Tag Archives: Great Country Ballads

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care

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Tim McGraw has been making great music since the early nineties. I was first turned-on to his stuff when visiting a little Bed and Breakfast on Bluebird Mountain, North Carolina by this local acoustic musician playing “Don’t Take The Girl”. I was blown-away by the depth and simplicity of his lyrics and melodies, still am today. Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care with Taylor Swift and Keith Urban seems to be a visit back to his earlier roots in its beauty and storytelling.

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care Story

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care is the title of a song recorded by American country music artist Tim McGraw and features American country pop artist Taylor Swift on vocals. It was released in March 2013 as the third single from McGraw’s first album for Big Machine Records, Two Lanes of Freedom. The song was written by Mark Irwin, Josh Kear and Brad and Brett Warren. Keith Urban plays guitar on the song. McGraw and Swift recorded their parts separately.

Thom Jurek of Allmusic, in his review of the album, wrote that “the hook is irresistible and McGraw’s vocal, paired with the young singer’s, is a perfect match.” Chuck Dauphin of Roughstock also reviewed the song favorably, saying that “this song flows well, with winning performances from two of the format’s top vocalists.” Billy Dukes of Taste of Country gave the song five stars saying that the track is arguably “one of the best collaborations of the decade — maybe even ever. Each artist brings his or her best effort to the song from McGraw’s Two Lanes of Freedom album. ‘Highway Don’t Care’ feels like a special moment from the very first listen, and only becomes more cathartic with time.”  Jeff Benjamin of Fuse said the track has “major crossover potential.

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care Music Video

The song is a mid-tempo ballad where the male narrator is separated from his lover who is driving. Throughout the verses, he tells her what he “bets” she is feeling, when a song comes on her radio (its part sung by Swift) containing the lines “I can’t live without you, baby.” He also says that the highway she’s driving on won’t dry her tears, doesn’t care if she’s alone, doesn’t care if she’s going home(hence the song’s title), and several other things.

Tim McGraw Highway Don't Care with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Tim McGraw Story

Samuel Timothy “Tim” McGraw (born May 1, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. Many of McGraw’s albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the Soundscan era. He is married to country singer Faith Hill and is the son of the late baseball player Tug McGraw.

McGraw had 11 consecutive albums debut at Number One on the Billboard albums charts. Twenty-five singles hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. He has won three Grammys, 14 Academy of Country Music awards, 11 Country Music Association(CMA) awards, 10 American Music Awards, and three People’s Choice Awards. His Soul2Soul II Tour with Faith Hill is the highest grossing tour in country music history, and one of the top five among all genres of music.

McGraw has ventured into acting, with supporting roles in The Blind Side (with Sandra Bullock), Friday Night Lights, The Kingdom, and Four Christmases (with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon), and lead roles in Flicka (2006) and Country Strong (2010). He was a minority owner of the Arena Football League‘s Nashville Kats. Taylor Swift‘s debut single, “Tim McGraw“, refers to him and his song, “Can’t Tell Me Nothin'”.

In acknowledgement of his grandfather’s Italian heritage, McGraw was honored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) in 2004, receiving the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Music during the Foundation’s 29th Anniversary Gala.

Tim McGraw Don’t Take The Girl Music Video

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care may be Taylor Swift’s strongest performance yet. She is perfect for the hook, “I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby
I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby, baby”.

Tim McGraw Highway Don't Care with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care Lyrics

Bet your window’s rolled down and your hair’s pulled back
And I bet you got no idea you’re going way too fast
You’re trying not to think about what went wrong
Trying not to stop ’til you get where you goin’
You’re trying to stay awake so I bet you turn on the radio
And the song goesI can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby
I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby, baby

The highway won’t hold you tonight
The highway don’t know you’re alive
The highway don’t care if you’re all alone
But I do, I do.
The highway won’t dry your tears
The highway don’t need you here
The highway don’t care if you’re coming home
But I do, I do.

I bet you got a dead cell phone in your shotgun seat
Yeah, I bet you’re bending God’s ear talking ’bout me.
You’re trying not to let the first tear fall out
Trying not to think about turning around
You’re trying not to get lost in the sound but that song is always on
So you sing along

I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby
I can’t live without I can’t live without you baby, oh baby

The highway won’t hold you tonight
The highway don’t know you’re alive
The highway don’t care if you’re all alone
But I do, I do.
The highway won’t dry your tears
The highway don’t need you here
The highway don’t care if you’re coming home
But I do, I do.

