Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 36th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Discovery Artist of the Year category. The award will honor a Nashville developing artist who demonstrates significant talent and potential to rise.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 9 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, becoming a MusicRow subscriber here.
Paving her own lane in country music, Tanner Adell has been weaving the tales of her California and Wyoming upbringing through her musical storytelling. Her lyricism keeps its roots in country while infusing an addictive blend of pop vocals and hip-hop beats. On her debut album Buckle Bunny, Adell spilles out energetic tunes and honest ballads that reflect her personal narrative as a biracial woman. The project earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, Billboard, MusicRow and more. Earlier this year, Adell was featured on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album. while continuing to make a name for herself with appearances at Faster Horses, Golden Sky, C2C, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival and more. She is also featured on the Twisters soundtrack with “Too Easy,” and recently released her latest single “Cowboy Break My Heart,” which she debuted at the BET Awards. She also made her national television debut on the Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this year.
When Avery Anna began posting videos of herself singing in her bathroom, the Arizona native’s fan base started growing rapidly. Her distinct lyricism goes well beyond her 20 years and is paired with a dynamic, piano-forward sound. Her debut EP, Mood Swings, served as a seven-track intro that paved the singer-songwriter’s path to over 350 million streams. The project featured the Gold-certified, viral hit “Narcissist,” which she performed at the CMT Music Awards, when she was a Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee. Anna made her national television debut and performed the empowerment anthem “Self Love” on NBC’s Today. She has shared the stage with Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Breland, Chase Rice and more across the United States and abroad, and has already embarked on her own headlining tour. Anna recently released her debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast, featuring stellar tracks “Girl Next Door,” “Blonde,” “Make It Look Easy” and “Two Sides Of The Story” and more.
With her rafter-reaching voice and straight-shootin’ songwriting, Ella Langley has become the maverick country music needs. While spiking her unfiltered true stories with unapologetic rock & roll grit and unassuming pop appeal, she has amassed millions of streams and a rapidly growing fan base. The Alabama native gigged at bars and local festivals before moving to Nashville in 2019. With “If You Have To,” “Damn You” and “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” Langley continued to deliver to her huge online following. She is currently on the road with Riley Green. and is set to support Hardy, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Morgan Wallen throughout 2024. Her debut EP, Excuse The Mess, garnered over 120 million streams in a year. She earned her first CMT Music Awards Nomination for Collaborative Video of the Year with “That’s Why We Fight” with Koe Wetzel. Langley is readying her debut album, Hungover, featuring tunes “Paint The Town Blue,” “Nicotine,” and viral hit “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green.
Honing a deep-rooted love for traditional music, Zach Top has infiltrated the genre with his homage to classic sounds and authentic storytelling. Growing up in Sunnyside, Washington, Top always listened to classic country music while driving around his family’s ranch tending to livestock, embodying the spirit of ’90s country legends such as George Strait, Keith Whitley and Randy Travis. At seven years old, he formed a band with his siblings, igniting his musical ambitions. Before moving to Nashville in 2021, Top perfected his craft by playing in various bluegrass bands, including award-winning Modern Tradition. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, features the top-25-and-climbing radio single “Sounds Like The Radio.” Top opened up for Brothers Osborne earlier this year and will support Lainey Wilson throughout 2024. He also made an appearance at Under the Big Sky Festival, and will perform at Watershed Festival, RedWest Fest and more.
Steeped in authenticity and glittered with barstool charm with an addictive Tennessee limestone gravel in her voice, Lauren Watkins writes. breathes and lives country music. The Nashville native grew up mesmerized by a jukebox rotation of legends such as Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to contemporary hitmakers like Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton. After attending Ole Miss, she moved back to Music City and her turn-on-a-dime lyricism quickly caught the attention of Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to her first publishing deal. Her 17-track debut album, The Heartbroken Record, introduced her take on country music, focusing on a sound that’s both appreciative of the genre’s roots and in lockstep with where it’s headed next. Watkins has previously shared the stage with Ernest. Conner Smith, Jameson Rodgers, Austin Snell and Lily Rose. She is slated to open for Morgan Wallen. Maddie & Tae and Corey Kent throughout the year.
