I don’t know why, but warmer weather always put me in the mood for country music and so when the weather starts transitioning from spring to summer, I always find myself looking for new country music to add to my playlists.
Now before all of you country purists see this list and get all worked up… ya’ll just cool your jets.
I am admittedly a purist (*also see snobby) about a lot of things, but when it comes to country music I pretty much am a fan of all of it.
I think George is the king, I was born and raised in the 90’s and Kris Kristofferson’s “The Austin Sessions” is one of my all-time favorite albums. Until streaming became a thing, I owned every Kenny Chesney album to date, I did one of my high school AP English Language and Comp projects on Johnny Cash and I spent every extra penny I had in college (and then some) going to every red dirt and Texas country concert that came to town. My point is that I don’t think country music has just one sound, and I think some of the styles that have become popular in the last decade or so have a place too, and I personally like quite a bit of it. So if you don’t like it, don’t listen to it. Problem solved.
So now that we have that out of the way… I have been adding to and loving this playlist of recent country releases over the whole past month. For the most part, quite a bit of it was released in 2018, but there are a some from 2017 that I didn’t find until just recently. But if its from a relatively new artist, chances are it took a while for the song to pick up and hitting its stride just in time for summer isn’t a bad thing.
Hope you enjoy it! Let me know what’s new that you’ve been jamming to!
Also, wishing everyone a fun, safe holiday weekend! This always feels like the unofficial start of summer, but it is also important to remember that this weekend is a time to honor and remember those who aren’t with us anymore, and especially those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
If you ask me what my all around favorite music genre is, anyone who knows me well, know that it’s country. But if you were to ask me what my favorite “music mood” was, I think many more of you would be surprised (Or are just confused by what I just said LOL).
Making playlists is something I’ve been doing for a LONG time. From the beginning when I had an iTunes in middle school I started created playlists and mixed CDs, all revolving around different themes, events and moods. I actually still have a lot of my old mixed CDs in my car and like to pop them in every once in a while for a fun throwback. Anyway, above all, my favorite “music mood” is by far what I’ve always personally called “soul music.” I know that I should probably find a different name, because traditionally “soul music” is associated with jazz, gospel and the blues, but the label has just always stuck with me. So what I am referring to is essentially slower, laid back music, often with a single instrument. Most often, this music isn’t your really passionate love songs or really sad songs, but more of a lighter dose of either of those, or just a bit more lighthearted. And it is always best listened to on a cozy rainy day, or a relaxing, warm sunny day.
When I decided that this was going to be an upcoming feature playlist, it was way too long (hundreds of songs), so I started picking through over the past couple of weeks, and then separated that into two lists. I followed my usual rule and tried to focus on including a big variety of artists, instead of multiple songs from the same artists. Which is SO HARD, considering some of my favorites, like Vance Joy, could have whole albums on here. I’ll also say that, for the most part, I don’t really put country music on a playlist like this. In my mind, that is a different kind of playlist.
The first list that I am saving for later features my all-time favorite self-proclaimed “Soul Music,”… all songs that are permanently on repeat. But today’s post is still pretty great, and since we’ve been having quite a few warm spring rainy days where I live recently, labeling this as my “Rainy Days” playlist was perfect.
I am headed to London late next week for a long girls weekend with one of my college besties, Brandi, so I thought it would be fun to throw together a playlist that focused on British artists. Which, in hindsight, was a bit easier said than done. Other than The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, I didn’t have too many expectations of what would be included, but as I started to dive into my saved music as well as exploring other playlists on Spotify, I discovered that I should have been more specific, and just focused on one era and genre. There were so many artists and bands that I forgot or never realized originated from the UK!
So, my list is a bit eclectic, ranging from the “British Invasion” to current music. To keep the playlist from being too long, I did decide to limit it to artists and bands that were only from England, not from Ireland (sorry U2) or Scotland. However, please don’t go fact checking on me… I’m sure I messed up at least one or two 🙂
Enjoy!
Alright, let me know what obvious favorites I missed!
I’ve said many times before that my taste in music stretches far and wide. But if I had to listen to only on genre of music for the rest of my life, it would be country music. And if I had to be more specific, I would choose 90’s country music (followed closely by outlaw country and Texas/red dirt country).
I can’t help it. It is what I was raised on, and honestly, I think it played a large part in why I love good storytelling.
This was by far the hardest playlist so far to keep under a certain number. I could have easily created this long of a playlist with just a small handful of my favorite 90’s country artists, but there were also quite a few single hits that I could not overlook. So I limited myself to 1-2 songs per artists and for the most part, kept it to upbeat songs, though there were a few slow songs that snuck in. I also did quite a bit of double checking to make sure that the songs featured really were from albums that came out between 1990 to 1999. I had so much fun picking through these albums, since so many of them we had a home growing up.
