Most Anticipated Albums & Rumors for the 2nd Half of 2018
2018 has been incredibly busy with new albums in the country and roots realm, and the 2nd half of the year looks to be just as busy. So to help you keep track of it all and perhaps help separate the wheat from thew chaff, here is a handy guide to some of the top releases to anticipate, a more expansive list of confirmed releases, and a rumor mill where any potential insight into upcoming releases is included.
PLEASE NOTE: This list starts with albums being released on June 1st into September. If it’s warranted, there will be another similar list for the last months of 2018 once information becomes available.
PLEASE NOTE: No artist or album was overlooked, snubbed, or disregarded here. Every single artist in country music is likely planning to release an album in the second half of 2018. Many will, many won’t. If you have a piece of intelligence on an album you anticipate in 2018, please feel free to share it below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone.
Tami Neilson – SASSAFRASS! – June 1st
Tami Neilson is a full tilt badass monster of music. Her 2014 album Dynamite! was a once-in-a-lifetime effort that stills hold up, and was followed by her 2016 tribute to her father Don’t Be Afraid.
Now she is back with a new selection of songs compiled under the name SASSAFRASS! that will be released via Outside Music, and promises to pick up where the rambunctious Dynamite! left off. Co-produced by Tami and Ben Edwards, who worked on Neilson’s previous two records, it’s an old-school rockin’ smokey bluesy soul country affair with backup singers and a horn section brought in to blow your socks off with badass tunes served at full volume. (read more)
American Aquarium – Things Change – June 1st
Making reference to the fact that the band has gone through a complete personnel change since their last effort—with the only exception being frontman and principle songwriter BJ Barham remaining committed to the original name—Things Change will be a new beginning for the band when it is released on June 1st.
But this is not the situation of a band on the mend backing into an effort to survive. Arguably Things Change sees the 12+ year project by Barham just now reaching its stride ahead of the release of its 7th album. Just signed by New West Records, Things Change will have more muscle behind it than any other release previous from the band, and will also feature a new lineup that has been seasoned on the road. Oklahoma songwriter and Grammy nominee John Fullbright plays a big role in bringing the new version of American Aquarium to life, producing Things Change, and also playing keys and guitar, and singing on the record in various places. (read more)
Karen Jonas – Butter – June 1st
A long-time favorite of Saving Country Music since the release of her debut album Oklahoma Lottery, Karen Jonas is back with her latest album called Butter, which is said to delve into the hectic life of a full-time musician having to balance a family life. Long-time guitarist Tim Bray joins Karen, as does producer Jeff Covert.
“Whether I’m finishing up a gig at midnight or getting pounced on by my kids at 6:30 a.m., I usually feel like my life is a circus. So I started writing songs about my circus,” Karen says. “My first two albums featured a lot of heartbroken songs. That didn’t feel authentic for this album. Butter is about my story now, as a working musician and mother — about the challenges of each role and, especially, the challenge of balancing the two. It’s about baking my cake and eating it, too.”
Coco O’Connor – This Ol’ War – June 8th
You may have never heard of Coco O’Connor, but you will want to hear her upcoming record This Ol’ War when it’s released June 8th. Originally from near Muscle Shoals in Alabama, she first moved to Nashville many years ago to pursue a music career. However she proved to be too rebellious, and eventually left town without ever releasing an album, and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Now she’s back to make the record she’s always wanted to make, and to do it her way. This Ol’ War is produced by Parker Carson, who is the son of legendary producer Buzz Carson.
mmhmm – Self-Titled – June 8th
When Midwest native Hannah Fairlight moved to Raelyn Nelson’s hometown of Nashville, people kept confusing them for one-another, so the two like-minded lookalikes decided to form a band. The pair have gained a lot of traction individually with their solo projects, and now the universe has pushed them together.
Raelyn Nelson has been playing in her own Raelyn Nelson Band for years, and is the direct granddaughter of Willie Nelson. Hannah Fairlight moved to Nashville in 2013, and is known for being cast in a leading role on A&E’s Crazy Hearts: Nashville. Together the make a rollicking version of string music that’s fun and fresh.
Rhyan Sinclair – Barnstormer – June 22nd
With the way quality music has been pouring out of Kentucky lately, anyone with a song and a guitar from The Bluegrass State has to be taken seriously. This young singer and songwriter put her first band together when she was 11-years-old. Recently inspired by the Trio album from Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt, she decided to write and record her own country music heartbreaker which became Barnstormer.
“I hope people know that I can be counted on to share raw emotions, whether it’s heartbreak or joy,” says Sinclair. “I just want it to feel as real and intimate to someone listening to the album as it felt to me when I wrote it. My hope is that these songs will speak to people on a soul level. I think it is such a liberating thing when you hear a song that understands you and what you’re going through. That’s always my goal.”
Tyler Childers – Live on Red Barn Radio I & II – June 29th
Any upstanding country music fan worthy of the air they breathe already knows about the brilliance of Saving Country Music’s reigning Album of the Year winner Purgatory from Tyler Childers. But many long-standing disciples of the red-headed one from Kentucky were tipped off on his brilliance years before via a couple of live EPs released in 2013 and 2014 known respectively as Live on Red Barn Radio I and II.
