After growing up listening to the Dixie Chicks, I never thought another all-female country music group could win my heart – but man, was I was wrong.
Let me introduce you to: Runaway June.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan at first. Not because I didn’t like them, but because I didn’t know their music. “Buy My Own Drinks” was the only song I knew, because it was the only song country radio in my area played. But once I heard that Runaway June was opening up for Carrie Underwood on her 2019 tour, I figured that was as good a time as any to immerse myself in their music.
I was shocked to find that the band has been releasing music since 2016, starting with their first single “Lipstick.” They then followed that up with “Wild West” in 2017, and, of course, “Buy My Own Drinks” in 2018. But the real gift came in 2019, when the trio released their debut album, Blue Roses.
After listening to that album, it’s safe to say I’ve been a fan ever since. Perfect harmony and catchy tunes, these ladies have it all. And if you want to find your new obsession in country music, I suggest you listen to the following:
Fast As You
Yeah, you know that classic Dwight Yoakam song? They covered it, and they killed it. This threesome breathed new life (and a new beat) into this 1993 single, and we are oh so glad they did. Turn it on, turn it up, and sing along. Because we know you know all the words. How could you not?!
Head Over Heels
A sassy single about breaking a toxic pattern, and finally getting on the road to self-love because; let’s face it ladies, we’ve all been there. We all have that one person we can’t get over or that one person we always give in to. Well, this song will make you want to stop falling “Head Over Heels” for that not-so-special-anymore someone and heading over to their house… in those heels… every time they call.
Got Me Where I Want You
Alright, alright. This goes against everything I said about “Head Over Heels,” but who doesn’t like a good heartbreak song?
This moody, sensual ballad is for anyone who is with someone they shouldn’t be with. You know who you are. Like fire and gasoline, we all have a weakness. With lyrics like, “I hate the way I want you, and I want you all the time, I hate that I’m not stronger, but baby you don’t mind,” you can’t help but get all up in your feels when you listen Naomi, Hannah and Jennifer sing these lyrics along with a soft, simple melody.
Cowboy Take Me Away (Levi Hummon, feat. Runaway June)
Okay, now this one isn’t on the album but OH MY GOD, give it a listen. And you know what? I’m going to say it… it’s better than the original. (Sorry Dixie Chicks)
This iconic country music song was turned into a duet by Levi Hummon, the son of the song’s original writer, Marcus Hummon. And let me tell you: Levi Hummon’s voice + Runaway June’s harmonies = perfection. Levi and the ladies could sing the ABC’s and it would probably be my new favorite song.
Well, that’s it for now. The rest is up to you.
Take a few minutes, listen to their songs – and not just the songs they play on country radio – to know what I’m talking about. And if/when you get a chance, catch a live show. Far too often, there’s a noticeable difference between how an artist sounds live vs. how they sound on their perfectly-produced tracks available for download and streaming. Shockingly (although it shouldn’t be shocking, whatsoever) Runaway June sounds even better live than they do on their tracks.
Once you turn yourself on to this trio, you won’t be able to turn them off.
