Year in Review: My Top 50 Country Music Songs of 2022

It’s that time of year again where I like to take a quick look at my favorite country music songs of the year. We’re just about to the end, so now is as good a time as any, right?

Now, let me preface this list as I always do.

• I’m not a professional music reviewer.
• I don’t get paid to promote artists.
• I don’t go by Billboard or radio airplay charts.

This list consists of the top 50 songs that I liked in 2022. The songs that I wanted to come on my radio while I was just sitting at home, or driving in my car (when I actually got to go places).

Note that not all songs may be “traditional country”. I listen to all genre’s of music, so I have no issues with country artists who play “non-traditional” country. To me…music is music. If I like it, I’m going to listen to it (and enjoy it).

By the way, my three kids had input into this list so some songs might have ended up higher than I might have put them myself. But hey…I value their opinions!

Also, you’ll notice that a lot of mainstream, radio hits by major artists are not included. No reason except for the fact that my list is not based on how famous you are. Simple as that. It’s the songs that I love (but please feel free to sway me in your direction if I left a song off).

You probably heard some of these songs every hour (on the hour) on your local country station. Others may not have been played much (if at all) when they should have been, in my own, personal opinion. Also, while some of these songs may have come out in late 2021, and may have even landed a low spot on my wrap up of the year, they were ones that were predominantly played (if they made the radio) in the 2022 calendar year.

Others may be primed for success next year so keep your ears open!

Either way, I’m sure that I’m going to leave quite a few songs off this list that could have easily made it. I know this going in and expect each and every one of you to say “hey, what about this song…or that song.” Please do.

Fight for the music and artists that YOU love!!!!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go through each entry and provide detailed background on the song, reasons for it’s placement, etc…But, feel free to leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond.

Now, without further ado, let’s get this party started:

50. “Lydia“, Margo Price

49. “Heartfirst“, Kelsea Ballerini

48. “Brenda Put Your Bra On“, Ashley McBryde

47. “A Hundred Years Old“, Brittney Spencer

46. “5 Foot 9“, Tyler Hubbard

45. “Heart of Stone“, Whiskey Myers

44. “Tennessee Orange“, Megan Moroney

43. “Feel Like Going Home“, Miko Marks

42. “She Likes It“, Russell Dickerson and Jake Scott

41. “High“, Caitlyn Smith

40. “Where it Ends“, Bailey Zimmerman

39. “Already Crazy“, Carter Faith

38. “Wild as Her“, Corey Kent

37. “What My World Spins Around“, Jordan Davis

36. “Songs About You“, Brett Eldredge

35. “Bonfire at Tina’s“, Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack, Brandy Clark and Pillbox Patti

34. “My Bar“, Priscilla Block

33. “Gospel Night at the Strip Club“, Ashley McBryde and Benjy Davis

32. “Boys Back Home“, Hailey Whitters

31. “Where Country Music Comes From“, Adam Doleac

30. “What He Didn’t Do“, Carly Pearce

29. “Flower Shops“, Ernest and Morgan Wallen

28. “Handle on You“, Parker McCollum

27. “Out Runnin’ Your Memory“, Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert

26. “Rock and a Hard Place“, Bailey Zimmerman

25. “Last Night Lonely“, Jon Pardi

24. “AA“, Walker Hayes

23. “Beer With My Friends“, Kenny Chesney and Old Dominion

22. “For What it’s Worth“, Breland

21. “Wasted on You“, Morgan Wallen

20. “Death Row“. Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard and Russell Dickerson

19. “Like I Love Country Music“, Kane Brown

18. “The Kind of Love We Make“, Luke Combs

17. “Circles Around This Town“, Maren Morris

16. “I Love My Life“, Cash Creek

15. “Cigarettes“, Kari Lynch Band

14. “Living Again“, Cloverdayle

13. “High Time for a Good Time“, Hillbilly Vegas

12. “Broken Heartland“, A Thousand Horses

11. “Son of a Sinner“, Jelly Roll

10. “Note to Self“, Randy Houser

9. “Wait in the Truck“, Hardy featuring Lainey Wilson

8. “Down Home“, Jimmie Allen

7. “Something in the Orange“, Zach Bryan

6. “Mama, Dolly, Jesus“, Madeline Edwards

5. “Take My Name“, Parmalee

4. “Don’t Come Lookin“, Jackson Dean

3. “Heart Like a Truck“, Lainey Wilson

2. “Whiskey on You“, Nate Smith

1.”You Had Me at Heads Carolina“, Cole Swindell

Well that’s it. My Top 50 of 2022! Where did I hit the nail on the head? Where did the arrow miss the mark?