It was these two 4-song EPs being passed around that helped put the songwriter and east Kentucky crooner on the music map. The promise those two EPs showed had folks in Kentucky and West Virginia salivating of what Childers could do with some proper studio time. Already available through streaming services, they will now be sent to listeners on lush, 180-gram vinyl. (read more)
Cody Canada and the Departed – 3 – June 29th
The band’s first record as a power trio, 3 shines a light on the core ingredients of the band’s sound. There’s plenty of amplified crunch, Red Dirt twang, roadhouse-worthy guitar riffs, story-based songwriting, and the familiar rasp of Canada‘s voice. They worked with producer Mike McClure for the first time since the Ragweed days, and the band tracked their new material during breaks in an otherwise busy touring schedule, approaching the recording sessions the same way they’d approach a live show.
“This record sounds like Cross Canadian Ragweed between 2002 and 2006, and it goes back to the way I originally started writing songs,” says Cody. “It’s observational writing. I was inspired by the bad news on the television. The good news, too. I was inspired by falling in love all over again with my wife, by watching my kids go through life, by politics, and by the modern world.”
Cody Jinks – Lifers – ???
Sad to inform you, but it is very unlikely the latest album from Cody Jinks that we know is called Lifers will be delivered in June as previously promised. Back in late January, the news came down that Lifers was completed, and would see the light of day “No Later Than June 2018.” A banner adorned the Cody Jinks Facebook page with this information for months. But if the record was going to be released in June, we would have seen pre-order options, and likely a lead single by the time of this post. Instead, the Jinks camp recently changed the banner, and June now looks off the table.
What is the reason for the delay? We’ll have to just wait and see, but something very big could be brewing that could make the extra wait all worth the while. As Saving Country Music predicted in January, 2018 Will Be the Year of Cody Jinks. But it might take a bit more time to make sure everything is in order to see that prophesy realized. Stay tuned…
Kinky Friedman – Circus of Life – July 3rd
Kinky Friedman will release his first record of original music when Circus of Life hits stores on July 3rd. Friedman is releasing the album on his on his own terms and on his own Echo Hill Records—so independent he’s not even minding the international standard of releasing new music on Friday (the 3rd is a Tuesday).
The album is said to be inspired by a call from Willie Nelson, who asked Kinky what he was doing at that moment. Kinky answered truthfully that he was watching Matlock, to which Willie replied, “That is a sure sign of depression, Kinky. Turn Matlock off and start writing.”
DevilDriver Tribute – Outlaws ‘Til The End – July 6th
Heavy metal band DevilDriver has been working on an Outlaw country tribute record that will include special guests and a heavy metal influence on Outlaw country. Called Outlaws ‘Til The End, it will be released July 6th release via Napalm Records.
From the country world, Hank Williams III, John Carter Cash, and Ana Christina (Cash) will participate in the project, as will metal and punk luminaries such as Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, Lee Ving of Fear, Wednesday13, Brock Lindow of 36 Crazyfists, and Burton C. Bell of Fear Factory. Songs covered include “Whiskey River,” “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised),” “The Man Comes Around,” “A Thousand Miles From Nowhere,” “Copperhead Road,” “The Ride,” and the tribute album starts off with a cover of Hank3’s “Country Heroes” with Hank3 guesting on the track. (read more)
AHI – In Our Time – July 13th
Those who’ve been seeing Canadian songwriter AHI perform (pronounced like the letter ‘I’) in his horse-riding helmet can attest he’s the real deal. Recently signed to Thirty Tigers, expect In Our Time to be the toast of Americana when it is released on July 13th.
“Feel is everything to me. I wanted to write music I wasn’t hearing, music that was appealing to something I felt deep down inside. It’s all me in the songs, but a curated version of myself. I’m not a dark person, but I do write songs with darker elements I can relate to. I’m a simple guy and I like to believe my songs are simple. I don’t ever want to appear as something other than how I am in my songs.”
Lori McKenna – The Tree– July 20th
If there’s any hope for the future of mainstream country music, it lies in songwriters like Lori McKenna. Whenever you see a quality song from a major label country artist, it’s uncanny how often Lori McKenna’s name comes up in the songwriting credits.
True country fans know that if you want to find the best music, you have to go straight to the source. Lori McKenna’s 2016 album The Bird and the Rifle produced by Dave Cobb was one of the best that year. Now she is preparing another solo release with Dave Cobb at the helm once again via Thirty Tigers. (read more)
Jim Lauderdale – Time Flies + Jim Lauderdale and Roland White – August 3rd
After a decade apart, Jim Lauderdale and Yep Roc Records have come together once again to release two separate records on August 3rd. The first is called Time Flies, and is Lauderdale’s latest original studio record blending his unique style of country and soul together that has helped to go on to define “Americana.” It was co-producer with Jim Weaver, and recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios.
The second record is called Jim Lauderdale and Roland White, and it was recorded in 1979 in the basement of the house of Earl Scruggs. It was Jim’s first official album, and has been lost for four decades. It is previously unreleased, and was recorded right when Lauderdale arrived in town.
Shooter Jennings – Shooter – August 10th
Shooter Jennings has reunited with producer Dave Cobb to present his latest record Shooter August 10th. Shooter and Cobb first worked together in 2005 on Shooter’s debut Put The ‘O’ Back in Country before anybody knew who Dave Cobb was, or Shooter for that matter. Cobb cut his teeth on Shooter’s early records, including his conceptualized Black Ribbons. Now after long and winding roads, the two are back together.
