The Most Anticipated Country Albums for 2020 + Rumors
If you’re wondering what to look forward to hearing in country and Americana music in early 2020, let this be your guide. Here’s all the information Saving Country Music has been able to compile on the most anticipated upcoming releases, along with a more extensive catalog of releases to have on your radar, and the always juicy “rumor mill” where uncorroborated information on new releases dwells.
Usually when we get around to rounding up the most anticipated upcoming releases for a given time period, it’s presented with all manner of boisterous hyperbole about what were about to enjoy in a busy release cycle. But if we’re being honest, the first portion of 2020 at the moment appears a little thin. This is the byproduct of Q3 and early Q4 of 2019 being so incredibly stacked full of releases, we’re still trying to unravel all the quality albums and listen to everything. Inevitably, that bumper crop of releases was going to result in a dearth at some point in the future, and that is what you can expect in the coming months.
But that doesn’t mean there won’t be some great releases and things to look forward to in the first part of 2020. On the contrary in fact. It’s just you can’t expect for there to be a dozen releases on a given Friday … well … aside from February 7th, which is setting up to be yet another one of those super release days where so many marquee album releases show up, that tend to shade each other out. Also expect a lot of big releases to be announced in the coming weeks, and for some bigger projects to be released this summer.
Hint: Bookmark this page, and come back on Fridays to make sure you don’t miss anything important. This list will be updated periodically under the “confirmed releases” heading when new albums are announced (though older albums won’t be removed).
PLEASE NOTE: No artist or album was overlooked, snubbed, or disregarded here. If you know of an album that is going to be released that you believe is of interest in country music, please feel free to share the information below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone.
Marcus King – El Dorado – January 17th
A proprietor of southern R&B, country-soul, classic rock, and blues, Marcus King isn’t exactly country, but has been interfacing with the country realm for the last couple of years now, melting faces as a standout guitar player and singer, and opening for guys like Chris Stapleton. This new album comes in the aftermath of moving to Nashville, and was produced by Dan Auerbach. “Me and Dan are the same in that we like to get shit done,” says Marcus King. “If I’m passionate about something I can work for hours straight.”
Dan Auerbach says, “Marcus is known by so many as a phenom guitar player, and rightfully so. He’s regularly the best player in the room, hands down. I was equally blown away by the way he can sing -so effortless, so soulful, straight from the heart. He’s a naturally gifted writer too, which was clear right away. Everything for him is so innate –that’s why he can always go right to the heart of a song and connect in a deeper way. He’s really one of a kind and I’m proud I got to work alongside him on this record.”
Possessed by Paul James – As We Go Wandering – January 31st
It’s been a long, cold, barren winter of six years and counting since Possessed by Paul James graced us with new music. The one-man musical marvel and award-winning full-time public school special educator is considered in the highest amplitude by those who have witnessed what he’s capable of, equating his performances to more of a religious experience than a musical presentation. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist proficient at fiddle, banjo, and guitar, it’s only his adherence to the grassroots philosophies of music making and his refusal to give up his passion of helping children with special needs that has kept him out of the top echelons of popularity.
There’s plenty of good reasons for the musical drought the fandom of Possessed By Paul James has endured. But he’s back now, and readying the release of his latest album entitled As We Go Wandering on January 31st, 2020. The record finds Possessed by Paul James combining his passions of music and teaching like never before. (read more)
The SteelDrivers – Bad For You – February 7th
The SteelDrivers have about all you need from music: The drive and instrumentation of bluegrass, the grit of country, the energy of rock, the soul of the South, the songwriting of Americana, and four Grammy nominations and a win that prove they do it all better than most. will release their new album Bad For You via Rounder Records, featuring new lead vocalist Kelvin Damrell for the first time. Already playing shows with the five-piece bluegrass band for over a year, Damrell sounds more like Chris Stapleton than Chris Stapleton does, bringing that soulful element to what makes the SteelDrivers unique.
Along with songwriter and fiddler Tammy Rogers, banjo player Richard Bailey, Mike Fleming on bass, and mandolin player Brent Truitt, they will try to match or surpass the performance of their Grammy-winning last album The Muscle Shoals Recordings with this new project. (read more)
John Moreland – LP5 – February 7th
Produced by Matt Pence from Centro-Matic, and recorded in Denton, TX at The Echo Lab, it will be the first time Moreland is not the primary producer on one of his records. The new album also marks John Moreland’s return to Thirty Tigers after releasing his last record via 4AD. The album title “LP5” seems to be in reference to the fact that this is John Moreland’s fifth official solo release.
Centro-Matic and Monsters of Folk drummer Will Johnson also plays on the record, as does Bonnie Whitmore, and Moreland’s traveling sideman John Calvin Abney. “Very happy for everyone else to get a chance to hear it,” producer Matt Pence said on September 26th after finishing the record. “I am immensely proud. We did real good.” (read more)
James Steinle – What I Came Here For – February 7th
South Texas native and Austin resident James Steinle impressed with his debut record in 2018, and is back with this new 11-track effort produced by Bruce Robison in his analog studio. Growing up, Steinle spent time in Saudi Arabia, and later in Germany. Surrounded by foreign cultures for the majority of his life, country music was one of those pieces of home he could imbibe in as a tie to his roots. Being so far away from country music’s origination point didn’t render the music more faint, it enhanced its potency and grandeur. When he returned to Texas, country music became a passion for Steinle, and an occupational pursuit. Texas honky tonk music with strong songwriting is the best way to describe his sound.
“These songs are all about coping…with contemporary urban climates, and the homogenization of culture,” Steinle says. “This is a thread that runs all over the world and it weighs heavily on me. How we’re stripping places of what made them what they are in the first place.”
Hank Williams – Pictures From Life’s Other Side – UPDATED release date: February 22nd
The six-CD collection features 144 tracks representing the complete rundown of Hank’s performances from the existing Mother’s Best transcription discs. While previous compilations have presented either a selection of the Mother’s Best material or all of the recordings in the context of the individual radio show presentations (along with guest vocalists and instrumental numbers), this is the first collection to gather the entirety of Hank’s Mother’s Best performances and presents them outside the context of self-contained radio programs.
