Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for Final Portion of 2025

As fall breaks and the end of the year fast approaches, it’s time to look at what’s on tap for the rest of 2025 in country before Christmas music ushers the music industry into the Holidays. On top you can find the topmost recommended albums, along with a FULL list of recommended albums on each release day below that, and then the always fun rumor mill where hints and allegations end up.

Hint: Bookmark this page, and come back each Friday to stay up-to-date with releases. This list will be updated regularly under the “confirmed releases” heading as new albums are announced, though older albums won’t be removed from the list so people can look back at what they might have missed.

PLEASE NOTE: No artist or album was snubbed here. If there’s an album to be released that you believe is of interest to country and roots music, please feel free to share the information below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone.

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Jake Worthington – When I Write The Song – September 12th

It’s not just Zach Top helping to save country music in real time with a neotraditional sound. His partner in crime on tour and frequent duet partner Jake Worthington definitely has a hand in helping to revitalize the ’90s country sound, putting twang and top-shelf songs back into the modern country music diet.

“This record means to me … it’s a good reminder to fight the good fight. What I mean by that is I’m a strong believer in ‘Do what moves ya,’ make the kind of music that wrecks your world or picks up all the pieces.” Jake Worthington says. “If it makes you feel that kind of way, and that’s what you need, then don’t let anybody or anything change that. Nobody can make that decision for you.” (read more)

Whiskey Myers – Whomp Whack Thunder – September 26th

We don’t give Whiskey Myers nearly enough credit for being one of the spearheads for the independent music revolution in country, in part because as their career has gone on, their country influences have got a bit towards the background until it’s probably fair to consider them a full on rock band. But they did it their way, and opened doors for other artists to do the same.

There has been some trepidation about this album after mainstream country producer Jay Joyce was announced as their partner for the project. But guitarist John Jeffers assures, “We didn’t set out to chase a specific sound—we set out to make a Whiskey Myers record. Jay pulled something out of us that’s raw and real, and every track’s got a piece of our story in it. This album’s about where we’ve been, what we’ve lived and the scars we earned along the way.”

Charles Wesley Godwin – Live From Steel City – September 26th

Anybody who’s ever had their face melted by Charles Wesley Godwin and his full-tilt band The Allegheny High don’t need to be convinced why releasing a live album is a good idea. This is one of the most energetic live performers out there, and he’s capturing that in 23 tracks recorded at Stage AE in Pittsburgh.

“I’m so pumped to share the live show the boys and I have curated in bars, clubs, theaters, amphitheaters, arenas and stadiums over the last several years,” Godwin says. “There’s just something about the energy of a live crowd that you can’t replicate in a studio, and I think that shines through on this album in a big way. Stage AE was a special place to be on September 14, 2024, and come September 26, 2025, everyone can experience it with us. Let’s go!”

Brennen Leigh – Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love – October 3rd

Brennen Leigh is one of the most preeminent country and Western singers of our era, a spectacular songwriter, and a skilled guitar player to boot, even if our era has been slow to awaken to these unequivocal truths. Those that have arisen from the stupor of mainstream country radio though, they know all the superlatives placed Brennen Leigh’s feet aren’t slipping into hyperbole. They feverishly concur, ready and willing to share their wonderment with Brennen.

This is the reason some have been sent downright giddy by the recent revelation that Brennen Leigh will be releasing a new album called Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love via Signature Sounds. Produced by steel guitar extraordinaire Kevin Skrla, you can expect this to be a sincere, honest, and pure expression of classic country, uncorrupted by commercial interests or trend chasing. (read review)

Waylon Jennings – Songbird – October 3rd

Songbird is the first of three albums of unheard, unreleased material from the Waylon Jennings archive that are being produced and arranged by Waylon’s son Shooter Jennings.

“When I was young, in the house that I grew up in, there was a room that was always locked. The ‘storage room’ is what my parents call it. I have vivid memories of dozens of grey boxes in cubby holes with notes jotted in marker on the outside. I knew what was in those boxes was my dad’s work,” Shooter says.

