Connie Smith - My Part of Forever, Vol. 1: The Ultimate Collection 1972 - 2018

Connie Smith: My Part Of Forever Vol.1: The Ultimate Collection 1972 - 2018 (2-CD)

(Humphead) 50 tracks - 24 page booklet

This 'real deal' vocalist has recorded more than 53 albums plus 20 top 10 country hits. Punctuated by her powerful vocal style, tear-stained songs such as Once a Day, Then and Only Then, Nobody But A Fool (Would Love You), Ain't Had No Lovin', The Hurtin's All Over and You and Your Sweet Love are just a few of those classic hits.

Original Release Date: 26 Sep 2018

50 Tracks/ Time: 2:19:23

Amazon UK (Digital Tracks) - UK iTunes - Humphead Country (CD Format; £13.99 includes shipping £2)

HMV (£9.99 CD Format)

7digital.com (£7.99; 320kbps MP3 + 320kbps M4A)

50 songs chosen by Connie for her collection, mainly of recordings from the 1970s, with a bonus of later tracks recorded for Warner Bros. in the mid-1990s, Sugar Hill in 2011 and rare lost radio performances from the early 1970s, shows beyond a doubt, that Connie Smith is to be regarded alongside Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Kitty Wells, Emmylou Harris and Loretta Lynn as a true country music icon. 

Connie Smith is, without doubt, one of the most influential female singers in country music history. Throughout her career, which stretches back to 1964, she has steadfastly maintained a traditional country stance with a voice that is one of the most respected and recognizable in country music.

George Jones named her as his favorite female singer in his autobiography. But her reach went beyond country to inspire fans and artists in all genres. Elvis Presley was a known fan who owned many of her albums and had plans to record a version of her song The Wonders You Perform before he passed away. After being introduced to Connie, Keith Richards immediately brought his fellow Rolling Stone, Ron Wood, over to meet her, exclaiming: "She's the real deal!"

This 'real deal' vocalist has recorded more than 53 albums plus 20 top 10 country hits. Punctuated by her powerful vocal style, tear-stained songs such as Once a Day, Then and Only Then, Nobody But A Fool (Would Love You), Ain't Had No Lovin', The Hurtin's All Over and You and Your Sweet Love are just a few of those classic hits. 

“The wonderful Connie Smith” – Ali Donowho UKCountryRadio.com

“Lot of positive feedback for this album by Connie Smith. A beautiful release, a double disc represting a great era of music. Often mentioned Alan Cackett because he writes those wonderful booklets for the HUMPHEAD label like the Connie Smith one” – Marie Crichton BBC Radio Shropshire  

“I think it is superb” – Keith Greentree BBC Radio Norfolk

CD 1

1. 'Ain't Love A Good Thing' (written by Dallas Frazier) (No.10, 1973)

2. 'Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)' / this track was an album track from 1973

3. 'I Got A Lot of Hurtin' Done Today' (written by Sanger D. 'Whitey' Shafer) (No.30, 1975)

4. 'Did We Have To Come This Far (To Say Goodbye)', which was written by Dallas Frazier and Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens (Friday 28 Nov 1930 - Mon 4 October 1999) / this track was an album track from 1974.

5. '(Till) I Kissed You' (written by Don Everly) (No.10, 1976)

6. 'I Still Feel The Same About You' (written by Bill Anderson) / this track was an album track from 1975

7. 'A Far Cry From You' (written by Steve Earle) / this track, which was released in June 1985 as a 7" vinyl single on Epic Records, and reached No.71 on the Billboard country music singles chart, was Connie Smith's final single to reach a Billboard chart position to date, and did not appear on an official album

8. 'I've Got My Baby On My Mind' (written by Sanger D. 'Whitey' Shafer) (No.13, 1974)

9. 'You Crossed My Mind A Thousand Times Today' (written by Dewayne Orender and Phyllis Powell) / this track was an album track from 1976

10. 'House Where Love Shines' (written by Dallas Frazier) / this track was an album track from 1973

11. 'A Picture of Me (Without You)', which was written by George Richey (Saturday 30 November 1935 - Saturday 31 July 2010) and Norro Wilson (Mon 4 April 1938 - Thurs 8 June 2017) / this track was an album track from 1973.