The recordings come with a 272-page book that chronicles Hank’s career in photographs. With the assistance of Grammy nominee Scott B. Bomar and Hank photo collector Ken Campanile, the hardbound volume was assembled by Hank Williams biographer Colin Escott. Hank’s daughter, Jett Williams, contributes a foreword that sets the tone for the collection of images. The images comes from Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music, the Grand Ole Opry Archives, the Center for Popular Music at Middle Tennessee State University, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the production company behind Ken Burns’ documentary, and various Hank fans and historians.
Tami Neilson – CHICKABOOM! – February 14th
Tami Neilson is one of the greatest singers on this entire planet, irrespective of genre or geographic region. Those who have never her seen her perform may fancy this notion as a serious infraction of embellishment. Those who have seen her perform will corroborate this and proceed to lump their own embellishments on top. Though country is her primary concern, her talent is so deep and vast, it can’t be held to just one discipline of roots music, and along with earnest sentiments of classic country that evoke memories of Patsy Cline, she can belt out old school soul and rockabilly like a mama this world hasn’t seen since Wanda Jackson in her heyday.
A native Canadian, Neilson now hails from New Zealand, making her the Queen of Country Music in the Southern Hemisphere. Her new album is appropriately due out on Valentine’s Day (read more).
The Secret Sisters – Saturn Return – February 28th
Via New West Record, Saturn Return was produced by Brandi Carlile and her twin bandmates Tim Hanseroth and Phil Hanseroth. Recorded at Carlile’s home studio in Washington state, the album features ten songs written by Laura and Lydia Rogers, and features them singing individually for the first time instead of relying solely on their trademark harmonies, something Brandi Carlile challenged them to do.
Named after the astrological occurrence that takes place about every 29 ½ years, the album heralds the arrival of a new era for the Rogers sisters, both of whom experienced change and transformation during the making of the record. Grappling with the grief of losing both grandmothers, while also both becoming first-time mothers, the sisters reflect on their world view, relationships and own mortality through the 10 songs.
Sam Doores – Self-Titled – March 13th
With the throwback New Orleans-based country/folk/roots outfits The Deslodes mothballed at the moment, principle member Sam Doores is preparing for the release of a 14-song solo album via New West Records. Recorded partially in Germany, and partly in Nashville, it features appearances by New Orleans players Tuba Skinny, Mat Davidson of Twain, as well as Doores’ former bandmate Alynda Lee Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff.
“Recording in a foreign environment like Berlin, I was inspired to experiment with more cinematic, psychedelic sounds,” says Doores, “but my love for old-school New Orleans R&B, Memphis Soul & Rock n’Roll, Detroit Motown & Gospel, Doo-Wop, Early Blues & Folk music will probably always bleed into whatever I do. Recording this album was an opportunity to explore the space between these worlds.”
Brandy Clark – Your Life Is A Record – UPDATED release date: March 6th
Though details on the new record are still light, Brandy previewed the new record during a promotional event December 4th at Nashville’s Station Inn. The title of the record comes from the opening track called “I’ll Be The Sad Song,” and she’s also been playing a new song live recently called “Who You Thought I Was.” Brandy says the new album will be much more personal than her previous two.
Produced by Jay Joyce who also worked on Brandy’s 2016 release Big Day in a Small Town, the album was recorded mostly acoustically, with electric instruments added later, and will feature the Memphis Strings and Horns section. Brandy says the album is country, but can also live in Americana. Some of Brandy’s co-writers on the record include Jessie-Jo Dillon, Shane McAnally, Chase McGill, Jesse Frasure, Clint Daniels, Jonathan Singleton, Barry Dean, and Adam Wright. (read more)
OTHER CONFIRMED RELEASES
Hawktail – Formations – January 10th
Carman A.D. – Wilderness – January 10th
Ronnie Dunn – Re-Dunn (Covers Album) – January 10th
Tenille Arts – Love, Heartbreak & Everything In Between – January 10th
Maria McKee – La Vita Nuova – January 13th
Left Arm Tan – Phoenix Rising – January 14th
Futurebirds – Teamwork – January 15th
Della Mae – Headlight – January 17th
Alan Barnosky – Lonesome Road EP – January 17th
Fruition – Broken at the Break of Day – January 17th
Eleven Hundred Springs – Here Tis’ – January 17th
Vance Gilbert – Good Good Man – January 22nd
The Lil’ Smokies – Tornillo – January 24th
Gill Landry – Skeleton At The Banquet – January 24th
Kailey Nicole – Self-Titled EP – January 24th
Bonnie Light Horseman – Self-Titled – January 24th
The Reeves Brothers – The Last Honky-Tonk – January 24th
The Wood Brothers – Kingdom in My Mind – January 24th
Netflix Series The Ranch Soundtrack – January 24th (read more)
Ray Remington – Texas Rose EP – January 24th
Terry Allen – Just Like Moby Dick – January 24th
Wood Belly – Man On The Radio – January 31st
Dustbowl Revival – Is It You, Is It Me – January 31st
John Dennis – Mortal Flames – January 31st
Eric Brace – Daytime Highs and Overnight Lows – January 31st
Eliza Mayer – Hello Stranger – January 31st
Drive-By Truckers – The Unraveling – January 31st
John Bora – Blue Wine – January 31st
Brian Johannesen – Holster Your Silver – January 31st
Cave Flowers – Self-Titled – January 31st
Jeremy Garrett – Circles – January 31st
Trout Steak Revival – The Light We Bring – January 31st
Whiskey Foxtrot – Hard Lines & Headlights – February 1st
William Prince – Reliever – February 7th
Chicago Farmer – Flyover Country – February 7th
Drew Fish – Wishful Drinkin’ – February 7th
The Flyin’ A’s – No Holds Barred – February 7th
Frank Maroney – Scarecrow – February 7th
The Lone Bellow – Half Moon Light – February 7th
Jen Starsinic – Bad Actor EP – February 7th
Darling West – We’ll Never Know Unless We Try – February 7th
David Allen Holweger – Regrets and Retribution – February 7th
The Cadillac Three – Country Fuzz – February 7th
Aubrie Sellers – Far From Home – February 7th
Miss Tess – The Moon Is An Ashtray – February 7th
Dom Flemons – Prospect Hill – February 7th
Lynne Hanson – Just Words – February 7th
Michael Doucet – Lacher Prise – February 14th
