Mid-Year Report: My 25 Favorite Singles

By Matt Bjorke
July 4, 2010

Yes, other websites out there are releasing these kinds of lists so I decided to join the fray. These songs aren’t in any particular order other than how they came across my mind. The majority of these songs are ‘radio’ singles and not just ‘best songs.’ It was considerably harder to get up to 25 songs for this list than it probably should’ve been, but here’s what I came up with.

“Blossom In The Dust” – Mallary Hope

Mallary Hope has found two singles move near the Top 40 at country radio and “Blossom” is like “Love Lives On” in that it showcases Hope’s considerable talent. With a strong acumen for writing beautiful melodies and Martina-like messages, Mallary can certainly belt out a tune as she does here a-la Faith Hill. It seems to be very tough for any female artists to really breakthrough at radio but hopefully Mallary can be one of the few that do.

“Sunshine (Everybody Needs A Little)” – Steve Azar

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. The light, airy melody sets a mood and this one has quickly become a romantic favorite and is well on its way to becoming a wedding first dance kind of song.

“Macon” – Jamey Johnson

Not yet an official radio single, this song nonetheless is a strong contender for one of the top single releases of 2010.

“Pray For You” – Jaron and the Long Road to Love

This song is a brilliantly constructed and playful revenge tune. Instead of scratching a car a-la Carrie Underwood, Jaron is instead praying for things to happen. I don’t think he means much of what he’s singing here except to say that he hopes the girl gets hurt as bad as she made him feel after she left him.

“The Man I Want To Be” – Chris Young

The second straight #1 hit for the former Nashville Star winner, Chris Young’s strong baritone sells a song about a guy who is thankful for finding the woman who makes him ‘want to be a better man.’ It’s a play on an old theme and while lyrics like this have been said plenty of times, it sounds great here and it’s easy to see why fans requested this song over and over the last few months.

“Turning Home” – David Nail

David Nail is one of the best male vocalists to breakthrough Nashville’s long line of dreamers. He mixes a love of traditional country with that of a pop-leaning background to great effect and really helps bring this Kenny Chesney co-write to life. It’s a song about revisiting your hometown after years have gone on. As somebody who is doing just that as I write this article, I can certainly relate to the words of this song.

“Temporary Home” – Carrie Underwood

The vocals are spot-on as always. The lyrics tell a great story and the melody helps deliver a strong message. If Carrie sang more songs like this and less songs like “Undo It,” I’d readily sing her praises. Perhaps someday she will. Still, this is an undeniable highlight from Play On.

“Lover, Lover” – Jerrod Niemann

Brilliant. That’s what “Lover, Lover” is. Who’d have thought that Jerrod Niemann, a tradition-loving singer/songwriter, would break through with a cover song of a 9-10 year old alt/pop hit? It’s a stroke of genius because not only is “Lover, Lover” as catchy” as anything you’re likely to hear in any given year, it also is the exact kind of song that gets people to buy albums and singles. I have loved this tune since I first heard it on Judge Jerrod and the Hung Jury last summer and I’m here to say that it’s far from Niemann’s only hit from the record.

The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

This is an easy one. Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin’s brilliantly written ode to a home from the past is eloquently written and brilliantly performed by Miranda. It is deserving of the distinction of being a signature hit for Miranda while also being 2010’s longest-running chart-topping hit with a month at the top of the charts.

“Guinivere” – Eli Young Band

This one failed to become a huge hit for EYB but that doesn’t mean the ballad is worthy of passing over as the song, which Mike Eli co-wrote, paints a story of a girl who’s running and stumbling in circles and doesn’t let many people into her life. It’s a song that probably paints too much of an accurate picture for many people and because it hurts so much, the song didn’t find the audience it should’ve. Still, it’s brilliantly played by the band and eloquently sung by Mike Eli.

“The Snow White Rows of Arlington” – Sammy Kershaw

This song was never going to be a huge hit at country radio but the fact that Sammy Kershaw released it as a single is a testament to how strong a song it is. It tells a heart wrenching story over an achingly beautiful and simple melody. Written by Hugh Prestwood, there is nothing not to like about the song except perhaps it is/was too close to home for folks, just like the EYB tune above.

“Little White Church” – Little Big Town

Ahh, this is the Little Big Town that I remember. From the groovy melody to the fantastic lead vocal from Karen Fairchild; from the hand-claps to the harmonies, the song has it all. What’s not to love?

“Till A Woman Comes Along” – Chris Janson

I’m still shocked that this one didn’t get at least inside the Top 40. It desverved at least that fate as Chris Janson has the talent to really break out as a star. The lyrics are not your everyday slice-of-life type of songs, the vocals are country and the melody is rockin’ without ever feeling like it’s cribbing on too many other artists. Go and check this tune out if you missed it. It’s worth paying attention to.

“If I Die Young” – The Band Perry

The melody is pretty, the lyrics are mystical, the songwriting is strong and damn if Kimberly Perry doesn’t really show off a strong vocal here. Add in some strong country instrumentation and harmony vocals from her brothers Reid and Neil Perry and we have the kind of song that feels like a break-out hit while also showcasing a band that is much more than the playful ‘Hip To My Heart’ single.

“Blue Sky” – Emily West (Featuring Keith Urban)

It barely made the Top 40 (like all of Emily’s songs) but that doesn’t mean this song isn’t a gem. Emily West is a treasure of an artist and hopefully we’ll get a full-length record that will bring her the stardom she deserves, particularly when she writes such brilliant songs like “Blue Sky.”

“Sweet September” – Williams Riley

It saddens me that the trio’s record label, Golden Music, folded before the band could break through in a big way at radio and retail. This song is the strongest one Williams Riley has released to date- right behind “I’m Still Me” from last year. Hopefully they will stick it out as a band and find another label to work with to get a physical CD out in stores.

“From A Table Away” – Sunny Sweeney

This song is an interesting tune that finds Sunny singing from the prospective of ‘the other woman’ who keeps waiting for the man to leave his wife until she realizes at a restaurant, watching the still in love couple, that he will never leave the wife for her. It’s a bittersweet kind of tune and with a traditional arrangement (but contemporary enough for radio) that hopefully will help Sunny breakthrough at radio.