I want to hear from you!

Let me know in the comments below!

Year in Review: My Top 50 Country Music Songs of 2021

It’s that time of year again where I like to take a quick look at my favorite country music songs of the year. We’re just about to the end, so now is as good a time as any, right?

Now, let me preface this list as I always do.

• I’m not a professional music reviewer.
• I don’t get paid to promote artists.
• I don’t go by Billboard or radio airplay charts.

This list consists of the top 50 songs that I liked in 2021. The songs that I wanted to come on my radio while I was just sitting at home, or driving in my car (when I actually got to go places).

Note that not all songs may be “traditional country”. I listen to all genre’s of music, so I have no issues with country artists who play “non-traditional” country. To me…music is music. If I like it, I’m going to listen to it (and enjoy it).

By the way, my three kids had input into this list so some songs might have ended up higher than I might have put them myself. But hey…I value their opinions!

Also, you’ll notice that a lot of mainstream, radio hits by major artists are not included. No reason except for the fact that my list is not based on how famous you are. Simple as that. It’s the songs that I love (but please feel free to sway me in your direction if I left a song off).

You probably heard some of these songs every hour (on the hour) on your local country station. Others may not have been played much (if at all) when they should have been, in my own, personal opinion. Also, while some of these songs may have come out in late 2020, and may have even landed a low spot on my wrap up of the year, they were ones that were predominantly played (if they made the radio) in the 2021 calendar year.

Others may be primed for success next year so keep your ears open!

Either way, I’m sure that I’m going to leave quite a few songs off this list that could have easily made it. I know this going in and expect each and every one of you to say “hey, what about this song…or that song.” Please do.

Fight for the music and artists that YOU love!!!!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go through each entry and provide detailed background on the song, reasons for it’s placement, etc…But, feel free to leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond.

Now, without further ado, let’s get this party started:

50. “Salt, Lime & Tequila“, Ryan Griffin

49. “What if We Never Met“, Wildfire

48. “Coulda Loved You Longer“, Adam Doleac

47. “Devil & an Old Six String“, Jacob Bryant

46. “Good Time“, Niko Moon

45. “Lucky for Me“, Eli Young Band

44. “Best Thing Since Backroads“, Jake Owen

43. “Tequila Little Time“, Jon Pardi

42. “While You’re Gone“, Drew Parker

41. “Footprints on the Moon“, Gabby Barrett

40. “Stubborn Heart“, Shelby Lee Lowe

39. “I Can’t“, Caitlyn Smith featuring Old Dominion

38. “It’s ‘Cause I Am“, Callista Clark

37. “Us“, Hannah Ellis

36. “Girl in It“, Ray Fulcher

35. “Beers on Me“, Dierks Bentley, Breland and HARDY

34. “Giving You Up“, Kameron Marlowe

33. “Cold as You“, Luke Combs

32. “Truth About You“, Mitchell Tenpenny

31. “Back Then, Right Now“, Tenille Arts

30. “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)“, Miranda Lambert and Elle King

29. “To Be Loved By You“, Parker McCollum

28. “Fancy Like“, Walker Hayes

27. “Younger Me“, Brothers Osborne

26. “Middle Man“, Kasey Tyndall

25. “Home Sweet“, Russell Dickerson

24. “With a Woman You Love“, Justin Moore

23. “One Mississippi“, Kane Brown

22. “Whiskey and Rain“, Michael Ray

21. “Glad You Exist“, Dan + Shay

20. “Hard Time“, Cash Creek featuring Larry Stewart

19. “Monsters“, Kari Lynch Band

18. “Chasing After You“, Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris

17. “You Should Probably Leave“, Chris Stapleton

16. “Sunrise Tells the Story“, Midland

15. “I Was on a Boat That Day“, Old Dominion

14. “My Boy“, Elvie Shane

13. “Thinking Bout You“, Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter

12. “Damn Strait“, Scotty McCreery

11. “Freedom Was a Highway“, Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley

10. “Never Say Never“, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson

9. “Just About Over You“, Priscilla Block

8. “Be a Light“, Thomas Rhett

7. “Bye Mom“, Chris Janson

6. “Heart on Fire“, Eric Church

5. “Famous Friends“, Chris Young and Kane Brown

4. “Never Wanted to Be That Girl“, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

3. “Buy Dirt“, Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan

2. “Sand in My Boots“, Morgan Wallen

1. “Til You Can’t“, Cody Johnson

Well that’s it. My Top 50 of 2021! Where did I hit the nail on the head? Where did the arrow miss the mark?

I want to hear from you!

Let me know in the comments below!

Year in Review: My Top 50 Country Music Songs of 2020

It’s that time of year again where I like to take a quick look at my favorite country music songs of the year. We’re just about to the end, so now is as good a time as any, right?

Now, let me preface this list as I always do.

• I’m not a professional music reviewer.
• I don’t get paid to promote artists.
• I don’t go by Billboard or radio airplay charts.

This list consists of the top 50 songs that I liked in 2020. The songs that I wanted to come on my radio while I was just sitting at home (we didn’t really travel anywhere this past year, did we?). Note that not all songs may be “traditional country”. I listen to all genre’s of music, so I have no issues with country artists who play “non-traditional” country. To me…music is music. If I like it, I’m going to listen to it (and enjoy it).

By the way, my three kids had input into this list so some songs might have ended up higher than I might have put them myself. But hey…I value their opinions!

Also, you’ll notice that a lot of mainstream, radio hits by major artists are not included. No reason except for the fact that my list is not based on how famous you are. Simple as that. It’s the songs that I love (but please feel free to sway me in your direction if I left a song off).

You probably heard some of these songs every hour (on the hour) on your local country station. Others may not have been played much (if at all) when they should have been, in my own, personal opinion. Also, while some of these songs may have come out in late 2019, and may have even landed a low spot on my wrap up of the year, they were ones that were predominantly played (if they made the radio) in the 2020 calendar year.

Others may be primed for success next year so keep your ears open! Also, there were a couple of songs that were re-issued this year during the COVID pandemic, so it’s time to bring them back to the countdown…I’m looking at you Kari Lynch Band!

Either way, I’m sure that I’m going to leave quite a few songs off this list that could have easily made it. I know this going in and expect each and every one of you to say “hey, what about this song…or that song.” Please do.

Fight for the music and artists that YOU love!!!!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go through each entry and provide detailed background on the song, reasons for it’s placement, etc…But, feel free to leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond.

Now, without further ado, let’s get this party started:

