Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for 2nd Half of 2024
The 2nd half of 2024 promises to be a very big and very busy time when it comes to album releases in country and roots music. Below you can find a list of Saving Country Music’s top recommended albums, along with a more complete list of (most) all the releases, followed by 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 overlooked, snubbed, or disregarded here. If you know about 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.
Willie Nelson – The Border – May 31st
This will be an original Willie Nelson album, meaning it will include original songs written by Willie, as well as other songs carefully selected and recorded to make the album a cohesive, original expression. When Willie releases one of these original albums, watch out. His last one was 2022’s A Beautiful Time, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. This was no honorary distinction. It was well-deserved.
The Border will once again be produced by Buddy Cannon who co-writes four songs with Willie Nelson for the album. But the lead single and title track is a Rodney Crowell tune that the Texas native wrote with Allen Shambin, and appeared on Crowell’s 2019 album Texas. It takes a refreshingly nuanced and human look at a crisis that is very much relevant to this moment. The cover art is of the Big Bend region between Texas and Mexico. (read more)
Jesse Daniel – Countin’ The Miles – June 7th
Jesse Daniel is one bad country music-making hombre. He’s not looking for any handouts or to cut in any lines. Everything he earns he wants to be from the callouses on his hands and the sweat from his brow as he proves himself worthy of every dollar he earns and every clap from the crowd. That’s the sworn commitment he’s made to himself.
That path has led him to becoming one of country music’s most hardest working and beloved traditionalists in the independent sphere, while the rest of the world is quickly taking notice. As Jesse Daniel’s fourth album overall and his first for New West imprint Lightning Rod Records, he’s announced Countin’ The Miles that comes highly anticipated. (read more)
Carly Pearce – Hummingbird – June 7th
Carly Pearce has been one of the bright spots in the mainstream over the last few years, and Hummingbird hopes to continue that momentum as a critical darling with commercial staying power. It find Pearce taking the role as co-producer for the first time alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne who also co-write much of the album’s material. The album also includes the hit “We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Chris Stapleton.
“I have lived a lot of life in the last few years,” says Pearce. “Entering a new decade has brought a lot of maturity, growth, heartache and healing. I am still a work in progress, but these songs represent my honesty, playfulness and openness to keep growing.”
Matt Hillyer – Bright Skyline – June 21st
For many years Matt Hillyer was synonymous with Dallas honky tonk mainstays Eleven Hundred Springs while pursuing a solo career in between. But retiring the band hasn’t meant the retirement of Hillyer. If anything, he’s upped his game as a songwriter and solo artist whose respect is heavy throughout Texas and Oklahoma, and across the country.
“I’ve been in a songwriter group for four years, so I just kept cranking songs out, more so than I ever have in my life. I just wanted to keep it going, pick up right where we left off last time, and not let too much time pass,” says Hillyer, who released Glorieta in 2023. “With ‘Bright Skyline’ I want to tour as much as possible. I want to keep myself open to all the different genres that I can actually do, just to keep myself on my toes, and be able to do any and all of it for any of my shows.
Kaitlin Butts – Roadrunner! – June 28th
Kaitlin Butts has never been one to shy away from a little drama in her music. In fact, intrigue and murder have been recurring themes in her catalog. All the more reason for the Oklahoma native to lean into that theatrical side of her music for her third official album inspired by the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma!
If you loved her last album what else can she do (2022) but the seven songs left you wanting even more, don’t worry, Roadrunner! will include a total 17 tracks. It’s an epic, conceptualized work produced by Oran Thornton, with contributions from steel-guitar/multi-instrumentalist Russ Pahl. Vince Gill and Cleto Cordero also pop in for a featured spots, and co-writers include Angaleena Presley, Natalie Hemby, and Courtney Patton. (read more)
Silverada – Self-Titled – June 28th
The band formerly known as Mike and the Moonpies officially changed their named to Silverada earlier this year. Now Mike Harmier, steel guitarist Zachary Moutlon, guitarist Catlin Rutherford, bass player Omar Oyoque, and drummer Taylor Englert are revving up to take the new Silverada for a spin. Harmeier wrote the new self-titled album in his backyard studio.
“Going into the studio, everybody in the band felt inspired to do something bigger than what they’d done before. We all knew we were at a precipice, and we wanted to jump. I brought in some songs that were metaphorical and not always straightforward, and that showed the guys that I wanted to take this music somewhere new… so they threw their own rule books out the window, too.” (read more)
Alice Wallace – Here I Am – June 28th
Those who know about Alice Wallace, they know her as one of the best singers out there at the moment whose songwriting also surpasses expectations on a regular basis. Though originally from California, she’s now been in Nashville for the last few years, and the new album calls upon some of the city’s best players to bring her songs to life.
“This is an album about reclaiming myself–as an artist, as a woman, and as a person navigating a world that is beautiful and confusing and harsh,” Wallace says. “All of those changes gave me a chance to examine myself in ways I never had. This album covers a spectrum of emotion I haven’t been brave enough to share on an album before. This is album is me.”
Johnny Cash – Songwriter – June 28th
Johnny Cash is 20 years gone, but we haven’t heard the last from the Man in Black just yet. A cache of 11 demo tracks were recorded in 1993 when Cash was between his final country label deal and before he signed with producer Rick Rubin. He walked into the LSI Studios in Nashville to record eleven solo written songs he’d accumulated over the years.
The demos ended up getting lost in time, but they were recently unearthed, and stripped back to just Cash’s voice and his acoustic guitar. Then with Cash’s son John Carter Cash and David “Fergie” Ferguson acting as producers, a select group of musicians were invited into the Cash Cabin Studios in Hendersonville to record what is now simply being titled Songwriter. (read more)
Kiely Connell – My Own Company – July 19th
Kiely Connell positively stunned Saving Country Music and the rest of the world who paid attention to her 2021 album Calumet Queen. Now she is back with Thirty Tigers behind her, and an album produced by Tucker Martine. The album captures a country and Americana sound infused with classic pop inflections and Connell’s remarkable voice and songs.
