Release Radar, Most Anticipated New Albums for 2nd Half of 2026

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Look alive country music fans! The world might be coming apart and the economy crashing, but country music is here to help get you through it. It happens to be that the second half of 2026 is packed with top releases, especially heading into the summer. So here is your guide.

This works in three parts: (1) The top recommended albums for each release day, (2) a broader list of releases in roots music that have been pre-screened by Saving Country Music, (3) the always-juicy rumor mill where hints and allegations of new albums go.

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

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

Braxton Keith – Real Damn Deal – May 15th

Down in Texas, few if anyone needs convincing that Braxton Keith isn’t just the next big thing, but a one-man phenomenon packing out venues with young adults listening to old-sounding country music, and loving every minute of it. These are fans that were born and raised on Whitley and Strait, but identify with Braxton Keith because he’s from their generation as parent look on with pride.

And all of this and 2.2 million monthly Spotify listeners is happening ahead of Braxton’s debut album. Now signed to Warner Records Nashville, Braxton Keith could have contemporized his sound and smoothed off the pointy, twangy edges. But if anything, as time has gone on, Braxton has double down on his traditional/neotraditional sound. (read more)

Ryan Bingham – They Call Us The Lucky Ones – May 15th

It’s been since 2019’s American Love Song that we got a proper studio album from Ryan Bingham. The Americana musician, actor, and Texan has been staying busy otherwise, including regularly touring with The Texas Gentlemen. Now that partnership will be codified via the new album. Self-produced and written by Bingham himself, the album looks to re-establish Bingham as one of the more gritty, Western-tinged songwriters in Americana.

“Working with musicians as talented as The Texas Gentlemen really let us lean into [feeling] a way I hadn’t experienced before,” Bingham says. “There was an unspoken understanding between us about what each song needed, so we tracked most of it live with minimal overdubs, just playing and letting the feel lead.” (read more)

Reckless Kelly – Alternate Routes – May 15th

Alt-country/Texas music legends Reckless Kelly is no different than many of the artists and bands who first came up in the mid and late ’90s. With no Spotify at your dispose, and no social media to promote yourself, if you wanted to make it in music, you had to sign with a record label. Making this deal with the devil also often meant signing your rights away, whether you knew it or not.

“These songs have been part of our lives, and our fans’ lives, for decades,” says founding member and fiddle/mandolin player Cody Braun. “But like many of the artists who came up when we did, we didn’t own the original recordings. Re-recording them was our way of taking a little bit of that story back. Not rewriting history, just making sure the future of these songs lives in the hands of the people who created them.” (read more)

Shakey Graves – Fondness, Etc. – May 15th

To be released via Secret Identity / Dualtone Records, Fondness, Etc. will be the fifth official album of Shakey’s grassroots career that started by him making a stir on Bandcamp, blossoming into a viral status before we knew about such things, smartly allowing fans to find him as opposed to vice versa.

“I had a vision of making this album feel like a sort of zero-budget Roy Orbison ‘50s pop record, and with such a small window to write, record, and release an entire album, I figured I should do what the pros would do and sneak in a cover song written by an old friend. I first heard [Frankie Sunswept] play ‘Time Flies’ in like 2007 at the Sidewalk Cafe in Alphabet City.” (read more)

49 Winchester – Change of Plans – May 29th

We don’t seem to be able to agree on much these days in these United States. But anyone who’s heard 49 Winchester tends to agree these Virginia boys are one of the best things going in music, taking country and Appalachian influences, and then bolstering them with frontman Isaac Gibson’s incredibly soulful voice.

It’s hard to believe this will be #6 for the 6-piece band when Change of Plans is released on May 15th. But this one might be the most important release of their entire career. Partnering with new label MCA while also still working with their previous independent label New West, Change of Plans will officially be the band’s major label debut. It was also executive produced by Dave Cobb, who oversaw recording sessions at his studio in Savannah, GA. (read more)

Don Williams – Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes – May 29th

Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes is exactly what it sounds like: never-before-heard recordings discovered in the cellar of the Williams family’s rural Tennessee home on multi-track tapes. The tapes were in workable shape, with Don’s vocal tracks intact across the recordings. Some of the instrumental tracks had deteriorated over time, so they solicited Don’s long-time producer Garth Fundis to help restore the recordings.

