Editor’s Note:  We received a press release recently, which included a link to preview a new single from Charlie McNeal.  We listened, we are so glad we did! Charlie is a newer country artist who we honestly believe has a huge career ahead of him.  The new single, “Bar Friends” set to release on April 11, is going to take you back about 40 years to a time when country music was country. Charlie co-wrote this song with Jacob Lineberry.  From start to finish you will wonder where someone so young got this much songwriting talent.

Our readers all know how often I say “we like to listen to a story”.  Charlie is definitely telling a story here. He is telling it with an awesome melody and beat and lyrics that will take us all back to those younger days.  I know in my younger years I had that same ‘group of friends that I could county on my right hand’. Even those few grew up, moved away, got married.  But there is always that one…your Bar Friend! After listening to the song a few times, I am now ready to call my friend, head to the local bar, listen to the live music and make a night of it. 

I hope you will all check out Charlie’s social media links, listed at the end of the press release below.  You will be seeing more articles about Charlie on Country’s Chatter in the weeks and months ahead. I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear him on your favorite country radio station even sooner. 

[Press Release] Indie country traditionalist Charlie McNeal (Charlie McNeal Music, LLC) is set to release his fourth single, the emotive modern-day country classic, “Bar Friend.*” Penned by the young country crooner alongside Jacob Lineberry, and produced by We The People Productions (Jason Wyatt), the original tune beaming with an authentic, old-school honky tonk sound will be available Friday, April 11, 2025 via all digital retail streaming platforms. (Presale/pre-save event begins March 28, 2025. Distribution by Ed Gertler, Digital Retail Services.)

Akin to “Friends In Low Places,” the upbeat, tongue-in-cheek, anthemic track navigates the lanes between sentiment, growth and exuberance. Set against a backdrop of classic country motifs, the storyline chronicles the passage of time, relationship transitions, and bonds built between bar stool regulars growing stronger with every shot. McNeal’s lyrical narrative paints a vivid picture drawn from a dimly lit bar–a neon church where souls intertwine, lonely hearts pour and Good-time Charlie’s take the dance floor.

“It’s about all of us that share a common thread: life changes, but having that one grounding place or person. In this case, it’s about a ‘regular Joe’ at a juke joint who becomes your best friend,” said 24-year-old Charlie McNeal.  “I’ve gone through growing pains, and changes in my life, good and bad; and I play a lot of honky tonks. The song is a bit of my life story told from where I stand now in life and on stage.”

Distinct atmospheric production and masterful yet simplistic soundscapes are paced by vintage country piano and pedal steel as highlights. Reviving signatures of country music stylists and some of his greatest influences (Mark Chesnutt, Daryl Worley, Tracy Lawrence), McNeal possesses a comfortable vocal familiarity and takes a point from the witty comedic relief of Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton.

“I wrote this song about someone I met at a bar. There was something about him; we became fast friends and I felt like I knew him on a different level,” McNeal added. “He and I learned that we have a lot in common…and we both like beer!”
Poised to be a jukebox and dancehall favorite, “Bar Friend” is the lead single in McNeal’s waterfall series and an early introduction to his third recording project, titled SONGS FROM THE BAR, anticipated in September 2025. 
TRACK INFO.
Written by Charlie McNeal and Jacob Lineberry
Produced by We The People Productions
Label: Charlie McNeal Music
Digital/Streaming Release: Friday, April 11, 2025
Run Time: 3:16
ABOUT CHARLIE McNEAL  Melding the pleasure of good times, good clean fun, and a good day’s work, young country crooner, Charlie McNeal, is a modern-day “Good-time Charlie” of the 21st Century and today’s country music.
Taking a point from 80s and 90s country music traditionalists (George Strait, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence), infusing story-driven lyrics (with admiration of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings’ song craftsmanship), and the witty comedic relief of Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton, McNeal is reshaping the country music landscape one honky tonk tune a time.
Characterized by his refreshing neo-traditional style, crystal clear vocals, charming “boy-next-door” smile and down-to-earth style, the 24-year-old entertainer has a natural ability to transport his listeners to the juke joint where beer flows and the party rolls.
Boasting steel guitar, half-time and two-step shuffle beats, Charlie’s music is the soundtrack to a good night on the town and the “morning after.”  With a setlist that includes originals and dance hall favorites, like “Drinking My Baby Goodbye” (Charlie Daniels), “All My Exes Live In Texas” (George Strait), “Ain’t Livin’ Long Like This” (Waylon Jennings) and “The Race Is On” (George Jones), Charlie’s live performance runs with the big dogs prompting boot scooters to the dance floor, and hoot and holler shout-outs to “play one more.”
Living life without “what ifs,” the homegrown California country boy (who grew up not far from the birthplace of Merle Haggard) possesses a “can-do” gumption that has earned him notable achievements early in his career. Charlie’s shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Rodney Atkins, Jo Dee Messina, Randall King and The Randy Rogers Band among others. He’s performed on stages at Coyote Country Store, The Wide Open Saloon, AJ’s in Nashville, the PBR in Louisville, KY and he sang the national anthem at the PBR Bull Riding Event at the Honda Center in Anaheim California. Charlie booked and produced his own “Traveling Songwriters Tour.” The six-week tour took him cross-country from New Jersey to California and back; he performed 20 consecutive shows.
Charlie’s recorded two albums, REMEMBER THE TIME and RUNAWAY TRAIN. He will release his next album, SONGS FROM THE BAR featuring 11 original tunes, in September 2025.
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Editor's Note:  We received a press release recently, which included a link to preview a new single from Charlie McNeal.  We listened, we are so glad we did! Charlie is a newer country artist who we honestly believe has a huge career ahead of him.  The new single, 'Bar...