Lance Houston
WEBG/Chicago Names Lance Houston PD, As Steve Stewart, Mason & Remy, And Emily Bermann Depart
iHEARTMEDIA Country WEBG (BIG 95.5)/CHICAGO made significant staff changes today (4/10), transferring WBWL/BOSTON PD LANCE HOUSTON to the WINDY CITY as BIG 95.5 PD/midday host, effective immediately. He succeeds the departing STEVE STEWART in both ...
John Richards Named PD At WQIK/Jacksonville
iHEARTMEDIA Country WQIK/JACKSONVILLE, FL has named JOHN RICHARDS as PD, with additional programming responsibilities at Country WTNT/TALLAHASSEE and WPAP/PANAMA CITY. He succeeds CINDY ...
Between 2006 and 2011, Rodney Atkins earned six #1 singles, some of which remain among the most-played gold titles at radio. So, the guy definitely knows how to find songs that work for him. He's been a sporadic presence in the past few years, adjusting to a new wife and a baby that arrived in December. Atkins has returned with a rompin', stompin', uptempo song called "Caught Up In The Country," featuring background vocals from the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Nashville's Fisk University. This is an energetic, anthemic tune, with Atkins restating his position as one who's steeped in the rural, small town life - and, proud of it: "Miles and miles of John Deere green / Freedom far as I can see / A road to run and room to breathe / That's who I am and I'll always be / Caught up in the country." This song is true to Atkins' core sound, which has worked well for him in the past, but here in 2018, he's also amped up the production. It's a big, thunderous song, from a familiar voice.
Big Machine Records duo Sugarland is giving us a taste of their forthcoming album, "Bigger" -- set to release on Friday, June 9th -- with their new single, "Babe." Disregarding the track's darling title, the song sheds a light on the end of a relationship -- one that was not expected to end. "What a shame / Didn't wanna be the one that got away, yeah / Big mistake, broke the sweetest promise / That you never should have made / I'm here on the kitchen floor / You call, but I won't hear it / You said no one else, how could you do this, babe?" If you're having a weird hunch that the lyrical style and background vocals sound a bit familiar, it's because you're right; the duo had some help from our friend, Taylor Swift, who not only wrote the song, but sang on it, too. The tune was originally written in 2012, back when Swift was working on her "Red" album. Six years later, Sugarland has cut it, put a modern flair on it, and made it a great fit for Country radio. Sometimes, simplicity is what we need, and this song definitely provides a nice, easy listen. And, let's not kid ourselves, I know we all could also use some good ole Taylor Swift in our lives, and "Babe" is the perfect dose to cure our cravings for Swift in the Country format.
If you've ever wanted a three minute, ten second summary of Thomas Rhett's life, well here you have it! "Life Changes" is not only TR's current single, but it's also the title of his newest album release. Throughout the entire "Life Changes" album, Rhett really shows off that he isn't afraid to experiment with different styles, sounds, melodies, and lyrics. The project quite literally has a little bit of everything in it -- Country, Pop, Hip Hop, etc. This new single is a great taste of Rhett's progressive sound. It starts by telling the tale of the college student edition of Thomas Rhett -- in his dorm, stressing about Spring formal, writing "bad" songs that he thinks no one will hear... Then, the chorus explains his epiphany: "Ain't it funny how life changes / You wake up, ain't nothing the same and life changes / You can't stop it, just hop on the train and / You never know what's gonna happen / You make your plans, and you hear God laughing / Life changes, and I wouldn't change it for the world." Not only do we get to learn all about TR's life, beginning with his start in music, to his marriage to Lauren, and on to the addition of his two adorable daughters to the family, but the tune also stands as an awesome reminder to not worry about the future, because everything ends up working out. The track is mid-tempo, fun to sing along to, and an extremely personal song for Rhett. It's a "story song" in the best way. Add it now!