I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby
I can’t live without I can’t live without you, baby, oh baby

The highway don’t care
The highway don’t care
The highway don’t care
But I do, I do.

I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby
I can’t live without I can’t live without you, baby, oh baby
(The highway don’t care
The highway don’t care
The highway don’t care
But I do, I do)
[x3]

I can’t live without you, I can’t live without you, baby

Enjoy Tim McGraw Highway Don’t Care!
Where do you think this ranks as far as Taylor Swift’s performance? Do you think it is due to her recording with one of her greatest influence in Tim McGraw?
DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ
973.908.8147

 

Rhode island DJ Music Charts – Week of 5/28

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The DJ Music Chart the week of 5/28 will feature Country Music! Topping the DJ Music Chart this week in Country Music are Darius Rucker, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Florida-Georgia Line.  All strong showings from artists that have sustained hits this last year with continued success within the Country Music genre and Top 40.

DJ Music Charts - Week of 5/28 with Rhode Island Wedding DJ åç- Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill

Country music is a genre of American popular music that began in the rural regions of the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from southeastern American folk music and Western music. Blues modes have been used extensively throughout its recorded history. Country music often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, fiddles, and harmonicas.

The term country music gained popularity in the 1940s in preference to the earlier term hillbilly music; it came to encompassWestern music, which evolved parallel to hillbilly music from similar roots, in the mid-20th century. The term country music is used today to describe many styles and sub genres. In 2009 country music was the most listened to rush hour radio genre during the evening commute, and second most popular in the morning commute in the United States.

DJ Music Charts – Week of 5/28 – Country Music

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Since Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift are on top collaborating, I thought this might be a fun tidbit to add to this week’s DJ Music Chart review.

“Tim McGraw” is a country song recorded by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The song was written by Swift and Liz Rose, and produced by Nathan Chapman. It was released on June 19, 2006 by Big Machine Records as Swift’s debut single and the lead single from Swift’s eponymous debut album, Taylor Swift. Swift wrote “Tim McGraw” during her freshman year of high school, knowing that she and her senior boyfriend, Brandon Borello, would break up at the end of the year when he left for college. The song was written about all the different things that would remind Borello of Swift and their time spent together, once he departed. “Tim McGraw” is musical interconnection of traditional and modern country music. Lyrically, the track lists items in order to associate a past relationship, one of them being country artist Tim McGraw‘s music.

The song was received with critical praise from music critics who complimented Swift’s vocal delivery. Some critics described it as tender, while others admired its professionalism. “Tim McGraw” performed well commercially. The track spent numerous of weeks upon both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs in the United States. It peaked at number 40 on the former and number six on the latter. The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold more than one million copies since its release. The accompanying music video for “Tim McGraw”, directed by Trey Fanjoy, comprises flashbacks by Swift’s love interest, among cut-scenes that feature Swift writhing on a lake-bed. “Tim McGraw” was promoted by Swift on a radio tour and performances in numerous venues. Swift performed it while serving as opening act for various country artists’ concert tours. She also performed it as part of her first headlining concert tour, the Fearless Tour (2009–10).

What is your favorite current DJ Music Chart Hit from Country Music?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Hunter Hayes Wanted

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I have wanted to post on Hunter Hayes Wanted for quite a while. Finally get around to doing so and feel bad that its popularity has already dissipated. I played Hunter Hayes Wanted for the first time at a Wedding in Rhode Island last Summer. I had just downloaded Hunter Hayes Wanted the day before from PrimeCuts Music and was excited to find an opportunity to play it. It was not yet being played on radio but I knew this was going to be a very successful song. I did not see it would be such a crossover hit though, I only saw its Country Music potential.

I have enjoyed the current phenomenon of Country Music hits being included in Weddings that have Brides and Grooms that are not Country Music fans. I am always pleased when experiencing people expanding their listening palettes and growing their musical tastes outside of what they consider normal and favorite.  Hunter Hayes Wanted is one of those songs. I have been Wedding DJ several times where Hunter Hayes Wanted has been requested in advance by the Bride or Groom or at the Wedding itself from guests.

Hunter Hayes Wanted with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Hunter Hayed Wanted is the title of a song co-written and recorded by American country music artist Hunter Hayes. It was released in March 2012 as the second single from his début studio album, Hunter Hayes. Hayes co-wrote the song with Troy Verges. The song is nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2013 Grammy Awards.