“Daddy Phone” – Marty Raybon

One of the best vocalists ever to score a hit at country radio, Marty Raybon’s ‘comeback’ single “Daddy Phone” may have failed to chart on Billboard but it’d be a shame to not consider this traditional country ballad one of 2010’s best tunes. Anyone who’s a divorced father with a little one or a former little child of divorce will relate to the tune. It’s heartbreaking and I sure wish I had a Daddy Phone of my own back in the day, particularly as I lived thousands of miles away from him.

“Real” – James Wesley

Talk about clever lyrics. “Real” takes the titles of reality shows and turns them into something genuine and strong. It’s a song about how real life often doesn’t mirror what is shown on reality shows. Wesley’s vocal is strong and the production serves as a great device in getting the message across. It’s country without ever losing the contemporary edge. It should be Wesley’s break-out hit.

“I Will Not Say Goodbye” – Danny Gokey

Wow. Where do I start with this one? It’s a passionate lyric with a passionate vocal by a supremely talented singer who really has connected to the material presented here. It’s a 180 from the ‘workman-like’ vocal of “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” and this one is a strong contender to sit next to Miranda’s “House That Built Me” as the best singles of 2010.

“Rain Is A Good Thing” – Luke Bryan

Talk about a song that had to overcome it’s title. After the Nashville floods of May 1-2, this one actually served as a reminder of the good things rain does instead of the negative stuff. It’s a ‘aw-shucks’ kind of song from an artist who knows exactly who he is and who he isn’t.

“In Your Arms Again” – George Canyon & Crystal Shawanda

Brilliantly written by Canyon and his producer Richard Marx, “In Your Arms Again” is a monster Canadian hit that finds Canyon singing to his wife as he’s off fighting in Afghanistan and while it’s hard for him lose anther brother, he’s still hopeful in the power of freedom and longs to return the arms of his wife, who is portrayed by Shawanda here. Their chemistry is strong and while I wish the song was released in the USA by these two artists, I can picture Reba picking up this ballad and turning it into a gigantic hit on her next album with one of the top male vocalists in country music.

“Free” – Zac Brown Band

The fifth single from The Foundation, Free is still one of my favorite tunes from the album. It is a beautifully melodic ballad with sterling performances from the whole band and the harmonies are just spotless.

“This Ain’t No Love Song” – Trace Adkins

When Trace does songs like this one, it serves as a strong reminder of what kind of singer he can be when given great material (this one’s a Marcel co-write). The video may be a paint-by-numbers track but this song certainly isn’t and it looks like it will be one of Trace’s biggest hits, as it should be.

“Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You” – Randy Montana

Written by Randy with the late Joshua Ragsdale, “Ain’t Much Left of Lovin’ You” is a particularly strong and moody debut single. It’s a song that has an interesting lyric that isn’t a paint-by-numbers affair and perhaps that’s why the finle finally managed to hit the Top 40 of Billboard after 15 weeks of trying. Hopefully it will move on up the charts a-la Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy” or at least enough to get a full-length project out on the airwaves.

There ya have it folks, my 25 favorite singles of the year so far. Some are big hits, some aren’t but all are quality radio tunes that certainly deserve your attention too. What do you think? Do you agree with what I’ve selected here? Do you think I left out anybody? I want to hear your thoughts too! Please leave a comment or two!

Mallary Hope - Blossom In The Dust

By Rachael Herron

Making her radio debut in 2009 with “Love Lives On,” Mallary Hope left country music fans on the edge of their seats waiting for more. Mallary Hope had done it again with her new single “Blossom in the Dust.” Only 21 years old, Hope has accomplished more than the average young adult. Her sincerity and talent will keep her going for years. Like many great artists before her, Dolly Parton inspired Hope from a young age.

Mallary made her debut in Nashville at age nine. She performed at the world famous Nashville palace where she sang the classics: “Unchained Melody” and “Daddy’s Hands.” “I just knew this is what I wanted to do,” Mallary said.

From there, she wrote her first song and formed her first band at age 12. She began singing at fairs all across the south. By the time she was a junior in high school she was performing in 150 shows a year.

Just before her senior year, he dad made the decision of her career. “He was outside mowing the lawn and came inside and said ‘I feel like God is telling me to move to Nashville,’” Mallary recalls. “I joke about this but little does my dad know I was sneaking into his bedroom at night whispering in his ear ‘This is God you need to move your daughter to Nashville.’”

Upon arrival, Mallary got to work. She immediately landed a song-publishing contract. During this time, she recorded almost 500 demos as a session singer. All her hard work paid off. At 21, she signed with MCA records. The world was introduced to Mallary in 2009 when she released her debut single “Love Lives On.”

Aside from the fame and glamour, Mallary knows who is driving her career. We know them as fans, but she calls them friends. “I really don’t like the word fan, I think it sounds silly,” Mallary says. Mallary keeps in touch with her fan base through her social networks. “A lot of people say I'm addicted to Facebook and twitter.” Mallary checks her Facebook, MySpace and Twitter daily. “I read all of it,” She said, and she responds. She recalls fans responding to her saying, “Is the really you?” and she replies, “Yeah it's me, can’t you tell by all the misspellings?”

“It’s a blessing to hear that the music is touching people is a blessing to me to know we’re doing something positive and actually witness it with the messages.” Mallary said. “I love it. I feel like I have so many friends now that I get to talk to every day.”

After the release of her first single, “Love Lives On,” her fans would send her messages telling her about how the song touched them in the mist of their grief from the loss of a loved one, missing their boyfriend, or going through a divorce. Upon receiving these emails and messages Mallary recalls, “I would stay up til 2 or 3 in the morning crying.” Reacting to the phenomenal response to her music Mallary recalls her parents saying, “Ok I think we made the right move by moving to Nashville.”

After the release of “Blossom in the Dust” her friends send her pictures of themselves holding a rose representing Rose in the song.” I think it’s cool that little girls are doing that.” She admits the steals the pictures and posts them on her page so she can share them with everyone else.