“Every year we would visit my grandmother out in Arizona which has to be where my true love of all things western comes from,” Connell says. “In the extreme conditions of the desert it’s very difficult for plant and animal life to survive, and yet somehow it does. I find that incredibly inspiring. I want to be an artist who finds beauty in unlikely places and be unafraid to conquer the unknown like the cowboys in the old west.”
Melissa Carper – Borned In Ya – July 19th
For years, Melissa Carper was mostly a member in bands and a bass player for hire. But ever since breaking out with her 2021 debut Daddy’s Country Gold, she’s been building up a bigger and bigger fan base with her infectious sound and style that draws comparisons with Billie Holiday and Sierra Ferrell. It’s a faraway sound that is dated, yet timeless.
Appearing on the album will be Dennis Crouch, fiddler Billy Contreras, pianist Jeff Taylor, multi-instrumentalist Rory Hoffman, as well as console steel player and consummate Melissa Carper champion, Chris Scruggs. “She’s as good as it gets. She has a quality that really transcends time and fashion,” says Scruggs. (read more)
The Red Clay Strays – Made By These Moments – July 26th
The Red Clay Strays are already taking the country and roots world by storm with their throwback Sun Records-inspired sound. Their new album produced by Dave Cobb and backed by RCA Records only promises to up the ante even more. “’Made by These Moments’ shines a light on overcoming the battles we face in life like loneliness, depression, and hopelessness,” says frontman Brandon Coleman. “We hope you listen and recognize that our pain has a purpose.”
Brandon Coleman is joined by Drew Nix (electric guitar, vocals, harmonica), Zach Rishel (electric guitar), Andrew Bishop (bass) and John Hall (drums), who formed the band in 2016 in Mobile, AL. They all huddled with Dave Cobb at the Georgia Mae studio in Savannah to record the new album, with songwriting contributions from Brandon Coleman’s brother Matthew. (read more)
American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still – July 26th
For nearly 20 years now, American Aquarium and frontman BJ Barham have been a mostly rock band graciously accepted into Americana, Texas/Red Dirt, and independent country due to the quality of the songs, and the chest-pounding power of their live performances. That’s why the announcement of a new album comes as welcome news from the Raleigh, North Carolina-based band.
The Fear of Standing Still will be the second album the group has recorded with producer Shooter Jennings after the band’s 2020 album Lamentations. American Aquarium also released the more understated and acoustic Chicamacomico that received high acclaim. But the new one recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles promises to have a bit more grit and snarl, without shorting on the songwriting. (read more)
Jeff Crosby – Another Petal Falls Off The Rose – July 26th
As a solo artist, touring with Reckless Kelly and others, and splitting his time between Austin and Idaho, Jeff Crosby has become one of the most respected musicians among musicians you can find. On July 26th, he’ll forward his latest solo offering produced by the legendary Dave Schools of Widespread Panic.
“This album is the sound of a 36 year-old musician/traveler and his band from the Pacific Northwest wading through a mid-life crisis post-pandemic while also falling in love again, attempting to come to terms with a horrible breakup and avoiding inevitable sobriety,” explains Crosby. “I think getting older and realizing I’ve been at this for twenty years was somewhat heavy on my mind while writing this group of songs. Being proud of the fact that we’re still here and still writing new music, staying inspired…having fun with it.”
49 Winchester – Leavin’ This Holler – August 2nd
It’s from the hills and hollers of Appalachia that country music first came into being. And it’s from those same hills and hollers where a new generation of artists have risen to save country music in the modern era. One such outfit is named 49 Winchester after a street address in the small town of Castlewood, Virginia where singer Isaac Gibson, best friend and bassist Chase Chafin, and guitarist Bus Shelton formed the band.
Now 10 years into the game, 49 Winchester have gone from hometown heroes to one of the hottest country and roots bands spanning the globe thanks to the incredibly soulful voice of Mr. Gibson. “There’s been nothing in my life that’s ever lasted a decade,” Isaac Gibson says. “It’s a testament to the uncommon fact that we’re musicians from a very specific place in the world. And it’s a testament to viewing each other more as family than as friends.” (read more)
Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind – August 23rd
Few if anyone has been on a winning streak bigger than Lainey Wilson at the moment. She’s the reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year, the latest invitee to join the Grand Ole Opry, and quickly becoming a household name beyond the country music sphere. She may not be a staunch traditionalist, but you wouldn’t know that by comparing her to many of her peers in the mainstream. Jay Joyce will produce what will be one of the most anticipated country releases all year, Whirlwind.
“This album has been a long time coming, and I can’t wait for the world to have this body of work in their hands soon,” says Wilson. “This new chapter of music is the most cathartic and personal piece of art I’ve ever made. I hope this record brings some peace to your whirlwind and wraps its arms around you like it did for me.”
Whey Jennings – Jekyll & Hyde – August 23rd
“I believe what we’re doing is powerful and I believe it’s going to change lives,” Jennings says about what he considers his debut album. “I want to be an entertainer, but I also want to be somebody who makes you think about not only who you are, but who everyone around you is, and how to make this world a better place. I want people to feel my music.”
Just as Whey has grown as an artist, he’s also grown as a person, going from cover songs of rowdy ways, to original songs of fighting off addiction and finding sobriety through faith. Original songs are now the centerpiece of his music, with eight of the twelve songs on the upcoming album co-written by Whey, along with multiple contributions from songwriter Wes Shipp. (read more)
George Strait – Cowboys & Dreamers – September 6th
Since Strait last released an album, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in the direction of country music. In 2019 when Honky Tonk Time Machine came out, country music was still trying to extricate itself from the Bro-Country era. Now we have a whole host of new and up-and-coming traditional country artists directly inspired by Strait breathing new life into the genre. All the more reason for Strait to break his semi-retirement and release new music himself.
