Even those well versed in the wide expanses of the Western music canon will be strongly intrigued and delighted to hear the decidedly singer/songwriter-style of Western music that Cam Pierce crafts.
Even among the wave of new country performers, Ty Myers is still unique. At only 17, he’s just a pup with ruddy cheeks. But he stands confidently on stage, writes his own songs, and sings them with a strong and soulful delivery.
Inspired by Lafayette and the greater Acadiana region, expect Cajun, expect country, expect some swamp pop and vintage R&B. But most importantly, expect the distinct, the savory, and the unexpected from Miss Tess’s Cher Rêve.
The name will probably be familiar to independent country fans. Whether you’ve seen it ascribed as TJ McFarland, or his stage name Tennessee Jet, he’s a primary member of the Cody Jinks songwriting collective.
Some folks forget that comedy in some ways is just as integral to the classic versions of country music as fiddle and steel guitar. It’s just that all of these elements have been forsaken by certain modern versions of commercial country.
On found vintage cowboy and country clothing, and classic country songs specializing in capturing the sincere emotions ever-present in the pursuit of companionship, Paige Plaisance is a worthy proprietor.
Look Up is not a bad album at all. There’s not a single song or moment on it that will feel offensive to a country fan’s ears. But when you prop Sir Ringo Starr in front of a camera, perch a cowboy hat on top of his head…
Take yourself a trip back in time in an avocado green Chevelle to the moment when Jesus freaks, acid testers, and neo folkies all discovered the virtues of American country music, and set to contributing to that legacy.
Singer and songwriter Kiely Connell first burst into the music consciousness in 2021 with her excellent debut album “Calumet Queen.” Her voice was so striking, and her songs so emotive and cutting, she made a lasting impression.
Put Hudson Westbrook in your growing list of younger performers finding surprising success with more classic sounds, and helping to set true country music on a promising trajectory.
Imagine an alternative universe where Dolly Parton didn’t become a big star, and despite her incredible talent and portfolio of songs, she was a 30-something somewhat unknown singer/songwriter struggling in relative obscurity.
If you’ve already composed your “Best of 2024” list, you better have done it in pencil and not ink, because Ty Smith & The Minor Offenses out of Oklahoma will be butting in line here momentarily and demanding to be near the top.
Every guy wants to be him. Every lady wants to be under him. He’s Riley Green, who’s built that following through a more organic, grassroots approach as opposed to radio play.
J.R. Carroll is known by many as the guy with the glasses and ponytail up there playing keyboard for Zach Bryan. On “Dark Cloud,” Carroll proves to be worthy of devoted attention all on his own.
If you’re a fan of genuine throwback classic country music, you’ll find very little to fuss about, and lots to favor in the songs of steel guitar player turned frontman Ben Vallee’s debut album aptly titled “Introducing…”
Similar to Zach Bryan, it’s hard to understate how massive Sam Barber has become. That’s not all that’s similar about Zach Bryan. You listen to ‘Restless Mind,’ and you could easily be convinced it’s a Zach Bryan album.
With a hearthy and woody baritone voice that envelops you like the sense of home, Tyler-James Kelly forwards a debut album full of moments of reflection and tribulation, balanced by sincere expressions of gratitude.
Instead of exploiting a moment when Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn still have tread left on the tires to give it another shot with original songs, we get a second installment in their Reboot series.
From the eastern slope of the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, Tris Munsick and the Innocents offer a portal from the mundane to the rugged and adventurous through country songs with Western flair.
There are few things more titillating than word coming down that two of your favorite performers are teaming up in the studio together. Where sometimes these pairings can be a bit deflating, ‘Hayes and the Heathens’ delivers.
Dwight is different on “Brighter Days.” This is Dwight the dad. This is Dwight the husband. This is Dwight at 68 who did his time in honky tonk hell, and is now basking in hillbilly heaven.
Unadulterated, and absent of ego, Caleb Klauder and Reed Willms offer an interpretation of country music that is as close to the pure essence of the art form as can be found in the age of smart phones and Artificial Intelligence.
The music of Jamey Johnson doesn’t go anywhere fast. But when it arrives, heaven and earth succumb to its power as it vibrates and envelops every atom in its presence. That’s the experience of ‘Midnight Gasoline.’
‘Leather (Deluxe Edition)’ doesn’t just add 13 tracks to his current album. It continues to add to Cody Johnson’s solid legacy as a consistent and trusted traditional-leaning performer, impervious to the temptation to sell out.