“Don liked every one of these songs,” says Garth Fundis. “I remember recording all of them… He was very particular about the songs he recorded and the sound we created for each of them. But if a song didn’t make into an album, it wasn’t necessarily because he didn’t like it. Moreover, it was because of how songs fit together to create an album. I think he’d be thrilled to know that people could hear him sing these new songs they didn’t know existed. I’m certain Don would be proud of this album.” (read more)

Willie Nelson – Dream Chaser – May 29th

As has been customary over the last few years, Willie Nelson used the opportunity of his Luck Reunion appearance to announce a new album. On May 29th, Willie Nelson will deliver his 79th studio release called Dream Chaser. It’s not a tribute album like many of his recent releases, but one that will include more original music, including six songs co-written by Willie. Once again Buddy Cannon will be the producer.

Other notables about the upcoming album include a song Willie co-wrote with Bob Dylan called “I Can’t Read Your Mind.” Bobby Tomberlin also co-writes four songs on the album. There’s also a song co-written by Willie’s long-time harmonica player Mickey Raphael who of course also appears on the album, and a rendition of “Developing My Pictures” originally recorded by George Jones. (read more)

Joshua Ray Walker – Ain’t Dead Yet – May 29th

After receiving a serious Cancer diagnosis in 2023, it could have been the end of the road for Joshua Ray Walker’s life and music. Lucky for us, Joshua Ray Walker has received the all-clear. But even amid Cancer treatment and terminal diagnoses, Walker did everything he could to squeeze out as much music as possible, just in case his time left was finite. This has now resulted in a second trilogy of albums, all that are intertwined with Walker’s health journey, and coming to grips with mortality.

Joshua Ray Walker is readying the release of the more serious album he was working on before, during, and after his Cancer battle, appropriately titled Ain’t Dead Yet. A strong country work with Walker’s dedication to involved songwriting and stellar vocal ability on display, it will be released via East Dallas Records/Thirty Tigers. (read more)

Colby Acuff – Handmade Horsepower – June 2nd

Along with releasing the new song “Long Way From The Bottom,” Colby Acuff has announced the release of his latest album Handmade Horsepower coming out on the unlikely date of Tuesday, June 2nd. Having moved on from his major label era, the album will be released completely independently. The 11-track album was produced once again by Eddie Spear, who Acuff has worked with numerous times in the past.

A native of Idaho, Acuff took off via the viral nature of his song “If I Were The Devil.” Ever since then, he’s worked hard to stick to his own center of gravity and sense of artistry as opposed to chasing the next viral moment. It’s paid off for him with sustained success and a strong grassroots fan base.

The Red Clay Strays – Grateful – June 5th

Produced once again by Dave Cobb, it won’t be a Gospel album in its entirety as some had rumored. But as the debut song “Demons In Your Choir” backed by a Gospel choir illustrates, it will have a strong spiritual component.

“’Moment of Truth’ was a big album about having faith in dark times, looking to a higher power,” says frontman Brandon Coleman. “And ‘Made By These Moments’ focused on realizing those dark times that you were having to have faith through, which made you who you are. You made it through when you didn’t think you would. And now we’re at a point where we’re grateful. Looking to God in whatever situation you’re in is a denominator in all of the albums.” (read more)

Charlie Marie – Signs – June 5th

Charlie Marie wowed country fans with her early EPs and her debut album Ramble On (2021), but left us crestfallen when she announced she was stepping away from music for an extended period at the end of 2021.

Charlie steps back into music in a big way with her new song called “Heart” ahead of what will be her second full-length album Signs. The album comes inspired by an extended journey Charlie Marie took after the death of her father and other trauma where she detached herself from all other priorities, packed up her car with no intention or itinerary, and embarked on what the old cowboys would call a “high lonesome” out West, venturing through Montana and even up to Alaska. (read more)

Jason Eady – Tulsa Turnaround – June 5th

When you’re talking about preeminent songwriters, the talk often turns to Jason Eady, especially in Texas, and Mississippi, and now, Tulsa—the inspiration for his latest album, Tulsa Turnaround. The title track is out now.

“My writing process has changed a lot as I get further into my career so the songs don’t come as frequently as they used to, but they come with a lot more intent. And this record was intentional,” Jason Eady explains. “I’ve always been a fan of the Tulsa Sound. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt something different when I heard songs with a certain sparseness and laid back groove. The kind of groove that wasn’t in your face but sucked you in. The kind that pulled you in deep and wouldn’t let go.”

