If there’s one thing a music site loves, it’s a great artist dropping a new song, especially if it’s been a minute since their last project! Carly Thomas Smith is back with a song just in time for the Holidays called “Holiday Blues.”
Of course the Holidays can be a hard time for people as sad memories may encompass that time of year and that’s exactly who Thomas Smith wanted to write a song for:
“I wanted to write something for those who have a hard time during the holidays. Hopefully this will lift their spirits and let them know they are not alone!”
We’ve gotten to know Thomas Smith over the years and she’s done everything from Broadway to singing with Taylor Swift. Not many people can say that! It’s always a treat to catch her performing in LA and a song of her own to be able to treasure is just the kind of thing to put us in the right Holiday mood.
It’s not too often you get to hear a good Jazz/Blues combination, but it’s in that vary combo that allows the listener to truly feel the music and breathe it into their soul. Music is healing, especially when it’s music you can feel and connect with on a deeper level. From the first note to the last, “Holiday Blues” will restore your faith in music that’s so powerful and healing.
The latest in the hit Country Faith music series, Country Faith Volume 2, was released on November 18th through Word Entertainment. The album proceeds Country Faith Volume 1 which was released back in December of 2013. This album features songs of today and from the past with well-known artists including Luke Bryan, LeAnn Rimes, George Strait and Phil Vassar.
The album features faith-based songs that were chosen by Deborah Evans Price. The album complements the popular book, Country Faith, which waswritten by Price. Price is an award-winning author/journalist who has worked with publications such as Country Weekly, CMA Close Up and AOL’s The Boot, along with various other publications. Price also has written for Billboard for 22 years, which just adds to her long list of accolades. During Price’s career she had the opportunity to interview artists such as Willie Nelson, Charlie Daniels, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Don Henley.
“I’m so excited about this collection of songs on Country Faith Volume 2,” says Evans Price. “The album opens with ‘Pray About Everything,’ Luke Bryan’s upbeat celebration of the power of prayer, and the project continues with such compelling songs of faith as Brad Paisley’s ‘When I Get Where I’m Going,’ Wade Hayes’ ‘What’s a Broken Heart for You,’ Brooks & Dunn’s ‘Believe,’ and many others. Country artists/songwriters have a unique perspective on faith and God’s grace, and I think listeners will find a great deal of comfort and inspiration in these powerful songs.”
In addition, Time Life Music will feature the Country Faith book in a national TV campaign in January for its new Faith, Hope and Country package featuring Bill Cody as host. Also, popular family restaurant chain, Cracker Barrel, will exclusively carry Country Faith Volume 2 in all of its 630 locations. Along with the 13 songs on the standard release, Cracker Barrel will carry the Cracker Barrel edition of Country Faith Volume 2. This special edition album will feature the two exclusive tracks, “God Sends A Train”by American Young along with “Give Me Jesus”by Mo Pitney.
We had the opportunity to interview Price recently and talk about the latest project which even has a new jewelry line you can shop here!
LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW WITH DEBORAH EVANS PRICE
Country Faith Volume 2 overall is a perfect collection of faith-based songs that will strike the heart of anyone who listens. Each song tells a story about their faith in their own unique way over a series of various circumstances. Anyone listening to the album will be able to connect with the songs, along with strengthening their faith. There is something for everyone on the album, no matter their age or background. Keep on the lookout for future releases in the series as well as other albums by Word Entertainment.
Track Listing for Country Faith Volume 2
1. Luke Bryan – “Pray About Everything”
2. Michael Ray – “Real Men Love Jesus”
3) Wade Hayes – “What’s a Broken Heart For You”
4) Lee Ann Womack – “Stubborn” (Psalm 151)
5) George Strait – “I Saw God Today”
6) Brad Paisleyfeat.Dolly Parton – “When I Get Where I’m Going”
7) John Michael Montgomeryfeat.Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminski – “The Little Girl”
8) Drew Baldridge – “Tractors Don’t Roll”
9) Brooks & Dunn – “Believe”
10) LeAnn Rimes – “I Need You”
11) Phil Vassar – “This is God”
12) Wynonna – “Live with Jesus”
13) Shenandoah – “Hallelujah for the Cross”
Cracker Barrel Bonus Tracks 14)American Young – “God Sends A Train”
15) Mo Pitney – “Give Me Jesus”
Congratulations to Chris Carmack and his fiancée Erin Slaver who welcomed their baby girl into the world this past week in Nashville! Slaver shared the news on Instagram about their new addition!
Carmack is of course known for his roles in Nashville as Will Lexington and his role as Luke Ward on The O.C.! He also has became quite the singer after joined the Nashville cast and released a EP last year. His fiancée Erin Slaver has been a guest star on Nashville & she is also a touring musician as well. She’s played for many in Music City including Katie Armiger!
You might be unfamiliar with 21 year old Country Artist Mary Heather Hickman, but her sound will soon have you wishing you had heard of her before. She does have a classic country sound to her voice, but she combines it with modern music and beats to blend both traditional and modern listeners. She has a vibe similar to Kacey Musgraves, and isn’t afraid about singing about her mistakes.
“Dial” offers some advice on not drinking and then calling up an ex boyfriend… that is a recipe for disaster.
Don’t drink and dial / You’ll call up your ex / And wake up the next morning / Hungover with regret / Take my advice / It ain’t worth the rush / Throw your phone out the window / When you feel that buzz
Hickman is currently writing and collaborating with songwriters in Nashville. She told Variety Beat the inspiration behind her song “Dial”
I think people can connect with ‘Dial’ because it’s a song that we all see ourselves in. Most people can relate to having a drink or two and calling or texting an ex boyfriend, and then regretting it the next morning. I wrote this song after a particularly funny incident with a friend. She does know she was the inspiration for this song and we laugh about it to this day.
If you like to use hashtags, hang out on the beach and worry about nothing, than you’ll love the song and music video “#Winning” from Kevin MaC.
MaC has been taking the music industry by the handles for the last several years. It’s earned him spots opening for artists like Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry. His debut EP “Six Pack” is in production now, with the debut single “#Winning” out now!
This music video is everything I wanted it to be to match what #Winning Is all about! The Beach, no worries, living easy with great friends.