12. 'Dallas' (written by Leona Williams) (No.35, 1974)

13. 'Thanks A Lot For Trying Anyway' (written by Jim Glaser) / this track was an album track from 1974

14. 'I Don't Wanna Talk It Over Anymore' (written by Eddy Raven) (No.13, 1977)

15. 'You've Got Me (Right Where You Want Me)', which was written by George Richey (Sat 30 Nov 1935 - Sat 31 July 2010) and Connie Smith (No.21, 1973).

16. 'Searching (For Someone Just Like You)' (written by Pee Wee Maddux) / this track was an album track from 1975

17. 'That's The Way Love Goes', which was written by Lefty Frizzell (Sat 31 March 1928 - Sat 19 July 1975) and Sanger D. 'Whitey' Shafer / this track was an album track from 1974

18. 'When You Hurt Me More Than I Love You' (written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice) / this track was an album track from 1973

19. 'I'll Still Be Missing You' (written by Warner McPherson) / this track was an album track from 1974

20. 'So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)' (written by Don Everly) (No.31, 1976)

21. 'I Never Knew (What That Song Meant Before)' (written bySanger D. 'Whitey' Shafer) (No.13, 1974)

22. 'The Latest Shade of Blue' (written by Eddy Raven) (No.42, 1977)

23. 'I'm All Wrapped Up in You', which was written by Don Gibson (Tues 3 April 1928 - Mon 17 Nov 2003) / this track was an album track from 1976.

24. 'It's Not Easy To Say Goodbye' / this track was an album track from 1978

25. 'A House of Gold', which was written by Hank Williams (Mon 17 Sept 1923 - Thurs 1 Jan 1953) / this track was an album track from 1975.

Click to ENLARGE
CD Inlay

CD 2

1. 'Long Line of Heartaches' (written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart) / this track was an album track from 2011.

2. 'Anymore', which was written by Vic McAlpin, Roy Drusky (Sunday 22 June 1930 - Thurs 23 Sept 2004) and Marie Wilson / this track was an album track from 2011

3. 'My Part of Forever' (written by Jerry Foster and Bill Rice)/ this track was an album track from 2011.

4. 'When A House Is Not A Home', which was written by Roger Miller (Thursday 2 January 1936 - Sunday 25 October 1992) / this track was an album track from 1971.

5. 'Your Light' (written by Allen Shamblin, Connie Smith and Marty Stuart) / this track was an album track from 1998.

6. 'The Pain of a Broken Heart' (written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart)/ this track was an album track from 2011.

7. 'Ain't You Even Gonna Cry', which was written by Johnny Russell (Tuesday 23 Jan 1940 - Tues 3 July 2001) / this track was an album track from 2011

8. 'Love's Not Everything' (written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart) / this track was an album track from 1998.

9. 'Hearts Like Ours' (written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart) / this track was an album track from 1998.

10. 'How Long', which was written by Harlan Howard (Thurs 8 Sept 1927 - Sun 3 March 2002), Connie Smith and Marty Stuart / this track was an album track from 1998

11. 'What's A Heart Like You (Doing in A Fool Like Me)' (written by Glenn Ashworth and Dallas Frazier) / this track was an album track in 2011.

12. 'I'm Not Blue' (written by Kostas, Connie Smith and Marty Stuart)/ this track was an album track from 2011.

13. 'I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name', which was written by Lee Emerson Bellamy (Sun 15 May 1927 - Sat 2 Dec 1978)

14. 'Blue Heartaches' (written by Connie Smith and Marty Stuart) / this track was an album track from 2011.

15. 'Take My Hand' (written by Diane Berry) / this track was an album track from 2011.

16. 'The Race Is On' (written by Don Rollins) / this track was an album track from 2015

17. 'I Never Once Stopped Loving You' (written by Bill Anderson and Jan Howard) (No.5, 1970)

18. 'Louisiana Man' (written by Doug Kershaw) (No.14, 1970)

19. 'Cincinnati, Ohio' (written by Bill Anderson) (No.4, 1967).

