A biased review: Bucky Covington's new single, "I Wanna Be That Feeling" (at iTunes now!)

Thanks to Rachel for kindly sharing this terrific photo of Bucky Covington on stage in Kansas City. Click the image to visit Bucky's official website.

Today marks the debut of Bucky Covington's first new single in quite a while, and if you haven't yet bought it for yourself, hit iTunes right now and come on back! Here's an excerpt from the official press release:

“I Wanna Be That Feeling,” written by Jimmy Yeary and Ben Hayslip, is a tempo love track that explores the excitement of young love. The highly anticipated song, which is Bucky’s first musical offering in nearly two years, is being made available for digital download by his fans in advance of its upcoming release to country radio.

Bucky recently filmed the music video for the song from Nashville’s abandoned Tennessee State Prison. The clip will be released to video outlets in the new year. The North Carolina singer is busy in the studio writing and recording new music for his long-awaited sophomore album, due in 2012.

As y'all might have guessed, we're just a little bit...erm, biased here at Buckymania. After all, "I Wanna Be That Feeling" spotlights that same distinctive, gritty, soulful Southern voice that inspired this blog back in '06 when Bucky was an unknown, unsigned Idol semifinalist. But even without factoring in my years-in-the-making admiration for Bucky's vocal style (and admiration for how his talents have deepened and grown richer over those same years), I'm gonna go ahead and call "I Wanna Be That Feeling" a likely hit, for reasons that might be more subtle than they first appear.

For one thing, the song's theme and lyrics take full advantage of Bucky's unusual, appealing youthful-yet-experienced gravelly tone in much the same way that his first big hit, "A Different World" (and the should-have-been hit "A Father's Love") did so well. A number of the reviews of Bucky's first album noted that a nostalgic thread ran through many of the songs; this new song deftly appeals to the listener's romantic nostalgia, then brings those feelings into the present and the future, with the singer declaring his intentions to be part of it all...

You’re cruising through that parking lot
With a couple friends hanging out the top
And you remember how it felt being young, wild, crazy
Baby

I wanna be that feeling
I wanna be that wind blowing through your hair
When life was like your favorite song
And those summer days went on and on
And it felt like you could do no wrong
I wanna be that feeling

Speaking of "wind blowin' through your hair", here's Bucky Covington, Rocky Covington, and a summer breeze in Palmdale; thanks again to a talented anonymous photographer for the photo.

Yep, we've all been there, or we'll be there eventually. Whether you're young enough that "cruising through the parking lot" was last week's entertainment, or you're grown-up enough to look back on those times with a smile, you can relate--and "relatability" is the key.

At the start of his career, right after his time on Idol, Bucky answered the question "What is it about country music that touches you, that makes you want to sing it?" thus: "Well, it lets you tell stories about stuff you can relate to, or [you've] been through. It just tells a story, you know..." Bucky Covington just happens to have one of the best storytelling voices in current country music, and it's going to be a pleasure to hear that voice telling this seductive, romantic story on the radio very soon. Welcome back, Bucky!

Bucky Covington's "I Wanna Be That Feeling" available on iTunes now!

Bucky Covington's official Twitter has been busy lately--here's the latest tweet, and it's awesome news! "I WANNA BE THAT FEELING - New Single - Avail NOW on @iTunesMusic - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-wanna-be-that-feeling-single/id479910434 RT & SHARE! @E1Music". Buy it, retweet it, spread the word! Watch for a review in this space soon--W

Poll: Bucky Covington's new tunes--choose your favorite via concert videos!

Our Photo of the Day is a terrific Country Thunder shot by the very kind Gayle--this image of Bucky Covington (with Ducky Medlock singing harmony) captures what all the live excitement is about. Check out Bucky's concert schedule at his official site, and get ready to rock!

We here and at Buckytown USA couldn't help but notice that Bucky Covington and his band have added some excellent new tunes to the setlist--and they are rockin', indeed. If you haven't had a chance to get to a Hometown Tour show yet, you're in for a treat! Luckily, some generous video-savvy fans have given us all a sneak peek at several of Bucky's fresh new songs that haven't (yet) become available for purchase.

It's always the most fun to give Bucky and the band live and loud feedback in person at a concert (so get to a show, already!), but if you're waiting for the tour bus to hit your hometown--or if you're savoring the memory of a past party--you can give Bucky some important feedback right here in our new poll (see sidebar). The voting will run all week, and we'll close it up and give the results on Monday--enjoy the music!