And just so no one yells at me… I am well aware that there is no Garth Brooks on this list, but his music is not on Spotify.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed putting it together! Happy Friday!
First, it’s not Friday. But last Friday, my Wi-fi was down all day due to a crazy wind storm we had and this Friday I have a different post that I want to specifically post on that date. But hey, I definitely jam out other days of the week, so really, it works. #rebelyell
Second, I’m fully aware that it is a bit dramatic to create and share a playlist titled “Post Break Up,” but hey, unfortunately most of us need a playlist like this at point or another. You are welcome.
I’ve been adding songs to this list over the past couple of weeks and it was MUCH harder to keep it under a reasonable number than I thought it would be, which was silly to think because all artists have at least a handful of break up songs to their name. And really, I could have just made the list with only country songs… or only Taylor Swift songs.
So is this list a bit cheesy? Yes, because there was no way I was leaving Dolly out of it. And it is definitely full of angst (my teenage self would be so proud). But it is pretty well-rounded — meaning it covers every stage of a break up and quite a few different situations. So please note, I obviously don’t personally relate to every single song, quite a few are just songs that I enjoy and love to jam out to regardless of what they are about. Enjoy!
p.s. There are a few songs that are explicit, just FYI, if that’s not your thing. #sorrymom
I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********
1.Favorite New(ish) Album Untamed – CAM
Friends, I think Cam is the real deal.
I would say it is probably pretty hard to be women in country music, but I really do not think that this is an artist that is going fade away after an album or two. After a short jaunt in contemporary pop, her country debut single “Burning House” was one of the biggest songs on 2015 and its almost a crime that it took me until this past month to check out her whole album. “Hungover on Heartache” is currently my favorite jam off of the record, but I also really like the title track “Untamed,” as well as “Mayday” and “Cold in California.”
Plus by now, I think it goes without saying that I LOVE her hair.
2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration I’ll Be The Moon by Dierks Bentley ft. Maren Morris
Let’s start off by saying that I have been raving about Maren Morris for months now, and I am just so happy that people are finally starting to know who I am talking about.
ANYWAY… let’s focus a little less on what the song is about and just appreciate how pretty that harmony is. Dierks has a lot of fun songs, but his voice was meant for sexy, soulful tunes. I still remember when he came to my county fair right after his debut album came out. He has always been a staple favorite since then and I would LOVE to see him in concert again someday.
3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band Brothers Osborne
This song has been stuck in my head and on my regular playlists for a few months now, so I guess it was about time these guys made it onto a blog post. They have a solid country sound, and are almost a bit folksy at times. Other than their single, I really like “21 Summer” (quickly becoming a new favorite), “American Crazy,”“Rum” and “Down Home.” They are playing on tour nearby in August with Miranda Lambert and Kip Moore, and I am REALLY hoping that I can make it work to go.
4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Keeping Your Head Up – Birdy
Birdy goes into the same category as artists like Sia and Vance Joy, who could sing the alphabet and I would still be obsessed with them. I want to feature every single song these artists have. If you think I’m exaggerating when I put songs into this category, DON’T. I literally mean that at one point I have clicked the repeat button on Spotify multiple times. I love that this particular song of hers is a bit more upbeat than some of my other favorites and I love the lyrics. It’s great in the car and is also on my running playlist.
6. Favorite Spotify List “Legendary”
The playlist description says: “The best of the best. Classics that define the word Legendary are all in this playlist.”
I mean with the Stones, Beatles, CCR, Fleetwood Mac and Queen — just to name a few — I would say this is a pretty solid jam session.
7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over Start a Riot – BANNERS
I heard this on a TV show a while ago and immediately knew it would eventually find its way into this category. I love the artist’s scratchy voice and there is a softness to the song, that pulls on a lot of different emotions #closethipster. I’m a sucker for live acoustic versions, but this one is a bit rough, so I’d encourage you to listen to both.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Wild Things by Alessia Cara
It is funny, how you can hate one from an artist and be obsessed with another. That is how I feel about “Here” (which is REALLY annoying) and this new single. It throws me off a bit that this girl is so young, but this “anthem-like” song is quirky, catchy and has such a rich sound — which I think ties back to the lyrics themselves. It sounds great in the car and obviously has also found a spot on my workout playlist.