After sustaining an injury while playing college football at Montana Technological University, Tucker Wetmore headed back to his hometown of Kalama. Washington and dusted off his guitar. It was then that the singer-songwriter channelled his feelings into original songs rooted in country storytelling with modern melodies. Less than a year later, he came to Nashville to sharpen his writing skills and craft his unique country sound. He blends his baritone vocals with singalong hooks and infectious charisma. With over one million social media followers and tens of millions of TikTok views. Wetmore’s dedicated fan base has brought his debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” into the Billboard Hot 100. In four months alone, he amassed over 200 million streams. He recently opened for Kameron Marlowe on the road, and will head out with Luke Bryan in the fall.
Hueston Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Liza AndersonHueston
Singer-songwriter and producer Hueston has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
Born in Rhode Island and raised in Florida, Hueston discovered his passion for music at a young age and began performing in bands as a teenager. In his early twenties, he moved to New York City, where he co-founded the duo The Blancos. In 2023, Hueston represented Rhode Island on NBC’s American Song Contest, making it to the semi-finals.
This year, he became the flagship act of UMG Nashville’s Silver Wings Records and released singles “Every Time Is The Last Time” and “Living Fast.” With over 453,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Hueston is set to play at upcoming festivals, including Bourbon & Beyond and Country Calling Festival.
“The first time you hear a note from Hueston will make you think…who is this? His vocals and emotional songwriting make him stand out in all the right ways,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Everyone at WCM is excited to support the songs that this unique artist brings to the table.”
“Ben Vaughn is someone I have wanted to work with for a very long time,” adds Hueston. “I am grateful and excited to be part of the Warner Chappell Music family and for all of the music that will come from this relationship.”
He is managed by Left | Right Management’s John Meneilly and Jay King, and D-O-M Collective’s Scott Randell. His agency representation is provided by CAA’s Hunter Williams, Jeff Krones and Katie Germano.
Terri Clark’s First Ryman Headlining Show To Stream Live On Veeps
/by Lorie HollabaughTerri Clark‘s first-ever headlining show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 29 will broadcast live on the streaming platform Veeps.
Featuring an opening performance by singer-songwriter Jenna LaMaster, the concert will air live on Veeps at 7:30 p.m. CT. Subscribers to Veeps All Access can watch the show for free, while individual tickets are available for $11.99. Individual ticket holders can rewatch for seven days after purchase. The show will be available for two years after the original air date, but LaMaster’s opening performance will only be available during the live broadcast. For more information, click here.
The Ryman debut comes on the heels of Clark’s recently-released album, Terri Clark: Take Two, an eight-song duets project featuring collaborations with Lauren Alaina, Paul Brandt, Kelly Clarkson, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Ben Rector and Lainey Wilson.
Chase Rice Readies New Independent Album ‘Go Down Singin”
/by Lorie HollabaughChase Rice’s Go Down Singin’ cover art. Photo: Evan DeStefano
Chase Rice settles into himself after some introspection on his upcoming new indie release Go Down Singin’ due Sept. 20.
Mirroring the cover art of his I Hate Cowboys album, which features a photo of his late father holding Coors Banquets during the late ‘80s in Wyoming, Rice recreated that picture himself for Go Down Singin’ as he continues to honor the man who served as his childhood hero. Marveling at being a work-in-progress, Rice considers the 11-song album an arrival on the brink of “being the man my father always believed I could be.”
“I’m 38 now, and that’s part of it,” says Rice. “I’ve journaled since I was 15 years old, but there’s something about being able to tell other people. I’m a deep person, but I don’t know to show it in real life, so I’m trying to do it in my music. For me, Go Down Singin’ is everything about where I am and what I want. I’m starting to see myself as who I want to be, not who I thought I should be. That’s a good start. And I think a lot of men struggle with this stuff, too.”
Among the tracks on the album is a collaboration with three-time Grammy winner Lori McKenna. The decorated songwriter came to see Rice play in Boston and recognized the wounding and promise inside him.
“I wanted to bring her a song I had started that was the story of moving to Nashville, getting anything you wanted and losing it all,” Rice recalls of “Oh Tennessee,” another one of their four co-writes on the album. “I knew she would understand, and from there, well, we had so much to say.”