Robert Vincent – In This Town You’re Owned – February 14th
Erica Sunshine Lee – Bulletproof – February 14th
Ragland – More Like A Melody – February 14th
Phil Madeira – Open Heart – February 14th
Elf and His Dream Rovers – From Tehran to Tennessee – February 14th
Carly Pearce – Self-Titled – February 14th
Letitia VanSant – Circadian – February 21st
Sarah Morris – All Mine – February 21st
The Singing Butcher – Top 40 – February 21st
Jason Lee McKinney Band – Pieces – February 21st
Nora Jane Struthers – Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words – February 21st
Hailey Whitters – The Days – February 28th
Johnny Falstaff – Lost in the City Lights – February 28th
Zac Wilkerson – Evergreen – February 28th
Chelsea Lovitt – You Had Your Cake, So Lie In It – February 28th
Sierra Hull – 25 Trips – February 28th
The Mastersons – No Time For Love Songs – March 6th
Will Sexton – Don’t Walk The Darkness – March 6th
Sadler Vaden – Anybody Out There? – March 6th
Molly Payne – More Than Anything – March 6th
Caroline Rose – Superstar – March 6th
Ron Pope – Bone Structure – March 6th
Mary Bragg – Think About It EP – March 6th
Porter Union – Loved & Lost – March 6th
My Sister, My Brother – Self-Titled – March 6th
Swamp Dogg – Sorry You Couldn’t Make It (Country album) – March 6th
Jonathan Wilson – Dixie Blur – March 6th
Caitlyn Smith – Supernova – March 13th
Rookie – Self-Titled – March 13th
Early James- Singing For My Supper – March 13th
Gabe Lee – Honky Tonk Hell – March 13th
Anna Lynch – Apples in the Fall EP – March 13th
Dave Simonett (Trampled by Turtles) – Red Tail – March 13th
Green Leaf Rustlers – From Within Marin – March 14th
JJ Voss – Come Along With Me – March 20th
Mike Mattison – Afterglow – March 20th
Mapache – From Liberty Street – March 20th
Robynn Shayne – Let’s Get This Show On The Road – March 20th
Delta Rae – The Light – March 20th
Chris Moyse – Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers – March 20th
David Alan Bell – Self-Titled EP – March 27th
Brian Fallon – Local Honey – March 27th
Jessi Alexander – Decatur County Red – March 27th
Jim Lauderdale – When Carolina Comes Home Again – March 27th
The Tender Things – How You Make a Fool – March 27th
Lukas Nelson – Naked Garden (alt. cuts) – March 27th
Lilly Hiatt – Walking Proof – March 27th
Sarah Peacock – Burn The Witch – March 27th
Saints Eleven – This Town EP – March 27th
George St. Clair – Do You Feel Strange? – March 27th
Saints Eleven – This Town – March 27th
Rye Davis – Cut To Tape – March 27th
The Brother Band – Vol. 1 – March 27th
Laurie Lewis – and Laurie Lewis (duets album) – March 27th
The Comancheros – Too Old To Die Young Now – March 27th
Leah Grams Johnson – Jaroso – April 2nd
Ashley McBryde – Never Will – April 3rd
Andy Brasher – Myna Bird – April 3rd
Audrey and Hugh – Sisterman – April 3rd
Christy Lynn Band – Sweetheart of the Radio – April 3rd
Surrender Hill – A Whole Lot of Freedom – April 3rd
The Claudettes – High Times in the Dark – April 3rd
The Nine Seas – Dream Of Me – April 3rd
Craig Gerdes – Tough As Nails – April 3rd
Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up – April 3rd
Kree Harrison – Chosen Family Tree – April 5th
John Anderson – Years – April 10th
Jess Jocoy – Such A Long Way – April 10th
Pokey LaFarge – Rock Bottom Rhapsody – April 10th
Phoebe Hunt and the Gatherers – Neither Of Us Is Wrong – April 10th
Nathan Kalish – Songs For Nobody – April 10th
Watkins Family Hour – Brother Sister – April 10th
The Whiskey Charmers – Lost on the Range – April 10th
Webb Wilder – Night Without Love – April 10th
Whitacre – Seasons – April 17th
Jack Grelle – If Not Forever – April 17th
Sarah Siskind – Modern Appalachia – April 17th
Alec Lytle and Them Rounders – The Remains of Sunday – April 17th
Shelby Lynne – Self-Titled – April 17th
The White Buffalo – The Widow’s Walk – April 17th
Bobby Bare – Great American Saturday Night (Shel Silverstein Songs) – April 17th
Nicholas Jamerson (Sundy Best) – The Wild Frontier – April 20th
Whitney Rose – We Still Go To Rodeos – April 24th
Pete Bernhard (Devil Makes Three) – Harmony Ascension – April 24th
Lucinda Williams – Good Souls/Better Angels – April 24th
Drake White – Stars EP – April 24th
Ben Bostick – Among The Faceless Crowd – April 24th
Pam Tillis – Looking For a Feeling – April 24th
Chatham County Line – Strange Fascination – April 24th
Will Banister – Everything Burns – April 24th
Willie Nelson – First Rose of Spring – April 24th
Ana Cristina Cash – Shine – April 24th
Damien Jurado – What’s New, Tomboy? – May 1st
Elijah Ocean – Blue Jeans & Barstools – May 1st
James Robert Webb – Self-Titled – May 1
James Hyland – Western – May 1st
Jonathan Parker – Broken Hearts & Broken Bones – May 1st
Dylan Upchurch – The Other Side of Town – May 1st
Heather Anne Lomax – All This Time – May 1st
When It Breaks (Possessed by Paul James Movie) – May 4th
Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen – Hold My Beer Vol. 2 – May 8th
Andrew Hibbard – Self-Titled – May 8th
The Danberrys – Shine – May 8th
Shad Buxman and the Graveyard Shift – Last Ditch Effort – May 8th
Pharis and Jason Romero – Bet On Love – May 15th
Special Concensus – Chicago Barn Dance – May 15th
Gretchen Peters – The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Micky Newbury – May 15th
Tin Toy Cars – Hello Pariah – May 15th
Caitlin Cannon – The TrashCannon Album – May 15th
Jarrod Dickenson – Ready The Horses – May 22nd
Mike Plume – Lonesome Stretch of Highway – May 22nd
Craig Morgan – God, Family, Country – May 22nd
Sarah Shook & The Devil – Seven (Vinyl Reissue) – May 22nd
Rett Smith – Giving Up On Quitting – May 22nd
Adam Kurtz – Storms of Steel (Storms of Life Steel Guitar Album) – May 22nd
Fretland – Self-Titled – May 22nd
Audrey & Hugh – Sisterman – May 22nd
Hill Country – Self-Titled – May 22nd
Tessy Lou Williams – Self-Titled – May 22nd
Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross – May 29th
Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton – May 29th
Siren Songs – Self-Titled – May 29th
G.F. Patrick – One Town Over – May 29th
Rusticator – Between Lines – May 29th
Teddy Thompson – Heartbreaker Please – May 29th
Kip Moore- A Wild World– May 29th
Nell & Jim Band – Western Sun – May 29th
Jake Blount – Spider Tales – May 29th
THE RUMOR MILL
The Dixie Chicks are preparing a new album called Gaslighter produced by Jack Antonoff. No details on a release or any more info at the moment. (read more)
Asleep At The Wheel – Still Comin’ Right At Ya – date TDA
Reckless Kelly is promising two new albums and twenty new songs in May of 2020.
Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours says he’s working on a solo album called Manifesto #1. Fiddle legend Byron Berline plays on it. No further details at the moment.
Mo Pitney says he finally has new music coming.
Randall King has signed with Warner Nashville and released a couple of new singles. Expect the announcement on a major label debut to come soon. (read more)
Viral songwriter Zach Bryan is working with producer Dave Cobb. (read more)
Jason Isbell has finished recording his latest album with Dave Cobb in Studio ‘A’ in Nashville. David Crosby will guest on a track. Expect a title and release date in the coming weeks.
After a drought of writing new material, Chris Stapleton has been featuring some new songs in concert in 2019. Don’t be surprised if we hear a new single, and details of a new album in 2020. (read more)
Jessi Colter has a new album on the way produced by Margo Price. They were in the studio together in May 2019.
Pam Tillis has signed with ONErpm, and is planning the release of her first solo record in 12 years. No title yet, but some reports have a release date of February 28th. (read more)
Sierra Ferrell has signed to Rounder Records, and if and when she announces a new album, it will immediately rocket to the top of the “most anticipated” heap. (read more)
The Panhandlers supergroup consisting of William Clark Green, Cleto Cordero, Josh Abbott, and John Baumann have formed, and don’t be surprised if we hear details about a new record released by Bruce Robison’s The Next Waltz project very soon. (read more)
American Aquarium will have a new album called Lamentations co-produced by Shooter Jennings.
Railroad Earth – All for the Song. No release date yet.
New Ray Wylie Hubbard album, April or May-ish.
Jaime Wyatt has a new album on the way produced by Shooter Jennings.
Sarah Shook said on October 23rd, 2018 via social media, “Let it be known we are officially rehearsing for the next rekkid and we def gonna blow some minds bbs…”
Uncorroborated reports had Margo Price in the studio in 2019, possibly with a big time producer. Stay tuned.
Ben Haggard‘s long-awaited debut album could be on the way very soon. Don’t be surprised if a famous name is tied to the release from Merle’s son.
Ward Davis is prepping a full LP to be released via Thirty Tigers.
John Baumann has been recording in Nashville with producer Eddie Spear.
Elizabeth Cook says that she has finished writing her next album.
Parker McCollum has signed with Universal Music Nashville, and released a new single ahead of an upcoming album.
Corb Lund released a covers EP in 2019, and says he has a new studio LP coming soon.
Dwight Yoakam dropped two new songs in May of 2018, but no word if a new album to accompany them will be forthcoming.
Garth Brooks has a new album coming called Fun and has released a couple of songs from it, but no release date as of yet.
New Pat Reedy album called Make It Back Home coming. No release date yet.
Rachel Brooke has a new album finished. Stand by for more info.
James McMurtry has signed to New West Records. New record coming.
Both Jesse Daniel and Zephaniah OHora launched successful crowdfunding campaigns, with Zeph’s project completed. Expect to hear more news soon.
Cam is promising new music in 2020.
Bob Wayne has a new album on the way called Rogue. A new single called “Promised Land” was supposed to show up December 16th, but we’re still waiting. He’s also going on a world tour to try to break the world record for most shows played on a tour.
January 4, 2020 @ 11:29 am
Panhandlers are dropping their first single on the 6th!
Unbelievably pumped for this project
January 4, 2020 @ 11:49 am
Has anyone heard anything else about Yoakam’s potential new album? A couple years ago when the new songs had just dropped, he would tease at concerts that a new album was in the works but no word of it since.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:01 pm
For the rumor mill: Lyle Lovett has said he’s working on a new album.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:21 pm
Lyle says recording was in November.
https://www.leoweekly.com/2019/10/the-texas-troubadour/
January 4, 2020 @ 2:46 pm
Hopefully to be released soon, then.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:05 pm
Is anyone else having trouble twitch the site right now? I have to use multiple fingers to scroll and this article is all in black.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:09 pm
Yes, the story is in black and the font of the typeface is gray. Almost impossible to read.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:19 pm
Oh good I thought I smoked the wrong stuff just now, is a bit harder to see.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:23 pm
Seems like maybe you smoked the right stuff, lol.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:11 pm
I haven’t been able to scroll on my iPhone since yesterday (but the page loads). On my laptop, everything seems to work, except the background and fonts just changed colors.
January 4, 2020 @ 1:24 pm
Problem should be solved now. Sorry about that! For future reference, if anyone sees anything wrong on the site, always feel free to reach out and let me know. Since I’m rarely on the site on mobile devices, I don’t always see them.
January 4, 2020 @ 3:55 pm
Oh good.