10. An Oldie, But a Goodie Today I Started Loving You Again by Merle Haggard
Friends, music lost a legend last week. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music, but my love for it is rooted in riding shotgun with my Dad and in early morning AM radio stations that would play the outlaws and classics. I was never cut out to be a musician of any kind, but I sometimes wonder if that music was one of the things that helped develop my love for good storytelling. Haggard was one of the best, and certainly influenced so many of the generation of artists to follow him. If I had to choose I would probably say that the song above is my favorite of his, but of course I love other hits like “Mama Tried,”“Workin’ Man Blues,” and “Fightin’ Side of Me,” just to name a few.
11. Work, Work It Out Castle by Halsey
If you have already discovered this song, it is probably because you joined everyone and their mom in using the Shazam app when you heard it on the “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” movie trailer. I am sure that I was not the only one. I have not completely made up my mind on Halsey as a new artist, but this song is SO GOOD. With a dramatic flair and so many layers to its sound, I am dying to see someone choreograph a dance routine to this. (Or can I be 16 again please?) It might be a bit different for what normally goes on workout playlists, but trust me, it works.
12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love Ophelia by The Lumineers
The Lumineers were an instant favorite when their debut album came out. Their entire production is so simple, but unique, and their new single has a light-hearted and sweet melody that I’ve had on repeat lately. Plus the video is just cute.
13. Guilty Listen of The Week Friends by Blake Shelton
I do not actually feel guilty about this one, it just seemed like the right place to put it since it is kind of silly. I LOVE Blake Shelton and this video and song have been cracking me up since my sister shared it last week. I think it is great when artists lend their voice to fun, kid-friendly projects like this.
14. Favorite New(ish) Cover/Remix Stay by Thirty Seconds to Mars (Original by Rihanna)
The BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge is my favorite go-to on YouTube for live performances and great covers. This particular cover is actually 2 or 3 years old, but I was showing someone this YouTube channel the other day and it made me think of it. Of all of the covers they feature, this one is probably my favorite. I am a fan of most of Rihanna’s music, but I never really cared for her original version of this song. But Jared Leto man, his version is so good, it is wrong. It really should have been his band’s song to begin with.
I’ve found that most people have pretty strong feelings about Meghan Trainor. You either get her or your can’t stand her. Don’t get me wrong her music can get a bit obnoxious after a while, but I generally like her. But this song…people, it’s some level above annoying.
LOL NO.
However, can we take a moment to appreciate her hair. If I wasn’t super snobby about the fact that I’ve never colored my hair, I would go to that color in a heartbeat.
16. Country Pick Dear Music by Bart Crow Band
A country love song to country music?
I didn’t know I needed this song, until I stumbled across it, and now it will probably end up being one of my all-time favorites. I didn’t know that Bart Crow put out a new album last year, so I am excited to check that out. “Wear My Ring” is one of my all-time favorite two-stepping songs, so they are always solid staple when it comes to red dirt music.
I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********
1.Favorite New(ish) Album A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay
Gosh, I love Coldplay. They’ve been a staple on my playlists for as long as I can remember and with so much music and aspiring artists I love that they are still relevant (umm Superbowl… HELLO!?) and putting out great music. The album’s single above “Adventure of a Lifetime,” is timeless, fun and SO different, and I don’t just mean the weird music video. My other favorite off of the album include “Everglow,” which reminds me of their older work, as well as the title track “A Head Full of Dreams,” and the instrumental “Colour Spectrum.”
2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Hollow by Tori Kelly ft. Big Sean
If you’ve read this series before than you know that Tori Kelly is a new artist that I have loved since her first EP came out. Her new collaboration might me my favorite song she’s put out thus far. When I read she was pairing up with Big Sean I was excited. I am usually pretty selective when it comes to rap, only liking one or two of each artists songs, but Big Sean is an exception, I like most of his music. So I was pretty disappointed that the official music video does not feature the collaboration version. It’s a song with a lot of meaning and a really good, progressive beat, which doesn’t always happen when the lyrics are heavy.
3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band LANco
This young, new country band is a fun group with a strong single above “Long Live Tonight” and an EP from last year. I don’t know all that much about them yet but they have a lot of energy and stand out to me, among a lot of new country male/band acts. My favorite song so far is “American Love Story”, and I also really like “Trouble Maker” and “We Do” off of the EP.
4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake
I know I already highlighted Chris Stapleton and his performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards. But recently I haven’t been able to take JT’s soulful single off of replay. Gosh he’s come along ways from his “Bye Bye Bye” days.
6. Favorite Spotify List “Young and Free Mix” – Spotify
Soulful and just a tad bit hippy. Signs of spring starting to show outside are perfect for this mix.