20. 'Just For What I Am', which was written by Dallas Frazier and Arthur Leo 'Doodle' Owens (Friday 28 Nov 1930 - Mon 4 October 1999) (No.5, 1972)

21. 'Where is My Castle' (written by Dallas Frazier) (No.11, 1971)

22. 'Long Black Limousine' (written by Bobby George and Vern Stovall) / this track was an album track from 1969.

23. 'Once A Day' (written by Bill Anderson) (No.1 for eight weeks - Nov 1964 / Jan 1965) / this track remained on the Billboard country music singles chart for twenty-seven weeks and took Connie Smith into the record books as the first female country singer to hit No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart with her first country music release.

24. 'Amazing Grace', which was written by John Newton (24 July 1725 - 21 December 1807) / this track was an album track from 1971.

25. 'How Great Thou Art', which was written by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine (25 July 1899 - Tues 14 March 1989) / this track was an album track from 1969.

CONNECT with Connie Smith:

About Connie Smith

Connie Smith was born Constance June Meador in Elkhart, Indiana on Thursday 14 August 1941, but was raised in West Virginia and Ohio.

Connie Smith remembered from an early age of wanting to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

In the early 1960s, Connie Smith married and became a housewife in Marietta, Ohio but continued to sing.  While performing near Columbus, Ohio in 1963, Bill Anderson first heard her and offered his help in gaining Connie Smith a recording contract.

Shortly after discovering Connie Smith, Bill Anderson had her perform on 'Ernest Tubb's Record Shop Live Show' in 1964.

Two months later, Connie Smith made demo recordings written by Bill Anderson, recordings which included his song 'Once A Day'.

After hearing the demos, producer Chet Atkins (Friday 20 June 1924 - Saturday 30 June 2001) signed Connie Smith to RCA Victor Records in Nashville; because Chet Atkins was working with too many artists during Connie Smith's first years at RCA Victor Records, Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 - Sunday 22 July 2001) served as her producer.

Under the guidance of RCA Victor Records producer Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 - Sunday 22 July 2001), Connie Smith enjoyed a string of hit singles.

Connie Smith's first hit single, 'Once A Day' (written by Bill Anderson), was at No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart for eight weeks, commencing Saturday 28 November 1964; the track remained on the charts for twenty-seven weeks and took Connie Smith into the record books as the first female country singer to hit No.1 on the Billboard country music singles chart with her first country music release.

In March 1965, Connie Smith saw the release of her debut album, CONNIE SMITH (RCA Victor Records, 1965), which was produced by Bob Ferguson (Friday 30 December 1927 - Sunday 22 July 2001), and remained on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart for thirty weeks, seven of those weeks at No.1.

By the end of 1964, 'Once A Day' (written by Bill Anderson) had become one of the biggest country songs of the year.

Connie Smith's debut album, 'Connie Smith' (RCA Victor Records, 1965), included three tracks, which were hit singles on the Billboard country music singles chart:

'Once A Day' (written by Bill Anderson) (No.1 for eight weeks between November 1964 and January 1965)

'Then & Only Then' (written by Bill Anderson) (No.4, 1965)

'Tiny Blue Transistor Radio' (written by Bill Anderson) (No.25, 1965).

Fast forward to November 2008, Connie Smith joined the cast of Marty Stuart's television series, 'The Marty Stuart Show', which aired on the RFD-TV network every Saturday night.  The thirty-minute program featured traditional country music performed by both Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, as well as WSM 650AM radio personality, Eddie Stubbs.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Connie Smith saw the release of LONG LINE OF HEARTACHES' (Sugar Hill Records, 2011), which was produced by Marty Stuart.

On Tuesday 6 March 2012, the Country Music Association (CMA) announced that Connie Smith (inducted in the 'Veterans Era Artist' category) along with Hargus 'Pig' Robbins and Garth Brooks were the latest inductees of The Country Music Hall of Fame.

On 19 May 2015, Connie Smith saw the release of 'The Lost Tapes'.