I thought Trigger was tired of my smart-a**ed mouth.
Whew
January 4, 2020 @ 12:26 pm
We are actively working on solving the scrolling issue on some mobile devices. While that happens, there may be some weird stuff with the site. We’re doing everything we can to get everything back to normal. Sorry for the inconvenience!
January 4, 2020 @ 4:22 pm
I’m getting the article in standard black type on a white background. Nothing fancy or hard to read. I’m using a floor-tower computer with Google Chrome and a 26″ widescreen monitor.
January 4, 2020 @ 4:25 pm
Earlier today when we were trying to fix the scrolling issue some mobile users were having, other parts of the site got broken, and there wasn’t the white background to contrast against the dark grey text. All of that should be solved now. It was a very rough morning here at headquarters.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:47 am
If you’re on an iPhone turn on Reader Mode
January 4, 2020 @ 12:08 pm
Karen Jonas’ website ( http://www.karenjonasmusic.com/ ) promises a new album for 2020.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:09 pm
Steve Earle “Ghosts of West Virginia”
– built off of six songs Earle wrote for a play called “Coal Country” about the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in Raleigh County, West Virginia that took place in 2010.
I first heard about the play and album when Chris Knight was a guest on Hardcore Troubadour Radio. Earle stated the album will “casts a gaze at the hard conditions that lead to hard lives for folks living in what’s considered the bedrock of “Trump Country” … this will NOT be for the people who caterwaul “I don’t like politics in my music!”
January 4, 2020 @ 4:03 pm
He said on a podcast he had the album half written before Guy Clark died.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:18 pm
This year is going to crush with new music. Didn’t I see the Moonpies post somewhere these past few days that they had new music coming this year? Fingers crossed. Also pretty disappointed to see The Dixie Chicks have Jack Antonoff producing their new one. Otherwise, lots to look forward to on this list.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:09 am
I’m not a huge fan of Jack’s work with Taylor. But, he did an incredible job with Lana’s sound on Norman Fucking Rockwell. Melodrama and NFR are two of my favorite non-country albums of the past few years. I have high hopes for the Chicks record. Especially since the clips that Natalie has posted on Instagram are FIRE.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:22 pm
Willie debuted a version of “Yesterday When I Was Young” during his Vegas residency, the show I heard he remarked it was song they’d been rehearsing but was told at another show he said it’ll be on the new album.
January 15, 2020 @ 6:11 am
Hearing now the album will be called “First Rose of Spring,” with a title track called that. Possibly Paycheck’s “I’m the Only Hell Mama Ever Raised” will be on it as well.
January 4, 2020 @ 12:40 pm
Trigger, worth adding to your “Rumour Mill” list is Sammy Kershaw. Sammy said in an interview late last year that he had only two or three songs left to record for a new album. In November, he also quietly released a radio teaser single, My Friend Fred (https://daily.plaympe.com/sammy-kershaw-my-friend-fred), written by classic country songwriters Ed Hill and Billy Lawson. It seems that he’ll be shooting a full-scale music video for that song this month (http://tyler_sammy.entframe.com). Though Sammy has released several albums in the past decade, I don’t believe we’ve seen a full-scale music video from him during that time. So, perhaps Sammy has identified that the changing musical landscape is now ripe for him to promote this new album more aggressively.
Until January 9, when the link expires, you can hear My Friend Fred here, if you scroll through to 1h17m12s: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p07v1csk
January 4, 2020 @ 12:40 pm
“Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams” will be released in “early 2020” according to the website. I’m quite excited about this one. The first single (My Sweet Love Ain’t Around) is already available.
And does anyone know when to expect a new John Fullbright album? It’s been almost six years now. 🙁
January 4, 2020 @ 12:45 pm
Has anyone heard anything about when Justin Wells might release his next album?
January 4, 2020 @ 8:14 pm
Rumor is he was working on stuff last time I was back home
January 4, 2020 @ 1:25 pm
Sorry for the wonkiness on the site this morning. Everything is solved now!
January 4, 2020 @ 1:27 pm
I think Kody West has announced his second album for sometime early this year.
January 4, 2020 @ 1:29 pm
Honestly most excited for that Futurebirds album, they’re breaking new ground in the country-rock/alt-country style, and each of the pre-release singles have been spectacular.
January 5, 2020 @ 5:58 pm
100% agree! Heard My Broken Arm back in the summer and I’ve been hooked since. Bonus points for being fellow Georgia boys.
January 4, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
Trigger, could not open this via Facebook or mobile. Then went to Chrome and still the article would not open. Had to open the Chrome desktop version. Great article once I got it open. 🙂
January 4, 2020 @ 1:37 pm
Hey Tim,
Sorry about the problems. We we’re experiencing some technical difficulties this morning, but they should all be solved now. Are you still seeing the problem on mobile?
January 4, 2020 @ 2:09 pm
I can scroll on main page, but not in articles. I can scroll in article if I rotate phone.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:41 pm
Mobile phone still not allowing scrolling
January 4, 2020 @ 2:53 pm
How about now?
January 5, 2020 @ 11:04 am
FYI, I can’t scroll search result page unless I rotate phone 90 degrees. Everything else is fine.
January 5, 2020 @ 2:14 pm
Okay thanks, I’ll look into it.
January 4, 2020 @ 1:36 pm
I’ve heard umors of a new eric church album in March.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:18 pm
According to his Twitter, Gabe Lee is already supposed to have another album out in March.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:24 pm
Maria McKee? Wow. Always liked her and thought with her voice she should have been a bigger star.
Already waiting for the new Jason Isbell. He is already announcing 2020 dates with David Crosby.
January 4, 2020 @ 7:47 pm
She released a single back in October
https://youtu.be/Xy_aZRk-GwA
January 4, 2020 @ 2:45 pm
The Golden Roses have started recording at Yellowdog studios for our new record (the follow up to our 2019 freshman release Terlingua Graveyard) that should release late summer. With the help of Adam Odor and Zach Moulton we have the first single out for mastering right now and will release it in March. Follow us on Spotify or Apple Music to get updates.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:57 pm
Twenty new songs from Reckless Kelly! That’s enough for me to spend the whole year listening.