50. “When I Meet My Maker“, Tenille Townes

49. “Your Love Won’t Let Me Cheat“, RT Johnson

48. “You Were Made for That“, Cash Creek

47. “That’s Where You’ll Find Me“, Mercy Shine

46. “My Voice“, Kalie Shorr

45. “Hole in the Bottle“, Kelsea Ballerini

44. “Done“, Chris Janson

43. “Can We Be Strangers“, Brandy Clark

42. “Classic“, Cam

41. “Only Children“, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

40. “It’s Your Loss“, Drew Baldridge

39. “Cold Bud“, George Ducas

38. “One Beer“, Hardy

37. “Single Saturday Night“, Cole Swindell

36. “Grew Up on That“, High Valley

35. “Stompin’ Grounds“, Reyna Roberts

34. “Some People Do“, Old Dominion

33. “Back on the Bottle“, Brothers Osborne

32. “Why Things Happen“, Jimmy Allen, Charley Pride and Darius Rucker

31. “Bluebird“, Miranda Lambert

30. “Pretty Heart“, Parker McCollum

29. “Slice of Heaven“, Waterloo Revival

28. “Some Girls“, Jameson Rodgers

27. “Drinking Song“, A Thousand Horses

26. “No I in Beer“, Brad Paisley

25. “Whiskey’s Fine“, Adam Doleac

24. “Made for You“, Jake Owen

23. “Break it In“, Eli Young Band

22. “One of Them Girls“, Lee Brice

21. “More Than My Hometown“, Morgan Wallen

20. “Dear Rodeo“, Cody Johnson and Reba McEntire

19. “Beers and Sunshine“, Darius Rucker

18. “Love You Like I Used To“, Russell Dickerson

17. “I Should Probably Go to Bed“, Dan & Shay

16. “Just Friends“, Caylee Hammack

15. “Why We Drink“, Justin Moore

14. “Love Me When I’m Leaving“, Texas Hill

13. “Everywhere But On“, Matt Stell

12. “We Were Rich“, Runaway June

11. “Does to Me“, Luke Combs

10. “Better Than Today“, Kari Lynch Band

9. “Die from a Broken Heart“, Maddie & Tae

8. “Things a Man Oughta Know“, Lainey Wilson

7. “I Hope You’re Happy Now“, Carly Pearce

6. “Wyoming“, Skip Ewing

5. “Never Will“, Ashley McBryde

4. “What Are You Gonna Tell Her“, Mickey Guyton

3. “Stick That in Your Country Song“, Eric Church

2. “I Hope“, Gabby Barrett

1. “More Hearts Than Mine“, Ingrid Andress

Well that’s it. My Top 50 of 2020!

Where did I hit the nail on the head? Where did the arrow miss the mark?

I want to hear from you!

Let me know in the comments below!

Year in Review: My Top 100 Country Music Songs of 2019

It’s that time of year again where I like to take a quick look at my favorite country music songs of the year. We’re just about to the end, so now is as good a time as any, right?

Now, let me preface this list as I always do.

• I’m not a professional music reviewer.
• I don’t get paid to promote artists.
• I don’t go by Billboard or radio airplay charts.

This list consists of the top 100 songs that I liked in 2019. The songs that I wanted to come on my radio while driving to and from work, on a road trip, or when I was just sitting at home. Note that not all songs may be “traditional country”. I listen to all genre’s of music, so I have no issues with country artists who play “non-traditional” country. To me…music is music. If I like it, I’m going to listen to it (and enjoy it).

By the way, my three kids had input into this list so some songs might have ended up higher than I might have put them myself. But hey…I value their opinions!

Also, you’ll notice that a lot of mainstream, radio hits by major artists are not included. No reason except for the fact that my list is not based on how famous you are. Simple as that. It’s the songs that I love (but please feel free to sway me in your direction if I left a song off).

You probably heard some of these songs every hour (on the hour) on your local country station. Others may not have been played much (if at all) when they should have been, in my own, personal opinion. Also, while some of these songs may have come out in late 2018, and may have even landed a low spot on my wrap up of the year, they were ones that were predominantly played (if they made the radio) in the 2019 calendar year.

Others may be primed for success next year so keep your ears open!

Either way, I’m sure that I’m going to leave quite a few songs off this list that could have easily made it. I know this going in and expect each and every one of you to say “hey, what about this song…or that song.” Please do.

Fight for the music and artists that YOU love!!!!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go through each entry and provide detailed background on the song, reasons for it’s placement, etc…But, feel free to leave a comment and I’d be happy to respond.

Now, without further ado, let’s get this party started:

