Current tunes on repeat in my car

Photo taken by Rebecca Wilson

Like so many other country music lovers out there, I am constantly looking for the latest music by artist both new and veteran to listen to. Not only do I gain new perspective from other artist's songs, but my creative juices get flowing as well. I learn what's trending on the country music scene, and what hasn't been done yet. It's a great way to find direction for one's own songwriting.

I thought I'd write about a few of the tunes I have on repeat right now. There's nothing like sharing music you love with other people.


1.   'Springsteen' by Eric Church

                           This song is about a young love found at a concert, that you never quite get over or forget. The imagery used in this song paints an intense picture of a love on fire, that ends almost as quickly as it began.

To this day when I hear that song.

I see you standing there on that lawn.

Discount shades and store-bought tan.

Flip flops and cut off jeans.

                            Church has a way of sucking you into his songs from the very first line, penning other tunes such as 'Drink In My Hand,' and a personal favorite that isn't a single, 'Carolina.' Being a South Carolina native myself, he captures the essence of the state perfectly in this tune.

2.   'Over You' by Miranda Lambert

                         Lambert and her husband, Blake Shelton, wrote this tune together. And at first listen, this song seems to be about a break up that has left the narrator hurt and confused; longing for a time when the couple was happy. But after you watch the music video, and hear some background on the song, you gain a whole new perspective of what the song is about.

                         'Over You,' is actually a song Lambert and Shelton wrote about his brother who passed away years ago.  The music video creates a beautiful and haunting story line, and after reading an interview or two about the song, a song that Lambert and Shelton agree is perhaps the most important one she has performed, you realize the tune's meaning goes a lot further than a break up; it's a tune about the physical loss of someone incredibly important.

But you went away.

How dare you?

I miss you.

They say I'll be okay.

But I'm not going to,

Ever get over you.

3.  'Neon' by Chris Young

                       Among quite a bit of pop tunes on country music radio right now, is one that rings true to the traditional country music feel. 'Neon' by Chris Young, makes me think of George Strait and Brooks and Dunn every time I hear it. Maybe it's because Young's baritone voice reminds me of Strait, or Brooks and Dunn's classic 'Neon Moon' pops into my head. I also think it's because 'Neon' is a true country song that many of us are in search for in today's music.

                     While the song is clearly about the ones who like to stay up late and come alive at night, I have a bit of a different take on the song as a musician myself. Every time I'm on the way to a late night performance, I crank this song up on my CD player. To me, this song perfectly matches the feelings of the performers that leave the comfort of their home or hotel room to go entertain a crowd at a new venue. While you love doing it, there's always that little piece of you that takes some convincing because you are so differently wired than most others.

You know I've seen it all.

From the orange of the fall,

To the green of the summer.

But my favorite color is,

Neon.

The light they always leave on.

A weekend on the rocks.

An old school juke box.

With a little Johnny Lee on,

Is the buzz I like to be on.

Put a double on your troubles,

Like this end of the tunnel, is,

Neon.

                      The song takes on a double meaning for me, painting imagery and emotion of a late night crowd, and the late night live music performer. If you are in the mood for a real country tune, listen to this one.

Last but certainly not least, is the top CD out right now that I am listening to everyday:

                       Carrie Underwood's, Blown Away is my personal favorite record of hers out of all of them. Some people questioned her 'darker' side, but I think it fits perfectly. With tunes like, 'Blown Away,' and 'Two Black Cadillacs,' she keeps my attention through the whole CD. 'One Way Ticket,' is a great song with an Island music feel that will make you want to head for the beach immediately.

                      There's plenty of tunes on the album, over 15, and all of them tell a special story. With traditional country ballads, rock induced tunes, and more, there's a little something for everyone on Blown Away.


I'd love to know what tunes everyone else is listening to. If you're feeling chatty, feel free to share some of your current favorites!




Rebecca Day