“I look forward to getting up and talking to everybody. It’s just fun!” she said. Mallary believes in making an impact with her music. “I like being able to write about real life.” “I always think that music is a healer.” Clearly, she is doing something right.

Mallary Hope – “Blossom In The Dust”

Karlie Justus | March 25th, 2010 Email Share

Songwriters: Mallary Hope, Joseph Doyle and Jon Henderson

In the shadows of current darlings Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood – and, of course, resurgent queen Reba McEntire – the bandwidth for new female country artists of late has proven extremely narrow. While recent debut efforts from Justin Moore and Easton Corbin have raced up the charts, women such as newcomer Mallary Hope struggle to make an impact.

In fact, the singer probably received more attention for a YouTube duet with Taylor Swift, where the pair performed a karaoke version of Lambert’s “Gunpowder and Lead” at a Nashville Christmas party, than her July 2009 radio debut “Love Lives On.” Though the video’s audio is shoddy, Hope emerges as the dynamic powerhouse voice to Swift’s pantomiming and slinky dance moves – an advantage that bears little weight in the genre’s current climate.

Despite these challenges, Hope makes a valiant second effort with new single “Blossom in the Dust.” From its starting verse, the MCA Nashville artist sets a lifelike scene by contrasting her protagonist’s shoddy upbringing with her hopeful, spring-like name: “There’s a single-wide trailer past the railroad tracks/Old car in the front, weeds in the back/Mama had her there when she was sixteen years old/Took one look at her and named her Rose.”

Unfortunately, however, comparisons to Martina McBride – which are warranted, as both can hit extended high notes and employ a patented girlfriend-to-girlfriend, conversational tone – also apply to their shared affinity for heavy-handed songs that ascribe to the frying pan to the head school of thought: Lyrics such as “Oh, sometimes the only way to overcome a circumstance/Is someone giving someone else a fighting chance” sag under their own weight, a contrast to the song’s upbeat, radio-friendly production.

While the flower metaphor doesn’t quite reach the heights of similarly themed songs such as Waylon Jennings’ (and, more recently, Willie Nelson and Chris Young) “Rose In Paradise,” Hope manages to elevate what could have been just a run-of-the-mill Girl Power tune with nice details that support its feel-good empowerment. If the brunette is meant to break through the genre’s current crop of blondes, “Blossom on the Dust” may be a seed in the right direction.

http://www.the9513.com/mallary-hope-blossom-in-the-dust/

MALLARY HOPE
"Blossom In The Dust" Single
MCA Records Nashville

Georgia native, Mallary Hope started singing first in her dad's church, followed by the Nashville Palace, then she formed her first band, wrote her first original song, and won in a talent show with that song, and all of this happened by the time she was 15 years old. Two years later at 17 she and her family made the move to Nashville and she started to pursue her dreams of having a career in the music industry by becoming a session singer and lending her voice to over 500 demos which led to her own record deal with MCA. Last summer she made a small dent with her debut single "Love Lives On" and she is now ready to release her brand new single "Blossom In The Dust." The mid-tempo song, co-written by Hope, invites us to live the journey of a little girl named Rose, who coincidently is that blossom in the dust that the title refers to. We see descriptive lyrics that place you into the scene throughout the opening verse that perfectly describes the tough life that she was born into. As the song progresses Rose is taken from that situation and adopted by a loving family that has always wanted a little girl allowing her to "blossom" into who she was put here to be. Hope has already earned comparisons to country music's strong female voices like Martina McBride and Sara Evans and it is easy to see why she is mentioned in a category like that when you spin "Blossom In The Dust." This is a well-crafted song, with powerful lyrics, delivered by an outstanding voice that will surely put the name Mallary Hope on country music's mainstream map.

The popular country music blog, CountryMusicIsLove is proud to announce the Inaugural CountryMusicIsLove Concert benefiting City of Hope. The intimate, acoustic show featured Johnny Bulford , Carter Twins, Whitney Duncan, Adam Gregory, Mallary Hope, Jason Jones, Jesse Lee, Gwen Sebastian, and Matt Stillwell held at The Rutledge in downtown Nashville on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Tickets proceeds benefited City of Hope.

About City Of Hope: City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.

About CountryMusicIsLove: CountryMusicIsLove.com was founded by Lauren LaFrantz and Erin Lefebvre in July of 2008. LaFrantz and Lefebvre started the website to share their passion for country music with rest of the country music community. CountryMusicIsLove.com is updated daily with the latest country music news; plus, album & concert reviews, artist interviews, contests & more.

C&I iPod
We can’t review all the great country, Western, and Americana CDs out there, but we can share some favorite recent songs.

“Red Light” from I’m About To Come Alive by David Nail

“Love Lives On” from Love Lives On by Mallary Hope

“Summer Wine” from Welcome Home by Shelley King

“Leaves of September” from That Kind of Man by Seth James

“Why Don’t We Just Dance” from Haywire by Josh Turner

“That’s How Country Boys Roll” from Little Bit of Everything by Billy Currington

“Sometimes You Win” from Hard Times by Wink Keziah

“Gone Like a Raven” and “Seven Miles To Memphis” from Bend In the Road by Mark Stuart and the Bastard Sons

“Drag” from Happiness and All Other Things by Cross Canadian Ragweed

“White Liar” from Revolution by Miranda Lambert

HOPE LIVES ONLINE

Up-and-comer Mallary Hope released a three-song digital EP, Love Lives On, Aug.4. Mallary co-wrote all three songs, including the title cut - which is also her debut single. “'Love Lives On’ was inspired by a conversation that I had with my sister,” she explains. “I went home and somehow the story started coming together in my head. I was given a melody and a few lines. Then, with the help of my co-writers, Matthew West and Shane Stevens, it became a song. Sometimes I think, “What if I had never asked my sister anything that day? Would this song have ever been written?” Love Lives On is available through digital retailers like iTunes.