Jennings is calling the 9 songs of Shooter his “Hank Jr. record,” meaning expect it to have a rocking country honky tonk sound. It is being released on Cobb’s Elektra imprint, Low Country Sound.
Dillon Carmichael – Hell On An Angel – August 17th
Those paying attention to the doings in traditional country have been salivating for the eventual release of Dillon Carmichael’s debut album for a while now. The Dave Cobb-produced record will be hitting shelves via Riser House Records.
Only in his mid 20’s, you may be surprised that the love of traditional country music is so strong in him, but the pedigree and promise in his young career is definitely present. Carmichael is the grandson of Harold Montgomery, who was a respected Kentucky country singer, and Harold Carmichael, who was a member of The Carmichael Brothers. More famously, he’s the nephew of country music performers Eddie Montgomery, and John Michael Montgomery. (read more)
William Clark Green – Herbert Island – ???
We know the who and the what, we just don’t know the when just yet. A while back Texas music riser William Clark Green let it be know that his latest effort would be called Herbert Island. Pronounced “A-Bear,” it is an homage to a piece of land his family owns.
Initial murmurings had Herbert Island being delivered in April. But obviously April came and passed with no album, let alone an announcement, pre-order options, or a lead song. But don’t fret. Often when you get all the information on a record but no record itself, it’s because better opportunities presented themselves. We’ll just have to be patient and see if that’s the case with Hebert Island.
UPDATE: William Clark Green says, “HEBERT ISLAND is done….. The new single, Hit You Where It Hurts, will be out June 4th.”
Lucero – Among The Ghosts – August 20th
If it weren’t for songwriter Ben Nichols and Memphis-based Lucero, we may not be experiencing the Renaissance of songwriting we’re seeing breaking out across stages coast to coast from country and Americana artists. Some of today’s big-named songwriters may be currently touching the edges of the mainstream, but Lucero was the prototype—one of the first to breed earnestness with the Southern experience in songs for the modern era.
Now celebrating 20 years hacking away at blending country, punk, soul, blues, and R&B smothered in Memphis gravy, the band is readying the release of their latest studio album, Among The Ghosts via Thirty Tigers. Co-produced and engineered by Grammy Award winner Matt Ross-Spang known for his work with Jason Isbell and the Drive-By Truckers, it features 9 new songs and a re-recording written by Ben Nichols, and was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis. (read more)
Other Confirmed Releases
Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore – Downey to Lubbock – June 1st
David Davis & The Warrior River Boys – Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole – June 1st
Oliver The Crow – Self-Titled – June 1st
Brother Dege – Farmer’s Almanac – June 1st
Nicki Bluhm – To Rise You Gotta Fall – June 1st
Phil Cook – People Are My Drug – June 1st
Chuck Westmoreland – Long Winter Rodeo – June 1st
No Dry County – Panhandle Music – June 8th
Dierks Bentley – The Mountain – June 8th
Mike Aiken – Wayward Troubadour – June 8th
Erin Rae – Putting On Airs – June 8th
Jesse Dayton – The Outsider – June 8th
Liz Frame and the Kickers – Sparrow in a Shoebox – June 8th
Robby Hecht & Caroline Spence – Two People – June 8th
David Starr – South and West – June 8th
Sarah Patrick – The Woman I Am – June 15th
The Mallett Brothers Band – Vive L’Acadie – June 15th
The Slocan Ramblers – Queen City Jubilee – June 15th
Gene Clark – Gene Clark Sings For You- June 15th – Omnivore Reissue with never-before-heard tracks
Paul Cauthen – Have Mercy EP – June 22nd
Lera Lynn – Plays Well with Others – June 22nd – Duets Album
Oliver The Crow – Self-Titled – June 22nd
Birdtalker – One – June 22nd
Roanoke – Where I Roam – June 22nd
Priscilla Renea – Coloured – June 22nd
Jeffrey Foucault – Blood Brothers – June 22nd
The Wild Feathers – Greeting from the Neon Frontier – June 29th
Milk Carton Kids – All The Things I Did, and All The Things I Didn’t Do – June 29th
Sons Of Bill – Oh God Ma’Am’ – June 29th
Ric Robertson – The Fool, The Friend – June 29th
Ben Bostick – Hellfire – June 29th
Kittel & Co. – Whorls – June 29th
Frank Newsome – Gone Away With a Friend – June 29th – Ralph Stanley’s Preacher
I See Hawks in LA – Live and Never Learn – June 29th
The Nude Party – Self-Titled – July 6th
Speedbuggy USA – Kick Out The Twang – July 6th
Carolina Story – Lay Your Head Down – July 13th
Cowboy Junkies – All That Reckoning – July 13th
The Jayhawks – Back Roads and Abandoned Motels – July 13th
Cliff Westfall – Baby You Win – July 13th
Kate Vargas – For The Wolfish and Wondering – July 27th
Drew Moreland – Self-Titled – August 1st
Amanda Shires – To The Sunset – August 3rd
Kevin Galloway – The Change – August 3rd – Frontman of Uncle Lucius
Carrie Underwood – Cry Pretty – September 14th
The Rumor Mill
Whitey Morgan made a trip out to the Sonic Ranch late last year (which his last record was named after), and his new record is mixed, mastered, and ready to be released. We’re just waiting on a proper release date that could be announced any day.
The Randy Rogers Band will have a 2018 released produced by Dave Cobb. Stay Tuned.