Midland. Not only are they your ACM Award winners for New Vocal Group Of The Year, but they have just released their third single to radio. "Burn Out" is a hard-core Country, broken-hearted drinking song with harmonies that won't quit. A stand out cut on both their original EP and debut album, "Burn Out" has been in regular rotation on my personal playlist for a year and a half or so. Whether you've seen Midland play this track live with a full-band or in an acoustic jam session, it has likely crossed your path already. With nostalgia and "Classic Country" lyrical composure, this one cuts through in all the right ways. "Just watchin' rivers run / Down the side of my bottle / Almost like it's cryin' my tears / Had the world on a string / Then, I lost everything / And, that's how I wound up here // Watchin' cigarettes burn out / 'Til all the neon gets turned out / There's nothing left but empty glasses now / It's all flashes now / The smokin' memory that ain't nothin' but ashes / In the low lights / These done me wrong songs hit me so right / I'm so on fire for you it hurts, how / Fast as one cigarette can burn out." See? Hard-core, classic Country...harmonies that make you want to bust out an Eagles album...and even a jazz chord or two thrown in. Midland is here to stay, and "Burn Out" is proof that they aren't about to burn out just yet.
It's been two years since Craig Campbell has released a single to Country radio, and he is comin' in hot with his new flirtatious tune, "See You Try." With an immediate mid-tempo guitar groove that is bound to make your head bob along, Campbell's recognizably smooth vocals capture your attention right away within the first verse: "Girl, I ain't never had nobody / Talk me into leavin' / When I'm hangin' at my spot / And all my boys are drinkin' / Shootin' some pool / Shootin' some shots / Playin' it cool / On that ol' jukebox / Ain't nobody ever gonna tame this wild side." This good-time song is a total pick-me-up for any station that's truly ready to dive into the Summer season, which -- let's be real -- we're all ready to do! Campbell's energy picks up even more as he moves into the chorus, "But, I'd like to see you / Try / Tonight / You're my kinda country fine / And, I just might change / My mind / The way you keep crossin' lines / With all them moves / I'm seein' double, thinkin' twice / And, I'd like to see you try / Pullin' me out on the dance floor / Talkin' me into walkin' outta that backdoor / End of the song / Takin' you home / Gettin' it on / Yup." This a boot-tapper, for sure, and I'd like to "See You Try" to not immediately wanna treat listeners to it, because that'll be difficult.
Am I even the right person to spotlight this song? Because, I'll just put it out there right now: my favorite all-time Country artist is Merle Haggard. Keith Urban is a current favorite and the ultimate man-crush. Here, with "Coming Home," Urban has re-purposed the guitar lick from Haggard's classic song, "Mama Tried," on the intro. And, making this single a three-generation affair, Urban has enlisted the singing and co-writing talents of Pop artist Julia Michaels on "Coming Home." There's a lot going on in the :20 intro and the first verse. Something for everybody, you might say. But, the chorus is what we've come to love from Urban: hooky, melodic, and memorable. "The place that I know where they all know me / I gotta get back now to the ones who love me / Wrap myself around you, never let you go / There's nothin' in the world that feels like / Coming home." I'm curious to hear the entire upcoming "GraffitiU" album from Urban, following his previous two efforts, "Fuse" and "Ripcord," which have been daring, envelope-pushing projects that feel closely connected. I hope "GraffitiU" turns out to be the next chapter in his musical trilogy; a period of experimentation and curiosity that have made Urban, at 50, possibly the most progressive, risk-taker we have as an artist. If you're asking - or expecting - me to be objective, forget it. Not gonna happen. Of course I'm a fan. Duh. 
Warner Music Nashville newcomer Cale Dodds is releasing his debut single to Country radio. Many of you have already met Dodds, either during CRS or on one of his numerous radio tour stops recently. If you've had the chance to see Dodds live, you know that he has a certain intangible about him, and his play-on-words songwriting style is unique, as well. With "Take You Back," Dodds waxes poetic about a former flame he bumps into at a bar one night. But, in a twist, it isn't about him taking her back in the present day, but taking her back for a trip down memory lane to the best parts of the highlight reel of their previous relationship. "I'd take you back to when I was the guy that was with you / Back to the nights that we'd always end up / Back in the backseat, kissin' in your driveway / If I had my way / I'd take you back to the back row, miss the whole movie / You're the only thing I was watching / 'Cause we couldn't stop it, so why did we stop it?" This mid-tempo number is a solid middle-ground for those of you who traditionally lament a release from a brand new artist. Dodds has a charm and a swagger about him in person that conveys well in this song; it's worth a listen, and he's worth getting to know, so spend some time with "Take You Back" this week.
Country duo Smithfield makes their debut at Country radio with their single, "Hey Whiskey," with the pair's Jennifer Fiedler leading the track with passionate vocals and nothing but heart in the lyrics, as if the story is all-too-familiar to her. Don't let the immediate tempo scare you; this song is so beautifully written, putting a unique twist on the somber story of a lost love: "I can tell he's been with you on nights like this / And, when you come on strong, he just can't resist / You don't know all the hell you've put me through / And, he can't let me go, when he's holding you." I know what you're thinking: it's the classic "boy moves on from girl by finding another girl ASAP," but don't be quick to make any assumptions. The "you" the song speaks of is actually whiskey, as the chorus picks up to explain, "Hey whiskey, why you gotta make him miss me / Why's he only call me up when he throws you down / Wanting me more with every round / Hey bourbon, why you gotta leave him burnin' / And, feeling that old flame he used to have when he was with me / Hey, whiskey." This is one of those songs that make you feel what it's saying without ever being in that exact situation before. And, if you're up for a challenge -- to put yourself even more in the feels -- I suggest watching the music video.
"Where have all the good story songs gone?" Programmers 'round the world have been asking this question for a few years now, but 2018 may be ushering in the return of our format's valued, traditional story song. Case in point? Newcomer Travis Denning has released his debut single to Country radio, and it is a modern take on the age-old story song, peppered with a smattering of illegal activities. You see, Denning's single, "David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs," may or may not be autobiographical in nature. Spoiler alert: it is! It's the story of a not-quite-of-age fella who saves up his lawn mowing money to buy a sub-par fake ID in the parking lot at his high school in hopes of buying beer to impress girls. What man hasn't been there, right? Denning's ID came from one Mr. David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs, Georgia, and in the song, Denning shares the story of just how well that sub-par ID actually worked out for him. Another spoiler alert: it went really well. "That little plastic card got me in to bars / Made me friends at the liquor store / Yeah, and I was a hit with the good-looking chicks / Every time I shot, I scored / From Macon, to Athens, to Daytona Beach / Yeah, I was the guy that could get what you need / It didn't even matter I wasn't 21 / I had a Georgia license that said I was // David Ashley Park from Powder Springs / November 27, turning 23 / Five foot nine, brown hair, blue eyes, Levi's, t-shirt / All-American guy / Made all the right moves, said all the right things / Showed up with the smokes, and I bought all the drinks / Wasn't who I was, but every now and then I got to be / David Ashley Parker from Powder Springs." This true-life coming-of-age story is relatable, singable, cheeky, mid-tempo, and...a story song. Any other boxes we can check off for you? Didn't think so.
Mix together some head-turning lyrics, crisp vocals, and a catchy hook, and you have yourself a Mitchell Tenpenny song. Most of you are just getting to know Tenpenny as he makes his way across the U.S. on radio tour, but you may also be aware that he's actually been in the game for a while now, grinding it out to get to where he is. Having recently signed a deal with Columbia Nashville, Tenpenny is ready to make a bigger splash than ever before with the release of "Drunk Me." The song tells the all-too-familiar story of calling up an ex when you've had too much to drink, but -- PLOT TWIST -- you force yourself to give up alcohol entirely, because that's the only way you figure out how to leave him/her alone. Tenpenny soulfully sings, "I've been sober / 'Cause there ain't no hangover like you / No, no, no / Baby, can you come over? / I always find those words at the bottom of 100 proof / Yeah, girl, every time you do / I just stand up, get all messed up, like the sheets where we made love / I've been sober since you broke my heart in two / 'Cause drunk me can't get over you." Warning: this song is destined to get stuck inside of your head for the rest of the day after the first listen. But, you're gonna want to listen way more than just once.