Go Down Singin’ Track List:
1. “Go Down Singin’” (Chase Rice, Blake Pendergrass)
2. “Fireside” (Chase Rice, Jackson Dean, Jonathan Sherwood, Oscar Charles)
3. “That Word Don’t Work No More” feat. Lori McKenna (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
4. “Hey God It’s Me Again” (Chase Rice, Corey Crowder, Randy Montana)
5. “Oh Tennessee” (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
6. “Haw River” (Chase Rice, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “Arkansas” (Chase Rice, Rob Baird)
8. “Numbers” (Chase Rice, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
9. “If Drinkin’ Helped” (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
10. “Little Red Race Car” (Chase Rice, Jackson Nance, Heath Warren)
11. “You In ’85” (Chase Rice, Lori McKenna, Oscar Charles)
Weekly Register: Luke Combs Returns To Top Five On Country Streaming Songs Chart
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs‘ “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” returns to the top five on the country streaming songs chart this week, claiming the fifth slot with 14 million new streaming, adding to 120 million ATD, according to Luminate data.
Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” rules at No. 1 with 28 million new streams, adding to 542 million ATD, followed by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” at No. 2 with 27 million new streams, adding to 481 million ATD. Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” lies at No. 3 with 17 million streams, adding to 86 million ATD, and Zach Bryan‘s “Pink Skies” stays at No. 4 with 16 million new streams, adding to 223 million ATD.
On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time reclaims the top slot with 64K in total consumption (1.4K album only/81 million song streams). Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene shifts down to No. 2 with 61K (857 album only/77 million song streams), while Twisters: The Album takes No. 3 once again with 44K (7.6K album only/45 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album holds No. 4 with 38K (389 album only/48 millions song streams), and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going rises to No. 5 with 31K (1K album only/37 million song streams).
Additionally, The Red Clay Strays‘ Made By These Moments scores the top debut at No. 9 with 22K (11.2K album only/13 million song streams).
2024 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Discovery Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 36th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Discovery Artist of the Year category. The award will honor a Nashville developing artist who demonstrates significant talent and potential to rise.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 9 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, becoming a MusicRow subscriber here.
Paving her own lane in country music, Tanner Adell has been weaving the tales of her California and Wyoming upbringing through her musical storytelling. Her lyricism keeps its roots in country while infusing an addictive blend of pop vocals and hip-hop beats. On her debut album Buckle Bunny, Adell spilles out energetic tunes and honest ballads that reflect her personal narrative as a biracial woman. The project earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, Billboard, MusicRow and more. Earlier this year, Adell was featured on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album. while continuing to make a name for herself with appearances at Faster Horses, Golden Sky, C2C, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival and more. She is also featured on the Twisters soundtrack with “Too Easy,” and recently released her latest single “Cowboy Break My Heart,” which she debuted at the BET Awards. She also made her national television debut on the Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this year.
When Avery Anna began posting videos of herself singing in her bathroom, the Arizona native’s fan base started growing rapidly. Her distinct lyricism goes well beyond her 20 years and is paired with a dynamic, piano-forward sound. Her debut EP, Mood Swings, served as a seven-track intro that paved the singer-songwriter’s path to over 350 million streams. The project featured the Gold-certified, viral hit “Narcissist,” which she performed at the CMT Music Awards, when she was a Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee. Anna made her national television debut and performed the empowerment anthem “Self Love” on NBC’s Today. She has shared the stage with Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Breland, Chase Rice and more across the United States and abroad, and has already embarked on her own headlining tour. Anna recently released her debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast, featuring stellar tracks “Girl Next Door,” “Blonde,” “Make It Look Easy” and “Two Sides Of The Story” and more.