Kristina Murray is a name that has been on Saving Country Music’s watch list for a long time. Her song “How Tall The Glass” released in 2017 is excellent, and it’s anticipated she will release a new album in 2018.
Alejandro Escovedo has signed with Yep Roc Records. Expect a new album in 2018.
Michaela Anne has been recording in California with Sam Outlaw as a producer. Expect more news soon.
Sam Outlaw has also been recording his own album in California.
Pistol Annies rumors continue to swirl on social media. Expect information on a new album sooner than later.
Ben Haggard‘s long-awaited debut album could be on the way in the 2nd half of 2018. Don’t be surprised if a famous name is tied to the release from Merle’s son.
Emmylou Harris is writing a memoir. “Over the years I’ve been asked, and finally I thought, ‘You know probably, because of where I find myself and the wonderful life I’ve had, somebody’s gonna write my life story, and I would prefer that it be me.’”
Jamie Lin Wilson has been running a crowdfunding campaign, and should have a new album coming soon.
Koe Wetzel – New album summer 2018.
Aaron Watson was saying earlier this year that he was going into the studio in January to make a new record.
Austin Lucas will have a couple of new albums in 2018, starting with the acoustic live Field Recordings out via Last Chance Records, and then a new studio album called Immortal Americans that he was recently recording with producer Steve Albini in Chicago.
Loretta Lynn was supposed to have a new album called Wouldn’t It Be Great that was supposed to be released mid 2017. But after she suffered a stroke, the release was delayed. There is been no more word on if the release is moving forward. Loretta is said to be slowly recovering from the stroke.
Alan Jackson released a new song in 2017 “The Older I Get” ahead of an anticipated 2018 release, but so far we haven’t heard any more.
Colter Wall could have a new album in 2018. If so, expect many old traditional tunes done anew.
David Allan Coe will very likely have a new album in 2018. On December 21st, 2017, the official David Allan Coe twitter account tweeted, “Big news on the new album coming soon…” Though nothing has been confirmed, the rumors continue to swirl that Coe could be involved with Average Joe’s Entertainment owned by country rapper Colt Ford. Coe did a new version of “Take This Job and Shove It” with Average Joe’s artist The Moonshine Bandits in early 2017, fanning the rumor flames.
Dale Watson may have a new album out very soon. If you know Dale, he usually doesn’t go six months without a new release, and his last record was his effort with Ray Benson at the very start of 2017.
Caitlin Rose has waited a very long time to release new music, all the way since early 2013 with The Stand-In. Once one of the brightest prospects of the east Nashville insurgency, and still a common face in east Nashville haunts and a voice found on many projects emerging from the area, she hinted on Instagram in late 2017 that new music may finally be on the way. “Cut some freakin bangers with these guys this holiday season,” she said. “Very into it. Plz stand by.”
Julie Roberts has been working on a new album produced by Shooter Jennings called “I Think You Know.” No release date yet.
Austin Meade is working on a new album for 2018. “It is a kick ass representation of who I’ve become, with the fingerprints of my favorite artists.”
Chris Hennessee should have a new album in June . “Wrong End of the Rainbow” with Jamey Johnson was recently released as a lead single.
Dirty River Boys – “Late summer/early fall”
Jason Isbell said on May 16th via the “Laurel vs. Yanny” debate, “Thank god Dave Cobb heard the same thing I heard because we’re mixing right now.”
The Black Lillies are expected to have a new album out in the fall after revamping their lineup recently.
Andi
May 22, 2018 @ 8:14 am
Flatland Cavalry has hinted new music on Twitter/Insta too…
KT
May 24, 2018 @ 8:40 am
I sure hope so. Love these guys
Sereg3ti
May 22, 2018 @ 8:16 am
Thanks for the heads up!
Christian
May 22, 2018 @ 8:16 am
I hope Sturgill pulls a Beyonce and just drops an album out of nowhere.
Unlike most people who post here, i’m excited to hear what Maren Morris is recording, though i kinda doubt it’ll be released this year. Perhaps.
John Davis’ new band is recording a country album, which should be great because he’s a genius songwriter (used to be in Superdrag) and has done plenty of country-inspired stuff in the past, including his first solo album.
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 1:04 am
”Unlike most people who post here, i’m excited to hear what Maren Morris is recording, though i kinda doubt it’ll be released this year. ”
BIG fan …..can’t wait
Christian
May 23, 2018 @ 4:47 am
Hero is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard in any genre.
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 7:22 am
….hers is a voice to be reckoned with ..the songs on HERO were inventive , organic , soulful , lyrically very clever and the production superb IMO.
Christian
May 23, 2018 @ 7:26 am
We are now friends
Luke
May 24, 2018 @ 8:55 am
Every song on it sounds like a single, it’s amazing.
Stringbuzz
May 22, 2018 @ 8:26 am
Anything on Luke Bell? WTH ever happened to that guy?
Trigger
May 22, 2018 @ 8:33 am
I spoke to Luke Bell in February at the Ameripolitan Awards where he won Best Honky Tonk Male. Not to speak for him, but I think he had a family member pass away and was possibly going through some personal stuff. But he said he was in good spirits and hopefully we hear something from him soon.
Ulysses McCaskill
May 23, 2018 @ 11:50 am
Stringbuzz, nothing new here… But you should check out episode 198 of W.B. Walker’s Old Soul Radio Show. Luke did a live performance there for his anniversary show back in April. Luke comes on around the 4 hour 45 minute mark. Dude killed it.
