Emergency New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Playlist (#178)

Nobody panic. But there are so many great songs being released at the moment that we must interrupt regularly scheduled programming to update the Top 25 Playlist out-of-cycle. Please form a single file line, and head to your favorite streaming service of choice in an orderly fashion to partake.
The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats (see below), or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations to find something new to listen to.
Newest Additions:
Joshua Ray Walker – “Shoot Me Straight” – If you weren’t already highly anticipating Joshua Ray Walker’s new album Ain’t Dead Yet out May 29th, you will be after getting a ear full of this heater. “Shoot Me Straight” is one serious limb twitcher.
Katrina Cain – “No Hometown” – This Austin-based songwriter is definitely one you want to keep your eye on if you aren’t already. After releasing this killer song on Saturday, she showed up to the debut of The Hook at Sagebrush in Austin on Sunday, and walked away with the coveted Gold Patch. It’s just a matter of time before the rest of the world catches on to Katrina Cain.
Charley Crockett – “Waylon Rides Again” – It might have been pure coincidence that Charley Crockett co-wrote this song with Shooter and released it on an album where he basically pulled a Waylon and flipped off his record label and the rest of the industry. Regardless, it’s the prefect way to end the album, with a punchy, rock-driven attitude, and the over-driven vocals setting the mood perfectly.
Cody Johnson – “Hello Lonesome” – Don’t take for granted what a gift it is that Cody Johnson continues to be one of the most popular men in mainstream country, despite steadfastly releasing strong traditional country songs just like “Hello Lonesome.” Johnson just announced his new album Banks of the Trinity will be out on June 26th.
Sam Platts – “High Country” – Originally from Wyoming, and now living in Texas, Sam Platts imbues influences from both locations into his new single, and then graces it with a descending harmony that will send shivers down your spine, and evoke memories of the greatness of Glen Campbell.
Bobby Dove – “Loose Screws” – This Canadian songwriter really impressed us with the 2021 album Hopeless Romantic, and is back with more great stuff via the new album Fortune Teller. Like multiple great songs from the new album, “Loose Screws” is about moving across the Canadian expanse on tour, captured in a great country folk tone.
Kacey Musgraves – “Loneliest Girl” – “Middle of Nowhere” might be the title track of Kacey’s new album. But “Loneliest Girl” is its theme song that really captures the essence of what Kacey is trying to convey through the release. The chorus melody here is so devilishly good. Then you put Paul Franklin on top putting on a veritable clinic, and you’re lost in country music goodness.
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The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist primarily lives on Spotify, but is also available for those who use Amazon Music, YouTube, and Apple Music. For those who don’t stream music, you can still find the song recommendations in list form below.
CLICK HERE to follow Saving Country Music on Spotify, and/or follow the Spotify Top 25 Playlist.
Please Note: The songs on this playlist are curated for listening pleasure and flow. Otherwise, they are not in any specific order.
Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist:
- “Waylon Rides Again” – Charley Crockett – Clovis
- “Loneliest Girl” – Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere
- “Shoot Me Straight” – Joshua Ray Walker – Ain’t Dead Yet (5-29)
- “Old Is Gold” _ Emily Zeck – (single)
- “No Roots” – Kevin Carducci – Easy Does It
- “No Hometown” – Katrina Cain – (single)
- “What You Gonna Do” – Drayton Farley – A Heavy Duty Heart
- “Morning Light” – Chasen Wayne – (single)
- “Chippin’ At The Stone” – Vincent Neil Emerson – Blue Stars
- “Hello Lonesome” – Cody Johnson – Banks of the Trinity (6-26)
- “Heart” – Charlie Marie – Signs (6-5)
- “High Country” – Sam Platts – (single)
- “The Real Pretender” – Rachel Brooke – This One’s For You
- “Highway Man” – Silverada – Living Proof (8-7)
- “Bottle Tells Me So” – Ashley McBryde – Wild (5-8)
- “Turning Into Us” – Rhys Rutherford – (single)
- “Loose Screws” – Bobby Dove – Fortune Teller
- “Howdy” – Cole Goodwin – (single)
- “Just Drivin’” – Presley Haile – (single)
- “If You Could Only See Me Now” – John R. Miller – The Great Unknowing (6-5)
- “Dreamers” – Ben Jarrell – Tennessee Turnaround
- “Treat Me Like Dirt” – Chloe Hoecker – Missouri’s Country Sweetheart
- “Love Button” – Spencer Hatcher – (single)
- “Broken Hearts Are Paint” – Boo Ray – (single)
- “This One’s For You” – Rachel Brooke – This One’s For You
- “Jukebox Blues (For Blaze Foley)” – Ian Noe – (single)
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May 5, 2026 @ 3:24 pm
Im not really feeling any of those songs other than crocketts. Even codys song isnt really up to his standards. I just dont get the love of kacey musgraves song at all. At least i can understand the why but not with hers.
May 5, 2026 @ 3:38 pm
I’m going to have to give her album another listen. The first time through didn’t do much for me, maybe it will grow on me
May 5, 2026 @ 3:40 pm
Little Bit of Shine by Nathan Evans Fox