CountryBreakout No. 1 Song

Ask any of the thousands of struggling musicians in Nashville and they’ll tell you: entertainment is a heartbreaking business. Most performers don’t ever get the chance to stand on a stage like the Ryman Auditorium or play late night television, or even sign a record deal.

So why keep doing it? Because some dreams refuse to die, in spite of all logical reasoning. Republic Nashville’s Eli Young Band seemingly remembers what determination feels like, because “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”–the CountryBreakout Chart’s new No. 1 song–is an anthem for the dreamers. Written by top-shelf singer/songwriters Will Hoge and Eric Paslay, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” is a rallying cry in the vein of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” something that demands rolling down the windows and shouting at the top of one’s lungs. (Or, you know, so I’ve heard).

Eli Young Band has definitely made it through those days of struggle at this point. “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” follows up the group’s “Crazy Girl,” which became a smash No. 1 hit and won the ACM Award for Song of the Year. The group is also currently nominated for two CMT Music Awards, which will take place Wednesday, June 6.