Latest news with #Songs
Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Learning From Yesterday: Scotty McCreery's ‘Seasons Change'
'I'm a guy who loves to look back,' says musician Scotty McCreery, who doesn't shy away from sentiment. After 14 years in the country music industry, the singer-songwriter certainly does have a lot to look back on. He's come a long way since his 2011 audition for Season 10 of American Idol. The judges were immediately blown away by the soulful baritone voice that emanated from the 16-year-old. His audition included a performance of fellow baritone Josh Turner's hit single 'Your Man.' McCreery went on to win the competition. Now, he's getting ready to release an expanded edition of an album that he called 'life-changing.' From a wide-eyed talent show competitor to a quietly confident concert headliner, McCreery's new album 'Seasons Change: Platinum Edition' exemplifies his growth as an artist. The project also features plenty of reminiscing, and it shows that McCreery's current success is due in part to his appreciation of a past that helped shape his future with music. Scotty McCreery's 'Seasons Change: Platinum Edition" will be widely available on June 20, 2025. Triple Tigers/Scotty McCreery Quintessential Country Songs Ever since McCreery released his 'Clear as Day' album shortly after he won American Idol, he's carried the torch for country artists who stick to the basics of classic country music. McCreery is a storyteller at heart, and many of his songs take on the narrative format that is the genre's specialty. His music is wholesome, family friendly, and covers universal experiences everyone can relate to. Compact disc pamphlet of Scotty McCreery's 2011 album "Clear As Day." Internet Archive. Public Domain The title track to 'Seasons Change: Platinum Edition' is an uplifting song about persevering through hard times because adversity makes the good times that much sweeter. McCreery co-wrote every song on the album, a first for the artist. For the 'Seasons Change' track, he uses weather metaphors to illustrate his message with lines like, 'Just when you think you can't make it through the rain/ Your seasons change,' and, ''Cause sometimes going through all the bad weather/ Makes the sun shine that much better.' The record also features chart-topping singles. McCreery's 'Five More Minutes' is a quintessential country song. It pulls on the heartstrings and acts as an anthem to the album's overall message about honoring the past. The song finds the musician looking back on life's important moments, from playing the final down of his last high school football game to the final moments he shared with his grandfather. He wishes he could go back and have more time to fully appreciate and understand the gravity of those experiences. The composition offers a valuable lesson on the importance of being present and giving attention to what one values most. Related Stories 4/18/2025 4/9/2025 Listener-favorite track 'Still' is a tender love ballad, with McCreery singing about how his adoration for his wife remains a steady force in his life. He married Gabi Dugal in 2018 and the two have a son together, Merrick Avery, who was born in 2022. 'Making New Dreams' McCreery's original 'Seasons Change' album debuted in 2018, and the expanded edition arrives on June 20, 2025. The new release features acoustic versions of several songs from the original track listing, including the album's multiple No. 1 hit single 'This Is It,' which chronicles the singer's mountaintop proposal to his wife. Cover of Scotty McCreery's 2018 'Seasons Change' album. Triple Tigers/Scotty McCreery Along with updated artwork, 'Seasons Change: Platinum Edition' also features a section of expanded liner notes and thank you notes. Media outlet A limited number of copies of the vinyl edition of the album will be made available as well. While promoting the record, McCreery discussed how 'Seasons Change' is one of the most authentic works he's ever released. 'The Seasons Change album was truly life-changing for me. After experiencing both some career highs and lows, I was starting over. For the first time, I co-wrote all the songs and felt like the project was truly me.' McCreery has spent plenty of time reflecting on the past. Even so, he's also excited about what the future holds. 'I'm a guy who loves to look back, and I celebrate the release of this new expanded edition and all the accomplishments we've made since the original album came out.' In keeping with the album's hit single 'In Between,' about the importance of balance in one's life, he added that he's also focused on 'looking ahead to making new dreams come true.' What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brandon Lake's ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah' Tops Hot Christian Songs for 20th Week, Hits Hot 100's Top 40
