From a Justin Timberlake cover, to the latest tracks from genre mainstays, to singles from aspiring male and female stars, the week of April 29 will bring something for everyone at country radio.
No less than ten tracks will officially impact country radio in the hopes of the same, warm reception given to recent releases from superstars like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan.
Part of a large party entering an already crowded scene, none is guaranteed that sort of traction. All, however, are being given an opportunity to make waves within the pivotal genre.
All are also previewed below:
Zac Brown Band – All Alright
Cut from the band’s “The Grohl Sessions, Volume 1” EP, “All Alright” follows the band’s country airplay #1 “Sweet Annie” in search of a dominant run at radio. Since Billboard launched the current version of its “Country Airplay” chart, the band has scored two number ones (“Sweet Annie” and “Goodbye in her Eyes”) and one number two (“Jump Right In”).
Kip Moore – Dirt Road
While previous single “Young Love” garnered favorable reviews, it brought an end to a commercial hot streak that included successful singles “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl.” “Dirt Road,” cut from the same upcoming album as “Young Love,” is an opportunity for redemption.
David Fanning – Drink You Away
Fifteen years ago, when Justin Timberlake was still part of ‘N Sync, his group’s “(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You” found a place at country radio. A version recorded by iconic country act Alabama reached number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
David Fanning is hoping for similar success with his cover of Justin Timberlake’s “Drink You Away.” Already spotlighted in Billboard’s “Bubbling Under” report, the recording was played for Timberlake himself by “The Highway” radio personality Storme Warren.
James House – Every Time it Rains
Absent from the Billboard country charts since 1995’s “Anything for Love,” the artist behind the Top 10 hit “This is Me Missing You” is back with a new single in 2014. The track serves as the lead single for new album “Broken Glass Twisted Steel,” which also releases this week.
Leah Turner – Pull Me Back
After cracking the airplay top 40 with her debut single “Take the Keys,” the singer hopes follow-up “Pull Me Back” will provide an even stronger push forward. Both are cut from her self-titled EP, which releases May 6.
Carissa Leigh – Bad Boy
Speaking about “Bad Boy,” Carissa Leigh says, “A girls says she wants a nice guy, but she doesn’t really want a nice guy. Every girl wants to date a bad boy, and all guys want to be the bad boy too.”
We’ll find out if that line of thinking indeed resonates with country listeners. The single is the lead track from the Canada native’s “The Blackbird EP,” which she describes as a cross between the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Dolly Parton.
Ryan Kinder – Kiss Me When I’m Down
Already up to #17 on The Highway’s “Hot 45” countdown, “Kiss Me When I’m Down” officially impacts country radio as a breakthrough attempt for Ryan Kinder. It will appear on his forthcoming full-length debut.
John King – Tonight Tonight
Contrasting himself from “overnight YouTube sensations and people being famous, for being famous,” John King takes pride in the fact that he embraced the grind and toured relentlessly prior to scoring a deal with Black River. With some strong early feedback to its credit, “Tonight Tonight” is King’s attempt to turn the hard work into prominence at country radio.
Josh Thompson – Wanted Me Gone
Thompson attempts to score his sixth consecutive Top 40–in as many tries–with “Wanted Me Gone.” Cut from “Turn it Up,” it serves as the follow-up to lead single “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.” That track peaked at #32 on Hot Country Songs and #27 on Country Airplay.
Allison Veltz – Bright Side
The tender, yet confident “Bright Side” might be her debut at country radio, but Allison Veltz is no stranger to the music world. Previously part of her family’s band Cecilia (later The Veltz Family), Veltz also co-wrote Girls’ Generation’s/SNSD’s blockbuster “Mr. Taxi,” which reached #1 in Japan. Born in Alabama, Veltz now moves towards her solo debut “Allison’s Wonderland.” “Bright Side” is the lead single.