Keith Gattis joins other notable songwriters including Chris Stapleton, Kendell Marvel, Jessie Jo Dillon, and of course long-time Strait contributors Dean Dillon and Jim Lauderdale. Son Bubba Strait also gets a few co-writes, as does George Strait himself. It’s also interesting to see Strait chooses to cover “Waymore Blues” by Waylon Jennings. (read more)
OTHER ANTICIPATED/CONFIRMED RELEASES
May 31st
Red Shahan – Loose Funky Texas Junky
Willie Nelson – The Border
Jesse Dayton – The Hard Way Blues
Laurie Lewis – TREES
Prinz Grizzley – Dear Leftovers
The Flying Raye – Never Too Old To Die Young
Judd Warrick – Brokenland
ellescriv – Wandering The Pine
Atomic Junkshot – Peacedale
Cosmic Guilt – Palace of Depression
The Midnight Revival – Self-Titled
High Road – Straight from the Heart
Terri Clark – Take Two (Duets album)
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club – Kinnery of Lupercalia: Buell Legion (Gothic country)
Anna Tivel – Living Thing (folk)
Swamp Dogg – Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St (bluegrass)
Marc Douglas Berardo – The Beauty of This Now (singer-songwriter)
Richard Thompson – Ship To Shore (folk)
(6-1) Joseph Huber – Blasthouse Sessions
June 7th
Tony Trischka – Earl Jam: A Tribute To Earl Scruggs
Jesse Daniel – Countin’ The Miles
Josh Meloy – Where You Came From
Carly Pearce – Hummingbird
Evan Boyer – The Devil In Me
Kayla Ray – The World’s Weight
Zoe FitzGerald Carter – Before The Machine
Evan Horner – Fighting For
Parker Smith – Short Street
Ben Vallee – Introducing … Ben Vallee
Rye Davis – A Long Time Gone
Alisa Amador – Multitudes (folk/Americana)
Robert Earl Keen – Western Chill (digital release)
Will Stewart and the Gold Band – Live In Norway (alt-country)
Left Lane Cruiser – Bayport BBQ Blues (blues)
Tracy Lawrence – Out Here In It EP
(6-8) Ashley E. Norton – Call of the Void
June 14th
(6-13) The Whiskey Charmers – Streetlights
Rob Leines – Head Case
Luke Combs – Fathers & Sons
Jenny Don’t and the Spurs – Broken Hearted Blue
E.B. Anderson – Pictou County Love Songs
The Lost Weekend Band – One Hell of a Time
Madeline Hawthorne – Tales from Late Nights and Long Drives
Surrender Hill – River of Tears
David Serby – Low Hanging Stars
Grace Pettis – Down to the Letter
Ben McPeak – We’re All Here
Widespread Panic – Snake Oil King
Lonesome River Band – The Winning Hand (bluegrass)
Gangstagrass – The Blackest Thing on the Menu (bluegrass/hip-hop)
Oliver Wood – Fat Cat Silhouette (Americana)
Jason Hawk Harris – Breakup Songs Are Love Songs Too EP (b-sides)
Jake Neuman & The Jaybirds – Little Bitty Town EP
June 21st
Rich O’Toole – Ghost
Cory Cross – There’s More
George Ducas – Long Way From Home
Jim Lauderdale – My Favorite Place
Matt Hillyer – Bright Skyline
Cody Dickinson – Homemade
Gerry Spehar – Other Voices
Lauren Watkins – The Heartbroken Record
Brian Mackey – Good Morning Ireland
Aaron McDonnell – Midnight Pool Mix
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore – TexiCali
Rob Baird – Burning in the Stars
Nick Taylor – Not Alone
Lauren Rose Thayer – Going Somewhere
Leslie Mendelson – After the Party (singer/songwriter)
Greaternity – The Son of Man (Christian country)
Mike Jacoby Electric Trio – Rocket Fuel Logic (alt-country)
Jack McKeon – Talking To Strangers (bluegrass)
Various Artists – Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration Of Tom Petty
(6-22) David Payne – Last Call at the Yellow Horse Saloon
June 28th
(6-27) Sweet Joe Pye – Rise Early EP – (old-time/folk)
Kaitlin Butts – Roadrunner!
Silverada – Self-Titled
Johnny Cash – Songwriter
Jubal Lee Young – Wild Birds Warble
Alice Wallace – Here I Am
Josh Morningstar – Self-Titled
Kyle Daniel – Kentucky Gold
Marques Morel – Tales and Tellings
Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats – South of Here
Robert Jon & the Wreck – Red Moon Rising
Alan Walker – A Little Too Late
John Gallagher Jr. – Goodbye or Something (singer-songwriter)
Chris Edwards – Homebrew
Rachel Gleddie – Hibernate (singer-songwriter)
July 5th
(7-2) Golden Roses – Heartbreak Fixer Uppers
Steel Saddle – Self-Titled
July 12th
Rainy Eyes – Lonesome Highway
Megan Moroney – Am I Okay?
