Bryan, Ray release

Dive Bars & Broken Hearts EP

Michael Ray wanted his latest EP to bring back a sound before country stars came from game shows and viral videos. While it's definitely slicker than any classic country record (which nowadays means '80s/'90s), it is a good one. The theme of the day is pairs - those that match and those that don't. "Spirits and Demons," a duet with Meghan Patrick, is a standout. It's a powerful gospel about the whiskey that ain't workin' to heal the broken heart. ...

Born Here Live Here Die Here deluxe

If there's one thing Luke Bryan knows how to do, it's to stay in his lane. And why not? It often leads to great chart position. The Deluxe edition of his seventh album "Born Here, Live Here, Die Here" was born out of the pandemic tour stoppage. It includes six new songs and increases the run time to 54 minutes. The original 10 tracks are mostly in the vein of the pop laced chart toppers "One Margarita" and "Knockin' Boots." With writing ...

Born Here, Live Here, Die Here

After taking in Luke Bryan's "Born Here Live Here Die Here," the listener will never guess this full length was released during a pandemic. Maybe that's a good thing. After all, we might need a diversion from the international health crisis now and then. The release opens with "Knockin' Boots," which is how modern cowboys describe sexual intercourse. A few songs later, Bryan gives us the drinking song (and single) "One Margarita." In between, "What ...