Jason Deason
May 22, 2018 @ 8:28 am
I’m thinking anything released by Isbell will be from his Ryman six night stand.
Zach G.
May 22, 2018 @ 5:09 pm
YAAASSS
Brandon F
May 24, 2018 @ 7:14 am
I hope you are right. It’s time for another live album.
A.K.A. City
May 22, 2018 @ 8:28 am
2018 has been full of good releases, and I can’t wait for many on this list. Ward Davis and Jason Eady also have new albums in the can, according to the Internets. The Jason Isbell album is allegedly a live album of his Ryman run from last year.
Cobra
May 22, 2018 @ 8:30 am
Jamie Lin Wilson will be in October according to the crowd-funding updates I’ve received.
Ben Parks
May 22, 2018 @ 8:33 am
Hoping George Strait will drop another unexpected album it’s been almost 3 years since Cold Beer Conversation. Also looking forward to Alan’s, hopefully upcoming
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 1:05 am
….and what a great record that was , IMHO . so so said he got no airplay on that stuff.
ridiculous ,actually …..
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 1:06 am
sad
Jack Williams
May 22, 2018 @ 8:43 am
Cowboy Junkies are releasing All That Reckoning on July 13th. First album since 2012.
Didn’t know about Phil Cook’s upcoming release. Really enjoyed his Southland Mission album from 2015.
norrie
May 22, 2018 @ 8:57 am
Looking forward to American Aquarium and Sons Of Bill albums.Got a pre order in for a signed copy of Sons Of Bill on vinyl.
Ryan Bingham is currently writing for a new album.
Logan
May 22, 2018 @ 9:31 am
I’ve heard the new American Aquarium record all the way through. It’s good. And I was surprised at just how country the back half of that record is.
ScottG
May 23, 2018 @ 4:40 pm
Ryan B just posted a picture of himself in the studio.
Justin C
May 22, 2018 @ 8:59 am
Can’t wait for a new DAC album!
Hillbilly
May 22, 2018 @ 9:05 am
Hopefully Justin Wells has something new soon.
A.K.A. City
May 23, 2018 @ 11:56 am
I just saw him hint at that on Facebook today.
Aggc
May 22, 2018 @ 9:05 am
I believe Ward Davis will be releasing one this year according to his Facebook content.
Aggie14
May 22, 2018 @ 9:12 am
I did not see Kenny Chesney. I thought I had heard he was putting out an album in July, but things have been pretty quiet. Any updates?
AT
May 22, 2018 @ 9:26 am
In a press release on August 30, it was announced that the album would be out on July 27. Listening to Kenny’s No Shoes Radio on Sirius XM, he recently mentioned that he would be trying out songs on his current tour before recording them. It’s still listed on the MusicRow website as being announced on that date. Would probably expect a pre-order anytime now.
AT
May 22, 2018 @ 9:27 am
*April 30, not August 30
Bigfoot is Real (now that's country!)
May 22, 2018 @ 10:36 am
Umm, the article is about MOST anticipated not LEAST anticipated. Which BTW, how can anything be more anticipated than The Nude Party?
Aggie14
May 22, 2018 @ 1:01 pm
Haha good point. Looks like you and I disagree on KC but I’m definitely with you on the nude party.
KSU
May 22, 2018 @ 9:15 am
Pretty crazy how prolific Dave Cobb is these days. Good for him.
Gabe
May 22, 2018 @ 9:17 am
Aaron Watson announced last year that his next album would be a Christmas album featuring his family
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdGrkfeDW6b/?hl=en
Jared S.
May 22, 2018 @ 9:30 am
This might be a year where the only albums I care about are from female artists. Caitlyn Smith’s album and I’m With Her have gotten the most listens from me so far, and I’m really starting to like Kacey Musgraves’ album. From the list, the ones that stand out to me are Karen Jonas, Lori McKenna, and Amanda Shires. I’m sure I’ll give a few listens to Cody Jinks and Whitey Morgan as well.
Any chance that Holly Williams ever puts out another record?
Trigger
May 22, 2018 @ 1:30 pm
All reports are her album with Dave Cobb has been done or mostly done for years. But she just had two babies and appears to be taking time to start her family these days. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Christian
May 22, 2018 @ 6:32 pm
Starfire is INCREDIBLE. So is Golden Hour
Jared S.
May 22, 2018 @ 6:39 pm
Yeah. Both albums are way more Pop than I typically like, but I think they are really good for what they are.
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 1:08 am
two absolute gems
ForTheBirds
May 27, 2018 @ 6:54 pm
Can’t. Stop. Won’t. Stop. Listening. To. Golden. Hour.
