Even though she has been in the music business for a while, Music Spotlight artist Annie Bosko is now releasing her debut album, California Cowgirl. And in typical Annie Bosko style, she is giving us a whopping 19 songs, ten of which have never been released until now.
Often, when newer artists release their debut albums, they struggle to find enough material to fill our 9 or 10 slots. Not so with Bosko. She had the opposite problem of having too many great songs and had to narrow it down to 19.
“California Cowgirl is a colorful tapestry woven from the threads of my life — with a fabric for everyone,” shared Bosko. “From the grit of growing up a farmer’s daughter to the faith that’s kept me chasing my dreams, this album reveals both the tender and the tough sides of who I am. It carries the pioneer spirit of the West, the heartbeat of the American dream, and a Golden State glow with country soul.”
Working with producers Trent Willmon and David “Messy” Mescon, and writing alongside the likes of Mescon, Jeffrey Steele, Bridgette Tatum, Danny Myrick, Terri Jo Box, and more, Bosko co-wrote over half the songs found on California Cowgirl, including the already released title track, “God Winks, “Tequila Time,” “Country Girls! (Who Run the World)” and “Heart Burn” featuring Dwight Yoakam. The project also features tracks penned by Lainey Wilson, Garth Brooks, and Hannah Dasher.
The first track on the record is called “Watch Me,” a song that dares somebody to underestimate her. “You have to let criticism fuel you,” Bosko stated.
The title track (featured earlier), “California Cowgirl,” is an autobiographical song about Bosko’s upbringing and, at some point, could be her signature song. She explained, “When I moved to Nashville, I thought it would be more rustic. Now it’s just brick and mortar. It was way more city than where I grew up.”
Bosko teamed up with Nashville icon Chuck Cannon for the songs “Rolling Stone” (another autobiographical song) and “Heart Burn,” her sultry duet with fellow Californian, Dwight Yoakam.
The focus track for the new album, “Old Friends,” is another duet that features Darius Rucker. The theme of the raucous song is “You can’t make new old friends.” She stated, “[Darius] feels like everyone’s old friend. He’s transcended through genres and decades, and you feel like he’s always been your friend, which is why it felt so fitting for him to sing on it.”
“Bright & Blue Sky” is a tribute to Bosko’s parents’ love story. “It’s the couples who are willing to ride out the storms with each other that make it,’ she shared.
The most rocking song on the album is “Cowboy Up.” It’s a favorite of Bosko’s live shows, and the fans love it. With the words, I need a man who's man enough to handle my love/ Come on baby, Cowboy Up, make it one of my favorites as well.
Bosko included her duet with Joe Nichols, “Better Than You,” which has become her most-streamed song to date. And while the pair have different styles sonically, they make it work in a memorable way that makes you want to hear the love song on repeat.
Fans will recognize a new studio version of “Honky Tonk Heartbeat,” a song that was originally written for Ariat Boots’ “Line-Men Dancing” campaign. The original video featured San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
Also included on the album is the country girl anthem, “Country Girls! (Who Run the World).” With the harmonica intro, this female honky tonk dance tune is right up my alley.
Bosko covered Garth Brooks’ “New Way to Fly,” a lesser-known song from his No Fences record. “The first time I heard it, I freaked out,” she explained. “They had already had eight songs off the record. It's so good, and it should have been a hit, too.” The song was originally inspired by Merle Haggard, and naturally, Bosko gravitated toward the California connection.
The tune “Sometimes I Forget” is an outside cut, but it serves as a good reminder to focus on the positive aspects amid daily challenges.
I am so glad that Bosko included her version of “Help Me Make It Through the Night.” I know that it is a much-covered song, but her version of it is exquisite. I can’t hear it too many times.
When I saw that Bosko’s debut album had so many songs, I never expected every song to be so stellar. Her songs are relatable to a wide variety of people, proving that the musical maven should be lauded in the country music world. Make sure you listen to California Cowgirl from start to finish. I promise that it will speak to you.
Follow Annie Bosko on her website, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, and X.
California Cowgirl Tracklisting
Writers in italics
1. Watch Me (Annie Bosko, Jet Harvey, Rachel Thibodeau, Michael Wilkes)
2. California Cowgirl (Annie Bosko, Jason Sellers, Terri Jo Box, Lance Miller)
3. Rolling Stone (Annie Bosko, Chuck Cannon) 4. God Winks (Annie Bokso, Rachel Thibodeau, Jet Harvey, Michael Wilkes)
5. Bright & Blue Sky (Annie Bosko, Bridgette Tatum, David Mescon)
6. Old Friends (feat. Darius Rucker) (Annie Bosko, Rob Hatch, David Mescon)
7. Tequila Time (Annie Bosko, David Mescon, Bridgette Tatum)
8. Cowboy Up (Intro)
9. Cowboy Up (Annie Bosko, Danny Myrick)
10. Better Than You (with Joe Nichols) (Derek George, John Pierce)
11. Maliblue (Annie Bosko, Bridgette Tatum, David Mescon)
12. Fighter (Annie Bosko, Monica Madrid, Danny Myrick)
13. Country Girls! (Who Run the World) (Annie Bosko, Bridgette Tatum, David Mescon)
14. Honky Tonk Heartbeat (Jet Harvey, David Mescon, Annie Bosko, Monica Madrid)
15. New Way to Fly (Kim Williams, Garth Brooks)
16. Hate the Way You Love Me (Lainey Wilson, Matt Rogers, Bobby Hamrick)
17. Sometimes I Forget (Wynn Varble, Hannah Dasher)
18. Help Me Make It Through the Night (Kris Kristofferson, Bergen White)
19. Heart Burn (feat. Dwight Yoakam) (Annie Bosko, Chuck Cannon)