Bella White – A Sign In The Weather – June 5th

Bella White has been captivating audiences with her elevated songwriting and unique phrasing that makes songs into experiences that stick to the inside of your soul. Her third studio album A Sing In The Weather is solely written by Bella, and was co-produced by White with Ross Farbe. Drummer Sam Gelband, bassist Gina Leslie, guitarist Nick Corson, and pedal steel player Nikolai Shveitser, pianist Duncan Troast, vocalist Maddy Kirgo, and long time bandmate Patrick M’Gonigle on fiddle also appear on the album.

“To me this album was a real labor of love and so empowering to make—it validated that I trust myself and trust my vision, and now I just want to keep doing it my way and keep working with people I believe in,” Bella says.

John R. Miller – The Great Unknowing – June 5th / July 17th (digital)

If you know, you know. And what you know is that John R. Miller is one of the greatest songsmiths of this generation, tearing down highways to play for appreciative audiences, and making albums the right way for the right reasons. He might not be selling out arenas, but he’s a direct inspiration of guys like Tyler Childers who are, and brings that authentic West Virginia perspective to everything he does.

What he’s been doing lately is putting the finishing touches on his latest album called The Great Unknowing, set to be released June 5th on physical formats, and distributed digitally on July 17th by Rounder Records. But this one wasn’t cut in Appalachia or even Nashville. To try and find a renewed vigor behind his music, John R. Miller ventured to Tulsa, Oklahoma to record. (read more)

Kenny Whitmire – Fool In A King Size Bed – June 12th

If your appetite for neotraditional country is insatiable, and you’re looking for your next fix wherever it might present itself, Kenny Whitmire would definitely be somewhere to point your nose. Though he’s only released a succession of singles at this point, his song “I Gave Her The Moon” stuns with its Keith Whitley-like delivery, and the crying steel guitar of “Thought Twice About Loving You” reminds you of the best of ’90s country balladry.

It felt like it was only a matter of time before someone snatched him up and tried to make a bonafide star out of him. That’s now officially happened as MCA has put pen to paper with Whitmire. “Signing with MCA is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” Whitmire says. (read more)

Cody Johnson –Banks Of The Trinity – June 26th

Now that traditional country continues to surge in popularity, Cody Johnson could be poised to take this thing to an entirely new level. his upcoming album Banks Of The Trinity, which references the river that snakes through east Texas that Johnson grew up around. The 16-track album will once again is produced by Trent Willmon.

The album will feature collaborations with Brothers Osborne and Luke Combs. What it won’t feature is a lot of songwriting from Cody Johnson. But just like his hero George Strait, Cody Johnson knows that the best songs should win out on a track list. And just like George Strait, Johnson has shown a strong propensity of picking those good songs over the years. (read more)

Rodney Crowell – Then Again – June 26th

A lost album from Rodney Crowell recorded in 2005 and featuring Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Benmont Tench, as well as Emmylou Harris and Lera Lynn? Count us in. “I’d forgotten about it completely,” Crowell recalls. “I’m glad I put it on the shelf, because now is the time for it. It may not be the time for it for the rest of the world, but it’s time for it for me.”

After Rodney Crowell released his trilogy of albums—The Houston Kid in 2001, Fate’s Right Hand in 2003, The Outsider in 2005—it helped launched the “Americana” movement in earnest, with Crowell as one of its kings. But when he recorded Then Again in 2005 in Nashville with the same basic band as the previous three, Crowell got cold feet that he was treading the same ground. So he shelved the project, until now.

Gary Stewart – One Track Mind – July 17th

There is new, unheard music on the way from the King of the Honks Tonks himself, Gary Stewart. And no, this is not some AI gimmick. Scout’s honor. The 16 previously-unheard recordings and 20 total songs on digital and CD versions are taken from Gary Stewart’s early career between 1967 and 1972. It comes from an era when Stewart was known more as a songwriter than a performer, but was still at the peak of his creative form.

The tracks range from fully fleshed-out recordings, to some songwriting demos and work tapes, along with an acetate recording. They were preserved and readied for release by producer Mark Linn and Stewart’s close friend Tommy Schwartz. The vinyl version will come on 140-gram, “Okeechobee purple” vinyl. (read more)

Silverada – Living Proof – August 7th

New song “Highway Man” finds the hard touring honky-tonk band from Austin, TX striking a reflective mood, inspired by the many miles and many places and people they’ve seen on the road. Whether shop talk for musicians, truckers, cowboys, and dreamers, or a dose of escapism for those landlocked with little ones and regular jobs, “Highway Man” sets you out on a lonesome high desert road alive with a sense of freedom.

