his newest single ‘This Is It,’ from his newly recent album, ‘Seasons Change.’

The single is a classic Scotty song all the way from the sound with his southern draw to the song writing. The single was written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Aaron Eshuis and is featured on his new album ‘Seasons Change,’ which was released March 16th. ‘This Is It’ is a song that paints the journey McCreery and his girlfriend went on during his proposal to her. It tells the story from his perspective and serves as a reflection of that moment.

The song starts with the image of being up 4,000 miles high in the Carolina mountains, and how he was surprising his girlfriend with this hike up the mountain. The end location was when she could open her eyes and take it all in and think “this is it.” As the single continues, the second verse says how he knows his girlfriend has been waiting for this moment, and talking to her friends about when it will happen and why it hasn’t yet. But, what she doesn’t know is that he has been waiting too, holding on to the ring for the right moment paired with the right words to say.

The lyrics are so painfully cute and depict their love for each other so perfectly. The chorus is all about how this is the moment they’ve been talking about and wanting for forever. In the midst of the chorus, McCreery shows his fans the rawness of his proposal with the lyrics “take my hand, take it in. This is the moment we won’t forget, on top of the world, here together.”

For a little background, Scotty proposed to Gabi in September 2017 on the top of a beautiful mountain top in North Carolina. When she thought her “this is it” moment was going to be the view, she was wrong. It was Scotty finally proposing to her!

The last verse of the song is a future prediction of what’s to come. Scotty sings about his future wife walking down the aisle on their wedding day and how he can’t help but think “this is it.”

If you love-bird country music fans haven’t heard this song yet, you need to listen to it immediately. It will make your heart ache with love in the best way possible. For those of you who aren’t so in to the lovey-dovey stuff, then you should still give it a listen as this is still great artistry on McCreery’s behalf. If this is a sneak peek into his new album, then we’re pretty excited for what else he has in store.

Favorite Lyrics: Now you’re walking down the aisle, and I can’t help but smile. This is it, this is now, it’s what I’ve been talking ‘bout. Looking out, I can see forever…