The weekly recap returns with a look at new singles from the likes of Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Cyndi Lauper, Martina McBride, Sam Hunt and newcomers like Josh Goodlett and Leslie Cours Mather, among others.
Blake Shelton - “Came Here To Forget” (Warner Bros. Nashville)
The superstar returns with a strong single which blends modern production techniques (put on a pair of good earbuds/monitors to get the full effect) and Shelton’s strong vocal over a song which hits home for anyone who is trying to get over a broken relationship.
Cyndi Lauper - “Funnel Of Love” (Sire Records)
The iconic pop star delivers a strong set of alt country covers on her forthcoming Detours album and it’s fronted by this sinewy take on the Wanda Jackson classic. “Funnel Of Love” is playful and the band is fully engaged as is Lauper, whose seriously underrated as a vocalist.
Josh Goodlett - “I Don’t Usually Do This” (Good Entertainment)
Talented newcomer showcases why we should pay attention to his music with a spirited vocal on a strong single which blends a classic feel in the production but not so classic that it feels dated. Instead both melody and lyric feel timeless.
Sierra Black - “Heart On Ice” (OMG Entertainment)
Working with producers Michael Omartian and Tom Hemby, Sierra Black delivers a strong country rocker with “Heart On Ice.” She has the power of LeAnn Rimes mixed with a sassy Shania-like vibe to the lyrics of the song (a Sherrie Austin/Will Rambeaux/Steven Bliss co-write). Sierra Black is a major talent.
Kane Brown - “Used To Love You Sober” (RCA Nashville)
The production on the radio mix is slight (another song which requires good ear monitors/headphones to notice) and the vocal still is a bit jarring but there’s no denying that Kane Brown has a mainstream appeal and the whole jarring nature actually feels like it’s a guy who is in the midst of drunkeness as he sings the song and there’s a clarity (soberness) to his vocal in the chorus. Interesting song; even more interesting new talent.
Leslie Cours Mather - “That Was The Whiskey” (Lion Eyes Records)
She showcased who she was with “Countrified” and she continues to give fans a reason to look forward to her forthcoming album with this new single. Written by Lori McKenna, Nini Camps and Kristen Henderson, the song has a bluesy country/rock feel to it that suits LCM’s strong voice. What a fun song.
Jake Owen - “American Country Love Song” (RCA Nashville)
After “Real Life” was released last year, Jake Owen seemed to be in quite a groove. Now, it’s confirmed he is. The newly divorced star’s voice is as strong as ever and this one feels like the perfect (and playful) spring/summer anthem and a nice partner to “Beachin’,” one of Jake’s biggest hits to date.
Sam Hunt - “Make You Miss Me” (MCA Nashville)
This is his fifth single from Montevallo and while most albums rarely have the depth to go this deep, particularly debut albums, Sam’s album does. It’s a piano-laced ballad that showcases a passionate vocal from Sam as he describes a girl who lives by the “New. Now. Next” mantra. It may not hit #1 (like the first three singles did) but it should have no problem breaking the Top 10 and Top 5 and join the other singles as RIAA-certified hits.
Martina McBride - “Reckless” (NASH Icon Records)
The lead single from Martina’s forthcoming album of the same name, “Reckless” is a powerful return as it showcases that even as she ages, Martina’s still one of the country music genre’s best vocalists. The lyrics are strong, the melody is sweet and in a perfect world this would be a huge ole hit.
Brian Collins - "Healing Highway" (Blue Light Records)
The talented singer follows up his Top 10 hit “Shine A Little Love” with the release of the title track to his most-recent album Healing Highway and it is an anthem for sure. The song, which was produced by Kenny Greenberg, Mills Logan and Brian Collins himself. Collins and Greenberg co-wrote the track with hit writer Tim Buppert. The song has a strong harmonic sing-a-long feel to it and once again, Collins proves to be a talented vocalist and remains one to watch.
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