George Dearborne – Lotta Honky Tonkin’ Left In Me
Sturgill Simpson – Passage du Desir
The Magnolia Janes – The Light Years
Bones Owens – Love Out of Lemons
Blackwater Railroad Company – A Lovely Place To Die
Maya de Vitry – The Only Moment
Drew Parker – Camouflage Cowboy
Cassandra Lewis – Lost in a Dream (Americana)
Donovan Woods – Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now (Americana)
Tray Wellington – Detour To The Moon (bluegrass)
Bridge City Sinners – In The Age of Doubt (Gothic country)
Billy Strings – Live Vol. 1
William Michael Morgan – Country Classics (covers album)
Conrad Fisher – Live from Ragamuffin Hall
Happy Landing – Golden (Americana)
Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen – Hold My Beer Vol. #4 EP
Steve Earle – Alone Again EP (Live)
Colin Stough – Lookin’ For Home EP
July 19th
(7-16) – The State Champions – Independent Record
(7-17) – Lasers Lasers Birmingham – Mystery Highway
Goodnight, Texas – Signals
Melissa Carper – Borned In Ya
Elijah Ocean – Loser’s Holiday
Boy Golden – For Eden
Kiely Connell – My Own Company
AJ Lee & Blue Summit – City of Glass
Koe Wetzel – 9 Lives
Eddy Lee Ryder – Sweet Delusions
Chris Robeson – Euphoriphobia
Two Tone Pony – Born on the Road
The Singer and The Songwriter – Dreams! The Dead! Ghost! Future (folk)
Lonesome Shack – Song of the Horse (blues)
Various Artists – Twisters: The Album (soundtrack)
(7-21) – A. Lee Edwards – Interpreting Heart Sounds, Vol. 1
July 26th
Yarn – Born, Blessed, Grateful, and Alive
American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still
Red Clay Strays – Made By These Moments
Matt Pitschman – Long Road to Heaven
Charlie Overbey – In Good Company
Zak Kirkpatrick – Begging for the Dawn
Jeff Crosby – Another Petal Falls Off The Rose
Myles Cochran – You Are Here
Connor Daly – Colors Fade
The Hanseroth Twins – Vera
Brock Davis – Everyday Miracle (Americana)
Marley Hale – By My Own Ways EP
Lance Roark – Tenkiller EP
Bryan Ruby – Found & Lost EP
Tigerlily Gold – Blonde – July 26th (country pop)
Drive- By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera – Deluxe (Reissue -plus)
(6-28) Charlie Thompson – Untamed Heart
August 2nd
(8-1) – Jayme Ray Pyne – Remembrance
Heart of Pine – Southern Soul Revival
49 Winchester – Leavin’ This Holler
John Carter Cash – Pilgrimage to Rising Fawn
Joe Ely – Driven To Drive
Evan McMillian – For A Dreamer
Cody Hibbard – Long Ride In A Short Bed
Ella Langley – Hungover
Gavin Adcock – Actin’ Up Again
Mike Montrey Band – Love, Time and Mortality
Silas J. Dirge – Swan Songs
Amy Annelle – The Toll (folk)
August 9th
Amos Lee – Transmissions
Dallas Moore – Gems & Jams
Karen Jonas – The Rise and Fall of American Kitsch
Amos Lee – Transmissions (Americana)
Skylar Gudasz – Country (folk/Americana)
Michigan Rattlers – Waving from a Sea (indie Americana)
Andy Wood – Charisma (guitar, instrumental, blues rock)
August 16th
Morgan Wade – Obsessed
Josh Turner – This Country Music Thing
Tony Martinez – Everywhere West
Pony Bradshaw – Thus Spoke The Fool
Muscadine Bloodline – The Coastal Plain
Shelby Lynne – Consequences of the Crown
Todd Hearon – Impossible Man
Ben Sollee – Long Haul
Devon Allman – Miami Moon
The Po’ Ramblin Boys – Wanderers Like Me (bluegrass)
Clark Patterson – American Suburban
Ray LaMontagne – Long Way Home
Tay Bronson – Bad Apple
Jordie Lane – Tropical Depression
Malin Pettersen – Seasons
Dan Tyminski – Live From The Ryman (bluegrass)
Bella White – Five For Silver EP (cover songs)
Aoife O’Donovan & Hawktail Play All My Friends (acoustic EP)
(8-18) – Hooks and the Huckleberries – For The Love of Whatever
(8-20) – John Lomax III – American Folk Songs
August 23rd
Whey Jennings – Jekyll & Hyde
Colby Acuff – American Son
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings – Woodland
Embla and the Karidotters – Off Leash
Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind
Maggie Antone – Rhinestoned
India Ramey – Baptized by the Blaze
Wild Ponies – Dreamers
Zach Meadows – Road To Nowhere
Falcon Jane – Legacy
Tai Shan – Wildflower Moon
Michael Cloud Duguay – Succeeder
Grascals – 20 (bluegrass)
Tai Shan – Wildflower Moon
Andrew Combs – Dream Pictures (Americana)
Fruition – How To Make Mistakes (Americana)
Ruthie Foster – Mileage (blues)
Paula Boggs Band- Live at Sweetwater Hall (Americana)
Sarahbeth Taite – The Way We Started EP
Stella Prince – Dear Future Me EP
Rachel McIntyre Smith – Honeysuckle Friend EP
August 30th
Jana Mila – Chameleon
Caleb Caudle – Sweet Critters
The Cactus Blossoms – Every Time I Think About You
Hannah Juanita – Tennessee Songbird
Charlie Peacock – Every Kind of Uh-Oh
Josh Mitcham – Little Fires (Americana)
Kara Cole- Firefly EP (Americana)
Ray Benson – Swingin’ And Skankin’ (Western Swing/ Reggae fusion)
Steep Canyon Rangers – Live at Greenfield Lake (bluegrass)
Various Artists – Bluegrass Sings Paxton (bluegrass Tom Paxton tribute)
Uncle Lucius – Live from Ear Studio EP
Kara Cole – Firefly EP
(9-1) Mark Brine – Rural Notes
September 6th
George Strait – Cowboys & Dreamers
Francesca Brown – Stolen Lands and Broken Dreams
Garth Brooks – Time Traveler (Amazon exclusive)
Bob Sumner – Some Place to Rest Easy
The Deslondes – Roll It Out
Jackson Dean – On The Back of My Dreams
Matt Ward – The Long Way Home (Australian country)
Luke Winslow-King – Flash-A-Magic
Shovels & Rope – Something Is Working Up Above My Head
Jenna Paulette – Horseback
David Luning – Lessons
Corey Kent – Black Bandana
Jeffrey Foucault – The Universal Fire
Jack Struder – Diggin’ For Dirt
Andy Statman – Bluegrass Tracks (bluegrass)
Amy Helm – Silver City (Americana)
Eric Devries and The Song & Dance Band – Traveler’s Heart (bluegrass, folk)
Kenny Kosek with Tony Trischka – Twisted Sage (Old-time)
Greg Copeland – Empire State EP
Paula Fong – Chestnut Mare EP (folk)
September 13th
Shawna Thompson – Lean On Neon
Reckless Kelly – The Last Frontier
Miranda Lambert – Postcards From Texas
Greg Loftus – No Kings in the Wild
Mac Leaphart – Motel Breakfast
Willie Watson – Self-Titled
Marian Runk – Two Wires and a Spark
Eliza Thorn – Somebody New
Michael McDermott – Lighthouse on the Shore and East Jesus
Lee DeWyze – Gone For Days
Lisa Morales – Sonora
Kylie Fox – Sequoia (Americana, folk)
Nick Lowe, Los Straitjackets – Indoor Safari (Mod, surf)