January 4, 2020 @ 2:57 pm
I’ve been wondering if Courtney Marie Andrews will release an album this year. She was writing new songs, and playing them at concerts last year, but no official announcement on a new album yet.
Thanks for putting this list together; so much great music to enjoy right now, and so much to look forward to!
January 4, 2020 @ 3:06 pm
Lots of incredible names there ,here’s hoping James Steinle gets some more notice for his sophomore album next to Ben Jarrell hs may be the best overlooked Country artist out there imho – Logan Ledger has been promising a full length album for over two years now,so far all the tracks he has released sound great but considering there is even a full eleven song track listing on this link from The Boot last May https://theboot.com/logan-ledger-starlight-imagining-raindrops-debut-album-2019/ I won’t be holding my breath Joshua Hedley,Dwight Yoakam, Mo Pitney and Marty Stuart are all well overdue for new platters as well.would love to see Ben Haggard and Sierra Ferrell release full length albums
January 6, 2020 @ 10:00 am
Yeah, looks like Ben Jarrell’s up to something new and is re-branding as “The Ben Jarrell Band”. His debut LP last year was great, but uneven to my ears. Definitely on the rise though. I expect good things from him in the future and am looking forward to the next album.
January 4, 2020 @ 3:16 pm
Australia:
Oh Harlow – Oh Harlow (02/21)
Kristy Cox – No Headlights (tbd)
Fanny Lumsden – Fallow (03/13)
Hurricane Fall – Ain’t Leavin’ (01/17)
Adam Brand – Speed Of Life (03/13)
Aleyce Simmonds – Here & Now (01/17)
Luke O’Shea – There In The Ochre (01/17)
Warren H. Williams – These Are The Changes (01/17)
Texas:
Drew Fish Band – Wishful Drinkin’ (02/07)
Jeff Jacobs Band – Out Of The Keg (01/10)
Eleven Hundred Springs – Here ‘Tis (01/17)
Others:
Boxcar Junkies – Est. 1973 (01/31)
Frank Foster – The Way It Way (01/10)
Peter The 3rd – 30 Damn Years (01/31)
Thomm Jutz – To Live In Two Worlds Vol.1 (03/27)
James Robert Webb – James Robert Webb (02/28)
January 4, 2020 @ 3:20 pm
Frank Foster – The Way It Was, January 7th
Pre-release available: https://frankfostermusic.bigcartel.com/product/the-way-it-was-album
January 4, 2020 @ 4:28 pm
And I got a quart of milk this morning, and it had Travis Tritt’s picture on the back. I gather he won’t be dropping a new album before the next solar eclipse follows a full-moon on Friday the 13th.
January 4, 2020 @ 4:58 pm
Ward Davis?
January 4, 2020 @ 7:07 pm
need a full good album from him soon.. saw him twice 2019.. big stage and small club.. was excellent
January 4, 2020 @ 5:33 pm
Little Big Town – Nightfall, January 17th
January 4, 2020 @ 6:01 pm
Frazey Ford (a founding member of The Be Good Tanyas) is due to release a new solo album called U Kin B the Sun in February. Her last record, Indian Ocean, released way back in 2014, is a beautiful sultry rootsy-soul affair recorded with Al Green’s Hi Rhythm Section that is one of this decade’s great albums IMO.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:56 am
I absolutely agree about Indian Ocean. It’s a stunner.
We seem to have very similar taste.
January 5, 2020 @ 5:47 pm
I’m beginning to suspect the same. I’m enjoying listening to WeatherAmes as I write this.
March 29, 2020 @ 9:58 pm
I had tix to see Frazey Ford March 26, alas.
March 30, 2020 @ 4:53 pm
That sucks. I really like the new album.
January 4, 2020 @ 6:47 pm
What the hell happened to Sam Outlaw (that stupid EP doesn’t count)? Maybe don’t move to Nashville…
Carly Pearce released a third new song and it’s fucking awful after two really great songs. So disappointing.
January 4, 2020 @ 6:59 pm
Awesome to see Kyle Nix coming out with a record and I’ll sure support it…but my heart skipped a beat when I saw “Turnpike Troubadours” in bold up there. Take it easy on us, Trig lol
January 4, 2020 @ 7:04 pm
Hearing anything from the Zephaniah camp?
January 4, 2020 @ 8:27 pm
From what I understand, the album is in the can. But with the passing of his producer Neal Casal, I think he wanted to step back a little bit. He might have also been doing his due diligence to make sure a label doesn’t want to release it. I would expect to hear something very soon.
January 4, 2020 @ 7:21 pm
What happened to the Ashley McBryde album Trig? Did I miss something?
January 4, 2020 @ 8:26 pm
I think they’re just giving a bit extra time for the new single “One Night Standards” to develop. It’s been creeping up at radio, they released a video for it recently, and now with the pending Grammy nominations, I think they’re hoping for some momentum in the coming year.
January 5, 2020 @ 4:18 am
If it’s any help, at the end of “one night standard” video it states to be continued. She tweeted that the next song/video is coming on the 10th (this coming Friday). I’m hopeful there’ll be news of an album.
https://twitter.com/ashleymcbryde/status/1213114395506728960?s=21
Honestly I’d rather she released an album instead of wait for Nashville to catch on cause they probably never will
January 4, 2020 @ 7:42 pm
Trig
Bout that new DAC you spoke of in 2018….any word yet?
While you’re looking in the crystal ball…any sign of Hank III?
January 4, 2020 @ 8:24 pm
Very fishy stuff with Average Joes Records and the DAC album. I don’t have many details, but if and when I do, I’ll be posting them.
At this point, I don’t know what to think about the Hank3 situation. I have done everything I can do to either coax him out of the bunker, for find any information about what is happening. As soon I hear anything, I’ll be reporting on it.
January 4, 2020 @ 8:57 pm
Surprised I didn’t see another covers album from Jamey Johnson on that list………????
January 4, 2020 @ 9:04 pm
Leah Blevins is reported to be finishing up a record with Beau Bedford. I have high hopes for her and her sister. They sing together as “Sister Justice.”
