This week, we're highlighting a batch of new country tunes that range from poppy and upbeat to bluegrass and western. “Tennessee Orange” singer Megan Moroney is climbing the streaming charts with her new release “No Caller ID,” while Kelsey Hart has found viral success with his tender love song “Life With You.”
Meanwhile, Madeline Merlo confesses her new single, while Sierra Ferrell and Colby T. Helms bring their unique brands of hard country to the fore on new releases.
Megan Moroney, “No Caller ID”
Moroney's latest release is this beautifully crafted fan favorite, which she co-wrote with fellow writers Jessie Jo Dillon, Connie Harrington and Jessi Alexander. The opening lyrics set the scene for a woman whose ex always seems to come back into her life, just as she's in a better romantic state thanks to therapy and a new healthy relationship. The first verses and choruses seem to find her hunting between excavating the past and the next. In the bridge, she realizes that answering her ex's call is tantamount to emotional self-harm and refuses to repeat the mistakes of the past, as she sings, “I'm tired of you hurting me/ So I let it hit.” Moroney's debut album Lucky showcased her immense promise as a singer and songwriter. Here, she proves that her talents are constantly growing in depth and nuance.
Kelsey Hart, “Life With You”
Hart scored a viral hit with this tender love song – a melodic, tasteful track that makes for a powerful performance. Tender piano, guitar and percussion highlight Hart's simultaneously powerful and soft voice.
Madeline Merlo, “Makeup”
Brave truths are spilled throughout Merlo's latest, as she considers how much of her innate ways she can really change. Beautifully detailed lyrics of both self-doubt and self-acceptance abound, with Merlo asking, “Could I make love last forever if my parents never could/ Will I ever know the difference between good enough and good?” A caustic of a show.
Sierra Ferrell, “Dollar Bill Bar”
Ferrell sings of the saloon's long tradition of writing names on dollar bills and stapling them to the walls of the bar. Her enchanting, bright voice sounds effortless as she describes being legendary in these bar scenes and warns a potential suitor not to think he's special—that her name is on more than one bill in this bar. Another great release from one of Americana, bluegrass and country's most talented artists.
Colby T. Helms, “Mountain Brandy”
On his album release on January 19th Stories of Misfortune, Helms combines bluegrass with blues and country. Here, violin and mandolin wrap around an ode to the homemade brandy that is made on the mountain both for its medicinal properties and its connection to the old mountain community, even as newcomers enter the area.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/country/best-new-country-songs-megan-moroney-kelsey-hart-1235585512/
