This week we take a look at new music from Texas-based artist Josh Fuller, the first major label release from Ashley Gearing and hard to classify Jackie Greene’s latest album, among others.
While there isn't a ton of new releases like the past couple of weeks, September gets off to a good start with a handful of new releases for you to listen to during this long holiday weekend. There's really something for every country fan, from classic country/western swing to 90s styled Texas country to Americana and mainstream-ready stuff from a pair of young artists. Add in a couple new singles and you've got this week's list of new releases.
Jackie Greene - Back To Birth (Yep Roc Records)
One of the best roots music artists you’ve probably never heard of is back with the fantastic Back To Birth, the 8th album of Greene’s career. It blends American rock n roll, roots country/rock and indie melodies into a strong cohesive record that recalls Greene’s other albums Giving Up The Ghost and American Myth in places. “Now I Can See For Miles” is timeless and “A Face Among The Crowd,” with the intimate mandolins, feels ready for Americana radio playlists. There’s a twangy country/rock vibe to “The King Is Dead” that’s only matched by the clever, honest lyrics. Jackie gets all bluesy on the torch-y ballad “Where The Downhearted Go” while the title track may be as introspectively honest as he’s ever gotten. Still, the best track on the record, a track that recalls the best of the Taupin/John oeuvre is “You Can’t Have Bad Luck All The Time.”
Josh Fuller Band - Keep On Bein’ Me (FullerRay/IndieExtreme/INgrooves)
Texas-based singer/songwriter creates a well-rounded collection of tunes with his latest album, Keep On Bein' Me. The songs all work well with “openers “Small Town Friday” and “Moonshine” setting a mood for the album while “Just Here” is the kind of song anyone can relate to, especially if someone dies unexpectedly. “Whisper To A Holler” is a clever ballad and there’s a bluesy, funky feel to “I Think You Think Too Much” while the title track is an anthem for individuality. “On The Radio” was the focus single earlier this year as he sings about all his troubles going away as his dream of radio stardom kicks off. All in all, this is a solid effort from an artist who is worth our time, particularly if you like music that has a country/rock vibe to it.
Ashley Gearing - Ashley Gearing EP (Curb Records)
After years of working towards this moment, Ashley Gearing has finally delivered her first major label release with the release of this EP via Curb Records. Featuring the powerful anthem and lead single “Train Track,” Ashley Gearing’s debut also has five tracks that feel ready to rock the charts with “Electric,” “Cry Baby” and “Your Smile” all feeling like potential hits. “Love Can Go To Hell” is from the mighty pen of Brandy Clark and it’s a stellar and powerful ballad and it serves to be perhaps the best showcase for Ashley’s powerful vocal. The final track of this EP produced by Kenny Greenberg and Chad Cromwell is also the lone song co-written by the young singer/songwriter as she sings about how to be a better person. If radio is genuine in trying to get more female stars on their side, well we’ve got one right here ready to break out in Ashley Gearing and this EP is proof of her superstar-level talent.
Brooke Hogan - I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend (MollyDog Entertainment)
She’s always had musical talent (she released a pop album about nine years ago as a teenager) but she’s never really found a home until moving to Nashville and with this four song EP (there’s 5 songs with a dance remix of “Hero” on the EP). The vocals are strong, Brooke’s songwriting is strong and there IS potential here, just like Ashley Gearing above. Hogan has a voice and style that recalls LeAnn Rimes and that, to me, is a good thing. I’m intrigued to hear more.
Doug Moreland - Bring Back The Swing (Big Hat Records)
If you’re a fan of western swing, you’r bound to love this Texan’s latest collection of country songs. It’s gloriously not mainstream but there’s definitely a market with standouts including the title track, “Taxes,” “Texas Dust,” “Bread And Circus” and “Rodeo Clown.”
New Singles out today:
Dylan Scott - “Crazy Over Me” (Curb)
A nice new song from the talented singer/songwriter. His voice is deep and country and he has the potential to be a Conway Twitty-like romantic ballad singer and “Crazy Over Me” proves that.
Jon Pardi - “Head Over Boots” (Capitol Nashville)
The lead single from his sophomore album project, “Head Over Boots” blends traditional and contemporary sounds nicely and could easily be his breakout hit (he’s had one #1 with “Up All Night” but does anyone really remember it?).
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