Conner Smith, one of the fastest-rising stars in mainstream country, has been steadily climbing up the ranks with hits such as the certified gold, Take It Slow and the viral hit, I Hate Alabama.
With only two weeks remaining before his debut album, Smoky Mountains, drops on Jan. 26, the 23 year-old singer/songwriter released the fifth and presumed final lead-up single, Meanwhile In Carolina.
Smith took to Instagram on Monday to announce the song’s release.
Written by Smith and Blake Pendergrass, Meanwhile In Carolina is inspired by the relationship between him and his fiancé, Leah Thompson. This results in a wholly authentic set of lyrics that takes the listener on a travel through the two’s lives together.
Smith plays with the concept of fate and destiny throughout the song, noting how the two were destined for each other despite growing up in Tennessee and Carolina respectively. The evolving chorus depicting the two being raised and eventually falling in love is an excellent example of Smith’s songwriting prowess and is ultimately extremely satisfying once the final chorus depicts the two finally tying the knot.
The production is extremely minimal with acoustic guitar and small touches of steel throughout, which ultimately lets the song breathe and the storytelling shine through.
While discussing the song, Smith explained it’s one of his favorites that he’s ever written:
“‘Meanwhile in Carolina’ shows the heart of my debut album and is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. You always imagine that person, you always think about ’em, wonder where they are, wonder what they’re doing. I was so proud of this song after we wrote it, because I knew it was one that mattered – it was a song that meant something.”
Smoky Mountains Track List:
1. “Smoky Mountains” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell
2. “Creek Will Rise” | Written by Conner Smith, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Parker Welling
3. “Roulette On The Heart(featuring Hailey Whitters)” | Written by Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
4. “Heatin’ Up” | Written by Conner Smith, Chase McGill, Daniel Ross
5. “Baby, I” | Written by Conner Smith, Devin Dawson, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling
6. “Meanwhile In Carolina” | Written by Conner Smith, Blake Pendergrass
7. “Boots In The Bleachers” | Written by Conner Smith, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Walker
8. “Take It Slow” | Written by Conner Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell
9. “Trouble” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
10. “I Hate Alabama” | Written by Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr
11. “Regret In The Morning” | Written by Conner Smith, Hunter Phelps, Daniel Ross
12. “God Moments” | Written by Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Blake Pendergrass
Creek Will Rise 2024 Tour Dates
January 12 | Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
January 13 | Greenville, SC – Bling Horse Saloon
January 18 | Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
January 19 | Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
January 20 | Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboy
January 25 | Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
January 26 | Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
January 27 | Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Hall
February 13 | Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
February 22 | Omaha, NE – Barnato
February 23 | West Peoria, IL – Crusens Farmington Road
February 24 | Bloomington, IN – Bluebird
March 15 | North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Listen here: