Every week the wide open country The team brings together their new favorite country, folk, bluegrass and Americana songs for the Six Pack.
This week’s playlist includes Lainey Wilson“Strawberry Wine,” Ian Flanigan’s next step toward country praise and Jordan Davis’ Mac Davis-esque reminder to stop and smell the roses.
Here are six crucial listens.
“Last Name On It”, Ian Flanigan
Ian Flanigan wowed viewers of The voice in 2020 with a raucous baritone delivery that suited covers from the Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs and Jamey Johnson.
The radio-ready bluesy, country love song “Last Name on It” depicts Flanigan’s developing voice as a singer and songwriter while raising anticipation for the debut album. Strong (released September 2). Other fan favorites turned album picks include “Grow Up,” featuring trainer turned collaborator Blake Shelton.
-Bobby Moore
“At the Ranch”, Emily Nenni
The story of Nashville-based country traditionalist Emily Nenni At the ranch (released November 4 via New West Records) inspired its title track. She lived and worked on a ranch in Colorado during the peak months of the pandemic while writing the album – which was produced by Chris Stapleton guitarist Mike Eli.
“On the Ranch” captures the spirit of the album (and Waylon Jennings’ guitar sound), raising anticipation for a collection of nine originals and a must-see ABBA cover.
-Bobby Moore
“Watermelon Moonshine”, Lainey Wilson
Similarities between Lainey Wilson’s new single “Watermelon Moonshine” and Deana CarterThe 1996 classic “Strawberry Wine” goes beyond titles that refer to a fruit-flavored alcohol. Both reflect youthful indiscretion and a coming-of-age summer at the age of 30. Of course, it’s a tribute to the sounds of Wilson and the childhood of many of his fans and not a creative diversion from a CMA Song of the Year winner.
This is the second preview of the upcoming album bell bottom country (released October 28 via BBR Music Group/Broken Bow Records), after “Heart Like a Truck”.
-Bobby Moore
“Stubborn Pride”, Zac Brown Band
In 2021, Zac Brown Band wowed fans with the The return: an album that recalls the group’s first successes.
The band is back with more new music for The return of luxury, including collaborations with Blake Shelton and Cody Johnson. For “Stubborn Pride,” they tapped Jamey Johnson and Marcus King for the country collaboration you didn’t know you needed. The original version already included King, known for his memorable country rock and blues sound, with the addition of Johnson making this song absolutely perfect.
-Courtney Fox
“Next Thing You Know”, Jordan Davis
Jordan Davis’ highly anticipated album won’t be released until 2023, and this new song is worth it.
“Next Thing You Know” is about making sure you take the time to pay attention to all the big milestones and moments in life, because they quickly pass you by. Davis warns not to get distracted because it might miss some of the most important moments in your life that you’ll wish you had time for later.
“I’ve been in Nashville for 10 years now,” Davis said. CMT. “I’ve been around the country, playing music for six years, and I feel like I’m just getting started…it’s crazy. I never would have expected it. I moved to Music City to become a songwriter. I never really had a dream of singing a record deal or doing what I’m doing now. It was a dream I didn’t know I had , until I jump in. It spins fast.
“I have a three-year-old daughter, I feel like she was just born,” he continued. “It goes so fast. That’s kind of what this song sums up. I really hope someone listens to it and thinks about slowing down.”
-Courtney Fox
“get in”, Ashley Cooke
Nashville newcomer Ashley Cooke is hitting the country music scene like a seasoned professional. His duet with Brett Young, “Never Til Now,” landed him an appearance on the bachelorette and she’s set to go on tour with Cole Swindell this fall.
Cooke, Emily Weisband and Will Weatherly co-write “getting into” opens a new chapter in the singer’s blossoming career. The lyrics are playful and honest, with Cooke opening up about who she is and how she wants love.
“‘Going Into’ serves as my road map of all the twists and turns of who I am,” Cooke explained in a statement. “It’s a fun disclaimer for anyone, and it lets them know what they’re signing up for – the good, the bad and everything in between.”
-Courtney Fox