Amy McCarthy

"The song’s singer represents a nurturing sister, sympathetically comforting a loved one and creating unity between the two."

Stripped of its slick '70s country production and replaced with upbeat horns and killer harmonies, "Islands in the Stream" is a perfect laid-back love ballad.

"Conceptually, I almost think of it like a Tim Burton movie ..."

"We have to learn to serve each other, to care for our planet and make sure people have access to housing."

Sinclair tells The Boot that she wrote "Selfishly, Heartlessly" about "universal heartbreak" -- not just the romantic kind, "but every type, however you can relate to it."

Anyone who's turned on the news in the last couple of years has an idea of what Canada intended when he wrote "Unglued."

From epic duets between Kelly Clarkson and her mother-in-law Reba McEntire to the decades-spanning career of the Judds, moms and daughters rule in country music.

Singer-songwriter Lauren Ashley and her band the Trainwreckers are premiering their new song "Always Wanted To" exclusively for readers of The Boot. Press play below to listen. A mid-tempo country tune, "Always Wanted To" is perfect for warmer temperatures, and will make for an ideal addition to any road trip playlist...

"I think a lot of times I've felt like people will try and bring you down not realizing their own imperfections, and it's frustrating as hell."

"The song is about the struggles of a writer to fight through fear and doubt to find what's on the other side ..."