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Brandon Lake dominates Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart for a 20th week, on the list dated May 3, with 'Hard Fought Hallelujah.' The song initially hit No. 1 upon its debut in November, becoming Lake's sixth leader. A remix was released on Feb. 7 adding Jelly Roll. On April 20, the pair performed the song on ABC's American Idol. It surged by 52% to 9.1 million official U.S. streams April 18-24, according to Luminate. It also bounded by 204% to 9,000 downloads sold. More from Billboard 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' is the 10th hit to top Hot Christian Songs for 20 weeks or more, dating to the chart's 2003 start. Lake is the only act with three of those elite leaders: 132 weeks at No. 1, 'You Say,' Lauren Daigle, beginning July 28, 2018 61, 'Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),' Hillsong UNITED, Dec. 7, 2013 37, 'What a Beautiful Name,' Hillsong Worship, Feb. 25, 2017 31, 'Praise,' Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore, March 16, 2024 28, 'Gratitude,' Brandon Lake, Feb. 4, 2023 26, 'Something in the Water,' Carrie Underwood, Oct. 18, 2014 24, 'In Jesus Name (God of Possible),' Katy Nichole, March 26, 2022 23, 'Word of God Speak,' MercyMe, Aug. 16, 2003 20, 'Hard Fought Hallelujah,' Brandon Lake, Nov. 23, 2024 20, 'Thank God I Do,' Lauren Daigle, May 20, 2023 Lake authored 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' with Chris Brown of Elevation Worship, Steven Furtick, Benjamin Hastings and Rodrick Simmons, with Jelly Roll also now listed among its writers. It was produced by Micah Nichols. The song concurrently adds a 20th week at No. 1 on Christian Streaming Songs and a 15th frame atop Christian Digital Song Sales. On Christian Airplay, it rises 4-2 for a new best (3.6 million in audience, up 2%). 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' also becomes Lake's first top 40 hit on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, jumping 63-40. It marked his first entry on the chart in November. Crawford's First No. 1 Nashville-based singer-songwriter Leanna Crawford, originally from Stanwood, Wash., earns her first No. 1 on Billboard's Christian Airplay chart with 'Still Waters (Psalm 23).' The song ascends a spot via 3.6 million impressions in the tracking week. Crawford co-penned the single with Jonathan Gamble and Justin Richards. It's from her same- named LP, which arrived as her first Top Christian Albums entry, at its No. 7 best, last August. Crawford previously peaked at a No. 14 Christian Airplay high with her Seph Schlueter duet, 'We Sing (Joy to the World),' this past holiday season. She has also hit the chart's top 20 with 'Mean Girls' (No. 20, April 2021). Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I Kissed A Girl singer Jill Sobule's tragic final social media post just days before death
I Kissed A Girl singer Jill Sobule took to social media just days before her tragic death, asking fans for help after having a 'hard time' on tour Jill Sobule took to social media just days before her tragic death, as she opened up about the struggles of going on tour in an emotional post. The singer-songwriter tragically died in a house fire in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, May 1, as confirmed by a representative to Variety. She was 66. Jill was due to to perform in Denver tonight at Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater with a show titled "Jill Sobule presents: Songs From F--k 7th Grade and More." Taking to her Instagram earlier this week, Jill posted a black and white cartoon drawing of three mermaids, two playing the guitar and one playing the drum. In the caption, she penned: "It's been hard being on tour. I somehow messed up my back and have sciatica. The morning is the worst. Any advice? Any good back docs, psychical therapist etc in LA? I'll be there in a few weeks. In the meantime, a cartoon." Since the news of Jill's tragic death, fans have rushed to the comments to mourn the star. "You were one of my favourite songwriters. Your songs will be forever, RIP," wrote one. A second said: "What an eerie last post. She was groundbreaking for the LGBTQ community. An amazing person/songwriter/musician. Rest easy Jill." "I chose your song for my post earlier tonight because it made me smile, and brought back such happy memories…and then I saw the news. Thank you for the joy you gave," penned a third fan. Jill made history with her 1995 single I Kissed a Girl as the first openly gay-themed song ever to crack the Billboard Top 20. As an avid human rights advocate, Jill used her music as a platform to address challenging issues including capital punishment, anorexia nervosa, shoplifting, reproduction and the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. After Jill's tragic death. her manager, John Porter, released a heartfelt statement, saying: "Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. "I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others. Jill's booking agent, Craig Grossman, added: 'I was fortunate enough to get to know Jill beyond a professional relationship. No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond.'