Sean Taylor – The End of the Rainbow (folk, Americana)
*Jack Barksdale – Out of Order EP (singer/songwriter)
Maddie & Tae – What A Woman Can Do EP
(9-15) – The Jackson County Kills – Honky Tonk Beast
September 20th
Sophie Gault – Baltic Street Hotel
Midland – Barely Blue
Jerry Douglas – The Set
Mason Ramsey – I’ll See You In My Dreams
September Moon – Carry On
Marcedes Carroll – We Lost Track of the Stars
The Roamers – Self-Titled
Chase Rice – Go Down Singin’
Drake White – Low Country High Road
The White Buffalo – A Freight Train Through The Night (live album)
Greg Allman Band – Uncle Sam’s (Live archive recording)
John Surge And The Haymakers – Maybe You Don’t Know Me EP
Molly Tuttle – Into The Wild EP (bluegrass)
(9-22) Drew Landry – Exiles: The Dockside Tapes Volume 1
September 27th
(9-26) Nathan Jacques – Dark Wanderer and the Bounty Heart
Brendan Forrest – Daydreaming Music Fiend
Julian Taylor – Pathways
JD McPherson – Nite Owls
Kelley Mickwee – Everything Is Beautiful
October 4th
The Wild Feathers – Sirens
Garrett T. Capps and NASA Country – Everyone Is Everyone
Chris Berado – Wilder All The Time
A Tale of Two – Renegade
Jesse Terry – Arcadia (Americana)
Dan Reeder – Smithereens (folk, Americana)
Joy Clark – Tell It To The Wind (Americana)
October 11th
(10-10) Tyla Rodrigues – Upon Reflection
Teddy and the Rough Riders – Down Home
Justin Moore – This Is My Dirt
Lucy Isabel – All the Light
Chris Acker – Famous Lunch
Jadea Kelly – Weather Girl (Americana)
Dawes – Oh Brother (Americana, indie rock)
Lucy Isabel – All The Light (folk, Americana)
Shovel Dance Collective – The Shovel Dance (British folk)
October 18th
(10-17) Julie Williams – Tennessee Moon EP (indie folk)
Liv Greene – Deep Feeler
Benjamin Tod – Shooting Star
Beau Jennings & The Tigers – American Stories Major Chords
Tim Heidecker – Slipping Away
Riley Green – Don’t Mind If I Do – October 18th
Megan Brickwood – All The Same
Amy Speace – The American Dream
Twisted Pine – Love Your Mind (bluegrass)
Jerron Paxton – Things Done Changed (1930’s roots)
Sarah Sample & Edie Carey – Lantern in the Dark: Songs of Comfort and Lullabies (folk, children)
Various Artists – Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney
Various Artists – Tonight I’ll Go Down Swingin’: A Tribute to Don Heffington
October 25th
Lowdown Drifters – In Time
Joe Nichols – Honky Tonks and Country Songs
Chuck Ragan – Love and Lore (alt-country)
Beth Lee – Hardly Matters (Americana)
Ashtyn Barbaree – Sent Through The Ceiling (Americana)
Amythyst Kiah – Still + Bright (folk, Americana)
Grayson Capps – Heartbreak, Misery & Death (folk)
Fimone – Fascination EP
November 1st
*John PayCheck – More Days Behind
Jermie Albino – Our Time In The Sun (Americana)
Loose Cattle – Someone’s Monster (Americana)
November 8th
Bubba Bellin – Western Soul
*James Ellis – The Party Might Be Over
November 15th
*(11-14) – Steven Denmark – Tequila Tears
B.B. Cole – Of Love and Loss
Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables
Evan Ogden – Honesty EP
December 6th
Nick Gusman And The Coyotes – Lifting Heavy Things
January 11th, 2025
Jason Sinay – The Mountain
THE RUMOR MILL
Zach Bryan will have a new album called The Great American Bar Scene. 15-16 songs and a poem. No release date just yet.
Jamey Johnson is working on new album, and for real this time, with his new single “21 Guns” out now.
Whitey Morgan has been posting photos of himself in the studio lately.
Benjamin Tod of the Lost Dog Street Band has a honky tonk album representing different eras of country coming. It’s tentatively planning to be released in the fall.
Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are also working on a duets project together.
The Pistol Annies have been writing together, and with others like Lukas Nelson, likely for a new album.
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.”
Courtney Patton was in the studio recording new album in December 2023.
J.P. Harris has signed with the newly reconstituted Bloodshot Records and released a new song “Beautiful World.” New album coming.
Billy Strings recently announced on the Marc Maron podcast that he will have an upcoming album called Highway Prayers.
Canadian Gothic country artist Lindi Ortega said that she would be recording a new album in 2023, and recently released a song with Tennyson King called “Where I Make My Home.”
Mason Via has left Old Crow Medicine Show. Don’t be surprised if a new album is on the way.
Colby Acuff has been teasing a new album, and has a new song “Scared of the Dar” out now.
An album of previously-unheard songs from Luke Bell is in the works.
Chapel Hart will have a Christmas album later this year.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:15 am
The first half of the year was good and the second half suggests it is going to be a very good year for great music releases, Many will go on my to buy list. Was lucky enough to see 49 Winchester in concert in U.K. last night, they were very very good and well worth seeing. They got a great reception at a sold out show, Great show. Support act was Drayton Farley was also great. Looking forward to 49 Winchesters new album. Jamey Johnson, George Strait, American Aquarium etc etc….so many great releases to come.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:16 am
Heard anything on Brad paisleys newest album “son of the mountain”. He’s released 4 songs and I was encouraged by what I heard so far. Even though he’s had some misses I’ve always been a big fan. Sounds like he’s at least attempting to get back to his older sound.
Can’t wait for 49 Winchester. Everytimhibg they’ve put out so far from this new album has been fantastic.
Always love hearing what ray wylie has cooked up as well.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:57 am
I expected that to come out late last year at the latest. I’m wondering if the early singles didn’t do as well as they wanted, and everything got delayed. That’s not uncommon in the major label world.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:04 am
I wish he’d give up on the commercial success, he’s not the hot star he was in the 2000s. I really think he could make some good solid country music if he’d just quit chasing the chart success and understand his place in this modern country world.
