Alright 2017, let's see what you've got! In our first look at new country songs for the new year, we see faces both familiar and fresh. We've already covered that surprise new Sam Hunt tune. So, from Kenny Chesney to Shane Owens, here are the country tunes impacting radio in January.
Kenny Chesney, "Bar At The End Of The World" (Jan. 2)
Chesney delayed his new record Cosmic Hallelujah several months last year to fit his duet with Pink on it, and boy was that a good call. He's hoping his new single, "Bar At The End Of The World," will follow up that song's success. The song was co-written with David Lee Murphy, who also penned several hits for Chesney, including "Pirate Flag" and "Til It's Gone."
Brett Young, "In Case You Didn't Know" (Jan. 9)
Brett Young seems like a newcomer, but the songwriter had five independent releases in California before making the move to Nashville. "In Case You Didn't Know" is the second single off his first self-titled Nashville EP, following "Sleep Without You," which made it to No. 47 on the chart. Beneath the track's drum loops and R&B flavor, Young presents a heartfelt ode to his love. He's got an immediately identifiable voice and there's no doubt this song has "Wedding Song of the Year" written all over it.
Brothers Osborne, "It Ain't My Fault" (Jan. 17)
The alt-country brothers are back at it with the cheeky new single "It Ain't My Fault." It doesn't take an A&R wizard to hear the potential in this tune, either. It's well-crafted, catchy and just different enough to make an impact on some radio ears. The only thing they're guilty of? "A damn good time."
Kristian Bush, "Sing Along" (Jan. 23)
The male half of platinum-selling duo Sugarland saw moderate success with his first solo effort. Bush just released a brand new single called "Sing Along" and he clearly hasn't lost his way around a poppy hook. He's slowly but surely making a name for himself in the pop country world outside the success he had with partner-in-crime Jennifer Nettles.
Shane Owens, "All The Beer In Alabama" (Jan. 23)
Shane Owens keeps it country. He's been around the block, but his debut album Where I'm Comin' From sounds like a fresh-faced crack at traditional country. "All The Beer In Alabama" is essentially ripped right out of 1988, in a good way.
Michael Tyler, "They Can't See" (Jan. 23)
You might not have heard of Michael Tyler just yet, but he's got all the ingredients to jump right in the pot with folks like Brett Young and Thomas Rhett. His new single "They Can't See" has a bit of a "Die A Happy Man" vibe and plays off that soul-inspired sound we're seeing in mainstream country lately. He also had a hand in Dierks Bentley's recent No. 1 "Somewhere On A Beach."
