The Nashville star is in his element on his fourth album.
Chris Stapleton – Starting Over
Author: Alex Johnson
Avid gymrat, aspiring cowboy, advocate for breakfast at all times of the day
Country Roundup: A New Evan Felker Interview, Jon Pardi’s Covers Album, New Music from Parker McCollum and More
The possible return of a beloved red dirt band, a Nashville up-and-comer is back with a new song, a Bakersfield crooner reappears with an album of classic covers, and country radio’s rising star releases his latest single.
Charley Crockett – Welcome to Hard Times
On his new record, the well-traveled Texas blues man makes you feel as if he's lived through every note he plays.
Lyric of the Week: The Rolling Stones – Wild Horses
Released nearly two years after its initial recording, "Wild Horses" emerged as a magical moment in The Rolling Stones' vast catalog.
Lyric of the Week: Johnny Cash – Ring of Fire
Perhaps Johnny Cash’s most famous song, “Ring of Fire” was first released by the Man in Black on his 1963 record 'Ring Of Fire: The Best Of Johnny Cash.'
Lyric of the Week: Marianne Faithfull – Rich Kid Blues
Recorded in 1971, Marianne Faithfull's long sought-after Stones-era album didn't come to full fruition until nearly a decade and a half later.
Top 10 Turnpike Troubadours Songs
Turnpike Troubadours are dearly missed in country music. We rank the cherished red dirt band's best songs.
Lyric of the Week: Loretta Lynn – I’m A Honky Tonk Girl
Lynn’s classic 1960 debut single prompted her immediate success, largely due to the independent promotion by herself and her husband.
Lyric of the Week – Father John Misty – Leaving LA
Eight years ago, Josh Tillman bid farewell to his music career as J Tillman and Father John Misty was born.
Lyric of the Week: Post Malone – Candy Paint
A look back at one of the lead track's from Post Malone's blockbuster 2018 record "beerbongs & bentleys."
Lyric of the Week: Angel Olsen – Never Be Mine
Few singer-songwriters tackle the unknown abyss above quite like Angel Olsen.
Lyric of the Week: Frank Ocean – Wither
Frank Ocean's "Endless" was a moment fans dreaded might never happen.
Lyric of the Week: Mac Miller – 2009
Mac Miller's music and personality impacted countless lives, and his absence still lingers in the hearts of many. "Circles," the posthumous companion project to 2018's "Swimming," was released last Friday.
Lyric of the Week: Bruce Springsteen – Tougher Than the Rest
Few rock icons have experienced the monumental success that Bruce Springsteen did in the 1980s. The second track of the The Boss' 1987 album, Tunnel Of Love, tells the tale of a man's passing fascination.
Classic Artist of the Week: Slick Rick
Often credited with introducing storytelling and narrative to rap music, Slick Rick is the most successful British-American rapper of all time.
Lyric of the Week: Dixie Chicks – Sin Wagon
Originally formed in 1989 as a Western bluegrass outfit, the Dixie Chicks would ultimately become one of country music’s and America’s most famous female groups.
Classic Artist of the Week: Stevie Ray Vaughan
This week’s Riffs & Rhymes Classic Artist is the leading light of the second coming of American blues, Stevie Ray Vaughan. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Vaughan is often credited for the revival of blues in the 1980s.
Lyric of the Week: Creed Bratton – Spinnin’ N Reelin’
Lyric: I thought I'd never see a reason to feel, but here I stand spinnin' 'n' reelin’ with love Song: Creed Bratton – “Spinnin' N Reelin'” Album: The 80's (2001) Background: Believe it or not, one of the best secondary characters from NBC sitcom “The Office”, Creed Bratton, makes music. Bratton’s career as a songwriter dates back to as … Continue reading Lyric of the Week: Creed Bratton – Spinnin’ N Reelin’
Classic Artist of the Week: Roberta Flack
Hailing from Black Mountain, North Carolina, this week’s Riff’s & Rhymes Classic Artist is revered singer Roberta Flack.
Lyric of the Week: Anderson .Paak – King James
Lyric: What we built here is godly, you can't gentrify the heart of kings Song: Anderson .Paak – “King James” Album: Ventura (2019) Background: The lead single off of Anderson .Paak’s 2019 album Ventura, “King James” is a smooth, funk filled track that pays homage to NBA superstar LeBron James, and touches on problematic social justice issues in the … Continue reading Lyric of the Week: Anderson .Paak – King James
Classic Artist of the Week: Willie Nelson
Shotgun Willie! We’ve been going through a heavy outlaw phase as of late, including lots of records by this Texas Troubadour, legendary outlaw countryman and our latest classic artist this week, Willie Nelson. In the mid to late 1950s, Nelson saw little success with his music as he moved his career from city to city, … Continue reading Classic Artist of the Week: Willie Nelson
Midland – Let It Roll
It’s been just over a week since Midland released their sophomore album Let It Roll. The band themselves have called their journey in country music a gamble they have gone all in on and it’s safe to say The Gator Boys are clearing house. From hard-hitting honky tonk jams and steel guitar to effortless heartbreak-laden … Continue reading Midland – Let It Roll
Lyric of the Week: Gang Starr – Moment of Truth
Lyric: Looking at the situation plainly, will you remain G or will you be looked upon strangely? Song: Gang Starr - "Moment of Truth" Album: Moment of Truth (1998) Background: Often credited as the pioneers of jazz rap, Gang Starr originally started releasing demos in 1986 when Boston-born rapper Guru (then known as MC Keithy E), DJ 1, … Continue reading Lyric of the Week: Gang Starr – Moment of Truth
Classic Artist of the Week: Al Green
Often touted as one of the last of the great soul singers, this week’s Riffs & Rhymes classic artist is “The Reverend,” Al Green. During his upbringing, Green set a new standard for an entire genre that went far beyond his ability to top charts. His incomparable voice could be described as the perfect mix … Continue reading Classic Artist of the Week: Al Green
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