1. "Strong Enough to Take It" (video captured by MaryMc and posted by Buckyfan1007--image starts off sideways but goes into vertical mode in a few seconds)

2. "Silly Girl" (video captured by joelle96 )

3. "I Wanna Be That Feeling" (video captured by kayjudylang)

4. "I'm Alright" (video captured by colllleeen)

Huge kudos to the very kind fans who capture the live concert fun for those of us who can't always be there. You've got lots more chances to see Bucky and company up close and personal and enjoy these hot new tunes--and his big first-album hits--in style. (Please spread the word about this poll--feedback is a beautiful thing for an artist, y'all.) Thanks for all your help, and have a marvelous Monday!

Bucky Covington's new single "I Want My Life Back" hits country radio today

Huge thanks to the very gracious Happydays
for sharing this message from Bucky at YouTube!
Today's the day! Bucky Covington's new single "I Want My Life Back" has officially hit country radio as of this morning, although there's a good chance you've already heard it a time or two in your neck of the woods. The video above says it all, and most of us have had tons of radio-ranch experience by now. But if you're just discovering Bucky, this terrific tune, or both, welcome! Here's a little info to help make your radio days brighter:

Haven't heard "I Want My Life Back" yet? Be sure to head on over to Bucky's official MySpace, listen and enjoy, add him as a friend and leave him a message of congrats.

Local radio love is a very good thing. If you're in Bakersfield (KUZZ), Florence/Myrtle Beach (WEGX), Eau Claire (WAXX) or quite a few other places where the song's gotten some sweet pre-release airtime, you have a great headstart on requesting. If not...well, Bucky's video message up there carries a valuable clue or two, no matter where you are...

Bucky Covington in concert during his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Feb. 20 at the Kazabra Club on Vogelweh. Photo by Christine June, USAG Kaiserslautern.

Our first radio whirlwind was two years ago--time sure has flown! In 2009, we've got some brand new options when it comes to connecting with radio. Many stations and individual DJs use Twitter to keep in touch with their listeners; check your local station's website for details and links, or use Twitter's handy search function to find your favorites. (Bonus: it's the easiest way ever to get and share hot news in short and sweet fashion via text or web.) Between touring and recording, busy Bucky's fairly quiet when it comes to Twittering, but you can follow him here, and he's on Facebook as well.

Yes.com is an old standby--see Bucky's airplay in real time, and look up your local station's playlist via the search box at top left. A new twist: Radiohog.com is a simplified, mobile-friendly spinoff of Yes.com, complete with lyrics; be sure to check their Tips and Tricks page to add the app to your iPhone or iPod Touch. Radiohog also has a new Twitterbot--tweet them with call letters and they'll reply with the name of the song that's playing on your chosen station. Very handy for the mega-curious...

Sadly, the daily public Mediabase charts we had so lovingly linked at left are a thing of the past, but the Pulse Music Board (not a fan site) has a busy Country sub-forum full of chartwatching, radio-savvy listeners. The weekly Radio and Records Country Singles chart is still public, and USAToday's Idol Chatter blog now features a Mediabase-based (sorry, that hyphenation sounds terrible!) Idol-specific chart each week.

And of course, Lia, The Big Time with Whitney Allen, and After Midnite, XM/Sirius The Highway and the rest of your favorite syndicated shows are all very eager to hear what you think of Bucky's new tune...

Finally, catch up with all the latest on Bucky at his official site and via his very dedicated fans. Buckytown USA has concert info (if you haven't seen Bucky live, go!), fresh photos and more, Buck Wild has stunning support graphics and news, and both feature links to many more fan-created goodies. If you're eager for conversation and networking, two new spots have popped up: the new CMT Group for Bucky Covington and Bucky World at Ning are just the tip of the iceberg.

(Apologies-- this post was a bit long-winded as usual, and I still feel like I've left out a lot of info--please feel free to add any and all resources in comments, and I'll gladly add them to the post. Buckymania's still semi-closed and I've been way out of the news loop, but I'm truly excited about the new single and album and all the new fans visiting here, so I'll try to pop in now and then. Stay safe and happy, and I'll see you for the #1 celebration!--Winnie)

CMT's Blog gives "I Want My Life Back" a thumbs-up (edited with link to song--listen in!)

