Battle of the Bangers: Miranda Lambert vs. Lady A

Battle Of The Bangers

There's a plethora of music being released every single day. As a radio station, we can't play them all. I've put together a collection of some of my favorite tunes that either haven't made it, haven't been discovered, or haven't been heard. There may be artists you know, superstars you love, or names you've never heard of. I'll provide some backstory on the artist and my personal favorite lyrics from the song. You decide which one is the banger of the bunch to move on to next week's battle. Miranda Lambert reigns as champion, taking on fellow songwriting buddies, Lady A, in this week's challenge. Check out the tunes and vote for your favorite banger below.

Miranda Lambert - Actin' Up

She needs no introduction; however, this particular song might. Miranda Lambert is one of my favorite artists of all time. I have the greatest respect for singer-songwriters. Her ability to tell a story with lyrics that resonate in more ways than one is why she's collected the hardware she has. The way I found this song is my favorite story to tell. The Palomino album came out in 2022, and I always review Miranda albums on vinyl, start to finish, with no interruptions (the only true way to consume what the artist has created). The song "Actin' Up" didn't catch my attention at first. The following year, on an anniversary trip with our friends, The Meyers, this song came on in the car. My friend Brad, who I would never think would like Miranda Lambert, tells me this is his "tempo tune". I instantly busted out laughing until he explained himself. He uses this song to perfect his golf swing by matching the song's tempo to his swing. Needless to say, the Tiger Woods line resonates for real these days. Ever since that trip, this song has been a banger for me, and I hope it gets your toes tapping too!

Lori's Favorite Lyrics:

"Even Tiger Woods couldn't swing it this good, I'm actin' up
My McQueen Mustang, hundred dollars in the tank, gassin' up. I'm out in the Mojave, call me Ricky, call me Bobby.
Call me hotter than wasabi 'cause I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm actin' up."

Lady A - It Ain't Pretty

Most people unfortunately know the feeling of heartbreak, and what we all can agree on is exactly what this song is about: It Ain't Pretty. Getting through it is the part that usually turns out ugly. Lady A walks us through a couple of scenarios in "It Ain't Pretty", from their album Golden, including the classic "walk of shame". Simple moments and steps in everyday life seem impossible, yet everyone around you is happy. I love this song for that exposure, and the way Hillary Scott's voice delivers these lyrics is soul-crushing at times. The two in the matchup this week are no strangers, having co-written two of my favorite songs from Miranda's collection ("Love Song" and "Suffocating"). Check out the heartbreaker below and vote for your favorite banger!

Lori's Favorite Lyrics:

"Made my way to the bathroom mirror
Standing next to some girl spilling beer
She didn't notice I was drying my tears
Just look at me now, God, how'd I get here?

'Cause I just kissed a boy
And I barely even knew his name
I let him take me by the hand
Hold me close while our old song played
It ain't pretty, it ain't pretty
When a heart breaks"

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