Heralding Connie as a true country music icon Hump Head Country / Wrasse Records' released Connie Smith's 'My Part of Forever, Volume 1: The Ultimate Collection 1972 - 2018'. It consists of recordings from the 1970s, with a bonus of later tracks recorded for Warner Bros. Records in the mid-1990s, Sugar Hill Records in 2011 and rare lost radio performances from the early 1970s.

Kerry Fearon - Honky Tonk Girl (Album Review)

Kerry Fearon - Honky Tonk Girl (Review)

Plus Full artist & media profile

Release Date: September 2018

10 Tracks

Time: 29:35

Availability:

Physical copy at gigs, PayPal via her website and at Jeans Country Music Store (Website | Facebook; 2 Scarffe's Entry BT78 1JH Omagh).
As a featured artist the album is also available on UKCountryRadio.com’s ONLINE Store - Here (£10)

Track list: 
Storms Never Last / Red River Valley / That’s What I Like About You / Good At Leavin’ / Jukebox Blues / Honky Tonk Girl / Cotton Jenny / I’ll Be Your San Antone Rose/ Luxury Liner / If The Devil Don’t Want Me

A rich knowledge and respect for the genre

Lovely Newry, Northern Ireland based singer, TV and radio presenter Kerry Fearon has endured another busy year. As well as her media commitments she has supported popular USA country singer Will Banister on his tour in Ireland, shared the stage with USA country singer-songwriters Joni Harms and Max T Barnes. She was featured on the line up for the Susan McCann String of Diamonds Festival weekend as well as appearing on the Hooley in the Old Coach Inn line up every month and many other gigs.

Coming up soon she will support Australian and Nashville based singer-songwriter Tamara Stewart on October 24 in Kent (Event | The Dancing Dog Bobbing, Nr. Sittingbourne, Sheppey Way, ME9 8QP).

She has also released her 10-track debut album HONKY TONK GIRL which came about following several years of playing gigs and recording around her native homeland. As the name suggests this set comprises solid traditional-slanted country music given her own fresh treatment which may introduce a younger generation to the genre’s deep roots and modern-day classics.

Clive Culberston (former Van Morrison bass player) recorded and produced the album in his own No Sweat Studio in Coleraine, Co.Derry.

The album kicks off in fine form with Storms Never Last drawn from Jessi Colter’s 1981 album LEATHER AND LACE. Laced in steel, this toe-tapper certainly makes the sun want the shine as those bad times melt away.

This was the lead-off single and appeared on the promotional February 2017 Hotdisc (#218). It made a debut at No.24 on the Hotdisc Top 40 and peaked at No.15 and No.6 on the British & Irish chart (dated Feb 26, 2017) during a 10-week chart run.

Watch Kerry's version of 'Storms Never Last' at No Sweat studios in Coleraine. This video was produced and directed by Frank Keating. Credit and thanks to Synge & Byrne Café Slieve Gullion & to the Old Coach Inn Castleblayney for use of their premises in making this video:

Cowboy standard Red River Valley (Frank Mills; Marty Robbins) provided a delightful sweet duet with fellow Irish artist Jordan Mogey and was released commercially in April 2017 (iTunes)

The pleasing That’s What I Like About You (Kevin Welch, John Hadley, Wally Wilson) with its sing-along hooks drenched in steel with fiddle and electric riffs was originally recorded by James House for his 1990 album Hard Times for an Honest Man. Trisha Yearwood (No.8 Single) also took a shine to it cutting it on her debut too!

Good At Leavin’ (Ashley Monroe, Jessi Alexander, Miranda Lambert) sounds like it was drawn from a 70s/80s back catalogue when in fact Kerry digs into a more recent archive from Ashley Monroe’s 2015 album The Blade. This weeper is a perfect fit for Fearon’s velvet smooth chops.   

Album closer If The Devil Don’t Want Me (Monroe, Alexander, Stapleton) is another deep cut on The Blade and possibly overlooked as the melody and lyrics on this lonesome heartache number are completely flawless and is an absolute gem. Thanks Kerry for shining fresh light in the dark alley, what a fabulous number this is!

This is the latest single, again promoted on Hotdisc (Oct 2018 #238) and has made a No.18 Top 40 bow and blew in on the top 5 of British & Irish rankings (dated Oct 7, 2018). Fans should request track 5 to their favourite country station or show.