With her rafter-reaching voice and straight-shootin’ songwriting, Ella Langley has become the maverick country music needs. While spiking her unfiltered true stories with unapologetic rock & roll grit and unassuming pop appeal, she has amassed millions of streams and a rapidly growing fan base. The Alabama native gigged at bars and local festivals before moving to Nashville in 2019. With “If You Have To,” “Damn You” and “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” Langley continued to deliver to her huge online following. She is currently on the road with Riley Green. and is set to support Hardy, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Morgan Wallen throughout 2024. Her debut EP, Excuse The Mess, garnered over 120 million streams in a year. She earned her first CMT Music Awards Nomination for Collaborative Video of the Year with “That’s Why We Fight” with Koe Wetzel. Langley is readying her debut album, Hungover, featuring tunes “Paint The Town Blue,” “Nicotine,” and viral hit “You Look Like You Love Me” with Riley Green.
Honing a deep-rooted love for traditional music, Zach Top has infiltrated the genre with his homage to classic sounds and authentic storytelling. Growing up in Sunnyside, Washington, Top always listened to classic country music while driving around his family’s ranch tending to livestock, embodying the spirit of ’90s country legends such as George Strait, Keith Whitley and Randy Travis. At seven years old, he formed a band with his siblings, igniting his musical ambitions. Before moving to Nashville in 2021, Top perfected his craft by playing in various bluegrass bands, including award-winning Modern Tradition. His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, features the top-25-and-climbing radio single “Sounds Like The Radio.” Top opened up for Brothers Osborne earlier this year and will support Lainey Wilson throughout 2024. He also made an appearance at Under the Big Sky Festival, and will perform at Watershed Festival, RedWest Fest and more.
Steeped in authenticity and glittered with barstool charm with an addictive Tennessee limestone gravel in her voice, Lauren Watkins writes. breathes and lives country music. The Nashville native grew up mesmerized by a jukebox rotation of legends such as Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow to contemporary hitmakers like Eric Church, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton. After attending Ole Miss, she moved back to Music City and her turn-on-a-dime lyricism quickly caught the attention of Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to her first publishing deal. Her 17-track debut album, The Heartbroken Record, introduced her take on country music, focusing on a sound that’s both appreciative of the genre’s roots and in lockstep with where it’s headed next. Watkins has previously shared the stage with Ernest. Conner Smith, Jameson Rodgers, Austin Snell and Lily Rose. She is slated to open for Morgan Wallen. Maddie & Tae and Corey Kent throughout the year.
After sustaining an injury while playing college football at Montana Technological University, Tucker Wetmore headed back to his hometown of Kalama. Washington and dusted off his guitar. It was then that the singer-songwriter channelled his feelings into original songs rooted in country storytelling with modern melodies. Less than a year later, he came to Nashville to sharpen his writing skills and craft his unique country sound. He blends his baritone vocals with singalong hooks and infectious charisma. With over one million social media followers and tens of millions of TikTok views. Wetmore’s dedicated fan base has brought his debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You” into the Billboard Hot 100. In four months alone, he amassed over 200 million streams. He recently opened for Kameron Marlowe on the road, and will head out with Luke Bryan in the fall.
Zach Bryan Stays Atop MusicRow Songwriter Chart For Fourth Consecutive Week
/by Madison HahnenZach Bryan. Photo: Andrew Maclean
Zach Bryan sits in the No. 1 spot on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, marking his fourth consecutive week. Bryan’s entries on the chart include “Pink Skies,” “28,” “American Nights,” “Better Days,” “Bass Boat,” “Oak Island,” “Sandpaper,” “The Way Back,” “Nine Ball” and “The Great American Bar Scene.”
Ashley Gorley stays at No. 2 this week with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Whiskey Whiskey,” “Bulletproof” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” Josh Phillips holds onto the No. 3 spot with “Dirt Cheap.”
Jessi Alexander (No. 4) and Chris Stapleton (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Dustin Lynch Slates Headlining Show At Red Rocks Amphitheatre
/by Madison HahnenDustin Lynch plans to headline Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the first time on Nov. 6.
Presented by Coors Banquet, a percentage of ticket sales will benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, adding to the over two million dollars Coors Banquet has donated to the organization. The foundation assists the families of firefighters killed in the line of duty as well as help injured firefighters and their families.
“Red Rocks is such a legendary venue, and I’m so pumped to be headlining it,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited to partner with my buddies over at Coors Banquet and help in their mission to support the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Let’s get rowdy for a good cause, y’all! See you there!”