OlaR
May 22, 2018 @ 9:37 am
Krystal Keith – Boulder (EP – 07/13)
Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis – Wild! Wild! Wild! (08/10)
Paul Cauthen – Have Mercy (EP – 06/22)
Travis Collins – Brave & The Broken (08/17 – Australian award winning country star)
Kristy James – Raw (EP – 06/15 – Australia)
Sylvia – Second Bloom: The Hits Re-Imagined (06/08)
Adam Brand – Milestones…20 Years (07/13 – Australian country star)
Megan O’Neill – Ghost Of You (06/08 – Irish country singer)
Scotty Kipfer – Taking My Time (06/15)
Chantell Alexi – Forever Changed (2nd half of 2018 – Australia/New Zealand)
Catherine Britt & The Cold Cold Hearts – Catherine Britt & The Cold Cold Hearts (07/20 – Australia)
+ Kyle Park – Don’t Forget Where You Come From (06/01)
+ Tori Forsyth – Dawn Of The Dark (05/25 – Australia – “Grave Robber’s Daughter”)
Convict charlie
May 22, 2018 @ 11:21 am
First thing that popped up to me is Krystal Keith. Surprised at her following. I did a live video at cma fest a few years back from a show dog showcase. Her video has 4x the amount of views than of anything else I’ve ever posted before. Just talking a few thousand as I don’t have a huge following on my YouTube channel. She doesn’t have major radio hits.
OlaR
May 22, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
It’s the name. She charted with Toby Keith back in 2004 (“Mockinbird”) & recorded some more stuff over the years.
I can’t understand why Show Dog was/is not able to release material with more consistency. Like Curb Records.
Ernie
May 22, 2018 @ 9:41 am
Will somebody go work that farm for Scott Miller so he can get back to recording
hoptowntiger94
May 22, 2018 @ 10:02 am
Jinks gets signed to a major?
Timmy
May 22, 2018 @ 10:05 am
Can’t wait for the Childers rerelease. In large part ‘cause they pulled those EPs from streaming services over the past week!
JPalmer
May 22, 2018 @ 10:12 am
Shhh…I heard Chris Gaines was in the studio with McAnally.
Sir Adam the Great
May 22, 2018 @ 11:16 am
Ray Davies sequel to ‘Americana’ will be out on June 29. The Jayhawks are his backing band on both of these. Very good stuff.
Spencer
May 22, 2018 @ 11:17 am
I’d put money down that Dalton Domino releases a new album soon as well
Dallas bowlin
May 22, 2018 @ 11:23 am
Cody Johnson should have one this year tooooz
Dallas bowlin
May 22, 2018 @ 11:24 am
Apparently my keyboard had a stroke.
Blackh4t
May 22, 2018 @ 12:52 pm
It sounds good until you see Dave Cobb and you know it will be phoned in production.
His work with bigger names is good, but so many failures.
Mike
May 22, 2018 @ 12:55 pm
Any news on new Corb Lund music?
RD
May 22, 2018 @ 4:41 pm
I was going to ask about him, as well.
Jay
May 22, 2018 @ 1:05 pm
Dierks Bentley – June 8
MH
May 22, 2018 @ 2:05 pm
You mean Marcus Mumford?
DS
May 22, 2018 @ 2:07 pm
Still better than his last album
Elliot
May 22, 2018 @ 1:16 pm
Cody Johnson has said at shows that he was in the studio in February and his next album will have a cover of Charlie Daniel’s “Long Haired Country Boy”
Brett
May 22, 2018 @ 1:19 pm
Anxious to hear new Whitey and Jinks albums. Also Shooters new record intrigues me but the lead single doesnt sound very Bocephus like. Country music needs a new Alan Jackson record, he can remind us what its all supposed to sound like, mustache and all. Lol
CountryKnight
May 22, 2018 @ 1:36 pm
Any news on a new Eric Church album?
the pistolero
May 22, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
A Departed record that sounds like Ragweed ca. 2002-2006? Sign me the hell up.
I’ve been wondering what was up with that William Clark Green album’s release date. Really looking forward to that one too.
Not so interested in new Aaron Watson, though. Vaquero was rather disappointing and underwhelming for me.
Also, another surprise release from King George would be the bee’s knees.
Trigger
May 22, 2018 @ 5:58 pm
William Clark Green just tweeted out, “HEBERT ISLAND is done….. The new single, Hit You Where It Hurts, will be out June 4th.”
the pistolero
May 22, 2018 @ 6:06 pm
Fantastic!
sbach66
May 22, 2018 @ 1:49 pm
“Coe did a new version of “Take This Job and Shove It” with Average Joe’s artist The Moonshine Bandits in early 2017, fanning the rumor flames.”
Which was one of the worst and most embarrassing things ever committed to tape/vinyl/digital code. My Gawd, that thing was awful.
Number 8
May 22, 2018 @ 3:14 pm
Talked to Whitey a few weeks ago after a show and he said the new record would be out late this year. Maybe September or October. He said it would be titled Hard Times and White Lines.
hoptowntiger94
May 22, 2018 @ 3:17 pm
The only one I’ll add which only maybe two people will get or care … Syliva, “Second Bloom” (in June).
It’s a reimagining if her hit(s) which seems to be the new trend in the industry taking the place of cover albums.
Wes
May 22, 2018 @ 3:18 pm
If the album is like his first three singles I’m actually really excited for this Kyle Park album even though you may not like the guy trigger.
Rob
May 22, 2018 @ 5:03 pm
I was actually just wondering yesterday if Eric Church would have a new album coming out anytime soon. Mr. Misunderstood was released back in 2015. Hopefully he will drop a new one. And I don’t see it happening, but I would love if Jamey Johnson released an album this year.
RD
May 22, 2018 @ 5:17 pm
Any news on Chris Knight?
Trigger
May 22, 2018 @ 5:23 pm
This was the last news on Chris Knight I have seen:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/chris-knight-addresses-delay-in-new-music/
RD
May 22, 2018 @ 5:27 pm
Thanks Trig. Its been a long time now.