The talk of a “new era” for Silverada comes after the departure of steel guitarist Zachary Moulton in March of 2025. “Highway Man” is Silverada’s first song since Moulton’s departure. Though the band performed with steel guitarist Adam “Ditch” Kurtz (American Aquarium, Joshua Ray Walker) for some shows, they have decided since to add keyboard player Parker Twomey (Paul Cauthen, solo artist) as a permanent member. (read more)

Alicia Blue – Country Desire – August 28th

In what promises to be a big debut album, Nashville-based singer and songwriter Alicia Blue will release Country Desire, produced by Shooter Jennings. It’s inspired by her time growing up on the South Borderlands of Texas and the orange groves of Southern California, and when it comes to the album’s lead single “Kentucky Cowboy,” a beau she met on the Tennessee border.

“What didn’t lead to ‘Country Desire?'” she asks. “I’d say a lifetime of parts of myself that came to the surface, that needed airtime, the spotlight, so they could stop sitting in the driver’s seat. Parts that wanted the rush of a poetic life, at the cost of personal power and stability. Romance with cowboys, men with working hands but a notebook and guitar in the back. Mirrors and smoke and mirrors.” 

OTHER ANTICIPATED/CONFIRMED RELEASES


May 15th

Braxton Keith – Real Damn Deal

Ryan Bingham – They Call Us The Lucky Ones

49 Winchester – Change of Plans

Amanda Shaw – Rhythm of My Roots

Shakey Graves – Fondness, Etc. (Americana)

Kevin Morby – Little Wide Open (Americana)

Teddy Thompson – Never Be The Same (Americana)

Russell Jamie Johnson – Self-Titled (Americana)

Crow and Gazelle – Truth Be Told (Americana, Red Dirt)

Jack Shields – Avalanche Hour (Country Rock)

Reckless Kelly – Alternate Routes (re-recordings)

Carly King – Loving you is Easy (folk)

Sarah Harralson – Just The Beginning EP

May 22nd

Rodeo Mouth – Terrestrial Thrills

Ben Chapman – Feet On Fire (Americana)

Steep Canyon Rangers – Next Act (bluegrass)

Bill Kirchen – Cat out of The Bag (Americana)

Audrey Spillman – Nightingale (Americana)

The Deslondes – Don’t Let it Die Vol. 1 (covers album)

Alela Diane – Who’s Keeping Time? (contemporary folk)

Broommaker – Hourglass (folk)

Kyle Clark – Better on a Boat (Contemporary country)

(5-27) Luke Winslow-King – Coast Of Light (Americana)

May 29th

Rodney Atkins – True South

Don Williams – Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes

Nathan Evans Fox – Heirloom

Moonlight Mile – Northern Lights

David Serby – Broken Heart in a Honky Tonk

SUSTO – Susto Stringband (Volume 2)

Matt White – Dolly (Jazz, trumpet Dolly Parton covers)

Mike Rogers – Self-Titled (country Gospel)

Deer Fellow – Hues (indie folk pop)

Tyler Richards – Unwind EP

Michael Schott – That’s My Honky Tonk EP

(6-2) Colby Acuff – Handmade Horsepower

June 5th

Jason Eady – Tulsa Turnaround

The Red Clay Strays – Grateful (Americana, roots)

Charlie Marie – Signs

John R. Miller – The Great Unknowing (physical release)

Grey DeLisle – Grey & Greene

The Carter Sisters – Voices from the Ridge: The Final Sessions

Lee Brice – Sunriser

Bella White – A Sign In The Weather

Jo Dee Messina – Bridges

Sierra Ferrell – Live At Third Man Records (Vinyl Only)

Caleb Caudle – Heavy Thrill (Americana)

Alexandra King – Across The Pond (Irish Americana)

The Rounder Circle –California Bound (bluegrass, Americana)

Light Bird – See Her (folk)

Nest of Singing Birds – The Marshall Sessions (folk)

The Huntress and Holder of Hands – Babylon (Gothic roots)

Tony Rice – Self-Titled (reissue, bluegrass)

Rita Bliss – Live From London EP (folk)

(6-6) Josh Mitcham – Gonna Be Alright

June 12th

Tommy Goodroad – Goddammit

Midland – Stages

The French Family Band – From Huron to Hickory

Dailey & Vincent – A Beautiful Life

Sam Morrow – Southern Boogie (Southern rock, Americana)

Alex Amen – Son of Amen (country folk)

Breakfield – Self-Titled (Americana)

Duane Betts – Isle of Hope (Americana)

Fruit Bats – The Landfill (Americana)

Kyle LaLone – Make My Own Way (Americana)