May 27, 2024 @ 7:42 pm
Come on Brad, be yourself, write from the heart and don’t worry about radio success, radio is dying anyway. It will sell. I will buy it.
May 29, 2024 @ 5:58 am
Well, now that the African hip-hop, rap community has entered the country music scene, I’m sure they’ll make better country music than these white people. I read an article out of Rolling Stone over a year ago with an interview of the African American female who started he black Opry. She said she’s African, loves country music, but, she’s AFRAID to go to a concert, said too many white ppl and she’s AFRAID the whites at the country music concerts will attack her and beat her up. So, she brought all her African hip-hop, rap friends in from CA to take country music back from the white ppl who stole it from “her” people, and the African hip-hop, rappers will “BUILD IT BACK BETTER”
HER words, NOT mine.
May 28, 2024 @ 8:10 pm
I completely agree. His first handful of albums are top notch. I can’t believe more of his early singles aren’t cover band staples either – they are so good and the songwriting was amazing. I would think that now is the time to lean back into traditional 90’s sounding country.
May 29, 2024 @ 2:03 am
His first few albums are absolutely solid. Really up until ”wheelhouse” all of them were good. That was the first one that seemed like a real miss, but he was trying new stuff which was the point of the album. Then he started chasing trends. He’s released like 10 singles since his last album and the style has been all over the place. He doesn’t know which direction he’s going. Your right, now is the time to lean into that 90s style that he started off doing.
May 28, 2024 @ 8:02 pm
Brad has had trouble getting the president of Palestine to get in the studio to record a duet with.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:47 am
I am stoked for Richard Thompson next week! Love him. 🙂 Looking forward to George Strait, as well…
May 27, 2024 @ 8:54 am
Don’t forget about Billy Strings’ upcoming “Highway Prayers.” https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/billy-strings-interview-wtf-with-marc-maron/
And he has previously stated that he was working on one or more live albums for release.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:11 am
Any news on the Presley Haile album?
May 28, 2024 @ 4:12 pm
Jinks has said he’s been in the studio. I expect at least an EP before the end of the year.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:12 am
Speaking of Lindi Ortega, I enjoyed hearing one of her songs on the new Chris Stapleton SiriusXM channel, right after the Ozark Mountain Daredevils.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:12 am
Billy Strings mentioned recently that his next album “Highway Prayers” is completed. Hopefully it will be released by the end of the year.
June 3, 2024 @ 6:21 pm
I’m hoping Billy mixes things up a bit more on this upcoming album. Maybe some drums and special guests?
May 27, 2024 @ 9:36 am
The new Kiely Connell album is my most anticipated of the year. “Calumet Queen” blew my mind – easily one of the best records of the past few years. I still need to see her live. Missed her show with Ian Noe in N.C. because of a work schedule conflict, and that was the last gig Ian played before quitting music. In retrospect, I should have just ditched work and went to the concert – told those motherfuckers to take this job and shove it a few months later anyway. No regrets on that decision.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:40 am
Thanks for putting these together, Trig.
Has there been any movement on the Lefty tribute album from Cody Jinks? I thought that was going to be such a great combo, but it seems to have gone silent for quite some time.
May 27, 2024 @ 10:16 am
I haven’t heard any more of it. Perhaps Cody got his fill of side projects with Caned By Nod. I hope he still records/releases it.
May 27, 2024 @ 9:45 am
There is some really good stuff on this list. My most anticipated include 49 winchester, American aquarium, Jesse daniel, and Silverada. I’ve got tickets to see each of them live with the exception of Jesse Daniel who isn’t coming anywhere near me. These lists have become my favorite feature on the site, one that I refer to again and again. Thanks for all that you do, Trigger.
May 27, 2024 @ 10:53 am
Thanks again for doing these, Trig.
So many heavy hitters coming in hot!
May 27, 2024 @ 11:35 am
Rhonda Vincent shared on the Opry this past Saturday that she’ll be releasing a version of Country Roads Take Me Home with Cody Johnson and Dolly Parton.
May 27, 2024 @ 5:33 pm
I’m looking forward to her next album, which I assume will have both “Country Roads” and her cover of “Please Mr. Please.” Any rumors as to when that might be released?
May 27, 2024 @ 12:21 pm
The Swamp Dogg release caught me off guard, haha. I’ve always known him for his whacky album covers and don’t think I’ve ever listened to more than one song from him, but after reading about the album and guest players on the Bandcamp page, I pre-ordered the vinyl. That looks like it will be a really fun album. I’d also like a new Whitey Morgan album, then of course will pick up anything from Billy.
May 27, 2024 @ 1:17 pm
Trigger.
I am so thankful for you putting in the effort to compile this. I still don’t know after all of these years of reading your articles what things you think are funny. Gangstagrass – I love the idea of throwing something like this into a big mix of recommendations because it is funny how as a guru you can be influential. I just want to make sure this one is a joke
I hope you bring soke fans their way!
May 27, 2024 @ 1:47 pm
I’ve been loving the Jenny Don’t & The Spurs new singles. SCM sleuths, check out Wild Fitz’s “Paradise” released in April. Thank you for the outlook, Trig!
May 27, 2024 @ 2:42 pm
I believe Josh Morningstar has an album coming out June 28th as well. Thanks for these lists Trig. Always appreciated.
May 27, 2024 @ 3:51 pm
Pretty funny calling your album ‘The Border’ when there isn’t one.
May 27, 2024 @ 5:23 pm
You will have to understand Willie’s politics to probably understanding the song’s meanings. It will be interesting nonetheless.
May 28, 2024 @ 1:45 am
Its taking its title from a Rodney Crowell song
May 28, 2024 @ 6:16 am
between church and state or…
May 27, 2024 @ 4:24 pm
I’m so far behind already!
Dalton Domino’s “Arizona” is off the radar? They teased it on streaming a few days then pulled it off. Thanks!
May 27, 2024 @ 4:57 pm
I honestly have no idea what going on with that release at the moment, so I don’t want to get the hopes of folks up.