7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over Smokestacks by Layla
This song has been featured on a few different TV shows and you know its something special, when you fall in love with a song without ever hearing the vocals. It’s a ballad, but unless you pay attention to the lyrics, it doesn’t stand out as one. The vocals are warm and textured, and I’m excited to hear more from this indie artist that reminds me of a mix of Florence + The Machines and Lana Del Ray. Definitely check out the rest of her new EP.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Bang My Head – David Guetta ft. Sia and Fetty Wap
Obviously we knew Guetta and Sia were a good match up after “Titanium,” but Fetty Wap too?
Who knew?
It’s also a great song for my running playlist.
Also, also… I have no idea what this music video is about, but it looks pretty cool.
10. An Oldie, But a Goodie Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung
Back in January my friend Jancey was visiting and got snowed in at my apartment with me during Winter Storm Jonas. With not much else to do we obviously we watched a lot of movies, and I introduced her to “A Lot Like Love” with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. This 2005 movie is virtually unknown, but it is my favorite rom-com. Yes, even over classics like How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sweet Home Alabama. This song was the movie’s theme and after watching the movie for the first time in a couple of years, the song went back on my current playlist.
11. Work, Work It Out Irresistible by Fall Out Boy ft. Demi Lovato
I’m sure I’ve already said this before, but I am SO happy that Fall Out Boy got back to together making music full-time. Honestly, overall I think I like their comeback music better than their original stuff. Patrick Stump was fine as a solo act, but the sound the guys have as a band, is still pretty unique after all this time. They are always a solid choiceon my workout playlists, and I love this feature with Demi.
12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love Suitcase by Steven Moakler
This is such a simple, sweet song, and I love this live version above. I’ve discovered this guy back in college, and am kind of disappointed that he is still pretty unknown, because for me his voice and sound rank up there with some of my favorite staple artists in country music. Maybe this single and new music to come will be his turning point.
I really, really tried to not like this, and I’m pretty sure it will be a phase that will pass quickly
Nevertheless, sorry Mom.
14. Favorite New(ish) Cover/Remix Fast Car – Jonas Blue Dakota
I’m really picky about remixes, and even more so when it’s also a cover of an older song. Tracy Chapman’s 1988 “Fast Car” is a classic, but I am loving this new remix. It still captures the trademark tone of the original, but gives it more of a modern beat.
I’m usually a big Rihanna fan but this song is so annoying. What is she even saying?!? One day at the gym I forgot my headphones and the girl on the elliptical next to me must have too… except she decided it was OK just to play the music off her phone anyways, and had this song on repeat THE WHOLE 30 MINUTES. It took everything I had not to scratch at my eyeballs ask her to change the song.
16. Country Pick Red Fire Night – Green River Ordinance
I just want it to be summer, and to have endless amounts of cheap, bar concerts to go to where half the crowd has never heard of the band.
I recently discovered this band, though in true country fashion, it looks like they’ve been around for a while.
I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********
1.Favorite New(ish) Album Illinois – Brett Eldredge
I’ve been meaning to feature this album since it came out in September. Even though his voice is very recognizable, Eldredge wasn’t really someone who was on my radar that much. I liked a few songs from his debut album, but he didn’t stick with me, and I listen to enough music that that’s an important factor. With his new sophomore album, I feel like we get much more genuine personality and there is a really good balance of the types of songs that are on it. I am loving the stripped down version of the single “Drunk on Your Love” above (original HERE), and also enjoying “You Can’t Stop Me” ft. Thomas Rhett, “Wanna Be That Song“and “Fire“
2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Back Home – Owl City ft. Jake Owen Listen HERE
When I saw this in a playlist of new music on Spotify, I clicked out of pure curiosity. I never would have imagined putting these two voices together. I’ve never been much of an Owl City fan and I like Jake Owen, though sometimes he can be a little too much for me. Coincidentally, I’ve actually seen both Owl City and Jake Owen in concert.
I LOVE this song. It’s sweet and simple, and I enjoyed the contrast in their voices, especially in the harmonies. And really, I’m a sucker for any song that is an anthem for small towns, the country and anything that reminds me of home.
3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band Chris Stapleton
I am all about finding new artists and there is a special place in my heart for outlaw country and red dirt music, but I get kind of annoyed when people insist that anything else labeled “country” is trash. OK, maybe we need new labels, but I do enjoy a lot of the new acts from the last few years. Anyway, when Chris Stapleton was nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year, people were beside themselves and carrying on as if the guy was an unsung legend, though surprisingly, I had never heard of him. I never got around to listening until his performance at the award show with Justin Timberlake blew up the internet. Holy crap, I regress. I totally understand the fuss now. That performance, shared above, as well as the performance of Timberlake’s “Drink You Away” immediately after, was amazing. I’m definitely a fan now. Off his new album I’m also really liking “Traveler“, “Fire Away“, “Nobody to Blame“, and “When the Stars Come Out.”
