Category: Go Country 105

Justin Moore‘s seventh studio record, Stray Dog, is out.

The eight-track project was recorded at the famed Castle Recording Studios in Franklin, Tennessee, and features Justin as a co-writer on every song.

“A long time ago I decided I wasn't going to play games or pursue things that didn’t make me happy, perhaps that's made me a bit of an outsider in this industry, but it’s also what allows me to go to bed each night feeling good about what I'm doing,” Justin writes on Instagram. 

“I’ve never just gone along with the crowd,” he continues. “I’ve always tried to follow my heart and let the chips fall where they may, and I’m really proud of that.” 

Justin celebrated this milestone on Thursday, May 4, with a sold-out album release show at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon. Priscilla Block and Riley Green also joined him as surprise guests.

If you missed the show, watch the livestream on YouTube.

Justin and Priscilla’s single “You, Me, And Whiskey” is approaching the top 20 on the country charts.

Here’s the Stray Dog track list:

“Everybody Get Along” (with Riley Green)
“That Wasn't Jack”
“With A Woman You Love”
“Better Slow”
“Stray Dogs”
“Country On It”
“You, Me, And Whiskey” (with Priscilla Block)
“Get Rich Or Drunk Trying”

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Kimberly Perry‘s debut solo single, “If I Die Young Pt. 2,” has arrived.

Written by Kimberly, Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon, the nostalgic track serves as the sequel to The Band Perry‘s 2010 hit “If I Die Young.”

“‘If I Die Young’ has always been my North Star,” says Kimberly, who was the lead singer of the now-disbanded The Band Perry. “When I had to come back to the core of who ‘Kimberly’ was, I’d always find myself turning to this record. So to kick off my solo artist career with Part 2, it's a full circle moment.”

“It reflects all of my growth from the past decade, while still channeling that young girl,” she adds. “I'm just so grateful to put those pieces together on Part 2.”

“If I Die Young Pt. 2” is the first preview of Kimberly’s forthcoming solo EP, BLOOM. The five-track set will drop on June 9 and is available for presave now.

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Luke Bryan has dropped his vibrant new single, “But I Got A Beer In My Hand.”

Of the track’s story, Luke shares, “It’s about a guy that obviously, his girl leaves him and he’s expecting to really be down about it. Instead, he goes out, gets a beer in his hand, starts partying and life’s pretty good.”

“I knew I wanted a fun uptempo song everyone could enjoy this summer,” the country superstar adds. “I can't wait to start doing it live. It’s gonna be a blast.”

Luke will perform “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” during the American Idol season finale on Sunday, May 21. Fans can tune in to the three-hour special at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

On the tour front, Luke’s set to kick off his Country On Tour on June 15. For the full tour schedule and to get tickets, visit lukebryan.com.

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Megan Moroney has released her highly anticipated debut album, LUCKY.

The 13-track collection was produced by Sugarland‘s Kristian Bush and features her single “Tennessee Orange,” which is in the top 10 and rising on the country charts.

“After we wrote the title track ‘Lucky,’ I knew I wanted it to be the name of my debut album,” Megan says of her record. “If you know anything about me and my story, a lot of things (both good and bad) happened to get me to where I am today, and I just feel very lucky.”

“I couldn't live out this dream without the support of my fans, family, and team,” she continues. “I can't wait to bring these songs on the road with me this year and I hope everyone loves them as much as I do!”

Megan is currently touring the country on her sold-out headlining THE LUCKY TOUR. 

Here’s the track list for LUCKY:

“I'm Not Pretty”
“Lucky”
“Tennessee Orange”
“Kansas Anymore”
“Girl in the Mirror”
“Another on the Way”
“Traitor Joe”
“Why Johnny”
“God Plays A Gibson”
“Georgia Girl”
“Sleep on My Side”
“Mustang or Me”
“Sad Songs For Sad People”

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Chris Janson, and music icons Dolly Parton and Slash have teamed up for a new collaboration, “21 Forever.”

The track, written by Chris, Tom Douglas and Tommy Cecil, offers a powerful perspective on growing up, and leaving one’s carefree and party-heavy younger days. 

“There’s a time for young and dumb/ For lovers, lines and songs/ You go to bed in the morning/ After you/ stumble in at dawn Had to get my act together/ Learn to appreciate stormy weather/ You can’t be 21 forever,” Chris and Dolly sing in the chorus, while Slash shreds the electric guitar.

“I’m so thrilled to announce that two global icons have joined me for my absolute biggest collaboration to date,” shares Chris. “Dolly and Slash – it doesn’t get any bigger than that! I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for these two. I hope you all enjoy ’21 Forever.'”

Chris’ current single, “All I Need Is You,” is number 35 and rising on the country charts.

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With less than three weeks until American Idol crowns its season 21 winner, the completion is heating up.

Most recently, Mary Beth Byrd and Tyson Venegas were sent home, with judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie deciding to save Oliver Steele. 

“[As] judges, we sent some people through that maybe some fans were not happy about. But we’re going on hunches and we’re working quick,” Luke tells ABC Audio.

“I mean, when you look at the Iam Tongi moment, the kid from Hawaii, and he started talking about losing his dad, it was tremendously powerful,” he continues. “Colin Stough really showed up and had an amazing performance [as well].” 

As the competition kicks up a notch, Luke also shared that practically anything could happen and the cards could flip with a life-changing performance.

“You know, when I look at what Colin did and then I think about, at any moment, all those contestants, when you get in the top 12, when you start getting into these rounds, you can have a performance that really flips the way America votes,” notes Luke. “We’re in exciting times.”

The top eight contestants will take the Idol stage next on Sunday, May 7. As Variety reports, Ed Sheeran and Alanis Morissette have been tapped to join Luke as guest judges for this round, as Katy and Lionel fly out to England to perform at King Charles III's coronation.

American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Tyler Rich has dropped a music video for his song “Heaven Is Your Hometown.” The track is off his three-song EP, I Know You Do, which dropped in March.

Canaan Smith is teaming up with Emily Weisband for a new duet, “Diamond on the Dresser.” Presave the song now to be the first to hear it on Friday, May 5.

Russell Dickerson‘s merch store is having a 25% off storewide sale to celebrate Mother’s Day. The sale runs from now through May 8. Shop now at Russell’s online store.

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Dollywood is set to launch its longest-ever coaster, Big Bear Mountain, on May 12. 

Spanning 3,990 feet with a 66-foot peak track elevation and a maximum speed of 48 mph, Big Bear Mountain will join 11 other attractions at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove.

The thrilling ride will circle around Wildwood Grove for close to two minutes and feature onboard audio, music and commentary from Benjamin Bear‘s caretaker and Wildwood Grove’s resident wilderness explorer, Ned Oakley.

For more information on Big Bear Mountain and to watch a front-row point-of-view video, visit dollywood.com.

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Thomas Rhett kicks off his Home Team Tour 23 on May 4. But before the tour officially starts, Thomas’ four girls had surprise gifts for him. 

Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love and Lillie Carolina decided to express their love and gratitude for their dad with drawings and notes.

One drawing from all four of them read, “We are so proud of you Daddy,” while another from Ada had the words, “I love you Daddy” on it with rainbow and stickman drawings of her and Thomas. 

“My team trying to make me cry first night of tour. sheesh,” Thomas tweeted alongside images of the drawings he received.

The 40-city Home Team Tour 23 begins May 4 in Des Moines, Iowa, and will conclude in Nashville on September 30. Cole Swindell and Nate Smith will serve as opening acts.

For a full list of dates and to get tickets, visit thomasrhett.com.

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Scotty McCreery has enlisted Colombian singer/songwriter GUSI for a new Latin version of his song “Why She Gotta Be Like That.”

Originally titled “Why You Gotta Be Like That” on his 2021 album Same Truck, the fresh remake features Scotty singing the first half in English before GUSI arrives in the second verse and chorus with his Spanish delivery. Toward the end, the two come together to mix it up with both English and Spanish in the bridge and chorus.

“I’ve always thought it would be fun to bring the Latin part of my heritage into some of my music,” shares Scotty, who is a quarter Puerto Rican. “I met GUSI after hearing him perform ‘Why You Gotta Be Like That’ on Instagram. It is always flattering to have someone cover one of your songs, and he's so talented so I asked him if he would want to bring some Latin flavor to the track.”

“He brought so much to it,” adds Scotty. “It was so much fun to do a new take on this song as a duet with GUSI, so we decided to call this version ‘Why She Gotta Be Like That.'”

“I am very grateful to Scotty and his team for inviting me to participate in this song,” says GUSI. “For me it gives me pride to collaborate with him, since I admire his music a lot. Additionally I have grown up listening to country music and recording this song with this great performer was more than I imagined.”

“Why She Gotta Be Like That” is out on all digital music platforms now.

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