WHO'S NEW
Mallary Hope

CURRENT SINGLE: Love Lives On
ALBUM: As yet, untitled, no release date set; Love Lives On digital EP out now
HOMETOWN: Cohutta, GA
INFLUENCES: Karen Carpenter, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley

HIGHER CALLING
Mallary began singing as a little girl, and by her teen years had resolved to leave home for Nashville after high school. But one day during the summer before her senior year, her father sprung a surprise. “My dad’s a Baptist preacher”, she explains. “He came home one day and said that he felt like God was telling him that it was time to move to Nashville, so I wouldn’t have to go and do it alone.” Within two weeks, the whole family had relocated.

GIFT OF LOVE
“Love Lives On” was inspired by Mallary’s sister and brother-in-law, a military couple repeatedly separated by long deployments. The very week the song hit the radio, he left for Iraq. “My sister told me it’s a gift, that it’s going to be on the radio at the exact moment that she needs to hear it,” Mallary says.

GETTING SOMEWHERE
“I feel overwhelmed that I’m getting to do this,” she explains. “You work really hard at something and you don’t know if you’re ever going to go anywhere. So to be here now, having a record made and a single on the radio - this has been my dream since I was a little girl.”

Mallary Hope Gets Emotional on "Love Lives On"

By Chris Parton
August 20th, 2009

Mallary Hope is an up-and-coming singer who recently released her debut three-song EP, which is available now in digital format. She has a beautifully soothing voice and uses it to its full effect on "Love Lives On," bringing all the sadness out of the song she wrote for her sister and anyone else who has a spouse in the military. When her sister became pregnant just before her husband left for an 18 month tour in Iraq, Hope asked if it had been planned, since the possibility of raising a child alone seemed daunting. Her sister answered, "Being married to a serviceman, you have to always be ready for the worst. If anything should happen to him in Iraq, at least I would have the baby to remember him by, and that would make it easier." Try not to get choked up as you watch her sing of a lost love -- the story line takes a powerful turn toward the end.

CLICK HERE to see all the positive feedback on Mallary.

DISClaimer

By Robert K. Oermann

Can I get a witness? Things were going along in a routine way during this listening session until I was stopped dead in my tracks and struck with profound awe. The record that did it was the churning, inspirational “Somebody Like Me” by Jason Crabb. Stop what you are doing right now to seek it out and listen. It just might change your life.

Hands down, the Disc of the Day. We also have a couple of major tear-jerkers with us today, and I’m always a sucker for those. “To Say Goodbye” by Joey & Rory, plus “Love Lives On” by Mallary Hope are both soaked with emotion. The latter earns a Georgia-born MCA newcomer a DisCovery Award.

MALLARY HOPE/Love Lives On

Writer: Mallary Hope/Shane Stevens/Matthew West; Producer:Derek Bason; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville

—It is a pretty gutsy move to kick of your country career with a ballad, but when it’s one this strong, it’s a risk worth taking. In the song, her husband has died, but she still has their daughter, and her love endures. It’s a remarkable performance that starts sweet, sad and small and builds to a fiery intensity. Strong stuff.

By JON CARAMANICA
August 2, 2009

....The next generation proposes a range of options. It includes clean-scrubbed country-leaning pop singers like Ms. Ballestrini, chipper country modernists like Jesse Lee, the TV-child-star-turned-musician Jennette McCurdy, sassy country-rock sirens like Jessie James and even some young women with a more traditional Nashville style, like Mallary Hope and Katie Armiger. (Both, perhaps not coincidentally, are brunettes.) Even Miley Cyrus is making a land grab: her single “The Climb,” from the recent “Hannah Montana: The Movie” soundtrack album, has been a hit at pop radio as well as country.....

Mallary Hope - "Love Lives On"

By Matt Bjorke
August 4, 2009

Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have made the world safe again for teen or young twenty something female (and a few male) artists. Like when labels started targeting younger audiences after LeAnn Rimes’ success, the current trend finds labels looking for another Taylor Swift when there can’t possibly be another person just like Taylor. While most labels are finding girls who are blonde and talented, MCA Records went a little different route with 22-year-old singer/songwriter (and brunette) Mallary Hope. Featuring production that is steady yet thoroughly modern and slightly grandiloquent in places, “Love Lives On” tells the story of a woman who is trying to figure out to go on with life after the tragic loss of her husband.

Despite the fact that the song doesn’t tell us how the husband passed away (thus leaving the song universal), Mallary Hope is able to sell the song with her powerful and passionate vocal that recalls a younger Faith Hill. Although not as memorably melodic as Diamond Rio’s similar “You’re Gone,” “Love Lives On” is nevertheless a song that can and should do well at radio (and in video form) as Mallary Hope comes fully developed and ready to bloom with this song she co-wrote with Shane Stevens and Matthew West.

You can support Mallary Hope by purchasing this single (or EP for under $2.50) at iTunes | Amazon.

Mallary Hope Shares Her Favorite Country Classic Song on opry.com

While it’s difficult if not impossible to define a country classic, what’s not nearly as problematic for fans or for country artists is to name a personal favorite country classic. In celebration of the fall return of Opry Country Classics, opry.com asked a few country artists to share with us their personal favorites—no matter how they define “classic.” Ever wondered which song Mallary considers her favorite country classic? Check out the opry.com’s What Makes a Classic Country Song? cover story and see.

Mallary hosted a Twitter Party & now you can read the chat transcript below.

Click here to follow Mallary on Twitter!

@mallaryhope : is excited about this twitter party. 9 more minutes, get your questions ready my tweets. :)

@mallaryhope Ok Tweets, here we go. Who came for the party?!

@mallaryhope I'm ready! #1 what's your full name?

@iAmShutterbug My name is Mallary Hope I have 2 brothers 2 sisters.

@mallaryhope if you had 24 hours to live how would you spend them

@doling12 I would want to fill up the whole church w/family &friends. & just sing for 24hours about how Great God Is (starbucks in hand)

@mallaryhope happy 6:00!! my question...what age did you start singing at? was it always your dream to become a singer/songwriter?

@LyzzleG Started singing before I could talk- around age 2- always been my dream yes. Put all my focus into it at age 9-

@mallaryhope hobbies?

@iAmShutterbug Hobbies include- Writing songs,Hanging with family, shopping, drinking coffee, fishing, umm.. watching movies. :)

@mallaryhope if you weren't singing what would you be doing?