Having your heart shattered into a million pieces sucks. If, for some crazy reason, you've ever doubted that, be sure to check out Trent Harmon's new single, "You Got 'Em All," for a quick reminder of the pain a breakup can bring. This is not based on a true story, this IS a true story, lived firsthand by Harmon and co-written (with Justin Ebach and Jordan Minton) within hours of a devastating phone call. Harmon was largely absent in 2017 - it's complicated - but he's back now, and man, is this tune an emotional ass-kicker. Don't let the stark, stripped down opening fool you; this thing builds into a full-on power ballad, delivered with raw emotion that quickly reaches into your bone marrow. "I'm still looking for your Jeep in every parking lot / Still taste your lips with every whiskey shot / I hope you found whatever I ain't found yet / 'Cause I feel like all my better days are gone / And, I think you got 'em all." Harmon sings his ass off here, and - in case you haven't noticed - this song is also about not easily getting over that aforementioned bad news. But, here's the good news: it connects. It works. We've seen it firsthand during CRS when Harmon absolutely slayed this song live at the Big Machine luncheon. Live or on the radio, this is a rip-you-heart-out weeper and a legit Song Of The Year candidate. 
With a title like "Power Of Garth," you had to know that this song would be on my radar immediately. This mid-tempo tune from Lucas Hoge is an homage to the great Country music many of us were raised on in the 80s and 90s, but particularly the evergreen love many of us have for the man who needs only one name: Garth. If you were alive in the late 80s and early 90s, there was no escaping The Power Of Garth, and most of us didn't want to escape it, either. To look back on "the good ol' days" now means a trip down memory lane with Garth hits, which is the heart and soul of this tune from Hoge. "Every time I hear 'The Thunder Rolls' / I'm right back to ten years old / Those songs are like a soundtrack to my life / I was too young to understand / Why mama cried when she heard 'The Dance' / Those melodies / Will forever be / Wrapped around my heart / And, that's the power of Garth." As you consider the true target demo of your radio station and realize that those in the 30-45 range were children and teens during The Garth Era, it's easy to see how the nostalgia factor of the "Power Of Garth" would hit directly in the heart of your listeners. Give this one a spin, and sit back and think about your favorite Garth tunes. I promise it won't be time wasted.
Jake Owen kicks off 2018, and his new label home on Big Loud Records, with the single, "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," tapping into a pair of can't miss emotions: nostalgia, and one of the most iconic guitar riffs in Rock music history. Here in the present day, Owen reminisces about John Cougar Mellancamp's famous 1982 song, "Jack And Diane," wondering, "Do you turn it up, do you sing along / Every time you hear that song / Like we did then, like we did when / Do you close your eyes, does it make you laugh / Do the memories take you back / To six-packs and a Chevy Cheyenne / Way back when I was Jack and you were Diane." Everybody who ever had a first love and a song to go with it back in the day can relate to this theme. Side note: Mine is Boston's "More Than A Feelin'." What connects the emotional and musical dots on Owen's new single, though, is that big, bad riff for Mellancamp's classic Rocker. It's here with Mellancamp's blessing. In fact, he's given a co-write on this tune, along with David Ray, Jody Stevens, and the incomparable Craig Wiseman. This is a terrific start for Owen, who has brought all of us a song that should take us into summer, which always reminds of first loves and songs we never forget.
