Country artist Shane Michael Taylor has been living with cerebral palsy and its daily challenges his entire life. Taylor, who taught himself to type with his nose at the incredibly young age of five, started writing songs around that same time. Defying the odds (he received a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and Sound Engineering), the songwriter recently released his debut album, I Will Stand, which contains thirteen impactful tracks, all co-written by Taylor and brought to life with the help of Music City vocalists including Clare Dunn and pop artist Tiffany.

The collection opens with the country rocker, “Livin’ This Rodeo,” which compares life to a rodeo encouraging one to enjoy the ride and stay the course despite the ups and downs we may encounter. And when things do hit a rough patch, the inspirational “Warrior Cowboy” reminds one that no matter how wounded (physically or emotionally) we may be, we have to remember our spirit. “I don’t need to kneel to say a prayer/to thank God that I’m still here.”

“Feel Good Side of Life” points out that things always work out, sometimes maybe just not the way we expected while other songs celebrate the tiny every day miracles (“Everyday Heroes”), traditional values (“We Get To Live It”) and the fact that dreams can come true (the driving “Honky Tonk Rock”).

“Alcohol of Fame” and “Good and Gone” both center on the good times….and maybe imbibing a little too much. The former is an up-tempo true to life humorous tune about fun nights out while the latter finds him wondering if what he remembers actually happened.

Taylor is not afraid to get personal on many tracks, including “Looking Up To You,” an emotional song about losing his mother to cancer and the power of faith, and “I’m Giving In,” a touching piano ballad (with a touch of saxophone) about being at your lowest (and contemplating the unthinkable), but realizing that is exactly what it is and there is nowhere to go but forward.

The album also includes songs that encourage us to learn from our mistakes (“Before We Fly”), and accept our imperfections (“Those Ole Wheels”). It concludes with the sole love song, a ballad, “Turn My Heart Around”

“I’m so excited to finally share my songs and stories with the world,” says Shane, who navigates the world in a wheelchair and struggles to communicate verbally. “I hope I can inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face.”

I Will Stand is one of the most touching albums of 2015, as Taylor truly lives the songs he writes. Uplifting and inspirational, I Will Stand is a testament to his own determination and spirit.

Sammy Sadler’s devotion to traditional country music can be found on his new single, the moving ballad, “No Place To Land.” The song, from his album Heart Shaped Like Texas, has a melancholy feel that is conveyed by both the sparse production and Sadler’s delivery, which channels an ache and an honesty. “No Place To Land” deals with that need--that want—that everyone has, to find love; lamenting when we are unable to find it, yet realizing that with faith and patience, the right person will eventually come along. In the modern world of online interactions and the difficulty in finding meaningful relationships, the song touches a nerve.

"They say if you’re looking for love you’ll never find it
They say when love is right it’ll find you
They say that love is not something you planned
Well I understand, but what do you do when you’re ready to fall and there’s no place to land?"

Blitzen Trapper’s latest album, All Across This Land, releasing October 2nd via Lojinx Records, is a sweeping wave of warmth emanating from your speakers. It’s Americana-Rock that would equally be at home on a station playing Top 40, Americana or Outlaw Country. Front man Earley and bandmates Erik Menteer (guitar), Michael Van Pelt (bass), Marty Marquis (guitar/keys), Brian Adrian Koch (drums) undoubtedly draw from Dylan and the Eagles, among others, but there’s something here that’s all their own. There’s tight musicianship on a record that generously weaves a 70’s feel and bluesy guitar (on the title track) with rock and roll, Americana and folk on an album with songs relatable, introspective, full of reflection and wonder. There’s a nostalgic look at youth and romance on “Nights Were Made For Love” as well as "Mystery and Wonder” as he ponders “If we only had each other, mystery and wonder/Is there lightning without thunder?”

The thoughtful “Cadillac Road” tells the story of a man who stays in town long after there was nothing left while the touching "Across the River" is for anyone who knows loss. “Love Grow Cold” and the lovely “Even If You Don’t”   deal with love on the brink while Petty-esque "Rock and Roll (Was Made For You)" has rockin’ riffs, a catchy hook and…xylophone (!) on a song in which he sings “Rock n’ roll won’t ease your mind, but you’ll find it’ll ease your soul.” Amen. 

File under good music and give a listen.