@iAmShutterbug If I weren't singing. I would be writing. I would also be an actress. Im hoping to get to be all 3. But def NOT a dancer!

@Mallaryhope my question is: When will your complete album be released? (if you know) :) and side note: YOU INSPIRE ME. :)

@taylorxsunshine Don't have release date yet & thank you :)

@mallaryhope did you teach yourself guitar? How long did it take you to learn? Who is your musical inspiration?

@theperfectlady took lessons for the first year. Then taught myself the rest. Musical inspiration? oh that's going to take a while. hold plz

@mallaryhope favorite star you met

@iAmShutterbug Brad Paisley..

@mallaryhope whoo hoo it's time!!! quistion: if u could meet anyone from the past present or the future who would it be?

@Rae_Brat musician or anyone?

@mallaryhope which star would you want to meet

@iAmShutterbug the brightest one :)

@mallaryhope If you could only live in one place for the rest of your life where would it be? And Why?

@doling12 wow SMokey mountains. It reminds me of home. I practically spent every weekend there. Im a mountain girl.

@mallaryhope I hope I'm doing this twitter party thing right! My question would be: Do you happen to have an album coming out soon?

@starsallaligned Album will be released some time early next year. I think.. Release date TBD

@mallaryhope What got you into music? ~Grande ideal~

@DestinedtobeKat music got me into music.

@mallaryhope - how was ur holiday weekend? and what did u do

@Trisha8113 Holiday weekend was great. Spent it with my folks & nieces & brother. Watched movies & stayed in pjs :)

@mallaryhope Do u have any pets?

@grace413 No. I had a dog the day after i was born & she died when i was in 8th grade. I cried for a month. I still cry thinking about her.

@mallaryhope whats your favorite guilty pleasure song? the song that people would be shocked to see on your iPod?!

@LyzzleG MY HUMPS!! :)

@mallaryhope lucky number and/or things

@iAmShutterbug Not so much lucky as it is my favorite number. 7

@mallaryhope holy crap yall are fast! This is going to take me a while.. ha ha ha.

@mallaryhope wooo partys are fun! :) you could do a duet with any female country star, who would it be?

@conspiracyx83 Carrie Underwood because she can deliver live!! she's amazing!

@mallaryhope who's your dream duet partner?

@carriefan1024 dream duet partner? steve perry

@mallaryhope what's your favorite food?

@theperfectlady Favorite food? Salad of course :)

@mallaryhope Sorry yall! had a kitchen emergency- twitter party will go till 7- ok. back in the game now :)

@mallaryhope hi mallary! How are you today?

@Dreamsofmusic Im great thank you! how are you?

@mallaryhope ok whats you favorite starbucks drink

@doling12 venti skinny extra hot cinnamon dulce latte- (when fall comes along) it is pumpkin spice non fat no whip- extra hot

@mallaryhope what's ur favorite candy and soda(coffee don't count)

@Rae_Brat don't drink soda- haven't had one in 8 years. Fav candy is Bubble gum- im addicted! ( i mean ADDICTED!)

@mallaryhope what movie did u see in 3d?

@Trisha8113 GForce

@mallaryhope Who was your inspiration, the person that got you to like it?

@soccergurl42 got me to like what?

@mallaryhope favorite thing to do on a day off?

@LyzzleG hang with my family! no lie. my nieces are like little grown ups. they are so entertaining -well, you've seen the videos.

@mallaryhope Would you do a duet or tour with @whitneyduncan and Carrie Underwood?

@CarrieFanatic3 i would love to! Both girls are awesome. I know whitney. She rocks! Met carrie a few times. AMAZING SINGER!

@CarrieFanatic3 & we could call it the DunUnderHope tour- ha!

@mallaryhope What's your fave hymn/worship song?

@grace413 amazing grace. first song that i ever sang. Ever

@mallaryhope do u have any other fav coffee from starbucks besides pumbkin spice?

@Rae_Brat cinnamon dulce

@mallaryhope whats your favorite movie?

@LyzzleG don't laugh- The Wizard Of Oz

@mallaryhope whats your favorite book? Mines is A child called it by dave pelzer

@doling12 I love that book- it made me cry. I gotta say, im loving all the twilights. im kinda addicted to the series.

@mallaryhope fave book, movie color animal

@iAmShutterbug twilight series-wiz of oz-purple-dolphin!

@mallaryhope any plans to come to madison, wisconsin? this madison girl is dying to see you!!

@LyzzleG Keep calling & bugging your radio station & say- hey! lets get mallary hope out here. I would LOVE to come.

@mallaryhope in addition to love lives on i hope you sing amazing grace accapella at the grand ole opry, they would LOVE it.

@taylorxsunshine that's not a question, little one :) & i would LOVE to.

@mallaryhope Will you be at CMA Fest next year? :]

@starsallaligned if you keep playing me, i will come. haha..Yes! i sure hope so. but i need u 2 call & request the single for that 2 happen

@mallaryhope one thing you can not resist buying

@iAmShutterbug STARBUCKS!

@mallaryhope whats your favorite color

@doling12 Pink/purple

@mallaryhope any pets

@iAmShutterbug no :(

@mallaryhope what is ur fav book(twilight don't count just cause almost everyone likes it)

@Rae_Brat My favorite is actually the Bible. Someday im going to read the whole thing, like my dad. (i sure do love twilight though)

@mallaryhope So sorry that I brought it up. :(

@grace413 Oh honey! don't be sorry. It's fine. I know KIKI is in doggy heaven :)

@mallaryhope any plans on comeing to missoula montana soon? missoula needs a good concert

@Rae_Brat I hope so- call & tell your radio station that you want mallary hope to come & to also play LLO :) thanks!

@mallaryhope If you could write with any artist, who would it be?

@amanda522 any artist? hmmm.. probably Willie Nelson. he's a freak of smartness that one.

@mallaryhope sounds like my kind of a weekend! do u just have one brother and one sister??

@Trisha8113 2 brothers 2 sisters.

@mallaryhope Ok. guys! im trying to respond to everyone. how am I doing?

@mallaryhope Who are you musical influences?

@sugarlandfan34 Elvis,Dolly,Roy Orbison,Karen Carp,Patsy Cline,Willie Nelson, Johnny cash,Elton john,Brad P, anyone who ever made music has.

@mallaryhope what would your favorite possession be

@iAmShutterbug wow! that's a good one. My fav pos? My home. Does that count?

@mallaryhope favorite clothing store?

@LyzzleG clothing store? I love forever 21, h& m, & my william rast jeans! can't live with out em. TARGET!! AHH!

@mallaryhope what is all the instrements u can play?

@Rae_Brat Flute,Guitar,Piano (by ear, would never play in front of anyone)

@mallaryhope It's all of us and one of u, so I guess it's not fair. Thanks for doing this! I'm having fun chatting w/ ya. :)

@grace413 Thank you! I am having so much fun

@mallaryhope Who have you met so far that has shocked you and what was it? Like you thought one thing about them but they were different.

@amanda522 I met blake shelton when i was 12 (he hates that i say that) Austin went # 1 that week & he was so down to earth & so funny

@amanda522 then i just met him again 2 wks ago- 10 years of success & he is still the same guy from back then. I was very excited to c that

@mallaryhope fav resterant?

@Rae_Brat fav rest? ummm.. (don't hate me) I like cooking my own food the best.. ha ha.. I LOVE to cook!

@mallaryhope whats your favorite patty loveless song? patsy cline? (:

@taylorxsunshine patty loveless? "You can feel bad" AND "u don't even know who I am" & "I don't wanna feel like that" Fav Patsy ? =all pcs

@mallaryhope What is the meaning of life?

@sharding I don't know the answer. I just have an opinion 2that. Meaning of life for me is to help others, be a light & love everyone

@mallaryhope hahah thanks for chatting mal! it does go fast!!

@LyzzleG time flies.. sheesh. I still have a lot to go though. i LOVE it! thank you for this.

@mallaryhope Do you have a fav song you like to perform? If so, what?

@starsallaligned fav song i like to perform? Love lives On. please request it. everyday. for the rest of your life :) (dramatic? yes)

@mallaryhope favorite Holiday?

@Trisha8113 CHRISTMAS is my fav holiday!!

@mallaryhope whene is the next time you are coming back to wshington

@Jrb617 I have no idea. But would love to be there asap. On of my fav places!

@mallaryhope favorite state?

@Rae_Brat fav state? Georgia. Because that's where i was born & raised ;) I sure do love all the other ones though.

@mallaryhope is "love lives on" personal for you, or did you just really love the song? :)

@carriefan1024 i wrote love lives on about my sister. so yes, it's vERY personal.

@mallaryhope Favorite sport? ~Grande ideal~

@DestinedtobeKat favorite sport? To play? or watch? To play = softball- to watch= Football & gymnastics (two very diff things) ha!

@mallaryhope mallllll....did the party conclude or am i not getting your tweets?

@LyzzleG party has been going on.

@mallaryhope blew a fuse on twitter: i just got an error message: TWITTER IS OVER CAPACITY! hahahah!

@taylorxsunshine ha ha ha.

Where did @Mallaryhope go?! We're all dying to know!

@MallaryHopeFans mallary hope is here.

@MallaryHope are yo going to come to charlotte nc on ur tour

@doling12 Heck yes! I hope so.

@mallaryhope fav animal?

@Rae_Brat animal = dolphin

@mallaryhope is apologizing for being so slow. ha! holy magoo! Twitter party is over but im still answering these q's. THANK you all for making my night!

@mallaryhope (sorry in advance if this is too personal) but since Bible & Christmas was mentioned what religion were u raised as

@Trisha8113 Nothing is too personal here. Unless you ask me what i weigh. ha! I was raised baptist . i LOVE jesus & you :)

@mallaryhope thanxs for keeping CHRIST in Christmas sometimes i get agravated when people write XMAS

@Trisha8113 my dad gets annoyed when people say that & turkey day. It's THANKSgiving!

@theperfectlady well ask away sweet thing.

@mallaryhope ok im hungry this is all i got right now...lol favorite chinese food? (its what im getting for dinner)

@Dewscovergirl6 my parents really like kung pao chicken (can't spell) Im not a chinese fan, but i do like egg drop soup. ha ha!

@mallaryhope whats ur fav flaver of bubble gum and fav brand of it?(i'm addicted to...i've got a pack want one?)

@Rae_Brat i would love one! My fav bubble gum. Is double bubble- Original & i love strawberry splash bubblicious.

@mallaryhope favorite holiday

@iAmShutterbug Christmas is my favorite holiday! Oh i can't wait!

@mallaryhope one thing you can not resist buying

@iAmShutterbug I can't resist starbucks,massages, or pedicures.

@mallaryhope i have! they are too cute for words! so any plans to start a fan club?!

@LyzzleG YES! & By the way, Im taking submissions for naming the fan club. i can't think of anyone to name it better than my fans.

@mallaryhope Speaking of kitchen...do u like to cook? If so, what are your specialities & when can we sample some? :)

@grace413 I LOVE 2 COOK! I hope to be A country singer, cooking show host-Hope Smokes. ha ha. Just kidding. i haven't burned anything.(yet)

@mallaryhope can i have an autographed pic of you?! i've started a collection!

@LyzzleG heck yes you can have an autograph.

@mallaryhope k so i have to ask this one....can i have a twittergraph?

@Rae_Brat what is a twittergraph? I would love to give you one. (i think) ha ha!

@mallaryhope thank you for answering my question! btw if you toured with Carrie I would be sososososo happy! youre both amazing.

@carriefan1024 well, to get on a tour your songs have2 do well. So, i need your help! :) call radio & spread the hope ;)

@mallaryhope thank you so much for chatting with everyone. I know we were so excited. Any CD release date? I bought the Itunes EP

@Lindseygrazier thank you for hanging with us! i loved it. release d- is undecided. We gotta get Love Lives On played . thank you 4 buyin ep

@mallaryhope not laughing! those monkeys scare the shiz outta me!!

@LyzzleG ha ha. i love the monkeys. Ohh EEE ohhh-yOO-Hoe!