It’s been album of the month on Denmark radio and being played over 25 stations there alone!

Jukebox Blues (Maybelle Carter) was recorded by June Carter Cash and made a showing in the 2005 film, Walk the Line, sung by Reese Witherspoon. With its shuffling beat it zips along real nice, now where’s that nickle to drop in and punch the play button again!

Title cut Honky Tonk Girl (Loretta Lynn No.14 debut single) continues the jukebox theme this time rewinding back to the 60s and in the hands of Kerry and her producer this is a slick 2018 winner.  

Cotton Jenny (Gordon Lightfoot) is indeed a joyful sound and provided Canadian great Anne Murray with a Top 20 hit and has been recorded by Irelands Mick Flavin. With a plaintive piano, pleasant guitar licks, a lamenting fiddle and Kerry’s respectful vocal this makes the wheels of love go 'round.

I’ll Be Your San Antone Rose (Susanna Clark, first cut by Dottsy in 1975) is a lovely update and Kerry joins a star-studded list of artists with Don Williams, Kathy Mattea (No.1; 1989), Emmylou Harris and Miranda Lambert who were drawn to this charming slow waltz.

Luxury Liner (Gram Parsons) well-known to Emmylou Harris fans features some smart guitar work and fiddle interplay to maintain that old-school brew.  

Overall these are 10 cast iron country cuts from sad ballads to toe-tappers. Fearon shows a rich knowledge and respect for the genre doing each track justice with her warmly vocals backed up by with some commendable production. It employs a bit of a safety-first doctrine but should prove a hit with traditionalists and have broad appeal from county-holics.

Adrian Clark

What others are saying

“I think it’s beautiful” – Keith Greentree BBC Radio Norfolk

Fearon will, without doubt, continue her ascendancy in the music industry in Ireland or abroad. Whether her career path travels the roads of presenter or performer, or a combination of both remains to be seen. She most certainly has the vocal ability, personality and drive and if those talents crossover into song writing, watch this space. - Declan Culliton Lonesomehighway.com

It’s not ground-breaking, but it’s not supposed to be. Punters at her show will lap it up - Duncan Warwick Editor Country Music People (September 2018 issue | Rating 3.1/2 STARS)

 Every once in a while, seemingly out of nowhere, a singer crosses my radar and just about knocks me sideways. One such singer is petite Kerry Fearon, a genuine down-home Irish country girl raised in a loving family on a diet of music, fun and hard work. Her great passion is country music, mainly the more traditional sounds with pedal steel guitar and fiddles and lyrics that pack an emotional punch as they explore the kind of relationship issues we all face in our lives.

Though Kerry is a relative newcomer to the music scene, she’s experienced a lifetime of ups-and-downs. This energetic bundle of talent seemingly never stands still. - Alan Cackett Former editor of Maverick Magazine, 2008 Wesley Rose recipient and pending BCMA 2018 Hall of Fame inductee

CONNECT with Kerry Fearon:

ABOUT Kerry Fearon

Hailing from South Armagh, Kerry Fearon grew up in a household surrounded by country music. She took up singing in 2015 and in 2016 reached the final of the TG4 talent show Glór Tíre.

Her singing career was prompted by the influence and loss of her father Motor Neurone Disease. He was a singer of note and Kerry felt the desire to continue the family tradition after he lost his ability to speak or sing.

Private recordings for the ears of family and friends led to a recording shared on Facebook and Soundcloud platforms. Her initial gig was opening for the ever-popular Dominic Kirwan and Mary Duff at the Waterfront in Belfast in March 2015.

A conversation with Dominic’s then Musical Director led to a home studio recording of 'What Would Dolly Do? and an entertaining video followed which was filmed in a hairdressing salon and was shown regularly on the Keep It Country TV channel.

Published on Aug 27, 2015 (33.K Views; directed by Aidan Farrelly of Bad Apple Films)

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One of her 2016 highlights included opening up for Marty Haggard (son of the late Merle).

Her eponymous EP dropped in 2016 and she went on to snag the prestigious Horizon Award for Most Successful British and Irish Newcomer in the HOTDISC Country Music Awards 2016

Her terrific cover of Highway 101’s Bing Bang Boom was included in the Hotdisc compiled album Best of British & Irish Country 2017.