Scott
July 26, 2018 @ 8:57 pm
https://www.wacotrib.com/entertainment/accesswaco/music/chris-knight-still-doing-country-music-his-way/article_0dc77558-3162-5046-add2-ceed9029a4d9.html
Jaimito
May 22, 2018 @ 5:28 pm
Word on the street is that Hellbound Glory may have something in the works, too.
Digs
May 22, 2018 @ 7:28 pm
Streets of Aberdeen came out a couple weeks ago. I just happened upon it on spotify. Has the songs off LV plus new ones.
First couple listens are solid – no surprise. I anticipate it will end up in my too 10 at the end if the year.
Jaimito
May 22, 2018 @ 8:52 pm
Leroy’s the real deal. “Pinball” was a killer record. Check out the video he did with Tanya Tucker for “Better Hope You Die Young.” Good stuff.
Farmer Brian
May 23, 2018 @ 3:55 pm
Pinball is a great record. I find myself coming back to it all the time. For some reason “Six Strings away” has been stuck in head for week now, not that I’m complaining. I’m definitely look big forward to more from HEllbound Glory.
Digs
May 23, 2018 @ 4:26 pm
I believe streets of aberdeen is a new release unless im missing something.
https://open.spotify.com/album/4X7in3uFabkvR5onoGbHLN?si=mErWazoRSE-X54sezYrOKw
Zach G.
May 22, 2018 @ 5:29 pm
Metal fan here. I’ve been a DevilDriver fan since about ’07 and a fairly recent arrival to SCM, I can say that DevilDriver are a talented band that I’m relatively confident that they are capable of putting out a good record, metal or country.
Whiskeytown
May 22, 2018 @ 5:29 pm
Saw Jason Eady last weekend and he mentioned he has a new album coming out in Aug.
Mike2
May 22, 2018 @ 6:04 pm
Not likely for Sturgill to do that this year. He said he would need all of 2018 to work on his next album.
Mike2
May 22, 2018 @ 6:06 pm
That was supposed to be a reply to Christian. I hate doing this on a smartphone…
Christian
May 22, 2018 @ 6:41 pm
He can drop it on new years eve for all i care 🙂
Ulysses McCaskill
May 22, 2018 @ 7:05 pm
I seem to remember hearing that Childers might have another new one in the can in addition to that vinyl re-release.
Sam
May 22, 2018 @ 7:09 pm
Shane Smith and the Saints said at their concert there’s a new album before the end of the year.
Case
May 22, 2018 @ 7:22 pm
Shane Smith and the Saints and William Clark Green said they had a new album in the works
jessie with the long hair
May 22, 2018 @ 7:47 pm
So nice to see Jim Lauderdale mentioned on here because it is rare. Jim is the King of Americana and paved the way for all of these acts.
Clason
May 22, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
Zack McGin, former Dolly Shine frontman, stayed on his on his Instagram that he has a solo album coming this summer
Rockhound
May 22, 2018 @ 9:08 pm
Most looking forward to Austin Lucas’ upcoming releases. I got my hands on outtakes from the next 2 albums and they’re excellent.
Jason01
May 22, 2018 @ 9:20 pm
Any Ryan Bingham news?
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 1:00 am
Not to take anything from any of the talented acts named above …..
but I can’t help wondering how in these times ,when every business article or music “insider” article would suggest that ‘record’ sales and recorded music revenue in general is dismal , spotify ( and the like ) are paying next to nothing for streaming and bands are relying more and more on touring and merchandising just to pay the rent … how are we seeing this seemingly never-ending avalanche of acts out there ? How the hell are they all making enough music money to survive in the post CD era ? We are almost literally awash in music from all genres all the time ….more acts than we could possibly keep track of and they just keep coming .
Either most of these acts are doing music for the good of their ( mental ) health ..or the industry has got it all wrong when it comes to reporting revenue ‘ realities ‘ . Up here in Canada acts are struggling terribly due to a lack of PAYING venues and yet almost everybody- good , bad or otherwise -has recorded product they are flailing …much of it indie , of course .And very, very few ever break the American market as artists .
There’s a lotta music going on out there . You have to wonder how many paying listeners are out there are supporting it .
Fat Freddy's Cat
May 23, 2018 @ 4:52 am
In some cases, at least, artists are using crowdsourcing to fund new album efforts. I’ve recently participated in several myself: Karen Jonas, Lindi Ortega, Kim Richey, Megan Jean and The KFB, A Sound Of Thunder, and some others I may have forgotten.
Some of the artists are using those funds to simply bypass much of the system. For instance, Karen Jonas crowdsourced via Kickstarter and recorded her album locally (in Fredericksburg VA). Indie artist Vanessa Peters has crowdsourced her last few albums, and she and her husband have a recording studio in their home. It’s tough because the artists have to keep touring while all this is going on, to keep the water and the lights turned on at home, plus they’ve got to do a lot of the grunt work themselves (e.g. mailing out the product). But that’s just how much they care about what they’re doing.
Convict charlie
May 23, 2018 @ 8:53 am
Depends on your scale of artistic vision and what your personal goals are. Just to try and break a mainstream artist is 2-3 million after radio marketing, album production, radio tour, and a bus with a band to get around.