@mallaryhope You're doing wonderful! ;]

@starsallaligned Im a big dork. :)

@mallaryhope what is your all-time favorite non-country song?

@carriefan1024 non country song? wow! that's tough. I love Can you feel the love tonight by elton john. ha! I love any & all things Journey

@mallaryhope Fan of hockey?

@bmontpetit oh yes! i love our Predators.

@mallaryhope Who was your inspiration, the person that got you to like it?

@soccergurl42 well, my parents said that i "Came out singing" My folks were there to introduce me to all things musical

okay ill make it a question miss @mallaryhope ! :) ARE YOU going to sing amazing grace at the opry? (:

@taylorxsunshine ha ha. We will have to wait and see now won't we :)

@mallaryhope my radio station don't know who u r...they think i made u up...he's convenced that i'm always making up singers

@Rae_Brat awww.. that stinks. Well, just tell him that im on MCA records & he can get the single on itunes :) im real. im right here! ha ha

@mallaryhope if u could meet anyone who would it be

@Trisha8113 if I could meet anyone? Dolly parton for sure!

@mallaryhope you're rockin it. too bad i have to go to a stupid film lab to watch some movie from like 1960...boo i am leavin in 10.

@LyzzleG booo! i bet i will still be answering by the time you get back. ha ha!

@mallaryhope do you like any noncountry bands?

@conspiracyx83 heck yes. i like pretty much all types of music. i sure do miss the backstreet boys..sigh * I love EVERY kind of music.

@mallaryhope woo hoo with the flute!!! want to do a flute duet sometime?

@Rae_Brat flute duet? heck yes! some "my heart will go on?" im there girlfriend!

@mallaryhope doing better than most. at least we know you do read our tweets. Have a great night!

@RolTideBamaLisa thank you! you too! go bama! (don't tell my dad i said that) my sis in law would be very pleased though.

@mallaryhope I like parties.

@EJBernas well what's your question mr. Bernas?

i have to go to a film lab now. i pray it gets out before 9:30. had fun chattin w/ @mallaryhope! thanks mal!

@LyzzleG thank you for everything ! Would love one & have fun @ lab.

@mallaryhope whats ur favorite and least favorite holiday and y

@Trisha8113 favorite holiday is Christmas-Least favorite is Thanksgiving &only because my GGPaw passed away right b4 so it's rather sad.

@mallaryhope Gotta take a potty break! promise 2return with replies. THANK U GUYS 4 2night-I think we should make it an every tuesday night gig. so fun!

@mallaryhope Good answer to an unanswerable question ;-)

@sharding you're a tough'n :)

@mallaryhope who is the best record rep driver?

@EJBernas thee who asks the question already know(eth) the answer to that which he hath asked.

@mallaryhope aww, I'm sorry :( but it's helping me get through a loss too, so thank you for writing it! :)

@carriefan1024 im sory for your loss honey. hope the song can help you in any way. hugs!

@mallaryhope i agree....this is fun....oh yah whatever happened to hot guy night on wendsdays?

@Rae_Brat ohhh yeah!! Aha

@mallaryhope Oh Cool!!!! I wish my parents were like that. I LOVE singing, but not by myself because I get stage fright :(

@soccergurl42 well i bet you are an amazing singer. maybe someday you will sing for ME :)

@mallaryhope haha..it would be...want to send kyssfm.com a recomondation to hire me?

@Rae_Brat Hahaha- actually i think hiring you would be smart

@mallaryhope haha my boyfriend is eating egg drop soup right now! lol

@Dewscovergirl6 whats your b'fs name? tell him he's eating one of my fav soups!

@mallaryhope Thanks so much! It's hard to believe you're a rookie at this-it was an excellent twitter party! You're a great hostess! :)

@grace413 thanks grace! next time we will all do it from a starbucks. Ha

@mallaryhope I love the Backstreet Boys back in the day, who was your favorite? Mine was AJ! LOL I wanted to marry him!

@CarrieFanatic3 brian & nick for sure. howie is looking pretty good these days too :)

@mallaryhope Thank you for answering questions!! I had much fun!!

@starsallaligned thank you for taking time to hang tonight!! you rock!

@mallaryhope hey im gonna go work out ttyl!

@Trisha8113 have fun working out!! love lives on is a great tune to run too,, ok, thats a lie, but i had to try.

@mallaryhope whoops i think i asked the same ? twice sorry yea i know what u mean about thanksgiving my mom past away 3 days after christmas

@Trisha8113 Im so sorry to hear about your mama!!

@mallaryhope you are awesome!!!

@naenae987 nope .Im a big dork. YOU are awesome!

@mallaryhope I have to be the only that loved AJ back in the day! LOL how about New Kids On The Block?

@CarrieFanatic3 uh-oh!! i missed the NKOTB years..

@mallaryhope what's ur fav tv show?

@Rae_Brat easy. I love Lucy.

@mallaryhope yay i cant wait ill be in tha front row

@doling12 thank you so much!! woohoo! i love hearing that.

@mallaryhope at what age did you learn how to do laundry? Just wondering. This was my first time and I totally messed up.

@theperfectlady laundry? Oh!Mama taught us young. She had 5kids so we were helping out maybe 12? She wouldn't let us near the machine though

@mallaryhope Wow, I logged on and saw all of your responses,You are amazing and so great to your fans! ;) How do you keep up with everyone?

@lschmidt84 I love you guys & feel like im getting to connect with everyone. Oh & lots of coffee helps.

@mallaryhope haha. I don't know if you read of it... but I turned the laundry machine on in my dorm and didn't put the laundry in..

@theperfectlady oh my gosh!! are you kidding? are you ok? I've put dish washing soap in the washing machine b4.. not good.

@mallaryhope i've seen that a couple of times...but i'm more into full house, 7th heaven, secret life, make it or break it

@Rae_Brat i love 7th heaven. good stuff.

@mallaryhope You did?! How old are you if you don't mind me asking? I feel like you're in your early 20s, I'm 23 by the way!

@CarrieFanatic3 I am 22. yikes!! :) ha ha

@mallaryhope his name is cory, and he says he ate it all lol :) i'd save ya some! hes a growin boy he says

@Dewscovergirl6 Hey Cory!! Hope to meet you. We share a taste of chinese soup in common. ;) Yall are cute!

