It's a small list of new albums but it's heavy in the head," as Tyler Farr and Zac Brown Band both debut new records worthy of paying attention to. In fact, all four albums we discuss this week are worthy of taking home copies of. Talent abounds in all areas of country music this week.
Zac Brown Band - Jekyll + Hyde (Southern Ground/John Varvatos/Republic/BMLG) [Buy]
Quite simply the band sound stunning on their fourth studio album (And first through Varvatos/Republic). It’s a transformative, exploratory record for the 8 piece band and something they’ll most definitely be gaining a lot of raves with. There’s simply nothing about the album that isn’t worthy of a listen. See our full review of the album here!
Sugarcane Jane - Dirt Road’s End (ArenA Recordings/eOne) [Buy]
The Husband/wife duo produced this record with veteran songwriter Buzz Cason and it’s a strong collection of country music. The record may not hit mainstream country radio at all but may be the record that those outside of the mainstream or those who love good Americana music will wanna pay attention to. There’s a vibrancy in the music, particularly on “The Game,” “San Andreas,” “Heartbreak Road” and the clever, “Not Another Truck Song.”
Macy Martin - Find My Melody (GoTime Records/Macy Martin Music) [Buy]
Perhaps one of the most-talented newcomers the average country music fan has yet to hear of, Macy Martin has the complete package record labels should be looking for with her talent as a vocalist, songwriter and her movie star looks all a part of it. Find My Melody features strong songs throughout (along with Kent Wells’ steady production), including “Baby What Ya Doing,” “Like To Get To Know You,” a pretty ballad that sets Macy up like the keeper of the intimate flame held by Martina McBride and Sara Evans. “Back To Reality,” the album’s hit lead single, has clever lyrics and strong melodies and “Somebody’s Daughter” is just stunning. This is the work of an artist finding her footing (as the title suggests) and we’re excited to see where she’s going in the future. Certainly if I were running label A&R, I’d be signing Macy to a record deal.
Tyler Farr - Suffer In Peace (Columbia Nashville) [Buy]
There will not be a sophomore slump for Farr as this record’s lead single “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” seems poised to be his third top 5 hit in a row, if not his first chart-topping hit. Any way you slice it, it’s a strong start and it will continue with strong radio ready material on the record including “Raised To Pray,” “Criminal,” “Poor Boy,” and “I Don’t Even Want This Beer.” As good as those are, I don’t know if any of the songs will top “Damn Good Friends” (a duet with Jason Aldean) and “Withdrawls,” the kind of game changing, career making song artists always are on the hunt for. The title track, too, is stunning but might be too “ballad” or “Too country” for today’s radio climate.
New Singles Of Note:
"Same Old Song" from Brantley Gilbert's upcoming deluxe album release, "When The Stars Come Out" from Chris Stapleton's "Traveller" album pre-release, "Folks like Us" from Montgomery Gentry, "Somewhere You Don't Go" from Adam Sanders, and "Two Of A Crime" by Miranda Lambert.
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