Hunter Hayes Wanted Story

Hunter told Taste of Country about writing the song “At the time, I was trying to tell somebody something, but I couldn’t figure out how to say it. So I wanted to say it in music because I knew it would be a little more impactful. I wanted to say we are great in this relationship together, and I feel like it could even get better.

Hunter Hayes Wanted Music Video

Hunter Hayes Wanted debuted at number 57 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the week of February 27, 2012. It also debuted at number 99 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of May 12, 2012. It also debuted at number 100 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart for the week of September 15, 2012. On the country chart dated September 29, 2012, “Wanted” became Hayes’ first number one single. Twenty-one weeks later, it returned to number one on the same chart. The song’s appearance at number one also made Hayes the youngest solo male artist (by three months and one week) to top the Hot Country Songs chart, surpassing a record held in 1973 by Johnny Rodriguez‘s “You Always Come Back to Hurting Me“. It also debuted at number 40 on the U.S. Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart for the week of November 17, 2012. It has sold over 2,170,000 copies in USA so far.

Hunter Easton Hayes (born September 9, 1991) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is signed to Atlantic Records Nashville, and released his self-titled debut album in October 2011. The album includes the Top 15 country single “Storm Warning” and the number 1 singles “Wanted” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak”

Hayes was born on September 9, 1991, at Larniurg Hospital in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, as the only child to Lynette and Leo Hayes. He has Cajun ancestry. He began his musical career at the age of two when his grandmother gave him a toy accordion. At the age of four, he began making appearances at local performances and on national television, including showings on Maury, Rosie O’Donnell, and Nickelodeon‘s game show Figure It Out, where he performed Jambalaya (On the Bayou). American Songwriter writes that “Hayes received his first guitar from actor Robert Duvall at age six” At seven years old, Hunter was invited to perform for President Bill Clinton for a White House lawn party. At the age of 13, Hayes appeared on America’s Most Talented Kids, a show hosted by Dave Coulier. He performed the hit Hank Williams song, “Hey Good Lookin’.”

Hunter Hayes Wanted withRhode Island Wedding DJ

“The Country Music Association’s choice as the best New Artist of 2012 earned his trophy because of his intense, single-minded dedication to his music.

Hunter Hayes works at his craft virtually every waking hour. In his world, there are no days off. There are no hobbies or outside interests. Everything is focused on musical self-improvement.

“With me, it’s always going to be music,” he states. “That’s the one thing I know. That is my thing. That is my place. I make music because it’s the only way I can breathe. This is how I want to spend the rest of my life.”

His laser-like focus has resulted in an album that is the talk of the country-music community. He wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on Hunter Hayes. He co-produced it. He sings all the vocals, and he plays all of the 30-some instruments heard on the record.” Hunter Hayes Website

DJ Mystical Michael New jersey Wedding DJ & Boston DJ

973.908.8147

Eric Church Springsteen

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I am glad that Eric Church Springsteen shared his version of those same experiences in such a thoughtful and sentimental manner. I am sure Bruce Springsteen smiled the first time he heard it.

Eric Church Springsteen Music Video

Growing-up in New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen was a significant part of my teens and twenties. I can reflect on song after song and let the memories connected to each one come alive and bring me back to the time and place of the initial experiences. I was fortunate enough to see him perform live about ten times between 1980-1985. There were definitely some, “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory. Like the soundtrack to a July Saturday night. Springsteen” moments, more than I can remember at this minute. He as much as any musical artist has imprints all over my high school and college days. He was not my favorite artist to listen to but seemed to effect me in a way few others could. And those four and five hours shows were so unique and forceful. We all left exhausted as members of the audience, can’t imagine how he must have felt after those performances.

Rhode Island Teen DJ and Sweet Sixteen DJ Eric Church Springsteen

Eric Church Springsteen Lyrics

To this day when I hear that song
I see you standin’ there on that lawn
Discount shades, store bought tan
Flip flops and cut-off jeans

Somewhere between that setting sun
I’m on fire and born to run
You looked at me and I was done
And we’re, we’re just getting started

I was singin’ to you, you were singin’ to me
I was so alive, never been more free
Fired up my daddy’s lighter and we sang
Ooohh

Stayed there ’til they forced us out
And took the long way to your house
I can still hear the sound of you sayin’ don’t go

When I think about you, I think about 17
I think about my old jeep
I think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like the soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen

I bumped into you by happenstance
You probably wouldn’t even know who I am
But if I whispered your name
I bet there’d still be a spark

Back when I was gasoline
And this old tattoo had brand new ink
And we didn’t care what your mom would think
About your name on my arm

Baby is it spring or is it summer
The guitar sound or the beat of that drummer
You hear sometimes late at night
On your radio

Even though you’re a million miles away
When you hear Born in the USA
You relive those glory days
So long ago

When you think about me, do you think about 17
Do you think about my old jeep
Think about the stars in the sky
Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen
Springsteen

Woah-oh-oh-oh

Funny how a melody sounds like a memory
Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night
Springsteen
Springsteen
Woah Springsteen

Woah-oh-oh-oh

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me

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What a powerful scene and song! I enjoy both the Faith Hill and the Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me version. Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me did an excellent job with this song in the movie; Country Strong. Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me is hot and sultry, hard to not get ‘distracted’ with music like this.

Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me Music Video

http://youtu.be/PAIEI1t8GeY

Turn down the lights and up the volume!

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw Give In To Me Music Video

http://youtu.be/F9NXlRnnAdw

Which version do you like better, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw or Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me?

Country Strong

A drama centered on a rising country-music songwriter (Hedlund) who sparks with a fallen star (Paltrow). Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager (McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer (Meester). IMDB

Beautiful Rhode Island Wedding DJ Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester Give In To Me

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

 

The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys

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The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys, The Highwaymen were a Country supergroup made up of four incredibly successful Country artists; Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson. They also were known for popularizing the sub-genre; Outlaw Country. These legends of Country Music’s are held in high-esteem among their peers and fans for their songwriting, artistry and voices, as well as ‘The Highwayman’ attitude that they maintained.

 The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys Music Video

http://youtu.be/ngbcsxFET68

The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys is one of my favorite Willie Nelsons songs. His soft gentle voice contrasts so beautifully with the gritty nature of the lyrics, instrumentation and mindset of the song. The song initially recorded by Ed Bruce, written by him and wife Patsy Bruce.  Willie and Waylon’s version went #1 on The Hot Country Singles charts and won them a Grammy for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals.

The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys is a great song from some great Country legends.

The Highwaymen Mama's Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys with Rhode Island DJ

The Highwaymen Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys Lyrics

Cowboys ain’t easy to love and they’re harder to hold.
They’d rather give you a song than diamonds or gold.
Lonestar belt buckles and old faded levis,
And each night begins a new day.
If you don’t understand him, an’ he don’t die young,
He’ll prob’ly just ride away.

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks.
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such.
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone.
Even with someone they love.

Cowboys like smokey old pool rooms and clear mountain mornings,
Little warm puppies and children and girls of the night.
Them that don’t know him won’t like him and them that do,
Sometimes won’t know how to take him.
He ain’t wrong, he’s just different but his pride won’t let him,
Do things to make you think he’s right.

Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
Don’t let ’em pick guitars or drive them old trucks.
Let ’em be doctors and lawyers and such.
Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
‘Cos they’ll never stay home and they’re always alone.
Even with someone they love.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven

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I heard Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven for the first time performed by a local musician in North Carolina in the late 90’s at a Bed & Breakfast named The Bluebird Lodge.  It was soon after my father and brother had recently passed away. I find it amazing how some songs like Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven can touch a part of us in ways nothing else can. Since than I have seen many people also connect with Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven in a similar manner as a professional DJ.

Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven is a song co-written and recorded by country music artist Steve Wariner. It is the lead-off single from his 1998 album Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down, as well as his first single in four years. It peaked at #2 in both the United States and Canada.

Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven Story

Told in first-person, the main protagonist recalls the deaths of his grandmother (“One day shy of eight years old“) and his young wife, and the sadness he felt upon each passing. Each time, the man recalls how a cold rain reminds him of his beloved descendants crying down from Heaven, wishing they could still be with him, experiencing and sharing various joys in his life (“There’s holes in the floor of Heaven/and her tears are pouring down/That’s how I know she’s watching/wishing she could be here now“).

Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven Rhode Island DJ

In the case of the young man’s wife (who died from pregnancy complications giving birth to their daughter), the point is driven home in the final verse of the song, which depicts his now 23 year old daughter’s wedding day. At the end of the ceremony, it begins to rain, making the father of the bride very sad; the daughter picks up on this and comforts him by saying the rain is her late mother’s tears of joy.

 Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven Music Video

http://youtu.be/yQq0u6hWe84

Wariner has come to be known over the years for his incredible writing skills with Number 1 hits written for Garth Brooks and Clint Black.  He has placed more than fifty songs on the Billboard Country Singles Charts as a performer, including Steve Wariner Holes in the Floor of Heaven.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