Here are some songs that I am excited about this week. Take some time to check out these songs and these talented artists. You might fight your new favorite song on this list!
- If We Make It Through December – Kopper & Kash. This a cover of the Merle Haggard classic that has been covered numerous times. I’ve never heard it like this. Kopper & Kash is a trio consisting of Jeff Pennycoff and his daughter, Ava and Mia. The addition of female voices on the song, especially knowing they are Jeff’s daughters, make the song about a dad struggling to give his daughter a good Christmas even more powerful, ‘
2. Cutting Ties – Hannah Huntley. This is a well-written song. I think a lot of people will relate to this one. It’s Hannah’s first solo release, although she’s been a part of the duo Jericho Rose, which plays regularly in Nashville.
3. Barefoot No Fences – Ruthie Collins. I became a fan of Ruthie Collins years ago when I saw her playing at the Listening Room in Nashville. This is a beautiful song for her child. I think any mother would fall in love with this song instantly.
4. Camouflage Town – Payton Smith. This is a great country song written by Ben Hayslip, Jameson Rodgers and Rhett Akins. Sure, it’s about a familiar topic, but this one sounds unique and very enjoyable to listen. Payton’s vocal is great. I listened to some of his other songs and this artist has a new fan in me. I think fans of Morgan Wallen and Hardy will really appreciate his sound.
5. Come Go With Us – Blackberry Smoke. I have been a fan of this band for years. This is their first Christmas release, but it’s not a typical Christmas song. It feels very authentic for the band. It was solo write by lead singer Charlie Starr. The song comes in at 6 minutes and 40 seconds, but it’s well worth the time to listen. It may become one of your favorite Christmas songs.
6. I Spell Love – Dwight Yoakam. I haven’t thought about Dwight Yoakam in quite a while. This week, he released his first album in nine years and I think this is the best album of the week. It was hard for me to pick a song that I wanted to include on the playlist. I’d suggest a lover of music, particularly Dwight’s brand of it, to take the time to listen to the entire album. This standout track was written by Bob DiPiero, Yoakam and Jeffrey Steele.
7. White Lightnin’ – George Jones. This is not a new song, but it is one of the tracks on “The Lost Nashville Sessions” album, which was released this week. I have always loved this song and this particular track includes George talking at the end of the track.
8. Believe – Brooks And Dunn and Jelly Roll. This is another song that is not new. This is a new version of a song I have always loved. It appears on the “Reboot II” album, which was released this week. Jelly Roll is one of my favorite new artists, so I loved hearing him sing this song. This is another album I’d suggest listening to in its entirety. It features a re-imaging of many Brooks and Dunn hits with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Megan Moroney, and Mitchell Tenpenny.
9. Santa’s On A Boogie Board – Danny Kensy. I am not a surfer, but I found this song to be a ton of fun. Kensy wrote this one with Corey Lee Barker. Kensy’s voice is really good on this. If you like this fun song, take some time to listen to some of his non-Christmas songs.
10. Can’t Be Friends – Anthony Ortiz. I really love this song. It’s a familiar topic that just about everybody has experienced at some point in their lives.
11. Lose Me – Grace Tyler. This is a powerful song about leaving someone that’s not good for you. “I let you lose me so I don’t have to lose me” in the chorus perfectly sum up the message in this song. I love Tyler’s sound. I’d describe her as traditional country with a modern twist. She has powerful vocals that can belt out a ballad and hit a really high note.
12. Change My Mind – Ryan Nelson. I listened to this song, and then I listened to it again. The song perfectly describes a relationship that is not good for him and he knows he needs to leave, but she could change his mind. Despite everything, he wants her to change his mind about leaving.
13. Sunshine State – Kevin Smiley. I love this song. I think it was so creatively written when he sings, “she brought the rain to the Sunshine State.” This is definitely a song worth a listen and an artist you should watch. The first single off his “Hurts Worse” EP is called “Paralyzed” and it’s been streamed on Spotify over 533,000 times.
14. Jeopardy – Penny & Sparrow. Sure, there’s ton of songs of knowing someone extremely well. This one is written is a unique way. This is a song that doesn’t have to apply to a romantic relationship. I think we all have a friend that we know really well.
15. Good News – Shaboozey. I was one of the millions singing along to “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” all summer. The more I listen to “Good News,” the more I like it. The lyrics are nothing short of brilliant. I applaud the decision to make this an uptempo song. It’s a topic that would have easily leant itself to be a ballad and it would have been a great one. By making this a danceable uptempo, more people will hear it. The lyrics are profound and need to be heard.
16. Thankful – Ringo Starr and Alison Krauss. A trusted friend saw Ringo Starr in Ohio recently and told me he was amazing. When I heard he was going to be releasing a country record, I was intrigued. I think Ringo is a great artist and will be a welcome addition to country music. This is a great song and very fitting to release less than two weeks before Thanksgiving.
17. Right Damn Now – Ashland Craft. This might be one of the most fun songs released this week. It’s hard not to crank the volume and start moving to the music. Why shouldn’t you do that? This song is all about having fun and I could see this one played at bars and dance club every weekend for many years to come. I’m sure you will want it on your personal playlist too!
18. Ms. Whiskey – Red Leather. I am drawn to songs that unique and written in a creative way. I like this one a lot.
19. Hard To Wait For Christmas – Hillary Scott and Eisele Kaye. Looking for a great family Christmas song. Hillary Scott (of Lady A) wrote this with her daughter and her husband. This song captures the magic of Christmas. I love the sound of excitement in their voices!
20. Boots On – Santa’s Version – Mackenzie Carpenter. This is a new version of “Boots On” and it brings the Christmas fun.