Post Malone, Blake Shelton and more

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This week’s new songs include a collaboration between Post Malone and Blake Shelton, a stellar barroom country collaboration from Ella Langley and Riley Green, and a bluesy, heartbreaking song from newcomer Kashus Culpepper.

Post Malone and Blake Shelton, “Pour Me a Drink”

Post Malone currently continues to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with his Morgan Wallen duet “I Had Some Help,” and judging by the sound of his new party-ready collaboration with Blake Shelton, he seems ready to repeat his highs. In this radio-ready track, he’s willing to shake off various hardships, from work stress to speeding tickets, in favor of Friday night plans involving a barstool and a strong drink. Their voices mesh beautifully, and it doesn’t hurt that amid country music’s current tendency toward nostalgia, the song is reminiscent of Shelton’s mid-2000s songs that lit up country radio. “Pour Me a Drink” comes from Post Malone’s debut country album. F-1 trillion, will be released on August 16th.

Kashus Culpepper, “After me?”

Newly signed to Big Loud Records, this Alabama native combines blistering guitar and explosive vocal talent on this heartbreaking farewell album as he sings about watching helplessly as his ex-lover married someone else. He inhabits a country-blues blend on similar musical terrain to country/Americana greats like Marcus King and Chris Stapleton while imbuing his work with his trademark muscular, sandpapery growl, standing out in a long list of artists who have found enduring success with sounds that push the boundaries of mainstream country.

Ella Langley and Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me”

Langley takes the lead in this flirtatious bar situation, launching into a spoken verse about spotting a potential lover on the dance floor, boldly approaching them, and making a flirtatious proposition. Green follows, looking at the situation from a male perspective before Langley takes the lead again, advising listeners to take their own romantic risks. A winding guitar and saloon-tinged piano further enhance the song’s bar atmosphere, while Langley and Green’s country slang, confidence, and humor make for a formidable pair. Green and Langley also wrote this country ditty with Aaron Raitiere.

Chase Rice, “Go Down Singin’”

In 2023, Rice reminded listeners that his songwriting skills extend beyond writing major radio hits like the Florida Georgia Line hit “Cruise” or his own “Eyes on You” when he released his remarkably introspective project I hate cowboys and all dogs go to hell. Having previously been signed to BBR Music Group, he has recently become independent. In a detailed story arc lasting just over three minutes, he sums up his journey from his beginnings in Nashville to success and setting off on his own. He traces his journey and the years in which he “put blood, sweat and tears up and down behind him.”^th Avenue,” before going on to discuss his decision to strike out on his own as an independent artist, offering a clear understanding of the risks and rewards, but as he sings, “If I go down, at least I go down singin’.”

Tina Adair, “Let It Fall”

After spending time as part of the bluegrass family band The Adairs, releasing solo albums and co-founding the bluegrass group Sister Sadie, Tina Adair returns with her latest album from her upcoming solo set. Written by Sarah Siskind, this song showcases Adair’s dynamic, gospel-infused vocal modulations, while her versatile, powerful vocals are backed by simmering instrumentation from guitarists Cody Kilby and Pat McGrath, banjo player Scott Vestal, mandolin player Seth Taylor, fiddler Ron Stewart, reso guitarist Rob Ickes and bassist Byron House, as well as tightly woven harmonies from Wes Hightower. Her upcoming album follows 2023’s Here in my heart.

Priscilla Block, “Villain”

“Just About Over You” hitmaker Block turns the tables on her fans with this new song, admitting that “sometimes the dagger is thrown by painted nails.” Block has a flair for a well-crafted turn of a phrase, and here she muses that there are times when the relationship offender is “a blue-eyed bombshell, or, dirty blonde.” This uptempo track also makes use of Block’s polished yet conversational vocal tone. Block teamed up with David Garcia, Cole Taylor and Trannie Anderson for the song, which comes from Block’s new five-song EP. PB2.