100. “Slow“, Michael Beck

99. “Story of You and Me“, Sam Riggs

98. “Mostly Stoned“, Tim Montana

97. “Ballad of an Outlaw“, Seth Anthony

96. “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere“, Chad Brownlee

95. “Where You Been All My Life“, Jordan Rager

94. “Stay Over“, Jackson Michelson

93. “Thank You Baby“, Ray Scott

92. “Try Saying Goodbye“, John King

91. “To a T“, Ryan Hurd

90. “Rather Be Us“, Tyler Rich

89. “Yellow Rose Motel“, George Ducas

88. “Still Gonna Be You“, Jade Eagleson

87. “Thirsty Weather“, R.T. Johnson

86. “Nothin’ on You“, Cody Johnson

85. “Whiskey in a Teacup“, Dean Brody

84. “If You Met Me First“, Eric Ethridge

83. “What Could’ve Been“, Gone West

82. “Her World or Mine“, Michael Ray

81. “Some Girls“, Jameson Rodgers

80. “Heartbeat of a Small Town“, Travis Denning

79. “Boots Like Mine“, Josh Gallagher

78. “She’s Mine“, Kip Moore

77. “Kinfolks“, Sam Hunt

76. “Rival“, LANCO

75. “Chasin’ Me“, Caroline Jones

74. “I Hope“, Gabby Barrett

73. “Somebody’s Daughter“, Tenille Townes

72. “Don’t Let Her“, Walker Hayes

71. “Break it In“, Eli Young Band

70. “It Always Rains in Portland“, Mark Mackay

69. “Right Where I Left It“, Cole Swindell

68. “Drink About Me“, Brett Kissel

67. “Highway Honey“, Kari Lynch Band

66. “The Bones“, Maren Morris

65. “Middle of Nowhere Kids“, Drew Baldridge

64. “The Picture“, Steve Moakler

63. “Makes Me Want to Stay“, Clay Walker

62. “Raised on Country“, Chris Young

61. “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot“, Jordan Davis

60. “Love is Stronger“, Matt Kennon

59. “I Do Too“, The Reklaws

58. “Dirty Looks“, Lainey Wilson

57. “Can’t Miss Something“, Maggie Rose

56. “Catch“, Brett Young

55. “If I Was a Cowboy“, Stephanie Quayle

54. “Living“, Dierks Bentley

53. “What Happens in a Small Town“, Lindsay Ell and Brantley Gilbert

52. “It Won’t Always be Like This“, Carly Pearce

51. “Famous“, Adam Doleac

50. “Put Me in My Place“, Muscadine Bloodline

49. “It All Comes Out in the Wash“, Miranda Lambert

48. “One Man Band“, Old Dominion

47. “Homemade“, Jake Owen

46. “Even Though I’m Leaving“, Luke Combs

45. “Ridin’ Roads“, Dustin Lynch

44. “I Hope You’re Happy Now“, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice

43. “Cool Anymore“, Jordan Davis and Julia Michaels

42. “Good Vibes“, Chris Janson

41. “Country Boy Things“, Canaan Smith

40. “Southbound“, Carrie Underwood

39. “Your Mama“, High Valley

38. “Lonely if You Are“, Chase Rice

37. “What if I Never Get Over You“, Lady Antebellum

36.”Somebody’s Gotta Be Country“, Easton Corbin

35. “Like I Miss You“, Waterloo Revival

34. “What Whiskey Does“, Randy Houser

33. “Heartache Medication“, Jon Pardi

32. “Miss Me More“, Kelsea Ballerini

31. “Love You Too Late“, Cole Swindell

30. “After a Few“, Travis Denning

29. “Some of It“, Eric Church

28. “10,000 Hours“, Dan & Shay

27. “The Ones That Didn’t Make it Back Home“, Justin Moore

26. “The Git Up“, Blanco Brown

25. “God’s Country“, Blake Shelton

24. “Make it Sweet“, Old Dominion

23. “Beer Never Broke My Heart“, Luke Combs

22. “Family Tree“, Caylee Hammack

21. “Tip of My Tongue“, Kenny Chesney

20. “Nothing to Do Town“, Dylan Scott

19. “Hard Workin’ Man“, Brothers Osborne and Brooks and Dunn

18. “Old Town Road“, Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

17. “Dive Bar“, Garth Brooks featuring Blake Shelton

16. “Heaven Bound Balloons“, Granger Smith

15. “Livin’ My Best Life“, A Thousand Horses

14. “The You I Wanna Know“, James Wesley

13. “Make Me Want To“, Jimmie Allen

12. “My One and Only Weakness“, Cash Creek

11. “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost“, Craig Morgan

10. “Remember You Young“, Thomas Rhett

9. “Hail Mary“, Haley & Michaels

8. “One Night Standards“, Ashley McBryde

7. “I Wish Grandpas Never Died“, Riley Green

6. “Brand New Man“, Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs

5. “Love Ain’t“, Eli Young Band

4. “Be Alright“, Parmalee

3. “Nashville“, Kari Lynch Band

2. “More Hearts Than Mine“, Ingrid Andress

1. “Beautiful Crazy“, Luke Combs

Well that’s it. My Top 100 of 2019!