The beard is back! Eric Paslay is bringing his brand of ginger-souled Country back to the radio with "Young Forever," his first single in a hot minute. Celebrating the carefree feelings of youth and young love, simpler times, and nights with friends, "Young Forever" reminds us all of the days before 40-hour work weeks and mortgage payments. As we head towards warmer weather and think back on Spring Breaks and Summer Vacations of yesterday, "Young Forever" is the perfect soundtrack for the windows down moments we will all begin to enjoy. "Do you remember when we were younger? / We were hometown back fence jumpers / Free as an endless summer / Whoa-oh / Kings and Queens, make believers / Didn't need no cash / Didn't need no gasoline / So much faith, we could walk on water / Yeah // We were on top of the world / Shooting stars lighting up the boulevard / Proud small town boys and girls / Wide open roads and unbroken hearts / If I had one wish, yeah / If I had one wish, oh / If I had one wish, we'd be together / Young forever." Nostalgia, tempo, a banjo, a hooky chorus, and an artist we all want to see succeed. What's not to love here.
Russell Dickerson recently topped the Mediabase Country singles chart with the steady, consistent "Yours," which was first aided by a gazillion YouTube views, then solid research at radio. His follow-up, "Blue Tacoma," may be familiar to some, as it first appeared on an earlier EP, followed by a performance on ABC-TV's "The Bachelorette" last year. If you missed either of those, no worries. This tune has a hook that's a quick study. While "Yours" is what I call a burn-it-in song -- meaning the message and melody felt stronger the more it was heard -- "Blue Tacoma" is an instant earworm, sure to be a dashboard karaoke standard in no time. The release is well-timed for a Summer peak, because this feels like a record for when school is out, the top is down, and Summer courtships are in full gear. "White magnolia in your hair/Rays of gold are shining on ya/Ooh, if heaven is anywhere/It's never running out of golden road/Always having your hand to hold/In a blue Tacoma, California/Ooh, if heaven is anywhere/It's right here." Russell, you had me at California.
Mercy. That is the first and only reaction I had when I first heard this track, well before Brett Young's debut album was released. I remember sitting in the office, with the song crackling over a phone speaker, and thinking, "Mercy. Man. We've all been there." And, haven't we? That back-and-forth that someone, at some point, has played with your heart, keeping you on the line, breaking your heart slowly only to reappear again. Have they no mercy? Brett not wrote the heck out of this song, but he delivers it with a soulful, intense vulnerability that makes this fourth single feel like a breakout before it even impacts radio. "Mercy / Why you gotta show up lookin' so good just to hurt me? / Why you wanna stop this whole damn world from turning? / Mercy / Why you hangin' on so tight if this ain't workin? / Why you wanna stop this flame if it's still burning? / Cause, it's still burnin' // So, if you're gonna break my heart, just break it / And, if you're gonna take your shot, then take it / Take it / If you made up your mind, then make it / Make this fast / If you ever loved me / Have mercy." This one is a shot direct to the heart of anyone who has ever just wanted the bandaid to be ripped off a little quicker. And, as Brett's star continues to rise, this has mega-hit written all over it.
When you think of Country music, you think of the honest truth, especially when it comes to Country love songs. Stoney Creek Records' newest addition, Jimmie Allen, is introducing himself to Country radio with "Best Shot," and its as if the lyrics were ripped out of someone's personal diary: "I'm just flesh and bone, heart and soul / And, I've earned a couple scars / I've let once in a lifetime kind of things slide right out of my arms / I've struck out, I've been knocked down more times than I can count / But, that don't matter now." Whether you've run into Jimmie in a coffee shop in Nashville or had him swing by your station, you know that he is one humble dude, and his story is really something special. Nothing was handed to him right away; in fact, he even lived out of his car to make his way into the industry. The lyrics of "Best Shot" prove that he's willing to put in hours to make sure his music reflects hard work, as the chorus continues, "'Cause when you smile / I see the sun sink down on a coast out in California / And, there's no doubt / Because of you, I'm not the man I was before you / I'm not saying that I'm perfect / Oh, 'cause girl you know I'm not / But, I'll love you with everything I've got / Girl, I'll give you my best shot." Clearly, Jimmie Allen is ready to give Country radio and its fans his "best shot," so give him yours by adding his debut single to your playlist.
