David Dean
KWNR/Las Vegas Adds David Dean As PD
iHEARTMEDIA Country KWNR (95.5 THE BULL)/LAS VEGAS has named DAVID DEAN PD for the station. DEAN fills the position created when JOJO TURNBEAUGH was elevated to iHEARTMEDIA/DENVER Regional SVP/Programming in MAY (NET NEWS 5/10). DEAN joins KWNR from ... more »
Houston September Week 3 PPM Data A Go For September 26th
NIELSEN informed clients TODAY (9/20) that it will release HOUSTON SEPTEMBER Week 3 PPM weeklies data as previously scheduled on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th. NIELSEN had previously withheld ... more »
In case y'all haven't heard, Justin Moore kinda don't care. And by "kinda," I mean he REALLY does not give two shits. As if his last few singles haven't been forward enough, his newest one is a definite tell-all. The beginning of the tune tells a 'pat yourself on the back' story: "I've been watchin' my weight / I've been tryin' to do right / I've been tryin' to get a little more sleep at night / I've been workin' like a dog / I've been goin' to church / Yeah, I've been bein' so damn good it hurts." Haven't we all been doing those things?! And, if you're not doing any of them, then you're already ahead of the game and relate most to the song's chorus: "I kinda wanna light up a couple smokes / Kinda want some Crown mixed in my Coke / Kinda wanna hole up in some corner booth somewhere / I kinda wanna find a pretty little thing / That's kinda like me, don't want no strings / Knowin' in the morinin' that it ain't goin' nowhere / But tonight, I kinda don't care." This song perfectly captures the thoughts we have on a daily basis, and it's a great reminder that it's okay to slip up every once in awhile -- just don't make it a habit!
Who's sick of the negative, hum-drum, sadness inducing reality that is all around us these days? Me, me! Pick me! And, I have a feeling I'm not alone. In fact, I know my buddies in Midland are sick of it, too, and they've even offered up a damn fine sounding alternative. "It's so easy / To just turn off the TV / And make some headlines of our own." Well, okay! Sounds great! But, how shall we do that, you ask? Simple. "So, we should make a little / Conjugate a little / Maybe even make the world a better place a little / We could turtle dove / Dixieland Delight / You know it can't be wrong when it feels so right / It all comes down to you and me, girl / There's just not enough love in the world / So, we should make a little / Then make a little more tonight." Ooohhhh! I get it now! Yeah...that sounds damn fine, indeed. It's kind of like the old addage about "If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours." Except, more sexual in nature. This sounds like the Midland we've all come to love -- a little bit of California Country and Bakersfield sound with some cowboy swing and an up-tempo good time. What's not to like here, y'all? We've already made Midland a little bit of a hit, so let's "Make A Little" more of a hit with this new single, shall we?
Blake Shelton is in love, y'all. Seriously. He's in ready-to-put-a-ring-on-it love, and he's happy as shit about it, too. Don't believe me? Check out his new single, "I'll Name The Dogs." This is an up-tempo smash that lands along the lines of one of his plethora of #1s, "Honey Bee." He's whistling-in-the-background levels of happy, and the lyrics of this ditty are sure to have fans buzzing about nuptial possibilities between Shelton and his love, Gwen Stefani. "You find the spot, and I'll find the money / You be the pretty, and I'll be the funny / You plant the flowers, I'll plant the kisses / Baby, let's get right down to business / I'll hand the pictures, you hang the stars / You pick the paint, I'll pick a guitar / Sing you a song out there with the crickets and the frogs / You name the babies, and I'll name the dogs." This is a return to the core of Blake Shelton music, and it is perfectly timed after a brief breather between singles. Shelton is coming on strong and already the talk of the town with what many are predicting to hit the top of the charts in short order. Don't miss out on another future Gold title from one of our format's biggest hit makers. This one is impacting immediately.
After the summer-centric, good-time romp of "Flatliner," Cole Swindell has changed gears on us with the follow-up, "Stay Downtown." He's dialed back the tempo and energy here, but ramped up the sensitivity meter, asking all females to suspend disbelief, as a guy urges an on-again, off-again ex NOT to see him "in five," but rather, to "Stay Downtown." It's clear he's seen this movie before: "Ain't gonna lie, if you knock on my door / I'm gonna let you walk in / Let you leave drunk lipstick marks like tattoos on my skin / But you know in the morning / We're gonna regret everything we did / So why even start what ain't good for our hearts." Usually, it's the female who realizes what's best and walks away from a late-night booty call. This role-reversal tune has Swindell saving each other from themselves - albeit reluctantly: "Keep letting the good times play / Don't let me get in your way." It shouldn't be a surprise that Swindell can touch on more serious matters; in late 2015, he had a smash with "You Should Be Here," a loving, moving tribute to his dad, who had recently passed. Great artists show us all aspects of their personality - the happy, the sad, the tragic - and, sometimes - songs that are just plain fun, without a need to cure any diseases. Swindell continues to put together a catalog of hits that show all these sides, while building familiarity and reliability among listeners. "Stay Downtown" is another career-establishing part of that songbook. 