Where did I hit the nail on the head? Where did the arrow miss the mark?

I want to hear from you!

Let me know in the comments below!

Review: Cash Creek Strikes Gold with “Duality” Double Album

So I have been really excited to write about this one since early summer. Trust me. This is one you are gonna want to read (and then go out and pick up the album).

First, a little background…

Although Cash Creek  may be considered a relatively new band on the country music scene, it’s members have enjoyed long histories and friendships together. Each member has carved out their own niche in the music industry as entertainers, road and session musicians, producers and songwriters.

The list of artists that the members of Cash Creek has worked with is nothing short of impressive. That list includes the likes of Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Alabama, Hank Williams, Jr., John Michael Montgomery, Josh Turner, David Lee Murphy and many more. Needless to say, the band knows what it takes to be successful.

So, I’m originally from the town of Petaluma, located in Northern California. Much of my family still lives there. My mom lives in Hidden Valley Lake (California) and teaches at Middletown High School. Every time I drive up to her house, I have to go through Napa, Angwin and Pope Valley, which is basically a quick stop between the Napa Valley and the Lake Berryessa. So do you want to take a guess where Cash Creek is from?

You got it. Pope Valley. Small world, right?

Anyways, I digress. When they formed Cash Creek, the band members knew they wanted to create a sound that would reflect a common vision, and maintain a cohesiveness that would be instantly recognizable, regardless of the song.

Band members Monty DeVita and Kimo Forrest have been friends since elementary school and they met James Blaylock back in high school. DeVita started playing rhythm guitar in Forrest’s band when he was just 13 years old, but he eventually handed in his guitar to focus on playing bass, which he still plays for Cash Creek. He also adds his vocals to their harmonies. Forrest focuses on vocals, guitar, keys and now producing. In fact, he produced their latest release, Duality: The Center and the Edge (more on this later).

Cash Creek is a unique blending of vocals and guitars, with a little bit of fiddle and mandolin thrown in. Why not, right. The songs and production are of such a high-caliber, it’s hard to believe these guys are self-produced. With their distinctive sound, and especially the catchy hooks, you’re going to want to listen to Cash Creek over and over again.

Now, on to the new album “Duality: The Center and the Edge“.

“Duality” is the culmination of decades worth of influences on Cash Creek from a variety of genres. This double album is a collection of twenty four songs, divided into groups of twelve, which the band refers to as “The Center” and “The Edge”.

“The Center” contains a sampling of straight forward country music, while “The Edge” contains tunes and performances that could easily be found on any playlist from Americana to hard rock, to funk and more.

Sounds like the playlist I have at home, in my car, just about everywhere!

To put it mildly, the boys in Cash Creek have truly outdone themselves on their latest, double album. I had extremely high expectations for this album and I was concerned that these expectations might lead to a letdown with the finished piece. However, I was pleasantly surprised that my fears were immediately quashed upon my first listen.

For me, “Duality” has a full circle feel to it. It comes at you in one way and then takes you in a number of directions, only to bring you back to the band’s roots in the end. That’s not something I can say about many of the albums I listen to. A lot of albums these days seem to be rushed, thrown together without any rhyme no reason. But “Duality” is different. I believe that this comes from the quality of lyrics on songs spanning both parts of the album, as well as the melodies and rhythm in every track.

“My One and Only Weakness” is, and will be, the standout song on the album that people will be talking about. The song is already seeing some movement on the charts. “Good Ole Days” is another song on the album which definitely has a nostalgic feel, reminding you of your favorite times in the past. Other tracks that jump out at me include: “All Wrapped Up”, “One More Night”, “The Neighbors Do Too”, “Should’ve Loved” (featuring William Shatner & Jeff Cook) and “Turn it Up”.

I had the opportunity to listen to the album from beginning to end a few times on my cross country road trip this summer. I’ll admit…it’s just what anyone needs to pick them up from a hard day at the office, or just working out in the yard. There is not one song on “Duality” that will disappoint you.