Kerry Fearon pictured with Joni Harms (L)
and Joni's daughter Olivia(R)

Kerry has had an incredibly busy last few years. She graduated (Aug 31) with a Ulster University Diploma in Irish Language which involved a commitment of 2 nights a week for 2 years to complete this qualification. She also held down a demanding tough job as a special need’s teacher!

In May she received the Johnny Loughrey award at the Hot Country TV awards for her hard work as a country artist.

In July Kerry was out on tour with Kelly Willis.

As a TV presenter Kerry hosts Kerry’s Gold Country on Keep It Country (Sky 389, Freesat 516, Freeview 87 | Friday 20:00-21:00 repeats Tuesday 16:00 - 17:00) and her highly likeable, friendly and bubbly personality makes this a must see each week

On radio duties she presents The Homegrown Hour (Mon-Fri from 10pm) on Downtown Country with an hour of the best Irish Country music.




Recently Kerry attended the 2018 Canadian Country Music Week Awards.

Keep in touch with Kerry: www.kerryfearonmusic.com

New To You: ALBUM REVIEW: Cloverdayle – SELF-TITLED

Cloverdayle - Cloverdayle

Release Date: June 29, 2018

Label: Cloverdayle LLC

16 Tracks

Time: 59:19

Genres: Country

Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Hello Tonight / State of My Heart / Under the Influence / Middle of Nowhere / I Gave It All / I'll Remember / Slow & Easy / Make It a Tall One / Last Dirt Road / Let Me Go / 
Love Changes Everything / Whatever Makes Your Heart Race/ Scars / 
Better Together / Legacy / Strawberry Wine (Bonus track) 

Debut: June 29: No.113 US Country iTunes Charts

#13 Amazon.com top 20 new release best-sellers for Country Music (Current rank: #2396 in Country Digital Albums)

In the fall of 2013, Cloverdayle who comprise Chad Hamar (rhythm acoustic guitar, vocals, drums) and Rachel Hamar (lead vocals on every track), moved from their home state of Oregon to Nashville, TN with one overriding goal and that was to push themselves as songwriters. 

Pulling from life experiences, touring and writing they self-released a 11-track album OFF THE GRID (iTunes)” on May 19, 2015. Singles “Why”, “Let It Go” (iTunes), “Better Together” and “Scars” (iTunes) followed in 2017.

Pulling these singles and fresh material in organized fashion the US duo released this, their 16-track SELF-TITLED full-length album, on Friday, June 29, 2018. The album came to fruition thanks to their loyal fanbase using the crowd-fund platform Kickstarter (272 backers pledged $16,781 of an unknown goal) and more than $35,000 was jointly raised.

Hello Tonight with its contemporary high energy vibe, crunching electric guitar riffs and hand clapping gets things off to a brisk and powerful start. The opener speaks about escapism from the mundane, needing time to unwind, let go and enjoy a highway midnight drive till the road runs out!

Things slow down with the album standout courtesy of the gorgeous ballad State of My Heart which beautifully highlights Rachel Hamar’s softer vocal and laced with steel guitar this is true country-holic goodness, that will mend a broken heart and come back stronger, wonderful stuff!

The panting Under the Influence has snappy lyrics a rock-kick that describes the trouble when trying to shake of a craving habit.

The mid-paced Middle of Nowhere has a bouncy beachy feelgood vibe and perfect for a laid-back Summertime playlist.

The fiery and growling I Gave It All ebbs and flows and speaks of standing one’s ground. With a soft and airy melodic beginning, I'll Remember builds pointing its compass back to happier halcyon days (first time meeting, sipping red wine and passionate love) a perfect story sadly ends without the picture-perfect ending but a heart that holds on to special moments and seeking out  brighter times once more.

The soulful, melodic and rather lovely Slow & Easy has a relaxed front-porch ambiance and one for the listener to soak up as Rachel has us all wrapped up in both a smoky and crystal cloud.

I guess every country album worth its salt necessitates a drinking song with sing-along hooks and the free-spirited bite-the-bullet Make It a Tall One fits the bartender bill! 

