Hear New Singles From Luke Combs, Kelleigh Bannen and More Country Artists
This week, several country artists released new singles that were odes to home, the places they grew up, their families and the unsung heroes of the working class. There were break-up songs in the mix, too, and plenty of country stars showcased their sentimental sides. Read on to get all caught up on the new tunes!
Luke Combs, "She Got the Best of Me"
Luke Combs’ “She Got the Best of Me” is ripe with heartbreak, and about finding salvation in music after a devastating breakup leaves the singer feeling down in the dumps. Combs sings, "She got the best of me / She broke my heart / Now all that's left of me is beating in this guitar / Every night, a different town / She follows me around / So you get what's left of me / Yeah, you get what's left of me / She got the best of me.” On Twitter, Combs shared that his new single came to be after a friend was supposed to write with Channing Wilson and Rob Snyder but couldn't make the appointment. The friend passed on Combs' info, and the three penned “She Got the Best of Me” that day. The song will impact country radio on July 19. -- CC
Kelleigh Bannen, "The Joneses"
Kelleigh Bannen’s “The Jonses” -- one of three newly released tracks from the artist -- is a playful tell-off to those who feel the need to "keep up with the Joneses" and forsake focusing on loving the life they’ve got. “We aren't rich, but we own it / Work all week just to blow it on a backyard tab,” Bannen sings. “High-class, white-trash party on a patio / Too busy living in the moment to keep up with the Joneses." -- CC
Mark O’Connor Band Feat. Zac Brown, “In My Blood”
The Mark O'Connor Band are all about family values in their latest single, which features Zac Brown. “‘In My Blood’ is about what happens when people come together to celebrate music, inspiration and love, and pass these good things down to the next generation. “Truly a family affair, this uplifting song was co-written by my son Forrest," says O'Connor in a press release. Adds Brown, “The Mark O'Connor Band is the real deal. Mark is a musical genius and has been a pioneer in the bluegrass and Americana community. He has collaborated across so many different genres, while still being recognized in his own stratosphere for his conquering of the fiddle, and that is something I truly admire. Now, together with his whole band, he's really found his niche, and it's exciting to hear the sound they're creating together.” -- CC
Joe Diffie, “I Got This”
Joe Diffie’s “I Got This” is an ode to the working man who’s putting in the hours but makes sure he has time to wine and dine his love when the week is over. Full of country swagger, Diffie sings, “Ain't no load gonna get too heavy / Ain't no bolt on this old Chevy I can't twist / I can run the blade on a D8 'dozer / With the same hand I can hold you closer / Girl, if all you need's a long, slow kiss / I got this.” “I Got This” will be hitting country radio on July 2. -- CC
Corey Smith, “Halfway Home”
Corey Smith’s latest single, “Halfway Home,” allows the artist to get in touch with his sentimental side, as he sings about the hardships that come along with juggling touring and a full family life. “In my experience, I’ve found that the most meaningful songs are usually the easiest ones to write,” says Smith in a press release. “That’s how “Halfway Home” was. It was the easiest song I’ve written in a long time, and, not coincidentally, it’s a song that will mean a great deal to me and my family for years to come. Now that it’s out in the world, I sincerely hope others find meaning in it as well.” -- CC
Renee Blair, “Gotta Quit Drinkin'”
Following a stint with Epic Records, Renee Blair signed a publishing and production deal with SMACK in 2017 and began working with an all-star team of songwriters, including Matt Mcginn and Shane McAnally. The result is her debut single, "Gotta Quit Drinkin'," which showcases a blend of country and R&B that stems from Blair's upbringing in St Louis, Mo. during the apex of '90s R&B-laced rap performed by artists such as Nelly. However, "Gotta Quit Drinkin' also showcases Blair's lyrical vulnerability, as it tells the story of an addictive relationship that, like alcohol, is a bad habit that Blair just can't quit. -- CL