Where Country Grows (song)

"Where Country Grows" was composed by Ashton Shepherd, along with songwriter Bobby Pinson.[1] It was among Shepherd's first experiences collaborating on songwriting. In a 2011 interview, Shepherd explained she was hesitant about the process, but was pleased with the results: "Once I started, I really, really enjoyed it. I felt like we had plenty of songs to choose from."[2] The song was recorded at Blackbird Studios, located in Nashville, Tennessee. It was produced by Buddy Cannon, who had also produced Shepherd's previous singles and the album for which "Where Country Grows" was named for.[1]

"Where Country Grows" was given a positive reception from writers and critics. Billy Dukes of Taste of Country praised the song's discussion of nostalgic moments in his reviews and concluded by saying, "Only in country music can we celebrate and look forward to a good cry. 'Where Country Grows' isn't a weeper, but it is an understated stop-and-thinker."[3] Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song a "C" rating in his review of the track.[4] Matt Bjorke of Roughstock called the song "clever" and "catchy."[5] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic highlighted the song as being one of the "best poppier tunes" on her 2011 album. He described his reasoning further in his review: "...she has a knack for tracing the arc of a relationship or looking back without wallowing in nostalgia..."[1]

"Where Country Grows" was released as a single via MCA Nashville on July 11, 2011. It was the second single released from Shepherd's second album of the same name, which was also issued by MCA in July 2011.[3] The track spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In August 2011, the single reached a peak position of 42 on the chart. It is Shepherd's lowest-charting single to date and her final charting single release to date.[6] A music video was released for the single in September 2011, which featured Shepherd along with her husband and extended family.[7]