Danielle Bradbery's new tune is nothing short of groovy and will literally make you want to "sway to the left and sway to the right." It's been awhile since we've last heard from Bradbery, but it has given her the right amount of time to figure herself out as an artist. "Sway" is a great introduction to her new sound, as well as a good preview of what's to be expected from her upcoming album, "I Don't Believe We've Met." Along with the infectious guitar riff that starts the song off, the lyrics provide a fun-loving pep talk to those of us who really need a pick-me-up. "Hey, we're all in the same boat / Life can really suck sometimes / But hey, can't live in a shadow / So here's a little piece of advice / Starting kicking off your shoes / Leave 'em right by the door / Then you call a couple friends / And you call a few more / Put a drink into your glass / That will make you let go / Then you find something smooth on the radio." I don't know about y'all, but surrounding myself with good company and good music (and maybe some good wine) can definitely cure a bad day. One of my favorite quotes has always been: "Don't take life too seriously, no one gets out alive, anyway." This track is exactly that reminder, except made even better with Bradbery's angelic voice, easy-going lyrics, and hip melody. Add "Sway" to your playlist, and have your listeners "sway"-ing along with it!
How many hours per day do you spend looking at your phone? We can't even categorize it in minutes any longer, as most Americans are literally sitting with their phone in their hand during waking hours. But, never is that scene more intense than when experiencing new love or a recent breakup. Waiting. Hoping. Begging your phone to light up with a call, a text, a Facebook message -- any kind of communication to add kindling to the fiery connection. Luke Bryan puts those feelings on full display in his latest single, "Light It Up." Co-written with Old Dominion's Brad Tursi, the track takes a dark look at a man's post-breakup desperation to receive a message that never comes. "I get so neurotic about it, baby / Cause I know you're reading your phone / I can't help from going crazy / Thinking you might not be alone / I wake up, I check it / I shower and I check it / I feel the buzz in my truck / And, I almost wreck it / I always got it on me / Just in case you want me / So, if you're looking for my love / Then, light it up." Okay, look, no one is really advocating for texting and driving, but if that one ex-lover were to light up your phone mid-commute, we all would be guilty of looking. This is a modern day love-or-the-lack-thereof story, and it's Luke Bryan. I'm not sure how much more you need to hear to be convinced to add this to your station and light it up.
Dylan Scott is coming off a hard-earned, grind-it-out #1 for "My Girl," and with nothing guaranteed at Country radio anymore – even after a chart-topping song – the follow up is key. But, Scott has totally stuck the landing here with "Hooked," a snappy, upbeat, crisp 2:30 serving of radio ear candy that has traces of EDM in its DNA. And speaking of "Hooked," Scott gets into that quickly. A mere :23 into the song, and you're getting the chorus in large doses. The song is a quick study, much like the topic Scott covers here: "I'm hooked on / Kissing you, getting, getting you turned on / Buzzing and loving on you / All night long / Like a hit song / On the radio / You already know / The way it goes / All it took was a look and I was hooked." Scott has been paying his dues at Country radio doing shows, shaking hands, kissing babies, and demonstrating the work ethic needed to build a career. Although "My Girl" was his first chart success, it was his fifth single, and he's been building a strong social media and viral presence with each one. He appears to have found his lane with "Hooked." 
Rascal Flatts’ new single is “Back To Us,” the title track from their latest album, and the song has a double meaning, actually. As with their recently-crowned #1, “Yours If You Want It,” the band has decided to dance with what brung ‘em, returning to their strengths – soaring, tight harmonies; Gary LeVox’s smooth voice; the occasional, strategically placed, perfectly-timed guitar screech from Joe Don Rooney; and killer production chops from Jay Demarcus. It worked on “Yours If You Want It,” and it works again here. The song pledges a return to the man who somehow went missing somewhere along the line in a long-running relationship: “I'm gonna run straight back to us, baby / No more same old someone else / Back to the one you used to love like crazy / Maybe, you'll save me from myself.” It brings tempo, a familiar, comfortable sound for longtime Country fans, but a contemporary sound for newer, younger listeners. It’s a perfect late-summer fit for radio. 
So, we've had a week to listen to the entirety of Brett Eldredge's self-titled album, and if you're anything like me, every song on the album stood out in some sort of way. But, one of the tracks that stands out the most happens to be his new single, "The Long Way." Eldredge has been pretty open about this album being the most honest he's put out thus far, and I think "The Long Way" does a great job at showcasing that. The song writes a familiar story of wanting to know where someone you love comes from. Eldredge sings, "Take me the long way around your town / Were you the queen with the silver crown? / I want the secrets you keep / The shine underneath / Of the diamond I think I just found / Take me the long way around." We constantly get a glimpse into the life of Brett Eldredge from his infamous Snapchat stories, but it's normally the goofy, fun side of him. "The Long Way" highlights Eldredge's softer side, and we should all be here for it. Before wrapping with the final chorus, Eldredge continues, "I didn't think tonight when I walked in / I'd be falling for somewhere I've never been." The only thing better than Brett Eldredge is Brett Eldredge's sweet side. Don't take the long way around this one, Country radio!
