This week’s crop of new songs features two of country’s leading women artists (and former co-Grammy winners) each releasing powerful anthems, with Ashley McBryde leading a fearless new track “What If We Don’t,” while Carly Pearce offers a strong rebuttal to years of lessons that were internalized while sitting in Sunday morning church pews. Elsewhere, Parker McCollum, Max McNown and bluegrass group Della Mae offer up strong new releases.
Check out all of these and more in Billboard‘s roundup of some of the best country, bluegrass and/or Americana songs of the week below.
Ashley McBryde, “What If We Don’t”
On her latest, Grammy winner McBryde sings of the power of romantic choices made and choices forfeited. “This kinda thing can’t stop once it starts,” she sings, pondering the both the potential rewards and consequences of letting one’s desires override fear. Written by McBryde with Terri Jo Box and Randall Clay, with production by Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne, this track is classic McBryde, blending a soaring, anthemic chorus with verses that delve into the emotional nuances of love and fear of heartbreak.
Parker McCollum, “Big Ole Fancy House”
He’s romantically wounded and realizing a house’s decadent trappings are hollow without his lover to make the space a home. Sonically, this fan-favorite from McCollum falls right in his wheelhouse with his muscular vocal picking up the pain and loneliness of the lyrics, bolstered by smooth piano, bass and surging electric guitar. “Big Ole Fancy House” is featured on the deluxe version of McCollum’s self-titled album.
Carly Pearce, “Church Girl”
Kentucky native Pearce has always been known for singing songs that pull no punches, no matter the topic, whether that be love, heartbreak, betrayal or her allegiance to country music. With her latest, Pearce puts forth a perspective of grace and faith, offering a rebuttal to shame, guilt, and judgmental messages that can too often flow from church pulpits and critical people. She wraps her buttery twang around lyrics that speak to those who make their own choices, regardless of what’s considered “accepted” in certain circles, singing “That don’t mean you’ll go to hell when you leave this world.” “Church Girl” was written by Carter Faith, Seth Ennis and Cameron Bedell.
Max McNown, “World Change Me”
He’s weary from the fight, but is determined to hold tight to his own values regardless of the temptations that swirl around him, temptations that have grown more enticing as he’s grown older. “Monsters all fled from under my bed/ Now they’re downtown walking the streets,” he sings. McNown is known for songs such as the romantic “Better Me for You (Brown Eyes),” but here, he conveys a troubadour’s innate knack for keen observations. As well, a swampy rhythm and stately melody pair nicely with McNown’s warm, magnetic vocal.
Della Mae, Magic Accident
On Boston-formed bluegrass group Della Mae’s new album Magic Accident, musicians Celia Woodsmith, Kimber Ludiker, Vickie Vaughn and Avril Smith have crafted a 10-song project driven by tight harmonies, thoughtful instrumentation and sagacious songs forged from a lifetime of lessons learned. The project is spearheaded by wisdom-filled messages to their younger selves (“My Own Highway”) and songs of championship and ambition (“Out Run ‘Em”), while other songs on the album, such as “Little Bird” advise soaking in the small but meaningful moments. There are also songs about severing generational curses (“Family Tree”), plus a cover of Bruce Robison’s “Lifeline.” Taken together, these songs convey inspiration, encouragement and comfort, aimed at generations of women from all walks of life, championing them to be vocal and live their most authentic lives.