April was a month of inactivity on Queens of Country, which I hate to do, but sometimes it's hard to avoid. But even though I haven't been posting, I've still been listening, and here are my April favorites.
GREAT ALBUMS:
Down Home by Jessi Alexander
This isn't a new album — it was released in 2014. But it's a new discovery for me, finally hearing Alexander tackle all of the hits she's written. For an interesting look into a different side of some of your favorite radio hits, this is a must-listen. Key tracks: "Kristofferson," "See You Again (feat. Sheryl Crow)"
Wrangled by Angaleena Presley
Only out a couple weeks, and this album is already stirring up some intense conversation. The track "Country" is the smoking gun of this album, calling out country music for not being honest enough. But although that's the most obviously rebellious on the album, this album is the result of Presley not giving a sh*t about the "country" machine, and it sounds amazing. Key tracks: "Dreams Don't Come True," "Wrangled"
Maybe April by Maybe April
This talented trio quietly dropped this EP on the first of the month, and despite the quiet release, this EP is killer. It has the delicate acoustic sound that has become Maybe April's signature, with delicate, beautiful lyrics to match. Key tracks: "Crazy," "Breaking Point"
This isn't a new album — it was released in 2014. But it's a new discovery for me, finally hearing Alexander tackle all of the hits she's written. For an interesting look into a different side of some of your favorite radio hits, this is a must-listen. Key tracks: "Kristofferson," "See You Again (feat. Sheryl Crow)"
Wrangled by Angaleena Presley
Only out a couple weeks, and this album is already stirring up some intense conversation. The track "Country" is the smoking gun of this album, calling out country music for not being honest enough. But although that's the most obviously rebellious on the album, this album is the result of Presley not giving a sh*t about the "country" machine, and it sounds amazing. Key tracks: "Dreams Don't Come True," "Wrangled"
Maybe April by Maybe April
This talented trio quietly dropped this EP on the first of the month, and despite the quiet release, this EP is killer. It has the delicate acoustic sound that has become Maybe April's signature, with delicate, beautiful lyrics to match. Key tracks: "Crazy," "Breaking Point"
GREAT SONGS:
"Reasons" by Jillian Jacqueline
Jacqueline has come a long way since her acoustic country track "Overdue," but her newfound confidence and pop-leaning songs are just as great as her older songs. "Reasons" is a jam, for lack of a better word. It's a great song for anyone learning to do what's best for you, rather than what you think other people want you to do.
"Used To" by Bailey Bryan
Bryan dropped her debut EP in April, and it's what we could have expected based on "Own It": very poppy, very quirky, and very honest. The highlight of the EP is the closer, a song about moving to Nashville and beginning her career. If you're looking for an easy-listening, pop-country song that's not fluff, this is for you.
"Wild West" by Runaway June
This song finally hit iTunes, and it's as marvelous as I could have ever imagined. They've been playing this track out on radio tour and everywhere else, and it's got major Dixie Chicks vibes. The lyrics are strong, the harmonies are awesome, and the sound is so refreshingly country.
Jacqueline has come a long way since her acoustic country track "Overdue," but her newfound confidence and pop-leaning songs are just as great as her older songs. "Reasons" is a jam, for lack of a better word. It's a great song for anyone learning to do what's best for you, rather than what you think other people want you to do.
"Used To" by Bailey Bryan
Bryan dropped her debut EP in April, and it's what we could have expected based on "Own It": very poppy, very quirky, and very honest. The highlight of the EP is the closer, a song about moving to Nashville and beginning her career. If you're looking for an easy-listening, pop-country song that's not fluff, this is for you.
"Wild West" by Runaway June
This song finally hit iTunes, and it's as marvelous as I could have ever imagined. They've been playing this track out on radio tour and everywhere else, and it's got major Dixie Chicks vibes. The lyrics are strong, the harmonies are awesome, and the sound is so refreshingly country.
RSS Feed