4. Jam I Have On Repeat Lush Life – Zara Larsson
If you ever wonder what jamming out in your bedroom in front of the mirror with your hairbrush looks like, I’m pretty sure this music video is a great example. At first I thought the song was kind of flat, but over the past week on my walk to and from work I found myself pushing repeat. Don’t know how long that will last, but right now its my jam.
6. Favorite Spotify List New Boots – Spotify
Always something new to listen too. It’s fun to think back to when so many of my favorite artists, country and not country, were just at the start of their careers.
7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over Speaking of Truth (Orchestrated) – Lelah
I heard this on a TV show a few weeks ago and instantly pulled up the Shazam app on my phone to figure out what it was. I guess you could say its a bit indie but I LOVE the artists voice blended with the instruments. This is a song that I would LOVE to see used in a dance routine.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down America’s Sweetheart – Elle King Listen HERE
I have mixed feelings about this artists debut single, “Exes and Ohs,” but this song caught my attention right away. It’s an edgy anthem, and GREAT to jam out to in the car. I keep waiting for it to get old for me, but it hasn’t happened so far.
10. Taking Me Down Memory Lane Eyes Open – Taylor Swift
I often identify songs that I think would make a great track on a soundtrack for books that I read, so I really enjoy seeing how the real soundtracks are interpreted when those books become movies. (For example, all opinions aside on the Twilight movies and books, I still LOVE each of the soundtracks.) I was really disappointed when I learned that the last installment of the The Hunger Games, Mockingjay Part 2 was not going to have its own. Overall, I think the first movie’s soundtrack was my favorite and although the other Taylor Swift track got all of the attention, this one above was one of my favorites.
11. Work, Work It Out Bitch Better Have My Money – Rihanna
Grandma, you probably don’t want to listen to this one. I’ve always been a big Rihanna fan and I love turning this one up with I’m working out. I’ve also become with watching dance videos from this studio featured in the video above. I think because I did dance growing up, I might appreciate their talent even more. Seriously, not in a million years would I have ever been that good.
12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love I’ll Be Your Man – Zac Brown Band Listen HERE
Zac Brown Band has one of those sounds and music personalities that remind why I love music. They have carved out their own special spot in the music industry and you can rely on the fact that they will never disappoint you. This one above off of their new (awesome) album is adorable and makes me tear up almost every time. Of course I then found this video that shares the meaning behind the song and how it was recorded, and I did indeed, tear up.
13. Guilty Listen of The Week/ Favorite Cover Torn – One Direction (Original by Natalie Imbruglia)
Go ahead and judge me. I don’t care, I’ve explained listening to One Direction before. Before I saw this video I didn’t know that this was actually one of the songs they covered when they were on X-Factor. It’s a pretty common song to cover, but it seemed far enough out of their wheelhouse that couldn’t help but check it out. It’s different, and I still think I like it better as a female solo, but I did enjoy their version.
14. Song I Originally Loved But Now Is Overplayed Here – Alessia Cara Listen HERE
I wouldn’t say I ever loved it, but it was catchy and different when it first came out. Now it’s just really gets on my nerves. Definitely over it.
15. Popular Song Making My Ears Bleed My House – Flo Rida Listen HERE
I can’t handle this song. Flo Rida just needs to stop. Yes, I jammed in my teeny-bopper years to “Low” and a few other songs, and still would if they came on the radio, but I’m pretty sure this one is killing brain cells and you can’t even dance to ti.
16. Country Pick It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To – Billy Currington Listen HERE
Considering this song has been on my favorites list for most of 2015, I’m not sure why it hasn’t been mentioned in one of my blog posts yet. Billy Currington is another artists that has been around a while now and in my opinion, still doesn’t get enough attention for his talent. His voice is rich, and his sound choice and sound is always strong.
These song could fit under quite a few categories include my selections for #SoulMusic and song on repeat. For me it just has one of those smooth addicting sounds, and the lyrics stand out to me as something a bit different than what I’ve been hearing recently. I haven’t listened to anything else by this new artist yet but this particular song was perfect for his vocals.
BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 7 – 11
We’re in the second week of live playoffs and honestly, it stresses me out. It’s so hard to choose! The contestants are just now starting to really settle into their own styles and becoming comfortable, so there are so many that still stand out. While song choice is still a big factor is what performances I like, I am finally starting to pick favorites based on wanting to hear more from them regardless of what they are singing.
The Good Stuff 