Florida Georgia Line has released "Smooth," and I have a pretty good feeling most of you will go ahead and add this. I mean, why wouldn't you? Bonafide hit makers making bonafide hits for the better part of this decade. Go ahead...do the math. Think about it, and maybe it'll blow your mind, but it's true. So, here we are. "Smooth." Ready to hit the airwaves, and perfectly timed for late summer and heading in to fall. I have been enjoying this song through my car speakers for a while now, and I get the feeling that it may be affectionately nicknamed "The Frog Song" by listeners. No, that's not a bad thing. In fact, if you're from the country -- or love the country -- you'll probably even find the melodic hook of background nature creatures extremely soothing and enjoyable. In true FGL fashion, there's a girl, there's a moon, probably a bonfire somewhere, and a jam that will leave you toe-tapping. Also, if you have a good ear, you'll even catch a name-drop for their whiskey brand, and maybe even some double entendre here and there. "Good Lord, almighty / Girl, you go down good / You ain't even tryin' / Cause you wrote the book / There ain't nobody / Do me like you / The way you move that body / Girl, you're so smooth." My personal favorite lyric, though? "Like Cat Daddy driving a Caddy from Cali, baby / You're smooth." It's fun as hell to sing, fun as hell to listen to, and without a doubt the next smash from the duo that has earned their place among the superstars.
"Speakers, Bleachers And Preachers." Talk about a song that brings you back to good times. Immediately, Brandon Lay paints a very distinct picture in the first few lines of his debut single. The song reminds you of your prime: whether it was a time when you first fell in love, when you enjoyed burning CDs for your friends, or when you drove your first car as fast as it could go. However, the song is all about recognizing that there's a constant lesson to be learned as you go through life's phases. Lay sings, "You laugh, you love, you live / There's a lot to learn / From speakers, and bleachers, and preachers / Story of my youth / Speakers, and bleachers, and preachers / Still got a lot of growing up to do." Not only does this song and its lyrics help us reminisce on our own fond memories -- and maybe even our mistakes -- it also helps us understand who Lay is as an artist and where he comes from. Just from the song's title you can gather that Lay is influenced by music, sports, and faith -- three things that make a dang good Country song. With that being said, it's time to turn up your speakers, sit on some bleachers, and tell all your preachers about Brandon Lay. I'm pretty certain he's ready to make moves. 
The world is ready for Thomas Rhett's close up in 2017, and so is he. Rhett just announced the title and release date of his third album; "Life Changes" is due Friday, September 8th. Conveniently, Rhett has a total smash of a new single to help things along. With "Unforgettable," Rhett continues giving radio and his fans infectious, fun, listenable stories. A tasty acoustic lick for an intro is followed by rapid-fire lyrics that should only be attempted by a trained professional, and that recount every last detail of a couple's meet-cute. "That mango-rita you were drinkin' / And that Coldplay song that you were singin' / And I bet right now you're probably thinkin' / That it's crazy I remember every detail, but I do / From your blue jeans to your shoes / Girl, that night was just like you / Unforgettable." Heads Up: This is not a karaoke song, as Rhett pours 10 gallons worth of lyrics into a five-gallon bucket, and does so in a crisp, concise, 2:38. Rhett embarked on a headlining tour this year, and he's stepping up his game single by single, on his way to top-tier artist status. He's doing so by pushing the envelope, yet staying (barely) inside the line of Country sensibilities. Yes, nostalgic stories with minute details about meeting your love fit into those sensibilities. I spoke to a programmer this week who's adding "Unforgettable" straight to heavy. That speaks loudly to the threshold Rhett is standing on here – a career that is becoming "Unforgettable." I'm not listing an impact date on this; radio should play this immediately. 
Killer harmonies, a 70s Rock influence, and great hair may be the most recognizable traits of Columbia Nashville's newest trio to hit Country radio, Levon. But, with their first single, "Ms. Marianne," the group is proving they can deliver a story song with tongue-in-cheek humor and a killer hook, too. "Ms. Marianne" tells the mostly-true story of lead singer Michael David Hall's encounter with a cougar during his years tending bar. Think of it as Country music's ode to "The Graduate" meets Pop hit "Stacy's Mom." "I was busy flunking out of my third year of college / Working hard tending bar / Soaking up all the knowledge / You could find serving wine to the ladies / At Francesca's Porch / She walked in with her friends / They were mad celebrating / Twenty years of marriage / To an ex she called 'Satan' / So, I poured her a shot / And I walked it across the floor / And, the ladies all roared." It's the best kind of ear-worm that might have listeners tapping their toes and humming along well before they ever figure out the underlying current of "Chardonnay flirting" running throughout the track. If you're looking for a fun single for Summer that's sure to get people talking, "Ms. Marianne" is perfect. And, it's a great introduction to Levon, which has much more in the tank.
Everybody