Fan club members will have exclusive first access to presale tickets starting tomorrow (Aug. 6) ahead of general sales this Friday (Aug. 9). For more information, click here.
Billy Strings To Send ‘Highway Prayers’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings is set to release his new album, Highway Prayers, on Sept. 27 via Reprise Records. The debut single from the project, “Leadfoot,” is available now.
Recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville, the 20-track collection features Strings alongside his band—made up of Billy Failing (banjo, vocals), Royal Masat (bass, vocals), Jarrod Walker (mandolin, vocals) and Alex Hargraves (fiddle)—as well as contributions from Brion (bass, drums, percussion), Chamberlain (drums), Jerry Douglas (dobro), Jason Carter (fiddle), Lindsay Lou (backing vocals), Nathaniel Smith (cello), Taneka Samone (backing vocals), Cory Henry (piano), Peter “Madcat” Ruth (harmonica, jaw harp) and Victor Furtado (clawhammer banjo).
Additionally, the artist and his band members will tour through the end of the year, including three nights at the University of New Orleans’ Lakefront Arena on Dec. 29–31. Additional upcoming stops include Indianapolis, Huntsville, Baltimore, Memphis, Austin and Strings’ annual Renewal weekend in Buena Vista in September, which has sold out once again. For more information, click here.
Highway Prayers Track Listing:
1. “Leaning on a Travelin’ Song”
2. “In the Clear”
3. “Escanaba”
4. “Gild the Lily”
5. “Seven Weeks In County”
6. “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe in You”
7. “Cabin Song”
8. “Don’t Be Calling Me (at 4AM)”
9. “Malfunction Junction”
10. “Catch and Release”
11. “Be Your Man”
12. “Gone a Long Time”
13. “It Ain’t Before”
14. “My Alice”
15. “Seney Stretch”
16. “MorBud4Me”
17. “Leadfoot”
18. “Happy Hollow”
19. “The Beginning of the End”
20. “Richard Petty”
Scotty McCreery To Kick Off The ‘Fall Of Summer Tour’ This September
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray
Scotty McCreery is set to launch his headlining “Fall of Summer Tour” beginning Sept. 2.
Named after his current single, the tour will take the North Carolina native across the U.S. and Canada with stops in Santa Fe, Bakersfield, Kansas City, Abilene and more. Tickets for most dates go on sale Aug. 9 at ScottyMcCreery.com.
“I’m so proud of my new Rise & Fall album, and I’m pumped to bring the ‘Fall of Summer Tour’ out on the road,” says McCreery. “Performing live is one of my favorite things to do, and I can’t wait to play these songs for folks across the country as well as a few Canadian shows in Ontario.”
This Friday, (Aug. 9) McCreery will join Callista Clark on her latest release, the duet “Gettin’ Old.” The two recently shot a music video for the track which will be released in the coming weeks.
“Fall of Summer Tour” Dates:
*9/2 – Wauseon, OH – Fulton County Fair
*9/13 – Santa Fe, NM – Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino
*9/14 – Abilene, TX – Mulligans Outdoor Bash
*9/21 – Central Point, OR – Bi-Mart Amphitheatre at the Expo
*9/23 – Bakersfield, CA – Kern County Fair
*9/28 – Columbia, SC – Segra Park
*9/29 – Fort Myers, FL – Island Hopper Festival
+10/4 – Nixa, MO – Aetos Center for the Performing Arts
*10/5 – Benton, MO – Benton Speedway
+10/17 – Bloomington, IL – Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
+10/18 – La Porte, IN – La Porte Civic Auditorium
*10/19 – Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre
+11/7 – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey
>11/8 – Stamford, CT – Palace Theatre
*11/9 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
+11/15 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
+11/16 – Choctaw, MS – Pearl River Resort
+11/21 – Windsor, ON – The Colosseum at Caesar’s Windsor
+11/22 – Orillia, ON – Casino Rama Resort – Entertainment Centre
*12/6 – Kansas City, MO – Ameristar Kansas City Casino
+12/7 – Hinton, OK – Sugar Creek Casino
*Previously Announced Date
+On Sale Aug. 9
>On Sale Aug. 16
2024 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Song Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 36th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Song of the Year category.
