FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses album cover art by Ernest, showcasing the country singer's latest release featuring the 'two dozen roses song' and traditional country music.
Country music is witnessing the ascent of ERNEST, a Nashville visionary celebrated for his authentic sound and compelling songwriting. Following the resounding success of his debut album FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM) last March, ERNEST has returned with a significant addition to his musical narrative. Eleven months later, he unveils FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses, an extension of his initial full-length project featuring 13 new tracks that further develop the story he began. This release, highlighted by tracks that resonate with the sentiment often associated with a “Two Dozen Roses Song”, promises to solidify his place in the contemporary country scene.
“It’s really exciting to share this continuation of the FLOWER SHOPS album,” ERNEST stated. “Almost all of these songs were written over the past year. I really encourage listeners to experience the album from start to finish. The track listing is carefully sequenced to tell a story that I believe many people will connect with at some point in their lives. I hope everyone takes the time to listen to it in order.”
ERNEST’s deep involvement in the creative process is evident as a co-writer for all 24 songs encompassing both parts of FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM). For Two Dozen Roses, he collaborated with some of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley, Josh Thompson, Brian Kelley, The Warren Brothers, Ryan Vojtesak, and Josh Osborne. Known for a lyrical style that bridges traditional and contemporary country, ERNEST’s new album features notable collaborations such as “Heartache In My 100 Proof,” a honky-tonk anthem with country traditionalist Jake Worthington, and “What Have I Got To Lose,” co-written and performed with legendary songwriter Dean Dillon. These collaborations enhance the album’s depth and appeal, especially for fans seeking the heartfelt emotion of a true “two dozen roses song.”
Embracing Traditional Country Sounds
ERNEST further elaborated on the sonic direction of the new tracks: “These songs really lean into that traditional country sound, and we had a blast exploring that world in our writing.” He emphasizes the album’s role as “paying homage to the music we all grew up on.” Adding to this authentic feel, ERNEST brought in musicians who played on the classic records that inspired him, such as Paul Franklin and Brent Mason. Their participation adds a layer of genuine country heritage to Two Dozen Roses, enriching the listening experience and reinforcing the traditional roots of songs that could easily be described as a modern take on the “two dozen roses song” theme.
Critical Acclaim for Two Dozen Roses
The early reception for FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising ERNEST’s continued artistic growth and the album’s compelling sound.
- American Songwriter declared ERNEST as a “country star du jour,” highlighting his rapid rise and influence in the genre.
- Entertainment Focus noted that ERNEST “has followed up what was already one of the best albums of recent years with a slew of new tracks that show why he’s one of the hottest acts in Nashville right now.”
- Holler praised the album’s ability to deliver “a ‘nod of the cap’ to his traditional roots, whilst adding a dash of his signature commercial, soul-tinged flavour.”
- Outsider recognized the emotional depth in ERNEST’s songwriting, stating, “’Flower Shops’ paints a picture of a roller-coaster relationship, and a love on the brink of loss,” capturing the poignant narratives often found in a “two dozen roses song”.
- The Tennessean highlighted the album’s grounding in classic country, noting “ERNEST’s ‘Two Dozen Roses’ highlights comfort in country’s timeless stylings.”
- Whiskey Riff boldly predicted, “2023 really is going to be Ernest’s year,” underscoring the anticipation and excitement surrounding his latest work.
Fans eager to experience FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses can listen to the album here.
ERNEST’s appearance on The Bobby Bones Show to celebrate the release further highlights the significance of Two Dozen Roses in his burgeoning career. Adding to his momentum, ERNEST launched his own publishing company, ERN’s Cadillac Music, in partnership with Big Loud, and will be honored for a second consecutive year at the CMA Triple Play Awards. Furthermore, fans will have the opportunity to see ERNEST live as he joins Morgan Wallen on his One Night At A Time World Tour, bringing his flower shop and his songs, potentially including his own version of a “two dozen roses song” in spirit, to a global audience.
FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses Tracklist
- Sucker For Small Towns (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Ashley Gorley)
- Tennessee Queen (Ernest Keith Smith, Dan Isbell, Jordan Schmidt)
- Classic (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett)
- Feet Wanna Run (Ernest Keith Smith, Chris LaCorte, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
- Comfortable When I’m Crazy (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson)
- Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen) (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
- Did It With You (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, Nathan Spicer)
- What It’s Come To (Ernest Keith Smith, Lily Rose, Ryan Vojtesak)
- If You Were Whiskey (Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Carter, Ben Hayslip)
- Some Other Bar (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
- Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen) [Acoustic] (Ernest Keith Smith, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman)
- This Fire (Ernest Keith Smith, Rocky Block, Julian Bunetta, John Ryan)
- Wild Wild West (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
- Hill (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler)
- Burn Out (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Jordan Dozzi, Hunter Phelps)
- Nothin To Lose (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Josh Osborne)
- Songs We Used To Sing (Ernest Keith Smith, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley)
- Done At A Bar (Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson)
- Drunk With My Friends (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
- Anything But Sober (Ernest Keith Smith, Alysa Vanderheym)
- What Have I Got To Lose (feat. Dean Dillon) (Ernest Keith Smith, Brian Kelley, Dean Dillon)
- Heartache In My 100 Proof (feat. Jake Worthington) (Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Schmidt, Josh Thompson)
- Unhang The Moon (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)
- Miss That Girl (Ernest Keith Smith, Brad Clawson, Jacob Durrett)