May 27, 2024 @ 5:33 pm
Nothing concrete yet, but I know Emily Scott Robinson has been debuting some new songs on her shows recently. Saw her in March and she sang a couple of new ones that she confirmed are going on her next album
May 27, 2024 @ 5:36 pm
Trig, do you think there’s a possibility that an album of unreleased songs from Toby Keith might be released someday?
In 2018, he released the 25th anniversary of his debut album with 3 unreleased songs.
I’m also curious if Toby was writing songs during his illness. The Hardy Diff-Tape collaboration announced that it was Toby’s “final recorded material” but I’m not sure how true such a statement is because Toby’s family never said that, only Hardy’s team.
May 27, 2024 @ 6:38 pm
Trigger, do you know if Arlo McKinley has a full album on the horizon? I’ve noticed he’s put out a few singles recently. Also hoping for something new from Ian Noe.
May 27, 2024 @ 7:53 pm
Yeah, not 100% sure what’s going on there. All the new singles are acoustic-only, so I’ve been taking it as sort of a project between projects. There has been no confirmation of a new album, and not much press or explanation about the singles. I guess we’ll see where they lead.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:07 pm
Whatever happened to Cole Chaney?
May 30, 2024 @ 4:21 pm
Looks like he has a good string of tour dates this summer, some with CWG, and a new hair style. This comment inspired me to go back and listen to Mercy a few times. Just one banger after another. Cole is up there with Gabe Lee for the ‘under the radar’ crown imo.
June 11, 2024 @ 10:42 am
I just saw him Sunday in Bend, Oregon, and talked to him after the show. He’s working on an album. However, albums are very expensive to record, so he has to make a little revenue to make that happen. He debuted a song for us but didn’t even say the name. It was sure epic.
I also asked him if he can write a bad song and he laughed and said, “he’s written plenty, but you’ll never hear em'”
It’s just a matter of time before he blows up. Having the backing band on Charlene, Spirit, and Grind was something special. Man, this guy can sing live. His voice reminds me a lot of Layne Stayley, and I don’t say that lightly.
May 27, 2024 @ 8:49 pm
I am definitely looking forward to Alice Wallace’s new one HERE I AM. Her 2019 album INTO THE BLUE was a great combination of Americana and old-school California country-rock, and it would seem like she’s sticking to those guns, even as she recorded HERE I AM in Nashville.
May 27, 2024 @ 10:28 pm
Has there been any word on when there might be new music from Stacy Antonel? Her last album would have exploded if there was any justice.
May 28, 2024 @ 7:06 am
Have not heard anything specific, but she’s definitely out there playing shows and doing her thing.
May 28, 2024 @ 12:29 am
Kameron Marlowe – Keepin’ the Lights On – May 31st
May 28, 2024 @ 3:11 am
…the way things are going for her, lainey wilson’s “whirlwind” will probably be the most anticipated album in all of country music in the second half of the year. if they’re smart, they’ll put/add that collaboration with ernest – “would if i could” – also on it. if only ernest just had a slightly more remarkable voice, this would be one of the absolutely most beautiful renditions of a dean dillon (skip ewing) song that’s out there.
May 28, 2024 @ 6:16 am
This is one of the best features of SCM.
Many thanks!
May 28, 2024 @ 6:16 am
Rob Leines’ new album Head Case comes out June 7th.
May 28, 2024 @ 6:22 am
One of the best features of SCM.
Thanks for these, Trigger!
May 28, 2024 @ 6:35 am
Reckless Kelly has been playing a few new songs on their “Last Frontier” tour. I spoke with the woman at the merch table in Cleveland back on May 11th and she said a new album is likely due out this year and that they recently did a photo shoot for it.
May 28, 2024 @ 6:49 am
Lot of good stuff coming up. Particularly looking forward to Jesse Daniel and 49 Winchester, and very excited for Jamey Johnson.
Not mentioned here is Caitlyn Smith. She just released a single called Static that I’m hoping leads to a new album. Like Carly Pearce, she isn’t necessarily traditional country, but damn if she doesn’t have one of the best singing voices in country.
Also cautiously excited about the new Colby Acuff album. Colby is someone who I initially couldn’t get into, but since his last album I have grown to like him quite a bit. Not sure on the new single though. Hoping the single, and the album grow on me like his other work.
May 28, 2024 @ 8:36 am
She isn’t country, but I’m really looking forward to Anna Tivel’s latest which comes out this Friday.
May 28, 2024 @ 9:28 am
Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore have a new release coming, “TexiCali” on June 21st.
May 28, 2024 @ 9:56 am
I had the privilege of seeing Jesse Daniel last week and was highly impressed by the set. Such a great band too. Jesse mentioned between songs that he thought he was a tough fella… until he had to sign 3,500 vinyls for this release.
May 28, 2024 @ 10:05 am
Josh Turner released a new single for the first time in years. I wonder if he has a new album planned.
May 28, 2024 @ 10:18 am
Paul Cauthen apparently has an album coming this summer. Think its going to be called “Black on Black”. His style is more eclectic than it used to be but he has stated this will be more like Room 41 than the prior record.
June 4, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Hope you’re right, Room 41 blows away Country Coming Down!
May 28, 2024 @ 12:35 pm
Cody Johnson should be releasing the expanded/part 2 version of “Leather” in the fall. It includes a duet with Carrie Underwood.
May 28, 2024 @ 1:37 pm
Real nervous about the forthcoming Silverada album. None of the singles have really impressed me, and the production sounds deflated.
I just don’t know what this band is trying to do at this point in their career, because you’d think they’d be swinging for the fences musically in the wake of the odd name change – but it feels like they’re doing the opposite.
Steak Night, Cheap Silver, and One to Grow On were always going to be tough to beat, but I get the feeling they’re not even trying this time – so what was the point of the whole band name change?
May 28, 2024 @ 3:09 pm
They are trying to become popular outside of their Austin niche. They have become generic.
May 29, 2024 @ 5:47 am
I see how that’d make sense, but if that’s the intent here I don’t see how these new singles are gonna do that for them. They’re pretty boring and under-produced, and I’d never assume this was a band trying to gain wider popularity based on these singles. I mean, the more recent singles were released to basically zero fanfare. Can’t help but think that, on a net basis, the band will actually lose fans this album cycle.