Last Dirt Road is an observation piece on modern life locking up doors and putting up fences where freedom and a simple life pays a price giving way to commercial greed: Where concrete creeps into the country, rolling over pine trees

The slow paced Let Me Go is a sensitive cut striving to hold on to a love in a now uncertain relationship referencing some classic Dolly-Willie-Possum country lines. If the record really is broken, then there can only be one conclusion.

The hopeful (a uniter rather than a divider) Love Changes Everything is underpinned with a back-beat and pleasant harmonies and is a classy number with rich textures and some soaring vocals to mirror the gripping apprehension. What direction shall we take at the fork in the road? A love that heals, goodnight kisses in a romantic world sounds like the perfect option!

With is blaster-style Whatever Makes Your Heart Race it’s a little heavy-going and weary at times, Scars has a forceful gospel-nature whilst repelling cruel words and coping with last goodbyes that eventually make us stronger.

Whether Better Together’s title was inspired by the US social movement who knows? Taking on a modern-day stadium look-to-production it’s fun-filled with juicy slabs that pampers to a significant other with its candy-like adjectives.

The gripping Legacy has dark undertones as a mother strives to hold it all together and leave the world in a better place after receiving the worst of all news as a questioning husband tries to make every precious moment count. 

 

The album rounds out with a cover of Deana Carter’s number one smash signature song “Strawberry Wine” (writers Matraca Berg Gary Harrison) which won Song of the Year at the CMAs in 1997 taken from her 5x Multi-Platinum album DID I SHAVE MY LEGS FOR THIS? This cut seems to be live show favourite for Cloverdayle over the years (>> Video cover opening for Tim McGraw in 2012). It’s a good idea to include a well-known song when an act is reaching out to a new audience but risks criticism when comparisons are bound to be made. Alas this 2018 retreatment is not idyllic, bittersweet and a first taste of love for a new listener to Cloverdayle as the hot July moon observes.

This 16-track eponymous set has a few misses along the route but is certainly well worth a listen.

Essential Download: State of My Heart, Love Changes Everything, Slow & Easy, Middle of Nowhere, Legacy

Adrian Clark Country Routes News

CONNECT with Cloverdayle:

ABOUT: Cloverdayle:

Band Members:

Chad Hamar (rhythm acoustic guitar, vocals, drums),

Rachel Hamar (lead vocals),

Home Town: Bend, Oregon

Nashville based husband and wife duo, Cloverdayle originally hail from the Pacific Northwest.  Since the birth of Cloverdayle in 2008, Chad & Rachel Hamar have had a relentless determination to bring their brand of country music to the masses in a grassroots way.  The duo moved from their home state of Oregon to Nashville, TN in the Fall of 2013.  Not in search of fame, fortune, or record deals, but with one overriding goal – to push themselves as songwriters. So they’ve written, and lived, and toured, and written, and lived, and toured, and written some more. Pulling from those real life experiences, Chad & Rachel have literally been writing and performing the soundtrack of their lives…and their friends’ lives…and perfect strangers’ lives.

Cut to almost 5 years post-move, with: 2 fully-fan-funded albums & 2 EPs under their collective belts, a featured song on the popular Canadian TV show “Heartland” (now on Netflix), a prominent feature on Billboard.com, hundreds of energy-fueled live performances, (including opening spots for Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Eric Church, Kelsea Ballerini and Jason Aldean), and thousands of late nights and copious cups of early morning coffee, Cloverdayle released a self-titled full length album featuring 15 original songs penned or co-penned by the duo, as well as a bonus track of their take on the 1996 hit “Strawberry Wine.”

Their engaging live shows and regular hilarity via the Facebook & Instagram Live stream outlets, sparked the duo’s fan base to fund their most recent Kickstarter campaign that reached almost $37,000 in just 30 days!  In addition to many high-profile shows on their 2018 “Summer of Shenanigans Tour”, Cloverdayle will once again be included in the iconic Oregon Jamboree lineup, headlining the second stage in the coveted Saturday night spot and performing directly in front of Maren Morris and Brett Eldredge on the main stage!