Where the Everglades Meet the Grand Ole Opry: Ana Cristina Cash Shines on ‘The Sunshine State’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The concept of the “cultural crossroads” is often discussed in music, but few artists embody it as authentically as Ana Cristina Cash. On her latest bilingual project, The Sunshine State, set for release on Friday, January 30, Cash delivers a sonic love letter to her roots that stretches from the neon lights of Broadway in Nashville to the orange groves of rural West Miami.
Produced by John Carter Cash and Willie Breeding at the legendary Cash Cabin Studio, the album is a masterclass in duality. It is a record where resonant contralto meets soaring soprano, and where the storytelling traditions of country music are infused with the rhythmic soul of her Cuban-American heritage.
Track-by-Track: A Journey Through the Sun and Shadows
1. “Daybreak”
The album opens with this breezy, optimistic single. It captures the literal and metaphorical “morning” of a new chapter, featuring a lush arrangement that highlights Ana Cristina’s polished songwriting alongside co-writers Willie Breeding and Gabriella Scotto.
2. “Cheap Margaritas”
A playful, infectious anthem, this track serves as the record’s “good time” centerpiece. With a writing room featuring Erika Ender and Frank Ray, it blends a tropical vacation vibe with a classic country-pop sensibility.
3. “Florida Girl”
Perhaps the most autobiographical moment on the project, this heartfelt track leans into nostalgia. It paints a picture of a “wild and untouched” Florida, far removed from the tourist traps, reflecting a girlhood spent near the Everglades.
4. “Janice”
A brand-new addition to her catalog, “Janice” is a solo-penned effort by Cash. It showcases her ability to craft character-driven narratives, a hallmark of the Nashville songwriting community she has called home for over a decade.
5. “Last Call”
Fiery and defiant, “Last Call” brings a bit of edge to the record. It deals with the finality of a relationship, delivered with a vocal grit that proves Cash can go toe-to-toe with the best of modern country’s leading ladies.
6. “Don’t Give Up”
The second of the two new tunes, this track serves as the emotional anchor of the B-side. It is a song of perseverance, likely inspired by the “straightforward storytelling” of her country influences and the passion of her Spanish lineage.
7. “Un Break (Daybreak Versión En Español)”
The transition into the Spanish portion of the album is seamless. This version of the opening track proves that Ana Cristina’s “spirited sound” is not lost in translation; rather, the Spanish vowels give the melody a different, perhaps more romantic, resonance.
8. “Cheap Margaritas (Spanglish Version)”
This version is the ultimate celebration of Cash’s bilingual life. Switching effortlessly between English and Spanish, it captures the reality of a household where both languages are spoken at the dinner table, making it a “cultural crossroads” in song form.
9. “Tu Última Llamada (Last Call Versión En Español)”
The album closes with a powerhouse Spanish rendition of “Last Call.” The “fiery” nature of the song is arguably even more pronounced here, ending the project on a note of high-stakes vocal drama and cultural pride.
About the Artist: A Trailblazing Talent
Ana Cristina Cash’s career began in Miami at the age of six, leading to a Sony Music Latin signing at just 15. She is a historical figure in her own right, having been the first Hispanic American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at a presidential inauguration (2005).
Since moving to Nashville and marrying John Carter Cash in 2016, she has become a fixture at the Cash Cabin Studio. Her artistry is now managed globally by BMG Rights Management, covering both her English and Spanish compositions. The Sunshine State is the culmination of a decade spent in Music City, proving that she isn’t just a country singer or a Latin artist—she is a singular voice bridging two worlds.
Technical Credits & Origins
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Production: John Carter Cash & Willie Breeding
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Studio: Cash Cabin Studio, Hendersonville, TN
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Inspiration: The orange trees, dirt roads, and wild Everglades of West Miami.
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Release Date: January 30, 2026
The Sunshine State is a nostalgic, vibrant, and deeply human collection. It reminds us that “home” isn’t just a place on a map—it’s the music we carry with us across borders.