Lydia: “Song For Another Time” by Old Dominion
We’ve all been there… a song comes on the radio and instantly sparks a memory of another time and place. Hence my pick for September, Old Dominion’s third single off their album Meat and Candy, perfectly titled “Song for Another Time.” It’s a simple story of a couple who knows that their relationship isn’t going to make it but are holding on to what little time they have left, trying to make the most of what they once had. The song is cleverly written by Old Dominion members Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi and songwriter Matt Jenkins. Having the award winning Shane McAnally as the producer doesn’t hurt either. It’s a catchy song that I’ve been singing along to all summer.
These days with pop and country mixing so often it only seems fitting that the song references nearly 20 hits spanning several genres and decades. Some of the songs referenced in “Song for Another Time” include those by George Strait, The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Lionel Richie, The Righteous Brothers, Ray Stevens, John Denver, Hank Williams, Hal Ketchum, Katy Perry, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt and Guns & Roses. Even the video for the song takes you back to another time opening with shots of vintage phonographs, transistor radios, record players, 8-tracks, boom boxes, iPods, Spotify playlists and iPhones. Check it out, it’s sure to stir up a memory or two for you.
“But let’s pretend we’re Brown Eyed Girl / Sweet Caroline / Free Fallin’ / Small Town Saturday Night / Before we lose that Loving Feeling / Let’s go Dancing on the Ceiling / Keep on living that Teenage Dream / Paradise City where the grass is green / Pretty soon you’ll be always on my mind / But that’s a song for another time”
Natalie: Sean McConnell by Sean McConnell
I really (really) tried to narrow this down to one song – sorry, not happening. You’re forced to listen to the whole album because it’s a totally heartfelt, high-quality collection of modern country songs. There are small-town shoutouts, sweet moments, and poignant lyrics that address life’s challenges with insight and hopefulness (“Ghost Town,” “Beautiful Rose,” “One Acre of Land”). The first time I listened through, I took out my headphones and realized I believed every single word McConnell sang – a testament to his vocal performance, genuine songwriting talent, and the excellent production on the project.
If I had to choose, I’d tell you to listen to these: “Queen of Saint Mary’s Choir,” “Hey Mary,” “Best We’ve Ever Been”
Markus: “While He’s Still Around” by Florida Georgia Line
Wow. Have we ever heard Florida Georgia Line like this? Sure, they’ve had some deeper cuts with the likes of “Dirt” and “Confession,” but they haven’t quite hit this level of emotion, ever. “While He’s Still Around” is a beautiful song where the narrator comes to the realization that his father’s life may soon be coming to an end, and is determined to do everything he can to make the most of the time remaining. Has it been done before? Sure it has, but it doesn’t make the track any less effective or meaningful. Brian Kelley puts in an enormously tender performance, while the production is decidedly traditional and restrained. “While He’s Still Around” could be a career-song if released as a single, and is absolutely the best thing they’ve ever recorded. Absolutely amazing, and recommended for even those who are vehement non-fans of the polarizing duo.
Christina: “With You I Am” by Cody Johnson
If you need a good love song fix, Cody Johnson has got a heart-wrencher for you. “With You I Am,” the third track of Johnson’s latest album Gotta Be Me, is quintessential for any stage of a relationship, whether you just met and still feel that tingle of butterflies or you are an old married couple still realizing that you are a better person because of your spouse.
“Strong as an oak, but soft like leather / High as a pine and light as a feather / The same old boy but a whole lot better / Whenever you’re holding my hand / I used to poke fun at them punch-drunk lovers / Never thought I’d be that man / But with you I am.”
With a strong melody and an authentic country sound, the single by the Texas native will surely be played at weddings all over the country this fall. Check out Johnson’s latest album below.
Annie: Dig Your Roots by Florida Georgia Line
I tackled this album in depth earlier this month, but it’s my September staff pick because, frankly, it’s been at the top of my rotation for the past couple weeks, and absolutely deserves a critical listen. The duo exhibit growth in the LP, and have honest-to-god ballads (see Markus’ pick), as well as their usual uptempos and fun moments like the Ziggy Marley collab. I’ve got a weak spot a mile wide for the McGraw-featuring single as well. While at times FGL have been for some as much a ‘love’ as ‘love to hate,’ even those in the latter category will find themselves biting their tongue with this one.