Zach Top is out there reminding the world that the ’90s were the last great era in popular country music, and now he’ll be saddling up with one of the last true torchbearers from the ’90s era., Alan Jackson.
Alright. Enough of this playing 20 minute opening sets for Lainey Wilson. Zach Top is one of the fastest-rising artists in all of country music, and he’s taking his traditional country sound to the top with him.
Nobody is listening to Cowboy Carter. It was the most lauded release all year by the press, is supposedly supported by the biggest Stan army in the world, and sits at #133. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan has 3 albums in the Top 20.
The album captures some of Lainey Wilson’s most impassioned and soaring performances of her career. A lot of great songs and writing also grace these 14 tracks. It’s the production of Jay Joyce that’s disappointing.
There is a positive sign that perhaps Randall King is finally getting his due. It only took half a decade and two album releases, but Warner Music is finally promoting a proper single to country radio.
It’s not just Zach Top’s music, nor just his history. It’s the cut of his jib. It’s the contours of his character. It’s the full package that assures you that the future of country music is in good hands.
From this attendee’s perspective, it was the most fulfilling musical moments experienced since the return of the Turnpike Troubadours at Cain’s Ballroom in 2022. This was even after I was hunted down by security.
It really is hard to come back to reality after spending three days in picturesque Whitefish, Montana, taking in the music of some of our generation’s very top talents courtesy of the Under The Big Sky Festival.
Sierra Ferrell made a grand entrance to the Under The Big Sky Festival in Montana on horseback. Shortly after, she would top her own memorable moment by performing with Billy Strings on “The Bells of Every Chapel.”
What we’re looking for here are legitimate Song of the Year contenders. This means were not searching for the catchy ditties and toe tappers. We’re looking for songs that elicit a deep emotional response.
As we reach the halfway pole of the musical year, it’s time to reflect back on the best albums that have been released so far. There are some great projects that you should make sure don’t slip under your radar.
There are many signs that country music is transforming for the positive, while the worst of the Bro-Country era is on the wane. Florida Georgia Line’s Lower Broadway haunt permanently closing down is one of them.
The rise of the independent country megafestival with support from ’90s country stars has been one of the biggest illustrations for how significant, sustainable, and broad-based the resurgence of roots in country music has been.
Country music legend Keith Whitley is gone, but he’s a long way from being forgotten. If anything, the strength and influence of his legacy has only increased over time, and that was illustrated at the Two Step Inn fest.
There is perhaps no better sign of the country resurgence than the surging popularity of 25-year-old Zach Top. His music has caught fire like he’s the next new thing, even though his sound is older than he is.
You better hope you’ve taken your anti-depressants recently, because the newest additions to the Top 25 playlist with take you to the deepest recesses of human emotion like only the best country music can.
If you haven’t heard Zach Top, you’re about to in a big way. The staunch traditionalist that draws comparisons to Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, and Randy Travis is on the honky tonk escalator straight to the top.
Taking a step back and zooming out, it’s an entirely different setup in 2024 compared to when Saving Country Music was founded going on 16 years ago. It all begs the question, “Has country music been saved?”
Every year there’s that handful of artists that you discover and it’s hard to comprehend how you got along without them previously. In 2023, there seems to be even more of these artists than normal.
After 2023 sold out, you knew Two Step Inn would be returning for 2024. Returning it is, and with just as mouthwatering of a lineup as it had in 2023, but sans as many of the hip-hop wild cards.
Lainey Wilson will be going out on an extensive tour in 2024, and she won’t be opening for the boys. The boys will be opening for her. It also won’t be in large clubs and theaters, it will be in amphitheaters and arenas.
Despite lackluster support from radio, Ashley McBryde continues to increase her fan base, and keep her foot on the pedal when it comes to touring. That’s why she’s just announced a new slew of dates.