Country music has always had a special way of capturing the essence of life’s stories, from the joy of love to the pain of heartbreak. It’s a genre that resonates with the soul, and its melodies are as enduring as the tales they tell. As we step into a new season, the airwaves are buzzing with fresh tunes that promise to become the next anthems for country music lovers everywhere.
From rising stars to established icons, these artists are bringing their A-game, offering us a soundtrack that speaks to the times. So, grab your cowboy boots, and let’s dive into the heart of country’s newest hits that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your playlist.
ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year Nate Smith releases ‘Bulletproof’ featuring Avril Lavigne
Nate released his 7-track EP Through The Smoke last month via Sony Nashville. The project features his current US radio single ‘Bulletproof’ – #15 on the Billboard Country airplay chart this week, as well as 5 additional new songs and a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’.
Featuring a mix of gritty backwoods soul, rock ‘n’ roll swagger and velvet-thunder vocals, Nate Smith’s personal journey inspired him to be a beacon of country-music hope, an inspirational mission he puts front-and-center.
Stereotype – Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals
Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals are set to captivate audiences with their upcoming single release, “Stereotype.” on May 31st This track promises to showcase the band’s unique blend of storytelling and melody, wrapped in a sound that resonates with both nostalgia and freshness. Recorded live at The Millennium Building in Plymouth and mixed by the renowned John Cornfield, “Stereotype” is a testament to the band’s live performance energy and musical synergy.
Glad Our Bridge has Burned – Richard Lynch
“Glad Our Bridge has Burned” draws inspiration from a local Cincinnati news story. Richard Lynch’s career spans over four decades, during which he has amassed a remarkable list of country hits and chart-toppers, both domestically and internationally. His music has been recognized by Billboard Magazine, Taste Of Country, The Boot, CCM Magazine, Country Music People, Maverick, and numerous other publications.
I See Fire – Ewelina Borkowska
Ewelina Borkowska brings a fresh country twist to the haunting ballad “I See Fire,” originally performed by Ed Sheeran. Her cover version is a stirring rendition that captures the soulful essence of the original while infusing it with her unique vocal stylings and emotive storytelling.
Ewelina’s interpretation is expected to add a new layer of depth and resonance to the already powerful lyrics.
Tamed – Barstool Confessions
“Tamed” promises to deliver the signature blend of country and rock that fans have come to love from Canadian band Barstool Confession.
Since their formation in 2018, Barstool Confession has been making waves in the music scene with their energetic live performances and unique sound. Their debut EP, “Own the Change,” and the single “Hold Your Ground” garnered immediate attention on global streaming platforms
Story of My Life – Chloe Chadwick
Recently bringing the fire to her last single, UK Country Pop-Rock artist Chloe Chadwick is ready to release the full story with her latest single, “Story of My Life,” set for release on May 31st. Chadwick once again wraps her heart around her storytelling with deep emotion and a leap of faith of finding true love.
Girl In Your Songs – Twinnie
Nashville-based British country crossover artist Twinnie is closing the chapter on her self-proclaimed “sad girl era” with her latest EP, “Blue Hour (Before The Dawn),” set to release on June 28. Before this, she unveils the anthemic “Girl In Your Songs,” inspired by her brief romance with a rockstar, which is out now.
While Twinnie doesn’t reveal the identity of the man behind this potential hit, she hints that the song he wrote about their relationship reached number one. Can her response achieve the same success?
Albums
Scotty McCreery released his fifth studio album Rise and Fall on Friday, May 10. The album Follows Sixth U.S. No. 1 with Lead Single ‘Cab in a Solo’.
Country Now calls it “his best record yet,” as Rise and Fall finds him exploring not only heartbreak but rowdy nights, nostalgia, faith, newfound joy, fatherhood and enduring love, resulting in a project full of insightful storytelling.
McCreery was just welcomed into the Opry family last month by two more of his heroes, Josh Turner and Randy Travis.
GRAMMY®-award winning artist Lainey Wilson announced her highly anticipated brand-new album, Whirlwind, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville out globally on August 23, 2024
A daringly honest look into the singer’s life and journey around the globe, Whirlwind is an innovative and grounded extension of Wilson’s signature sound. Bridging together a diverse yet sonically cohesive collection of songs, the record bends genres while remaining true to the singer’s Western roots.
Her music has taken her worldwide with headlining shows in Europe, the UK, Australia, and more. The Louisiana native has often been described as a “bona fide storyteller at work,”
Kameron Marlowe introduces soul-baring second album: ‘Keepin’ The Lights On‘, out May 31.
The album’s announcement is accompanied by the poignant title track and official music video, available everywhere now. The album showcases Marlowe’s versatility as an artist, offering a blend of moments drenched in honky-tonk rhythm and melody laced with a dusty aura of solid country gold.
Room Under the Stairs – Zayn Malik
Former One Direction band member Zayn Malik announced ‘Room Under the Stairs,’ his first album in three years, would be “country influenced”. He’s quoted as saying he is experimenting with country music on Room Under the Stairs, but insists that he isn’t doing it merely because other musicians are.
He reflected on the shift to country music saying that while mainstream pop songs are doing “their job”, he believes musicians and listeners want “more depth”.
As the spring of 2024 blossoms, so does the landscape of country music with a vibrant array of new releases. From the soul-stirring ballads to the foot-tapping anthems, this season has proven to be a testament to the genre’s enduring charm and its ability to evolve. Artists old and new have poured their hearts into their work, offering us a soundtrack that not only reflects the times but also provides a comforting escape into the familiar, rustic melodies of country. Enjoy!