@mallaryhope say another prayer that i dont get sick.... so far your prayers are working (i think franks(bf) gots the flu)

@iAmShutterbug just said it babe! Hoping that you all get well!

@mallaryhope well, I don't know about the washing machine, but my clothes and everything else is fine, and I now know how to do laundry =P

@theperfectlady practice makes perfect.

@mallaryhope it's a great show..i have season 1-3 gonna try to get all 11 seasons on dvd...it's a great show to watch on the road

@Rae_Brat great idea!

@mallaryhope @CarrieFanatic3 At least y'all don't have 5 more years til y'all hit 30 like me. I don't even feel 25!

@hollyearl ha ha. it's all just a number.

@mallaryhope makin ringtones for my phone...your song is next on my list :)

@Dewscovergirl6 WOO-HOO!! Now every time cory calls ya, you can talk about egg drop soup & twitter conversations.

@mallaryhope did u take a forign languge if so what one

@Rae_Brat The answer would be ... spanish.

@mallaryhope can i tweet yet?

@mallaryhope what was ur fav class to take in high school?

@Rae_Brat my fav class was Drama. It helped me survive the "drama" of HS (ironic much?)

@mallaryhope i live in the middle of nowhere, but if you ever come near upstate ny let me know! i'd love to come meet you!

@mallaryhope their little girl katelyn 18 months old, my Goddaughter learned to say Go Dawgs!! lol

@Dewscovergirl6 i like nowhere!! :) ha ha. i love that about your Goddaughter. that makes me smile. does she say "Sick emm too"?

@mallaryhope Well thanks, u are the best! And yes, coffee is wonderful! ;) What's your favorite kind of coffee?

@lschmidt84 the hot kind. ha ha just kidding. Starbucks. i LOVE starbucks.

@mallaryhope So true. Especially when you're crushing on your hot 33 yr old Polish boss... ahem! *whistles* lol

@hollyearl i laughed out loud! i can picture you whistling. how funny!

@mallaryhope check out mypace.com/mallaryhopefans

@iAmShutterbug YOU ARE AMAZING!

@mallaryhope I just posted for people to go listen to your song on Carrie Underwood's fan club, so noww everybody's gonna love you. haha :)

@carriefan1024 Thank you so much. you didn't have to do that girl. I so appreciate it! i love her & you & a "woo hoo"!

@mallaryhope so,tell me your fav show so far was opening 4 Blake in Monroe & meeting me... But what else?

@pearlms1974 your show was pretty amazing. :) i loved the following day too @ Fort Lewis. very emotional/grateful exp

@dewscovergirl6 http://twitpic.com/exs8u - holy moley she is so cute!

@mallaryhope well, twitter said i twittered too much so i was wondering if i could twitter yet? Ooops, i just tweeted. (teehee)

@mallaryhope Why wouldn't you be able to tweet? You certainly have my permission!

@vdobbin crazy too many tweets. ha ha.

@mallaryhope youre doing good. grannys on the phone with the opry people trying to see if there are 10.00 tickets left for someone weknow ha

@taylorxsunshine phew.

@mallaryhope That is crazy!! Never heard of that:)

@bluearkyprimite that was crazy! it wouldn't let me for a while.

@mallaryhope thats my little girl :) she& her family came to see me sunday @my 2nd job, made me smile! no babies yet for me, so i spoil her!

@Dewscovergirl6 i do the same with my nieces & nephew.

@mallaryhope there is no such thing as too much tweeting :)

@ssigafoos oh yes there was.. for 15 mins i couldn't do it. it said " you have reached your twits for this hour, try again later" lol

@mallaryhope You can Twitter too much? I Twitter too much, so my daughter tells me.

@pcrim1 :P

@mallaryhope thanks again for tweeting with your fans :) i feel like i've known ya forever from talking tonight! lol :)

@Dewscovergirl6 i know.. im sorry about that. iT'S hard for me to stop. I hope i didn't annoy you. :) i like to chat .

@mallaryhope You are Mallarious!

@henryyamamoto i love that! never heard it b4. :)

@mallaryhope Oh, I've heard of Twitter cutting people off! Never happened to met--yet!

@vdobbin totally happened.. but.. im back. yessss!

@mallaryhope still don't think its possible to over tweet. . And good to know you're back. . . Still waiting for more music :-)

@chef_hodgie YES! :) but no worries. im back!

@mallaryhope you should see my photography its on my twitter page where you put your web page

@iAmShutterbug i love it! it looks amazing. you are so talented!

@mallaryhope people on carrie's fanclub love you. kels already started a thread for you :) oh & i want your accent so bad. it's amazing =P

@mallaryhope alright, i promise i'll shut up now =P ahah sorry!

@conspiracyx83 please don't ever shutup. Im glad they are liking us too. phew.. :) thanks for the support.

@mallaryhope Really? I didn't know you could tweet too much!! haha. I love your new picture by the way. So cute

@kirsten_grenier well, it totally told me that i over twittered. ha ha.. thank you for the compliment. I like yours too :)

Tomorrow, 8/4, MCA Records will release Mallary Hope’s three-song digital EP entitled Love Lives On, which will be available at iTunes and all other digital partners. Mallary is a co-writer on all three tracks - “Love Lives On,” “Times Like These” and “Wildflowers.”

The response to Mallary’s powerfully emotional debut single, “Love Lives On,” has been overwhelming and a dream come true for this 22-year-old singer/songwriter from Georgia. “It is unreal to hear your song on the radio for the first time,” says Mallary. “There is something even more unreal about hearing a song that you’ve had a hand in writing. ‘Love Lives On’ was inspired by a conversation that I had with my sister. I went home and somehow the story started coming together in my head. I was given a melody and a few lines. Then, with the help of my co-writers, Matthew West and Shane Stevens, it became a song. Sometimes I think, ‘What if I had never asked my sister anything that day? Would this song have ever been written?’ It's really important to me to make music that is real, and that means something to someone. I hope that we are accomplishing that.”

“Love Lives On” is one of the most added songs this week at country radio.