The nominees honor Nashville writers and publishers on the craft of songwriting, not necessarily chart performance, during the eligibility period of June 1, 2023 to May 31, 2024.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 9 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, becoming a MusicRow subscriber here.
“Bigger Houses”
“Bigger Houses,” the title track from Dan + Shay’s latest album, explores the age-old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness. Written by the duo’s Dan Smyers alongside Andy Albert, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds, the tune shares that we tend to focus on keeping up with the Jonses, but in reality, that goal is never attainable. “You’re never gonna fill an empty cup, if what you got’s still not enough,” the duo sing. “The thing about happiness I’ve found is, it don’t live in bigger houses.” As the song winds on, Dan+ Shay point the focus towards the little things that make us rich, like the sound of children’s footsteps, swinging on a porch swing with the love of your life and dogs playing in the back yard. “Bigger Houses” is currently rising at country radio, proving to be a commercial hit as well as a timeless anthem.
“Dirt Cheap”
Solo-penned by Josh Phillips and recorded by Cody Johnson, “Dirt Cheap” is an emotional reminder that there’s no place like home. The song tells the story of a farmer who is approached by land developers wanting to buy his property. When asked his price, the farmer says his home is priceless because of the memories made on the land. He recalls his little girl playing on the swing, and remembers his family dog who is buried in the yard. “Over there is where I got down on one knee,” Johnson sings. “You can’t buy that kind of dirt cheap.” The tune serves as a single from Johnson’s Leather album, and is currently top 10-and-climbing at country radio. The impressively-written “Dirt Cheap” serves as both a fan and industry favorite.
“Good News Sold”
Recorded and released by Jordan Davis and written by his brother Jacob Davis with Cole Taylor and Jordan Rowe, “Good News Sold” captures the overwhelm we all feel by the heavy headlines on the news. With stories about war, political unrest, financial crises and more so constant, keeping up with current events can be depressing. But Davis challenges that, “If good news sold, the world wouldn’t seem so bad.” He sings his own headlines: a woman beating stage four cancer, a couple rejoicing in their pregnancy after fertility issues and a solider coming home and surprising his little boy. “Turnin’ the TV on and checkin’ your phone wouldn’t ever get old, if good news sold,” he sings, and he’s right.
“No Caller ID”
“No Caller ID” finds breakout star Megan Moroney in a vulnerable place we’ve all been: staring at a blocked number calling you late at night and knowing exactly who it is. Written by Moroney with Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon, she sings about finally getting back on her feet after a breakup when she gets a call from you-know who at 3 a.m. She resents the cycle, singing about when she picks up, she gets a “half-ass sorry” and an insincere check-in. “Don’t you get tired of hurtin’ me?” she asks, adding “I’m tired of hurtin’ me, so I let it ring.” The track resonated deeply with fans, becoming an early streaming hit from Moroney’s recently released sophomore album Am I Okay?
“Where The Wild Things Are”
Luke Combs recorded the Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull-penned “Where The Wild Things Are” for his Gettin’ Old album and fans went “wild” for it. The song tells the story of brothers; the older, a free spirit who takes his Indian Scout motorcycle to California. When the younger brother calls his big bro up, he talks about “the desert and the Joshua Tree,” and tells “pretty girl stories.” By the second verse, the younger brother goes to visit and observes his carefree lifestyle, and though he has fun, chooses to move back home. The ending of the song delivers the terrible news that his older brother had a motorcycle wreck. “We buried him out in the wind beneath the West Coast stars, out where the wild things are,” Combs sums, breaking our hearts as the song ends.
“Your Place”
Ashley Cooke delivers the ultimate double entendre with “Your Place,” written with Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell. She opens the song by reminding her ex that her Jeep isn’t in his driveway anymore nor is her toothbrush on his sink. He’s been calling her drunk at 2 a.m. and asking her friends if she’s seeing someone, leading Cooke to proclaim, “It ain’t your place to walk up, say hey, ask how I’ve been at some party.” In the ultimate tell-off, she sings, “You don’t get to care where I’m waking up these days. It ain’t your place.” The track set the tone for Cooke’s skillful songwriting, serving as the lead single for her debut album Shot In The Dark.