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Billie Eilish's Global Smash Makes History As It Holds At No. 1
Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' marks its 35th week at No. 1 on the Hot Rock & Alternative ... More Songs chart, making history as the third-longest-running leader. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 03: Billie Eilish performs onstage during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo byfor ABA) Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' continues to prove week after week that it has real staying power. Nearly a year after its release, the smash shows no sign of disappearing, or even giving up its control over several important Billboard charts. The dreamy track has become a global favorite, and as it approaches its first birthday, it's not only still charting, it remains in charge of multiple lists. This week, the cut hit helps Eilish reach yet another milestone, one which only a handful of tracks in history have come even close to. Eilish is steady on top of Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart this week, and it's not exactly a nail-biter. 'Birds of a Feather' holds at No. 1 once again, cruising to a thirty-fifth week in charge. There hasn't been any real competition to shake its grip on the throne for a moment, making this one of the most impressive — and, most of the time, relaxed — reigns in the chart's history. That thirty-fifth week at No. 1 earns 'Birds of a Feather' a place in rare company. It's now just the fourth track in history to lead the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart for at least 35 frames. The tune ties with 'Mood' by 24kGoldn and Iann Dior, which also dominated for 35 turns before stepping aside. Only two songs have managed longer runs: 'Heat Waves: by Glass Animals with 37 frames and 'High Hopes' by Panic! at the Disco, which holds the all-time record at 65 weeks. It's very possible that Eilish will inch closer to Glass Animals, and perhaps even tie the band very soon — but matching 'High Hopes' will take several more months. While 35 weeks at No. 1 is remarkable on its own, it's even more notable considering the fact that 'Birds of a Feather' has only spent 46 weeks total on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The single has led the tally for the vast majority of its run — an unusually high ratio that speaks to just how quickly it took over, and how huge it's been ever since. Eilish isn't just ruling the one Billboard chart this week. In addition to her position on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs ranking, 'Birds of a Feather' also tops the Hot Alternative Songs chart and the Alternative Streaming Songs list. The cut is performing well on other tallies as well, and the fact that it owns the throne on even three is impressive. As 'Birds of a Feather' soars at No. 1, it's not Eilish's only song flying high. 'Wildflower,' the latest single from her most recent album Hit Me Hard and Soft, holds at No. 8 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The track previously peaked at No. 4, and now that it's been selected as a focus tune, it could very well climb again.
Forbes
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Morgan Wallen Matches Kendrick Lamar With Multiple Streaming Wins
Morgan Wallen lands seven tracks on the Streaming Songs chart, including two brand new top five ... More hits, tying Kendrick Lamar for the most hits at the moment. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MAY 02: Morgan Wallen performs onstage during night one of his One Night At A Time 2024 tour at Nissan Stadium on May 02, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo byfor Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024) Morgan Wallen is not the average country music superstar. He's managed feats that few in his chosen genre have in the past, and he's even managed to outperform most, if not all, of his competitors when it comes to streaming success. His entire discography consistently performs well on sites like Spotify and Apple Music, and when he shares something new, the positive results are often immediate – and especially visible on those platforms. This week proves that fact once again, as Wallen floods Billboard's most important streaming chart with several cuts, including some new, as well as other returning favorites. On the latest edition of Billboard's Streaming Songs chart, Wallen occupies seven spaces. The tally ranks the most-played tracks in the U.S. across major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. Owning seven spots on such a competitive list is an impressive feat, and especially for a country musician, as that type of showing is typically reserved for only the most successful pop and hip-hop artists. Of the seven Wallen cuts currently present on the Streaming Songs ranking, two are brand new this frame, and both earn lofty debuts. The most impressive of the pair is 'Just In Case,' which nearly launches in first place. The new single settles for the runner-up slot, coming in behind only Kendrick Lamar and SZA's latest collaboration, 'Luther,' which is in charge again. His second new arrival, 'I'm A Little Crazy,' enters at No. 5. The track was released alongside 'Just In Case' and essentially functions as a B-side to the bigger single. Despite not being the focus, it's still one of the most-played tracks in the country right now. In addition to his pair of top five arrivals, Wallen continues to rank on the tallies with a number of other recent tracks. 'I'm The Problem,' the title cut from his forthcoming album, returns to the top 10 as it rises from No. 21 to No. 9. 'Love Somebody,' another recently-shared single from the same upcoming effort, also improves significantly, moving up from No. 27 to No. 18. Meanwhile, Wallen's chart-topping collaboration with Post Malone, 'I Had Some Help,' is a non-mover this time around. It holds steady at No. 26, months after it first dominated a number of Billboard tallies. This week's Streaming Songs chart also includes a pair of re-entries from Wallen's soon-to-be-released full-length. 'Smile' reappears at No. 29, while 'Lies, Lies, Lies' narrowly makes the cut, sneaking back onto the 50-position ranking at No. 46. Thanks to his two debuts and his pair of returning favorites, Wallen ties for the most appearances on the Streaming Songs chart this week. He claims seven total placements, matching the number of tracks Lamar currently has on the same tally. That's not an unusual showing for a major rapper, but for a country musician, it's incredibly impressive, and it shows just how exciting Americans are for I'm the Problem.
