BRAD PAISLEY

                                                              "City of Music" 

                                                               Arista Nashville

Brad Paisley is one of those artists who has become an ambassador for Nashville. His love of the Grand Ole Opry has shined through his music, his hosting of shows like the CMA Awards has showcased his love of the genre, and his amazing heart pouring back into the community has been envy worthy.

All that said, it makes sense that Paisley would release a song paying homage to the city he loves.

“City Of Music,” Paisley’s new single, pays tribute to what it’s like to be a brand-new artist in town who is chasing dreams, and he delivers it through great storytelling that focuses on two main characters - The karaoke queen of Tyler Texas and the second-string quarterback who is playing guitar.

In true Paisley fashion, the song contains all the elements that you’d expect - from the guitar noodling to the catchy melody - But for us Nashvillians, it’s the spot checks on a ton of the hot spots around town that wet our whistle: “Took the Church Street exit,” “Hit the ground runnin’ on Broadway,” and how he talks about singing for the ghosts and making the rafters shake at The Mother Church (aka The Ryman Auditorium).

But the name checking doesn’t stop with just Nashville connections. The country music lover will be delighted as he namechecks George, Tammy, and Mother Maybelle, as well as doing a play on words with the famous Harlan Howard quote “Three chords and the truth,” when he sings “Tell the truth, play some chords.”

Where songs like this will usually only be able to connect with other artists and musician types, Brad Paisley has a way of developing a universal connection with any audience, and this one will be no exception. There are plenty of moments where “City of Music” lends itself to audience participation and will get the crowd singing along with him all summer long while he’s out on the road.

(Review Written By: Jeffrey Kurtis)

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