You or I could now make a decent record that maybe isn’t super professional or of magnificent quality for around $10,000 or a break even of 1,000 units. I can’t sing but think I could sell that many units even if it was in the style of walmart parking lots. For an example Perse. Compared to maybe a half million for a top notch production album or $25,000 a song. Take out your radio marketing of perhaps a million a single also. Tour in a van and book your own shows if possible-saves you another 15-20% on booking fees.
Not saying these guys are making a killing but it certainly can be done. If they’re good can be signed to thirty tigers which will help out immensely.
albert
May 23, 2018 @ 4:21 pm
I guess what I’m asking ( rhetorically ) is ” How is there a market for so many people recording.” I know you can do a record for next to nothing in these times…and a GOOD one . But is the market not absolutely saturated with bands and their products ? I haven’t even brought the 100’s of VOICE , AMERICAN IDOL and the countless other game show contestants – most of them very talented- into the discussion . I think its incredible that so many people still WANT to be a part of a business where a piece of the pie gets smaller by the day .
Fat Freddy's Cat
May 24, 2018 @ 4:41 am
Ah, okay. I misunderstood your comment.
I agree that the market is saturated, but I don’t know that we want to think of it as one fixed pie. I think of it as multiple pies. It might be hard to get a piece of the apple pie because a lot of people like it and it goes fast, but there are other flavors you can get a piece of because fewer people are cutting into it.
For me, artists like Karen Jonas, Lindi Ortega, Sam Outlaw, etc. are fulfilling a need that the mainstream artists can’t (or won’t). They don’t have to compete with “Voice” and “Idol” singers to get my money; if I can’t have real music I’d rather have none at all.
Moe
May 23, 2018 @ 6:37 am
Thanks for compiling this list!! A lot to look forward to
Jon Pappalardo
May 23, 2018 @ 10:35 am
Rumored releases:
Rosanne Cash, before she deleted her Facebook account, said she would have a new album this Fall. I’m guessing there will be an announcement of new music at the very least.
Trisha Yearwood has confirmed on Instagram she’s back in the studio and is excited for fans to hear her new music. She hasn’t given out any more details.
Kathy Mattea had said, a few months back, she was in the final mixing stage of her next album. I haven’t seen any other updates on her Facebook page.
I know Pam Tillis had recorded a 1970s inspired album, but at least check she wasn’t in any hurry to release it.
Thanks for this list, Trig. So looking forward to a lot of these new releases.
hoptowntiger94
May 27, 2018 @ 7:01 pm
I heard the Trisha Yearwood would be a November release with 2 Garth albums (a studio and live album).
Nate
May 23, 2018 @ 2:43 pm
Lucie Silvas is releasing an album on August 24. I’m not sure you can call her country, but I’m not sure what else you can call her. She’s been touring with Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Brothers Osborne (married to John), and has songwriting credits on the latest albums from Miranda, Reba, and Wade Bowen. She’s also played the Opry a couple times now. Her lead single “Kite” will be out 5/31
Erik North
May 23, 2018 @ 8:57 pm
I’m waiting very much for Trisha’s and Caitlin’s individual potential releases.
Jim L.
May 24, 2018 @ 6:35 am
Kasey Chambers – “Campfire” releases tomorrow, May 25th.
Colt Purcell
May 24, 2018 @ 7:42 am
The Plott Hounds have a new one brewing for November of 2018 – Believe the title is Damn The Wind
Zach Henry
May 24, 2018 @ 10:50 pm
Saw Jason Eady tonight. New album August 10th. Played two songs off it. Sounded awesome.
Nan
May 25, 2018 @ 12:42 pm
Thanks, Jon for the info on Trisha Yearwood. It’s been too long since anything new. I still think she belongs on a short list of best voices in Country, esp for ballads.
There are so many people on the first list I’ve never heard of–it’s so nice there is a wonderful Music Site like this to promote them and I’ll have to check them out!
I’ll buy pretty much any album/CD from Carrie Underwood. Surprised at the release date, after the single last month, 5 months wait until the album. I get it if it’s still being worked on, but it’s a tease for fans to have to wait so long after the first single was released.
Kenny
May 25, 2018 @ 3:01 pm
Hopefully shooter doesn’t shit the bed on this one, looking forward to Cody Jinks’ drop as well as Whiteys. Ward Davis also has an album that could drop with good friend Jinks’. Could REALLY go for a new Jamey Johnson album. Tylers redbarn stuff is OUTSTANDING………….good times for country music.
Thebugman10
May 25, 2018 @ 4:49 pm
Ryan Bingham is in the studio right now. No word if it’s for a 2018 release or not. But he’s definitely working on a new album.
emfrank
May 26, 2018 @ 10:20 am
When I saw Steve Earle last month, he said they are going into the studio to do an album of Guy Clark covers, similar to his Townes album, in August. New album of originals is mostly written, but he is doing this first. He said “we,” so I assume it will be with the Dukes. Didn’t give a release date.
Brad
May 27, 2018 @ 2:48 pm
Nothing about Jason eady? Went to his concert yesterday he said his new album was coming out august 10 the single is calisberry county could you find any more info
Julian
May 30, 2018 @ 12:18 pm
Can’t wait for the the new Rhyan Sinclair album to be generally available so that everyone can hear how good it is.
DJ Doyle
July 22, 2018 @ 11:30 pm
Hey does anybody know if it’s Robert Earl Keen that does the duet on Footlights off of 3 by Cody Canada? Sure sounds a lot like him.