January 4, 2020 @ 9:05 pm
Pretty sure Scotty McCreery will have a new album. He has said he is in the process of recording.
January 4, 2020 @ 9:35 pm
New Western Centuries album dropping in the first quarter of 2020, believe I heard them mention February or March during a recent concert.
Also, keep a lookout for Tim Bolo’s debut record sometime this year. The Nashville musician performs weekly at Layla’s and The Local, makes occasional appearances at American Legion Post 82 during Honky Tonk Tuesday Nights. Here he is singing a duet off his new album with Sierra Ferrell at The Basement – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wsvk2rnIVo
January 4, 2020 @ 10:17 pm
I’m personally hoping for new albums from Dwight Yoakam and Alan Jackson. Been too long since they both released new albums. 2015 for both, unless you count Dwight’s bluegrass album from 2016.
January 4, 2020 @ 11:18 pm
I hope Alan Jackson comes out with a new album this year.
January 5, 2020 @ 3:41 am
Lucinda Williams was in the studio in 2019 and finished according to Instagram,
January 5, 2020 @ 4:09 am
A lot of good stuff to look out for! I also believe Channing Wilson will drop a proper album this year, terrific songwriter and singer. I’m really looking forward to this.
January 5, 2020 @ 6:56 am
Good stuff to look forward to. I also saw a blurb online that Nikki Lane was working on a new album. Can’t wait for Sarah Shook’s new one. New Blackberry Smoke would be a gift but I imagine they will ride the new live album for awhile. Can’t get too greedy!
January 5, 2020 @ 8:53 am
1. I am very excited about new Bob Wayne, it’s been too damn long.
2. Unrelated, but Trigger: Why did you do away with the news scroll?
January 5, 2020 @ 2:30 pm
I’m planning to bring the news ticker back in the new year. Long story short, I always believed in supporting good journalism on other sites, but in the aftermath of all the outright unethical handling of the Lil Nas X story by scores of news outlets, I became very distrusting, and didn’t want to point people in wrong directions. When I relaunch it, it will be primarily to keep people up-to-date about new songs, albums, and videos being released, along with other announcements, and the occasional link to outside stories if they’re really worthy. Since not much stuff is being released at the moment, I’m waiting until folks start releasing songs and albums again in the new year to relaunch it. Will probably happen in about a week or two.
January 6, 2020 @ 1:26 am
I like this idea Trig. You could drive the traffic directly to the artists / labels themselves through links to new songs and videos etc rather than to click bait journalists or bloggers etc
January 5, 2020 @ 8:58 am
Caleb Caudle posted on his FB page that he will be releasing a new album this year. I assume it was the one recorded at Johnny Cash’s Cabin with John Paul White, Mickey Raphael, Gary Louris of The Jayhawks, Elizabeth Cook and Laurie Partain among the other artists on it. His last one Crushed Coins was really good!
January 9, 2020 @ 4:07 pm
Carolina Ghost is a fantastic record too, but Crushed Coins is an album for the ages.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:24 am
Gabe Lee is set to release the follow up to Farmland with a new full album release Honky Tonk Hell on March 13.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:39 am
Thanks for the info. This has been added up top.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:58 am
Austin Meade is releasing an EP in a couple of months.
January 5, 2020 @ 12:45 pm
Any updates from Alan Jackson? It seems like he’s back to touring full time… Hopefully a new album soon!!!
January 5, 2020 @ 2:23 pm
Brothers Osborne were in the studio in December and stated in an interview they would have a new single out soon. Radio ignored Port St. Joe so I am curious to see what happens next with them. They unseated Florida Georgia Line but Dan+Shay took over with “boyfriend country.” Save us, BrOs!!!!
January 5, 2020 @ 3:37 pm
Big Sam Doores fan. Looking forward to his first solo album. He does songwriter nights here in New Orleans. He used to be part of Hurray For The Riff Raff.
January 5, 2020 @ 4:25 pm
Most looking forward to “Lamentations”, the American Aquarium disc.
I know it’s been recorded with Shooter Jennings producing
January 5, 2020 @ 6:06 pm
Any idea what’s going on with the new Arlo McKinley album “Die Midwestern”? It’s been on and off for over a year now. Fingers crossed we get it soon.
January 5, 2020 @ 9:59 pm
Jesse Dayton is supposed going to the studio soon to record new music according to his Facebook post. Looking forward to that.
January 6, 2020 @ 1:16 am
I’m excited for the Terry Allen. ‘Death of the Last Stripper’ was one of my favourite tunes from 2019. I can’t wait to hear the whole record. Also super excited for the new James McMurtry. I thought I remember reading an interview where he mentioned a release date? Or maybe it was just when going into studio. I also look forward to be surprised by new artists or ones im not super familiar with like I was last year.
January 6, 2020 @ 9:29 am
McMurtry signed to New West a while ago, promising a new album. But remember, it seemed to take forever for his last one to get here too. McMurtry doesn’t like to rush. Get the right songs together and get them perfect, and then get into the studio.
January 10, 2020 @ 10:08 am
That’s true. I still play that record all the time. Worth the wait. He is in a league of his own I figure. No duds in that catalogue.
January 6, 2020 @ 1:48 am
At this point I’m surprised that we don’t have more information about Zephaniah Ohora’s upcoming record. It seems like all we have gotten for a long while is “it’s coming”. I would say that this release is my most anticipated of the bunch and I’m hoping it’s just as good as his debut album.
Also, a new Gabe Lee record couldn’t be more welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed his “Farmland” record and believe it may underappreciated.
January 6, 2020 @ 9:28 am
The death of Zephania’s producer Neal Casal late last summer I think reset the timeline a little bit for him. They were very close, and I think Zephaniah struggled moving the project forward without him. I’m hearing mid-late spring for a release, which means we’ll probably hear more about it soon.
January 6, 2020 @ 4:51 am
Brent Cobb was in the studio last month in Raleigh. He’s parted ways with Dave Cobb for this one, so will be interesting to hear the results. Might be worth adding to the list, Trig. Have really enjoyed his releases to date.
