(In No Particular Order)
The Unexpected Masterpiece from a Band 45 years into their Career
AND NOTHING IS FOREVER – The Cure
Between this song and Alone, The Cure dropped 2 phenomenal songs on an album that is better than any artist this deep into their career should be able to put out. All of Songs of a Lost World is worth a listen and harkens back to classic Cure records, but the first two tracks are the standouts. I saw them back in June 2023 during their 3 night run at MSG. It was one of best arenas shows I’d seen in years and for a band that could have mailed it in, they put on a 3-hour, almost 30 song masterclass. Looking back at the setlist, I realized they opened with Alone and played And Nothing Is Forever early in first set with both songs fitting in with the classic tunes they played that night.
The Soundtrack Song That Probably Should Be On An Artist’s Own Album
SONG WHILE YOU’RE AWAY – Tyler Childers
Tyler Childers, much like the Cure, is building up an arsenal of love songs that put other artists in their respective genres to shame especially since both are not primarily known as artists specializing in love ballads. Both have way more beautiful love songs than should be possible for one artist to write. Song While You’re Away slots in nicely right behind All Your’n and In Your Love. It is also good to see a soundtrack album with songs that are more than just filler or b-side types songs that did not make the artists last album.
New “Names” / Same Great Songs
RIGHT KIND OF DREAM – Johnny Blue Skies / Sturgill Simpson
I was sold on this song after hearing one of the live versions streaming online. Great to see Sturgill joining the nugs.net family and streaming shows live. I am still bummed I missed his concert this go around especially since his MSG show with Tyler Childers back in 2020 was cancelled and not re-booked. Oh well.
ANYWHERE BUT HERE – Silverada / Mike & the Moonpies
First classic track under the new name, but fits well with previous Mike and the Moonpies’ standouts. I. debated between this and Radio Days, but regardless of the name Mike Harmeier and band keep putting out solid music year in and out.
Traditional Country Throwback
I NEVER LIE – Zach Top
I was pleasantly shocked to see Zach Top getting a best new artist nomination at the CMA’s. I knew there was no chance he would win, but much like the Red Clay Strays also being nominated it was nice to see non-mainstream country artists get recognized. This is the perfect throwback song that would feel at home playing at a bar with sawdust on the floor, smoke in the air, and chicken wire protecting the band. Zach Top is taking the country throwback mantle from Midland.
Underrated Artists Continually Pumping Out Great Songs
LEARNING AS I GO – Kip Moore
While I was a little underwhelmed by Live Here to Work, Learning As I Go fits in well alongside Kip Moore’s best songs from Slowheart or Wild Ones.
CHEROKEE PURPLES – American Aquarium
BJ Barnum has to be one of the best, and consistent, songwriters in any genre and his band’s latest release is no exception.
Duet I Liked Before I Knew Who Brianna Chickenfry was
DAWNS – Zach Bryan and Maggie Rogers
It is hard to keep up with the sheer volume of music he puts out, but when he is on Zach Bryan delivers some great songs. For someone relatively early on in his career, he has a resume of duet partners that could put legends to shame.
Return to Form Song
ARROW – The Head & the Heart
Their self-titled debut and is a no-skip record and their other albums are all guaranteed to have at least one or two outstanding tracks. Arrow is a throwback to the original days of the band.
Honorable Mention: Pop Masterpieces I Hear Because I Have Young Kids
TOO SWEET – Hozier
STARGAZING – Myles Smith
These are two of the few songs I can stand when my kids have control of the radio or Spotify in the car.
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