Mike Richmond – Without An Audience (Americana)

Bob Wagner – I’ve Been Down (Americana, Jam Band)

Jon Pardi – California Sunrise (10th Anniversary Edition)

Bandits On The Run – Rough Magic (Indie folk)

Ike Reilly – Blind and Surrounded (Americana)

(6-18) Candace Hastings – Soft Place to Land

June 19th

Candace Hastings – Soft Place to Land


June 26

Addison Johnson – The State I’m In

Cody Johnson – The Banks of the Trinity

Willow Avalon – Pink Pocket Pistol

Rodney Crowell – Then Again (Lost Album, Americana)

Andrew Sa – American Rough

The Steppers – The Lights Are Always On (jamgrass, bluegrass)

Tift Merritt – Sugar (Americana)

Boone Creek – Self-Titled (Reissue, bluegrass)

David G. Smith – Hero Street (Americana)

The Steppers – The Lights Are Always On (bluegrass)

July 10th

Trever M. Keith – We Drank from a Poisoned Well

Effie Zilch – Higher Calling (Americana)

Houndmouth – Lordy (Americana)

July 17

John R. Miller – The Great Unknowing (digital release)

Alyssa Hankey – Good Country People (Americana)

Aaron Lee Tasjan – Get Over It, Underdog (Americana)

Amy Martin – Bones (Americana)

CR & the White Lights – My Old Self (Americana)

Parker Barrow – Hold The Mash (Southern rock)

July 24th

Waylon Wyatt – Dustpiles

Maya de Vitry – All My Faith (Americana)

July 31st

Buffalo Traffic Jam – Pictures of You

Shaboozey – The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales

Aug 7

Silverada – Living Proof

Finn – Control (Americana)

Corb Lund – Dark Horses (Acoustic versions of songs)

August 21st

Adam Chaffins – Trailer Trash: Doublewide

August 28th

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country – Ryman To Robert’s (live album)

Alicia Blue – Country Desire

Dan Seals and Friends – The Last Duet (duets album)

September 25

Bill Scorzari – Sidereal Days (Day 2) (Americana)

October 9th

Levi Foster – Appalachian Funk

Dingo – Nightwire (Americana)

THE RUMOR MILL


Cross Canadian Ragweed said during their recent Boys From Oklahoma concert in Stillwater that they hope to have a live album out of the first Boys From Oklahoma concert in 2025 soon.

Shane Smith and the Saints said on April 29th that they were in the studio in Memphis working on pre-production for a new album.

Waylon Jennings will likely have the second installment of his archive releases curated by son Shooter Jennings released later this year. Likely called Diamonds, expect more news about it later this summer or into the Fall.

David Allan Coe has a posthumous release on the way. Recorded in 2017 for Colt Ford’s Average Joe’s Records, it was never released. Manager Ken Madsen hopes to release it on  September 6th, 2026, which would have been Coe’s 87th birthday. (read more)

On December 9th, 2025 Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours posted on Instagram, “New Record in 26? You tell me.” There was some rumors previously of a solo record from Felker previously too. But with the success of Turnpike’s The Price of Admission, they could be trying to carry that momentum into next year.

Wyatt Flores has signed with MCA and released a couple of new singles ahead of a new album expected to be announced soon.

Miranda Lambert will have a new album combining country and disco. (read more)

Charles Wesley Godwin is likely to announce a new album when he releases a song with Luke Combs very soon.

The Highwomen are said to be reuniting this winter to write new songs.

Joe Nichols is working on a new album and swears it’s super traditional country like his first few.

Billy Strings has said he wants to work on an album based around his late mother’s poetry.

Though traditionalist Jason James officially stepped away from music in 2023, he’s now stepping back in it, playing shows again, and getting ready to release an album called Cut The Chain through Heart of Texas Records at some point in 2026.

Craig Campbell will have a new album assembled from songs that he was told were “too country” for other albums.

Margo Price recently played the West Tennessee Correctional Facility for women inmates in a concert that will be turned into a live album and documentary.

Jesse Daniel on December 17th, “I’ve got two records in the can and I’m ready to do another. Lord help me.”

Ray Wylie Hubbard has been teasing a new album for many months now, with his latest tease taking the form of two crows talking about him, saying, “so he recorded another album?” “yeah, still writing songs. just don’t know the word quit.” “thinks he gonna go out like pike bishop in the wild bunch. probably just trip over a frog on his way to the mailbox to get a $7.48 royalty check from japan.” “oh well..got his dreams.”

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