"Boy, I'd be rich, head to toe Prada / Benz in the driveway / Yacht in the water / Vegas at the Mandarin / High roller gambling / Me and Diddy drippin' diamonds like Marilyn / No, I wouldn't be drowning in all your IOU's / Every promise you made me would have some real value / 'Cause all the little lies rolling off your lips / Is money falling from the sky / (ka-ching, ka-ching) I'd be rich." If those lyrics, Maren's voice, and the catchy melody don't immediately have you convinced to dance and/or sing along to this entire track, I don't know what song will. From the get-go, Maren's "Hero" record has been a huge topic of discussion; it earned several nods from "Best Of" lists and numerous award nominations. Now, on the heels of her first career #1, Morris is coming in hot with a fourth single from the album, which just so happens to be my favorite. I've now seen Maren perform "Rich" live three times, and each time the crowd ignited from start to finish. With a brilliant radio edit, this is the upbeat tempo and sing-along song that Country radio shouldn't pass on. Add it today!
Uptempo, catchy, positive, fun, and just over three minutes? It don't get better than that! And hey - hash tag ironic - that's the title of the new LOCASH single. Boom! When is Country radio going to collectively realize these guys are a real thing, cranking out infectious earworm-like tunes for several years now? LOCASH earns extra brownie points from me, simply for name-checking the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in this tune: "Rolling with a full tank, wasting gas / Sipping on a sunset, crushing cans / Little Nitty Gritty turned up full blast / Yeah, it don't get better than that." In fact, "It Don't Get Better Than That" is a checklist of simple pleasures often taken for granted, the sum of which makes for a pretty charmed life, if you stop what you're doing and think about it. "Ever heard the words, 'I love you, daddy'? / Felt the waves touch your toes off the coast of Cali / Lost count counting stars 'cause there's just so many in the sky / And, don't they look good tonight?" I felt better after the first listen.
The skeptic in me wants to ask Dierks Bentley, "Dude, what the hell did you do wrong?" This inspirational, anthemic salute to the perfect woman contains every possible tribute a man would ever need to make amends for having said -- or done -- something stupid to his love. "Every night I should be on my knees / Lord knows how lucky I am / I'll never say it near enough / Thank God, for this woman, amen." Or, maybe it's just a great song all men need to hear, then sing to their better half, just because. Let's go with that premise, instead. With a Mumford And Sons vibe, this tune moves at highway speed, which programmers will love. The production is big, and Bentley's vocals soar through the chorus: "She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / She gives me strength / She gives me love / Love without end / Thank God, for this woman, amen." It's right at three minutes in length, but feels shorter, and should be instantly familiar. This is the lead track from Bentley's upcoming album, "The Mountain," and is sure to leave you and your woman with a positive, promising feeling about your future together. Can I get an amen on that? By: RJ Curtis
They are your reigning CMA and ACM Duo Of The Year, and they are ready to prove to you why they should retain that title as they prep their sophomore album. I'm talking about Brothers Osborne, of course, and their earth-scorching "Shoot Me Straight" is the lead single from that forthcoming project. In a style uniquely Osborne, lead singer TJ tells the story of begging for a quick-and-nasty breakup so that he can get on with the task of forgetting the love lost. With a Jay Joyce production and John's signature, sick guitar licks, "Shoot Me Straight" doubles-down on the badassery and toe-tapping tunes we've come to expect from the BROS. "Make it burn / The whole way down / Lay my 6 foot 4 inch ass out on the ground / Yeah, tomorrow I'll have me a hard hangover / And, one hell of a heartache / So, pour it on like a shot of whiskey / And, shoot me straight." The radio edit comes in at about three and a half minutes, but for full effect, check out the album version, which adds three extra minutes of musical intensity that will leave you elated and enthused. Both versions can be found on the All Access Cool New Music page; I'd recommend downloading both, jamming accordingly, and adding immediately.
Hearts Of Glass