May 30, 2024 @ 8:55 am
All they know is that other artists have blown up nationally while they, truer to the honky tonk sound, have remained a regional darling.
We will see if it works.
May 28, 2024 @ 3:43 pm
Man, a Honkey Tonk Album from Benjamin Tod!!! Sign me up!!!
May 28, 2024 @ 5:35 pm
Amanda Kate Ferris will release an album sometime over the next few months. She won New Female Vocalist of The Year at the recent Texas Regional Radio Music Awards and had her first solo #1 recently with Tequila and Jesus https://youtu.be/kJxHKipYix4?si=eXqD1qP31AoeIJj2 – check her out. I promise you will not be disappointed!!
May 29, 2024 @ 10:17 am
Joseph Huber has a live studio album releasing this Friday 6/1/24.
May 29, 2024 @ 10:27 am
Thanks for the heads up, though it looks like it’s actually Saturday not Friday it’s being released 6/1.
May 29, 2024 @ 11:36 am
Dang…had the right day, but wrong day. Been one of my favorite artists since this site introduced me to The Suffering Stage. Thanks for all you do in promoting great music!
May 29, 2024 @ 11:10 am
That Josh Morningstar album is a work of art. ✨
May 29, 2024 @ 4:02 pm
Joshua Quimby, “Back Home,” May 31.
May 29, 2024 @ 4:06 pm
This is Tenuous. However, the instagram account “Phishonphilm” which is the account for PHILM magazine (a jam band magazine) posted a message they receieved which mentioned something about a new Tyler Childers album.
The message the posted can be seen on their insta stories and states “if you are surpised by Jon Brion producing Billy (another client) just wait until you hear who’s produced Tyler’s upcoming album”
The message is anonymous but the implication is this person is ITK, I don’t think the magazine would have highlighted it if it was a random person they didn’t know.
June 14, 2024 @ 7:15 am
Who is Jon producing for? It’s hard to find Jon Brion news.
May 29, 2024 @ 5:48 pm
I remember reading that the Oak Ridge Boys will be releasing (or are working on) a new studio album. I also remember reading that Joe Bonsall, who had to retire from touring with the Oaks due to health reasons, will still be on the new album. I think I read all of this on their Facebook page or on one of the individual Oaks Facebook pages. I think that it might have said that their new tenor singer Ben James will also be on the recordings as well. I can’t 100% confirm any of this, but I think this is what I remember reading. Anyone who knows more about this, please let us know!
May 29, 2024 @ 11:03 pm
On a [long] Facebook post dated April 24, Jerry Douglas wrote, in part, “Tuesday I thoroughly checked all my Dobro and slide parts on a new [Alison Krauss & Union Station] record that will suddenly appear in the early part of 2025. There are plans afoot to tour starting in April of next year. I guess that’s newsworthy.”
That, indeed, seems newsworthy!
May 30, 2024 @ 3:38 pm
Looking for another release from IV and the Strange Band. The first 2 released are great. Saw them on May 1st great guys and great show.
May 30, 2024 @ 6:25 pm
Jarrod Morris needs to get on your radar if he isn’t. Thanks for all you do!
May 30, 2024 @ 9:30 pm
Miranda Lambert said she has a new album coming out later this year (probably by fall), as she describes as “honky tonky as hell”.
May 31, 2024 @ 8:09 am
At a Rob Leines show (Dirty Drummer AZ), he said new album coming June 7!
May 31, 2024 @ 11:01 am
If you love George & Tammy and Gram & Emmylou, I guarantee you will love Sammy Volkov & Dana Wylie’s The Day Had To Come — 10 original duets that are as pure as it gets. Sammy and Dana are from Edmonton, Alberta, they don’t wear hats or fancy clothes, but know country music inside out. Check out The Day Had To Come at Bandcamp: https://sammyvolkov.bandcamp.com/album/the-day-had-to-come
May 31, 2024 @ 4:59 pm
The new Red Shahan album is strong. I think it is going to go down as a great one. It builds off the sound of Javelina. 10 out of 10 from me.
June 3, 2024 @ 1:50 pm
My husband Greg Waterman is a new country Christian Bluesy guitar and song writer. His agent is Darlene Fowler with MC1. He recorded at the Omni Studios April 2023. Sony has signed him. One of his 5 original songs “the Lord’s Highway” will be released on a Nashville radio station “WSMV 4” this week or next.
June 14, 2024 @ 2:09 pm
This new Luke Combs album is really something. Would love to hear what you think.
June 18, 2024 @ 1:34 pm
Just a correction: I think the Jason Hawk Harris *Breakup Songs are Love Songs Too* is not a cover album. I believe 4 of the 5 tracks are B-sides from his previous albums, and only “Hold Me” is a cover. (By Tom Waits, I think.) And as a couple other sites noted, his B-sides exceed the quality of most songwriters’ best efforts.
Thanks for all your work, Trigger! This site and these lists help so many of us find great music we wouldn’t otherwise come across!
June 23, 2024 @ 12:59 am
Aren’t new solo albums from Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe more likely this year than a Pistol Annie’s release?
June 23, 2024 @ 2:00 pm
Well, apparently Terri Clark has a doppelganger (sound-wise) named Lauren Rose Thayer.
July 8, 2024 @ 2:41 am
The end of this interview with James McMurtry says he’s recording a new album!
July 23, 2024 @ 2:25 pm
Ashley E Norton – Call of the Void – now appears to be schedule for release Aug. 16th.
August 2, 2024 @ 12:45 pm
Jeffrey Foucault is releasing *The Universal Fire* on September 6.
August 16, 2024 @ 4:40 pm
John Daly. New album is more listenable than I expected. Plus, in a genre filled with wannabe outlaws, I don’t think even George Jones would question his bonafides.
September 2, 2024 @ 6:48 am
I really enjoyed Shadowgrass at the Earl Scruggs Festival on Saturday night. Their first album comes out on 10/4. They’re definitely worth seeing live but I have no clue how the album will sound. Fans of Billy Strings should check this band out though. I made it to their set after Marty Stewart’s set and stayed instead of going back to the main stage for Old Crow Medicine Show. No regrets at all. They were awesome.