With only five weeks to go until country music fans descend on London, Glasgow and Belfast for the annual indoor Country to Country festival (only four weeks to wait, if you’re heading to Berlin or Rotterdam!) there’s a definite increased charge in the atmosphere.
One of the best ways of burning off excess energy is to go for a country walk or hit the gym/lounge floor for a workout/dance off. Here are 15 songs designed to take you through from warm up, to picking up the pace and the cool down; every artist will be on a C2C stage next month!
Medical disclaimer: this is an entertainment article; always seek appropriate advice when undertaking exercise
Warm up
‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ (Carly Pearce, Lee Brice)
I can’t wait to see Carly on the main stage, hear her impressive vocals ring out around the arena. Yes, she’s written more about heartbreak, but she excels with a ballad. This 2019 release is a great introduction to the Grammy-award winning Kentucky performer.
‘Hangovers’ (Lauren Alaina)
Lauren sings what we’re thinking. The Georgia native, former American Idol S10 finalist has built a solid career for herself since appearing on the music scene in 2012, going on tour with Carrie, Alan, Reba and the Lukes. She’s also on the stage the same night as Kane Brown; What Ifs that was a perfect chance for their duet?
‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’ and ‘American Country Love Song’ (Jake Owen)
Two songs from Owen wrap up the warm out session, and these are going to raise the roof in C2C land when they’re performed on stage. Read more about Jake’s latest album, Loose Cannons.
Pick up the pace
‘No Such Thing As A Broken Heart’ (Old Dominion)
Favourite returning C2C artists, Old Dominion, will keep the party going with their brand of upbeat and relaxed songs, like the song with the best lyric, “Live your life like you’re jumping off a rope swing … love like there’s no such thing as a broken heart”.
‘Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’ (Drake Milligan)
The man on a lot of industry people’s minds is Drake Milligan, who played at the Indigo/spotlight stage at last year’s C2C, and will appear on the main stage ahead of Brothers Osborne and Old Dominion.
‘You Can Have Him, Jolene’ (Chapel Hart)
If you weren’t at TLR23, or use social media, then you might not have heard of the incredible trio Chapel Hart. They know how to party AND after-party. And they do it with such style and grace. Here’s their answer to Dolly’s siren call.
‘Next Girl’ (Carly Pearce)
Carly returns to the playlist with this classic leaning-in track from her 29 album, one of her most upbeat tracks. At once saying goodbye, and helping out well, the next girl.
Hit the floor
‘The Mona Lisa’ (Brad Paisley) and ‘Son Of The Mountains’ (Brad Paisley, Dan Tyminski, Jerry Douglas)
It’s not a C2C Paisley party without the iconic cultural phenomenon that is the Mona Lisa conga. When this comes on the playlist, watch out for your harmonising, hip-swaying and smiling. Paisley’s latest music is the same infectious guitar-based fun that has earned him legendary status in Nashville with Son Of The Mountains an easy choice for an intense workout.
‘Stay A Little Longer’ (Brothers Osborne)
Speaking of guitars. The one with the three-minute solo from John Osborne, is sure to make any walk, workout or dance swagger. Plus, who doesn’t want to stay a little longer at C2C, especially when Brothers Osborne are on the stage?
‘I Can Feel It’ (Kane Brown)
Brown is an effortless performer, mixing musical styles in his honest, authentic way and this song with the sample of the Phil Collins track is absolutely perfect, thanks to those drums and banjo. Turn it up; you’re welcome.
Cool down
‘Sounds Like Something I’d Do’ (Drake Milligan)
Milligan’s relaxed sound takes us from pacy to cooling down (it’s almost time for cake) with this easy sound and Josh Turner-esque vocals. Did I say cool down?
‘Villain’ (Lily Rose)
Tik Tok, and Rose’s captivating vocals, brought her to the attention of record label Big Loud and Villain is a fantastic song to introduce this emerging artist. Read more about her album here.
‘2033’ (Chapel Hart)
The final three minutes of the workout playlist belongs to Chapel Hart, who offer an honest, reflective insight into their future plans. With those incredible vocal harmonies. I already can’t wait for more music from this band.
Download the Countdown Focus 1: perfect gym buddies Spotify playlist here or see below:
PS – these 15 tracks work perfectly to ease you into a commute or on the school run, too.