Most of all, I love the multi-genre influence on the two parts that make up both halves of the double album. I have always felt that this is something missing in traditional country music, and I’m glad to see more and more artists putting this into their music. It really helps to draw a larger audience. Go check out the album and you’ll see what I mean!

You can find more information (and purchase the album) here: https://cashcreekband.com/product/duality-cd/

Also, don’t forget to follow the band on Twitter at @cashcreek and on Facebook.

Give these guys a chance! Trust me, their music is worth your time.

Review: Kari Lynch Band Takes You to “The Other Side”

I’m very excited about this one as I have the opportunity to introduce everyone to new music from Kari Lynch with the release of her album “The Other Side“.

First, a bit of background.

The Kari Lynch Band is fronted by Lynch with support from an amazing group of artists including singer-guitarist Justin Eames, lead guitarist Travis Radaz and drummer Brian V, along with bassist Mat Churchill.

Photo Credit: Eric Ellis 2018

Like other great, young artists that I’ve written about, one thing that I truly love about Kari is her deep appreciation for the dedicated fan base she has built up. Her unique voice, which combines classic country with a sort-of modern pop-rock twist, paired with great lyrics about real life and love, resonates with me immediately.

In creating her sound, Kari learned early on that what inspired her most was real life and struggles,  which includes a familiar topic with listeners of country music: love and loss.

In her own words, Kari says:

“I witnessed and experienced heartbreak early in my life. I think it made me grow up faster than most kids my age so I always had that longing for connecting with the rest of the world. Writing songs became my way of figuring out life and it was my place to say exactly how I was feeling, no holds barred.”

The Nashville-based band, originally from the state of Michigan, has played thousands of shows across the country and abroad. They have played to crowds in the tens of thousands and earned an impressive resume opening for some of country music’s most recognized artists including: Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Pistol Annies, Alabama, Brothers Osborne, Charlie Daniels Band, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini and more.

Live at The Local – Nashville, TN – 11/2/18

Now, onto the new album.

The new, independently released album, “The Other Side” takes you on a musical journey which you won’t want to return from. From the first note of “Highway Honey,” the first single released from the new album, you can sense the determination and passion that is shown by the band through every song on the album.

What I love most about the album is that it has a little bit of everything. I’ts fun. It’s honest. It’s a mix of both traditional and modern country music. But, it also has an element of rock. It’s Americana with even some sprinkles of pop as well. As I mentioned, “Highway Honey” sets the tone for the album with it’s upbeat melodies and lyrical genius. While you might think the song is new since it kicks off the album, in fact, it was actually written a couple of years ago and the band decided to save it for this album.

Other top tracks on “The Other Side” include “Running Outta Love“, “Fly, Fly, Fly” and my personal favorite, “Nashville“, a ballad which tells the story of one woman’s journey to find her dreams in Music City. If there is one song that you MUST listen to on this album, “Nashville” is the one.

I had the chance to sit down with Kari when I was in Nashville recently and she was very excited to talk about the new album, their upcoming tour and what’s next for the band. When I asked about the aggressive timeline for completing the album, Lynch said that the group had an absolute blast making it, even though there were a lot of sleepless nights trying to record the album in less than a week. She also mentioned that, most of all, the band is excited for their fans to finally listen to their new music, both on the album, and at their shows.

I want to thank Kari for inviting me into her home to talk about the new album, and give me, and my family, an intimate performance of two of the new songs, “Fly, Fly, Fly” and “Nashville”, as well as the song which first attracted me to the band, “Sweetheart“. I introduced by daughter to The Kari Lynch Band two years ago and their music has had a major impact on her life. Learning to deal with life’s challenge and face them head on.

Kari and Caitlyn in Nashville, Summer 2019

“The Other Side” is THE new album you need to check out in 2019. There is a little bit of something for everyone and you won’t find a bad track from top to bottom. Also, if the Kari Lynch Band is coming to your town, make sure that you catch a show. If the show is all ages, bring the whole family! You won’t regret it.

Also, make sure to check out her website and follow Kari on Twitter at @KariLynchMusic and on Facebook. Upcoming tour dates can be found here.

Hey Kari. Can’t wait to see you on the West Coast in either San Jose or Portland. How about both???