There are always a few cliche’s that jump into a journalists mind when they sit down to write an article.  You know the kind, ‘big things come in small packages’, ‘birds of a feather flock together’, ‘he’s got some big shoes to fill’ … and the one I’m going to use now ‘save the best for last!’.  This is the last article I’ll be posting this evening.  I know it’s late, but a promise is a promise – I told this young artist I would get to her this evening.  And I meant it! In addition to that – I cannot wait to tell you all about Heidi Merrill.

I’ve got bits and pieces of her ‘About’ info, that I borrowed from her Spotify account.  They tell you all a lot about her, her career, and her music.  But this really doesn’t tell you that much about “As Good As It Gets”.  Heidi released this song the end of June.  I think we should be hearing it all over country radio by now.

Based in South Florida, Heidi Merrill is a singer songwriter and country artist.  She is originally from Nebraska.  The About Info on her Spotify tells us “Heidi delivers an enrapturing and smoky texture, blending country with a silky pop/rock edge.” That may be accurate, but if you are looking for some great country music, She’s got that covered with “As Good As It Gets”.  She has had music featured on CBS, NBC, the Ellen DeGeneres Show as well as many sports placements.

I found a little of that ‘Pop/Rock edge’ her bio talked about.  She nailed that in “Drink It Up” – but she certainly kept that country sound as well. The guitar in this one could definitely be a part of any rock band.  It’s a catchy tune – and I can’t say enough about Heidi’s vocal ability. “Cornhusker Strong” is the one she said gave her that radio start she needed – I think she meant in Nebraska.  I believe it should have been everywhere.  I realize there is a lot of competition in the music industry.  There are so many talented artists.  But not all of them have that special something that catches your ear long before it catches your eye.  When I find an artist with music on Spotify or YouTube I never listen to just one of their songs. “Love On Fire” is a real favorite of mine. Don’t wait until November!  It’s July — Let’s do that Christmas in July thing and listen to “I Love Christmas Time”. I want that on our local radio station as soon as they start their Christmas music 24/7 season. “It’s Not Christmas Without You” has what I remember as a 1960’s beat.  You know the kind – Bobby Rydell, Bobby Vee, Jimmy Clayton.  It’s a smiley song!  Cause if you aren’t happy right now, you’re going to get a big smile on your face at the first note. “I Love You I Hate You” is a great song.  How much difference is there between I love you and I hate you. So far, of the music I’ve heard by Heidi, I haven’t found a thing that would get a thumbs down on any critic’s comment card.

Another piece of her bio tells us, “Her breakthrough song “Cornhuskers Strong” is an anthem to her roots and broke her into the radio and stadium scene.  With support from radio outlets like 104.9 Max Country, Y102 Hot Country, and others, Heidi has left her mark on air and on stage. Once she catches your attention, she’ll have your heart hooked and y our feet tapping”.  That is without a doubt one of the best statements to describe exactly what you are going to get from a Heidi Merrill song.

I just got back from a mini vacation – I had two meetings today, but I almost wish I had been at the office when I listened to all of these great songs.  I know my small staff will love them, too.  Heidi is now on my playlist, so it won’t be long until everyone at Country’s Chatter knows who she is, and what she does.

Many times, when I review a song, I put a few lines from the song in the article.  Not this time.  This time you are getting every word, because if you are like me, you will be singing along by the second time you listen.

As Good as it Gets
Music and Lyrics By: Justin Busch (Justrbusch@yahoo.com) & Heidi Merrill

V1:
Can’t help but reminisce, when I’m back in town, seeing our old friends
Taste summer on your lips, like fireworks, I’m falling back in
back seats, blue jeans, first kiss, kind of love
That’s the best, as good as it gets

I think back to sixteen, when my daddy handed me those keys
Cruising down main street, every light’s green, never felt more free
Best friends, climbed in, Go Country
On that FM, we never knew back then 

CHORUS:
That those top-down sing out loud summer all American nights
Disappear like a beer when the cops roll by
Before we knew endless summers came to end
That’s as good as it gets

V2:
I come home at curfew then I’d sneak back out to Jenny’s house
Told our friends that we were down, to take a ride, to the edge of town
Old truck, shotgun, solo cup
Hanging out in the wind, I wish I knew back then 

CHORUS:

BRIDGE:
When every dirt road led to a memorable night
We had full hearts, full cups, and full of life
We were dancing in dust under KC lights
Never felt more alive
Never felt more alive

CHORUS:

OUTRO:
That’s as good as it gets
As good as it gets
That’s as good as it gets

(Photos from Heidi Merrill’s Facebook Page)

I am sure our readers are going to enjoy Heidi’s music as much as I do.  I have a feeling we have only heard the beginning of her country music story.  Add the Pop/Rock side, and she has everything covered.

Follow Heidi Merrill:

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There are always a few cliche's that jump into a journalists mind when they sit down to write an article.  You know the kind, 'big things come in small packages', 'birds of a feather flock together', 'he's got some big shoes to fill' ... and the one I'm going...