Just an add-on to the previous post--the first review of Bucky Covington's new single, "I Want My Life Back", is a big ol' thumbs-up. From the CMT Blog:

...Bucky Covington’s just the guy. When you throw his rich drawl into this message of pining for the past, as he does on his new single “I Want My Life Back,” it sounds so heartfelt that I can hear the yearning in his voice. He seems to have really mastered that throaty Kid Rock sound on this latest tune. Plus, any time you open a story with a guy who has holes in his shoes and is pouring whiskey in his coffee, it is hard to resist.

No resistance here! Keep your radio on and stay tuned--looks like an exciting spring's unfolding...

(Edited to add the first trade ad for Bucky Covington's "I Want My Life Back"--thanks to Buckyflowers for the tip. Edited--link now goes to Bucky's official MySpace, where the song has just been added. Listen and enjoy!)

Bucky Covington's hot new single: coming to a country radio station near you soon!

(Video by the very talented FLCathy, posted to YouTube 3/16. Can't wait to hear this one on the radio! Thanks to Lyric Street Records for the heads-up--Winnie)

BUCKY COVINGTON TO RELEASE "I WANT MY LIFE BACK"

First single from new album delivers to country radio on March 30

Nashville, TN- After delivering three consecutive Top 10 hits at country radio and selling more than 400,000 units of his self-titled CD to become the best-selling country debut release of the 2007 class, Bucky Covington is preparing to deliver his first new music since last year's poignant Top 10 hit, "I'll Walk." The new single, "I Want My Life Back," is written by tunesmiths Frank Myers and Anthony Smith and serves as the lead single from Bucky's upcoming sophomore CD.

"This song struck me the first time I heard it," declares Bucky. "It's such an emotional and powerful song that really hits home with today's times and I'm proud to be able to share the positive message."

Following his stateside return from his first overseas USO Tour, Covington is currently in the studio with producers Mark A. Miller and Dale Oliver recording new music for his sophomore CD. Fans can also catch Covington make his big screen debut in on April 10 in Hannah Montana The Movie.

Bucky Covington's self-titled debut CD opened at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart in April 2007 with the biggest first week sales for any debut country artist that year. He's the best selling debut artist of the 2007 class and is one of only three male country artists since 2005 to have three consecutive top 10 singles from his debut album. In addition to competing on the fifth season of "American Idol," Bucky's national television appearances have included Live with Regis and Kelly, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America and Fox & Friends. To learn more about Bucky Covington, log on to: www.buckycovington.com or www.myspace.com/buckycovington.

Lyric Street Records is a part of the Disney Music Group. The Disney Music Group is the recorded music and music publishing arm of the Walt Disney Studios.

A final note: BUCKY COVINGTON BEST SELLING DEBUT ARTIST OF THE 2007 CLASS

New Single Teaser


Singer is in the studio recording his sophomore CD

Nashville, TN – January 28, 2009 – With album sales totaling 400,000 units according to Nielsen Soundscan sales reporting, Bucky Covington’s self-titled first CD is the best-selling country debut release of the 2007 class. The singer’s debut album, Bucky Covington, delivered three consecutive top 10 hits at country radio – "A Different World," "It’s Good To Be Us" and "I’ll Walk."

Covington is currently in the studio with producers Mark Miller and Dale Oliver recording new music for his sophomore CD. The first single from the new project is expected to release in the coming weeks. Fans can also catch Covington make his big screen debut in on April 10 in Hannah Montana The Movie.

Bucky Covington ’s self-titled debut CD opened at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in April 2007 with the biggest first week sales for any debut country artist that year. He's the best selling debut artist of the 2007 class and is one of only three male country artists since 2005 to have three consecutive top 10 singles from his debut album. In addition to competing on the fifth season of "American Idol," Bucky’s national television appearances have included Live with Regis and Kelly, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Good Morning America and Fox & Friends.

To learn more about Bucky Covington, log on to: www.buckycovington.com or www.myspace.com/buckycovington.

ETA: Three years ago this week, Bucky's Idol audition snippet aired. (MJ's Big Blog, January 27, 2006.) Time flies when you're having fun--and working your way to becoming the #1 country debut artist of 2007...

(Yep, Buckymania's still officially closed, but this news needed to be shouted from the rooftops. Old habits die hard, y'all. Here's to a hitbound 2009!--Winnie)