“What I expected to find was a catalog of all of my dad’s albums and recordings. I knew there were a few songs that were never released, for whatever reasons, so I had my fingers crossed that I would maybe find something special and rare along the way that I could share with you.” (read more)

Joshua Ray Walker – Stuff – October 17th

After recently battling Cancer, Joshua Ray Walker had ample time to write and record a whole host of material, and to ponder things in life none of us should have to in our younger years. This is the inspiration for his new, upcoming album simply entitled Stuff. Though it’s officially the second album in a three-album trilogy, don’t expect it to be Tropicana 2.0.

A concept album, Stuff finds Walker imagining the inner lives of inanimate objects one might find at an estate sale after the passing of an individual. Taking a much more folk and indie approach compared to his previous albums, it was recorded with producer John Pedigo in his backyard studio, only playing instruments found in the studio, including toy reed organs, a melodica, and random impromptu percussion instruments. (read more)

Joshua Hedley – All Hat – October 24th

Mr. Jukebox. The Mayor of Lower Broadway. The Singin’ Professor of Country & Western. Whatever you want to call him, Joshua Hedley has been a radical preservationist of actual country music for years, holding court in a continuing residency at Robert’s Western World on Lower Broadway in Nashville, helping to beat back the rising tide of bad music.

In 2022, he was ahead of the game by evoking ’90s country with Neon Blue, including numerous songs co-written by some kid named Zach Top. Hedley could’ve returned to that well again since ’90s country is so hot, but he’s always stayed one step ahead of the game in rekindling the past. So on his new album, Hedley’s going Western Swing. (read more)

Luke Bell – The King Is Back – November 7th

Ever since the death of Luke Bell, folks have been asking about the possibility of new or unreleased music he might have left behind. Well now they have their answer, and it’s a rather resounding one. A new 28-song album called The King Is Back will be released via Thirty Tigers.

The album includes songs that were originally recorded between between 2013 and 2016. Fans should not expect full studio recordings, or completely fleshed out songs for every track, though some are fully formed, and were ready for release, like the title track. The collection of songs was assembled with the guidance of Luke’s mother Carol Bell, his sister Jane Bell, and his manager Brian Buchanan. (read more)

Willie Nelson – Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle – November 7th

No rest for the Willie. Along with still constantly touring at 92, he’s also good for about a two-per-year clip of new albums, usually comprised of one more original album, and one tribute album. Well in 2025, Willie will officially release two tribute albums. On his latest, Pancho will pay tribute to Lefty.

Don’t expect any deep cuts on this record. Hand selected by Willie himself, he goes for all the hits, including “Swinging Doors,” “Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down,” “Mama Tried,” and “Okie From Muskogee.” One interesting wrinkle about this tribute album is some of the songs were recorded some years ago. Produced by Willie with longtime collaborator Mickey Raphael, the album features the last recordings he did with longtime Family band members “Sister Bobbie” Nelson and Paul English. Paul passed away in 2020, and Bobbie died in 2022. (read more)

Emmylou Harris – Spyboy (Expanded Edition) – November 7th

Originally released in 1998, the album was the result of Emmylou Harris putting together a band who could perform the music her Daniel Laonis-produced album Wrecking Ball. The 14-track live album was produced by Buddy Miller and Emmylou Harris and features Miller on guitar and vocals, Brady Blade on drums, percussion, and vocals, and Daryl Johnson on bass, djembe, percussion, and vocals. The new album will be expanded by five tracks.

“It’s such a special record,” Harris says. “Well, they all are, but this one is really, really special. That was such a fantastic band and such an amazing time. I’ve spent the better part of my adult life in the company of some pretty great bands. ‘Spyboy’ is one of them, and this album is a snapshot of us. For those who never experienced ‘Spyboy’ in action, this album is the next best thing.”

