by Eliana Fermi Ryan Hurd’s sophomore album, Midwest Rock & Roll, is a collection of modern country rock with relatable storytelling. While the album’s title hints at a rugged, down-to-earth vibe, the music itself is far from simple. Hurd’s singing reveals a complex inner landscape of his honest lyrics, with his soulful vocals, expressive delivery, … Read more
by Eliana Fermi The Only Moment is another enjoyable album presenting Maya de Vitry’s ever-evolving journey as a songwriter and producer. Emerging from her roots with The Stray Birds, de Vitry has embraced a liberating new atmosphere of thoughtful lyrics and developing soundscapes to connect with the listener. The album’s title hints at its core philosophy: … Read more
Megan Moroney, Blue Christmas …duh Review by Eliana Fermi Megan Moroney, one of country music’s rising stars, delivers a fresh holiday offering with her EP, Blue Christmas …duh, produced by her frequent collaborator Kristian Bush. This three-song EP isn’t your typical festive fare; it’s a blend of honky-tonk charm and seasonal melancholy wrapped in Moroney’s Southern … Read more
Dusty Black, Dust Off of Me Review by Eliana Fermi Dusty Black’s single, “Dust Off of Me,” under Stone Country Records, shows he is a man on the move in the country music landscape. Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, and penned by the talented songwriting team of Connie Harrington, Heath Sanders, Josh Dunn, and Houston Phillips, … Read more
Yung Gravy, Serving Country Review by Eliana Fermi Matthew Raymond Hauri, better known as Yung Gravy, has built a reputation as a quirky and self-aware emcee with a flair for blending humor, nostalgia, and hip-hop. Rising from the digital underground of SoundCloud to achieving mainstream success, Gravy’s career is built upon his ability to capitalize on … Read more
Jim Lauderdale, My Favorite Place Review Jim Lauderdale, the ever-prolific Americana icon, returns with his 37th album, My Favorite Place, released on June 21, 2024. This album, produced alongside Jay Weaver, reaffirms Lauderdale’s unparalleled ability to blend the essence of traditional country with his distinctive storytelling prowess. Recorded at Nashville’s famed Blackbird Studios, this album … Read more
Anne Wilson, Rebel Review Anne Wilson’s latest album, REBEL, released on April 19, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in her career as she ventures into synthesizing Country and Christian music genres. These sixteen songs illustrate her versatility as an artist and her ability to interweave personal storytelling with spiritual depth. Here, we explore REBEL, examining its conceptual … Read more
Hayden Baker, Barely Gettin’ By Review Let’s dive into Hayden Baker’s debut album, Barely Gettin’ By, which plays like a warm summer breeze through the chords of country music with its raw emotions and life’s unvarnished truths. This fourteen-track collection spins tales of hard-won lessons wrapped in the mastery of guitar strings that sing as soulfully … Read more
Grace Leer, Best Friend For Life Review Grace Leer’s “Best Friend For Life” is a catchy melody with lyrics encapsulating the essence of enduring friendship and the journey to finding a life partner. Crafted with a blend of heartfelt sincerity and infectious catchiness, this ballad showcases Leer’s remarkable vocal tone and delivery and her adeptness … Read more
Gabby Barrett, Growin’ Up Raising You Review Gabby Barrett’s upcoming album, Chapter & Verse, is shaping up to be a profoundly personal and artistically mature offering, judging from its latest single, “Growin’ Up Raising You.” This tender ballad, co-written by Barrett herself alongside Jon Nite, Zach Kale, and Jimmy Robbins, offers an intimate glimpse into the … Read more