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OTHER ANTICIPATED/CONFIRMED RELEASES

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September 12th

Jake Worthington – When I Write The Song
The Brothers Comatose – Golden Grass
KP Hawthorn – Til The Glitter End
Jack Blocker – The Land On Most High
Shawn Camp – The Ghost of Sis Draper
West Texas Exiles – 8000 Days
Alyssa and Wayne Brewer – Lonesome & Blue
Meredith Moon – From Here To The Sea (folk, Americana)
John Carter Cash – Pineapple John (Americana)
Ruston Kelly – Pale, Through The Window (Americana)
Josh Ritter – I Believe In You, My Honeydew (Americana)
Dar Williams – Hummingbird Highway (folk, Americana)
Carson McHone – Pentimento (Americana)
Brent Amaker and the Rodeo – Vaquero (Mariachi, country)
Chris Rafter – Rafter
Maia Sharp – Tomboy
Eric Allen – Downtrodden & Long-tongue Liar’s Lounge (country blues)
Jordan Smart – Confessions of a CEO (folk)
John Prine – Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings (Vinyl reissue, bonus tracks)
J.D. Crowe & The New South – Self-Titled (Expanded reissue, bluegrass)
Neal Casal – No One Above You (The Early Years 1991-1998)​
(9-16) Willie Nelson on Willie Nelson: Interviews and Encounters (book)
L.C. Franke and Silverada – Southern Bloom (3-song EP)
(9-18) Everett Parker – On the Run, Through the Desert (Americana)
(9-18) Sachin and the Porch – Denied Claims EP

September 19th

Jackson Scribner – Depression Kids
Cole Chaney – In The Shadow Of The Mountain
The Pink Stones – Thank the Lord… it’s The Pink Stones
Lost Post – All We Leave Is Dust
Dylan Earl – Level-Headed Even Smile
Jules Taylor – The Siren and the Wordsmith
Chase Rice – Eldora
Charley Pride – Endlessly: A Tribute to Brook Benton
Otis Gibbs – The Trust of Crows
The Third Mind – Right Now! (alt-country)
Malin Petterson – Wildflower (Americana)
Steady Habits – Deviate (folk)
Matt Patershuk – DOG . TIGER . HORSES
The Onlies – You Climb The Mountain (Old-Time)
John Calvin Abney – Transparent Towns (Americana)
Briscoe – Heat of July (Americana)
Rags Rosenberg – Song of the Bricoleur (Americana)
Diane King – SKY (Americana)
DD Verni & The Cadillac Band – Buckle Up (Rockabilly, Swing)
Jacoozy – Still Afloat (Jam band, Southern rock)
Thelma and James – Starting Over EP
(9-22) Steve Hewitt – Never Two Days The Same (folk, Americana)

September 26th

Whiskey Myers – Whomp Whack Thunder
Marcus King Band – Darling Blue
Ramona and the Holy Smokes – Self-Titled
Will Overman – Stranger
Jonathan Terrell – Dove
Dallas Burrow – How The West Was Won
Jared Dustin Griffin – The Perseverance of Sisyphis
Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl
Rosie Flores and the Talisman – Impossible Frontiers
Neko Case – Neon Grey Midnight Green
The Far West – Everything We Thought We Wanted (Americana)
Clover County – Finer Things (Americana)
Robert Plant – Saving Grace (Americana)
Remi Goode – Things I’ve Said Before (indie folk)
The Far West – We Thought We Wanted (alt-country)
Meghan Hayes – Latecomer (Americana)
Tyron Benoit – Mid-City (Cajun, Americana)
Charles Wesley Godwin – Live From Steel City (live album)
Sufferin’ Fools – Forest For The Trees EP
Wells Ferrari – Wasted Time EP (indie folk)

October 3rd

Brennen Leigh – Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love
Waylon Jennings – Songbird (Unreleased Recordings)
Carter Faith – Cherry Valley
Joselyn & Don – Lost & Found Highway
Weirs – Diamond Grove (folk, experimental)
Trace Nixon – Hand Me Down Name EP
Emily Ann Roberts – Memory Lane EP
(10-8) Garrett Hendricks – Northwest & Southbound

October 10th

Josh Fortenbery – Tidy Memorial
Hayden Baker – Alive & Well
Ladybird – Clementine
The Autumn Defense – Here and Nowhere (alt-country, Wilco members)
Bernie Leadon – Late To Be Cool (rock, Americana)
Paul Burch – Cry Love (Americana)
John Francis O’Mara – Forbidden Hymns (Americana)
Jesse Ruben – Belong (singer/songwriter)
(10-14) Chet: King Picker and Pioneer of the Nashville Sound (book)

October 17th

William Prince – Further From The Country
Joshua Ray Walker – Stuff
Sparkle Carcass – Maraschino Chevy
Rosy Nolan – Main Attraction
Hunter Root – Crooked Home
Leon Majcen – Making A Livin’ (Not A Killin’)
Todd Snider – High, Lonesome, and The Some (Americana)
Ruen Brothers – Awooo (folk)
Robin Young – Letters to a Ghost (folk, Americana)
Bill Scorzari – Sidereal Days (Day 1) (acoustic, folk)
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – Cover to Cover EP (bluegrass)
Nathaniel Bellows – The Moat EP (folk)
Luther Dickinson – Dead Blues Vol. 1 (Grateful Dead covers)

October 24th

Jess Jocoy – Cul-de-Sac Kid
Joshua Hedley – All Hat (Western Swing)
Jonny Fritz – Debbie Downers
Billy Currington – King of the World
Carl Perkins – Some Things Never Change (unheard album from 1990)
Brandi Carlile – Returning To Myself (Americana)
Joelton Mayfield – Crowd Pleaser (Americana)
Sam Burchfield – Make Change (Americana)
Damn Tall Buldings – The Universe Is Hungry (bluegrass)
Randy Rogers Band – The Going EP
The Prickly Pair – Self-Titled EP (folk, Americana)
Tony Joe White – The Real Thang (expanded reissue)
(8-30) The Krickets – If You Only Knew (Americana)

October 31st

Nick Shoulders – Refugia Blues
Alexa Rose – Atmosphere (folk, Americana)
Eleni Drake – Chuck (folk)

November 7th

Luke Bell – The King Is Back
Willie Nelson – Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle
Natalie Del Carmen – Pastures
Sabine McCalla – Don’t Call Me Baby (Americana)
Emmylou Harris – Spyboy (Expanded Edition) (Americana)
Rix – Legacy Vol. 1 (Americana)
Various Artists: Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard
Various Artists: Opry 100: Country’s Greatest Songs
Various Artists – Finding Lucinda (Soundtrack)

November 14th

Rattle, Ramble, & Roll: The Best of Blackberry Smoke, Volume 1

December 5th

Jenna Torres – Firebird

December 12th

Lonesome Jones – Lost

January 9th, 2026

Zach Bryan – With Heaven On Top

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THE RUMOR MILL

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Colter Wall has a new album on the way, and all indications are that it is COUNTRY. We’re not talking just the Western-style of country music we’re used to from Colter. He told Dale Brisby in December 2024 that the album is a “love letter to country” that is full of sad songs. The album consists of all originals and one cover. We might find out more when he releases the first single, probably in late September.

Red Clay Strays reveled why receiving their ACM Award for Best New Duo/Group of the Year earlier this year that they’re recording with Dave Cobb once again in Savannah, Georgia.

Brit Taylor has released a new song “All For Sale,” and rumors are a new album will be following.

Charles Wesley Godwin on April 28th, “And so it begins! Recording for album #4 starts today.”

Sami Brue has signed with Bloodshot Records, and is readying the release of an album called The Journals, which are songs taken from the journals of his mentor, Justin Townes Earle.

Ward Davis on April 23rd, “After about three years of writing and compiling and recording songs, I finished my physical role in the record-making process … The new album is in its final stage of production, and as I exhale I want to say to you all, this is the best record I’ve ever done, and maybe the best I ever do.”

Whitey Morgan has been working with Shooter Jennings on new music, and has released some new singles. We were expecting a proper album announcement by now, but we might get one before the end of 2025.

Emily Scott Robinson has been saying from the stage that she’s working on a new album.

Kix Brooks says Brooks & Dunn might be working on new, original music in the future (read more), and expects to have a new album out in the next couple of years.

Rumor is that Charlie Marie is recording a new album with hopes of a release coming soon.

Ray Wylie Hubbard: “Warning: the new record is not the pretty girl singing Jolene at the national finals rodeo in Las Vegas..its the Huntsville prison rodeo when the death row clown gets gored distracting the bull away from the arsonist who got thrown.”

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