January 6, 2020 @ 10:09 am
Oh, no way. Are we sure this isn’t something to do with the reissue of his debut album from 2006, this February 7th, rather than a new album? I really loved Brent’s work with Dave, so I’m curious to hear what a new album without Dave sounds like. Fingers crossed it’s good.
January 6, 2020 @ 1:54 pm
I am looking forward to this even if it is the 2006 reissue. I was aware of him as a songwriter before Shine On Rainy Day, but had no idea he had recorded anything before then. I had a look on Amazon to see if it was available for pre-order, it wasn’t (just showed up,as unavailable) but I did read the track listing and am quite interested to hear the original Bar Guitar and A Honky Tonk Crowd which I know from the Whiskey Myers version. I had always assumed Brent wrote it for them rather than it being a cover. With regards to the other songs on the tracklisting, I do not recognize any of them. None of them were on the set list when I saw him a few years ago and that was also before he had any of the Providence Canyon stuff to include in the set.
I am also looking forward to lots in the rumor mill section of the article. In particular, I am looking forward to the releases by:
James McMurtry (my all time favorite solo artist)
John Baumann (and also the Panhandlers thing he is involved in)
Kyle Nix (will be interesting to hear him without the band, and what Byron Berline’s involvement will be given that Kyle himself is also an excellent fiddle player)
Ray Wylie Hubbard
January 7, 2020 @ 4:54 am
I heard an episode of the podcast “This life ain’t for everybody” with Brent as the guest and he mentioned he was back in the studio, so should be a new one.
January 6, 2020 @ 7:14 am
Morgan Myles new album Therapy drips January 17th!
January 6, 2020 @ 9:29 am
Wasn’t a new record coming out late 2019/early 2020 from Whitey Morgan & the 78s? Any news on that? Maybe I’m getting my years mixed up…
January 6, 2020 @ 10:07 am
Thanks for this, Trigger. This list last year pretty much paved the way for a lot of my album purchases and favorite albums in 2019. I first heard about Charles Wesley Godwin and Joshua Ray Walker from this list last year, and those albums turned out to be my top two favorites of 2019.
This list has me less excited though. Besides Marcus King and maybe James Steinle, I’m not too amped about anything else yet. I hope that changes as 2020 rolls on.
FYI – looks like Brent Cobb is reissuing his (long out of print and unavailable) 2006 album No Place Left to Leave on February 7th.
January 6, 2020 @ 2:44 pm
Looks like Kree’s album has been moved to April 5th. The album is available for preorder.
January 6, 2020 @ 3:17 pm
Trigger, any word on new music from Luke Bell?
January 6, 2020 @ 4:02 pm
No word on anything Luke Bell. I have as many feelers out as possible, and as soon as I hear anything from him, I’ll let everyone know.
January 7, 2020 @ 9:31 am
You can throw my name out there if you want a response sooner. LOL
I wasn’t sure what to think of this site when I first found it. However, over time I understood your ultimate mission is to help vocalize to the mass that there is a large group of people who simply want Country Music to sound like Country Music again. I appreciate all your work on this site!
January 6, 2020 @ 5:19 pm
Kip Moore is supposed to have a new album in spring!
January 6, 2020 @ 9:24 pm
Whitney Rose should have her fourth album out soon. Her Instagram had her in the studio in 2019 and she posted hints of one of the song titles in November. This is one of my most anticipated albums of the year.
January 7, 2020 @ 12:26 am
Dom Flemons had an album called “Prospect Hill” out in 2014. Is this a reissue or something? Thanks for this as usual, I will be checking back frequently.
January 10, 2020 @ 3:38 pm
Yes, it’s an expanded reissue. Sorry, just getting all the details about it myself. May post an article about it soon.
January 7, 2020 @ 6:37 am
Connie Smith’s Facebook page mentions that she’s working on a new album that should be released sometime this year.
January 7, 2020 @ 10:22 am
Looking forward to the Marcus King release. His “Carolina Confessions” was one my favorites of the year.
January 7, 2020 @ 12:46 pm
The Statesboro Revue is coming out with stuff this year. Thank god
March 29, 2020 @ 10:04 pm
Just discovered them when they released their single the other day. Wow, they’re great.
January 8, 2020 @ 3:27 am
Jesus H …….that is an avalanche of recorded music . I mean …..i LOVE pizza ….but wow !
someone PLEASE tell me why all of this product ? how in hell are these folks making any $$$ ? i’m thinking loss leaders ? calling cards ?… these records have to be calling cards ….invites to shows ….right ??
anybody ????……
January 8, 2020 @ 4:34 pm
What about the Boomswagglers?
January 8, 2020 @ 5:57 pm
Any word on a new Folk Soul Revival release?
January 9, 2020 @ 12:39 pm
Thieving Birds hopefully will release their next album this year
January 9, 2020 @ 1:20 pm
I didn’t even think that band was still together! They never seem to do any live shows and their website hasn’t been updated for about two years. I know it did say something about an album called American Savage, but that was years ago and nothing ever became of it. It would be good to finally hear something new from them.
January 9, 2020 @ 1:46 pm
Still playing here and there! Saw them live a year ago in fact. They posted some footage last year while in the recording studio so maybe it will come to fruition.
January 10, 2020 @ 8:05 pm
Marty Stuart and the Superlatives have been teasing an album of surfer music in their live shows. Any word on if that’s moving along?
January 17, 2020 @ 11:31 am
1) I would not be surprised to see another Mike and the Moonpies album this year. First half of the year maybe?
2) Tyler Lance Walker Gill – Self-Titled. 2/28/20 Don’t sleep on this guy. Another great artist from Kentucky.
January 31, 2020 @ 11:28 am
Kyle Fields has a new album coming. He announced on Facebook that its done and will release February 7th. Its called, “The Dues Are Paid.”
https://www.facebook.com/kylefieldsmusic/photos/rpp.113333695381795/2696684223713383/?type=3&theater
I loved his first album Hillbilly Poetry. I know he’s part of the riches of talent coming out of Kentucky these days. I cant wait for this one.
March 29, 2020 @ 10:06 pm
Gill Landry’s album is a classic. The guy is a genius.
March 30, 2020 @ 12:43 am
Billy Dean’s new CD to come out on April 2 called Gadsen.
July 22, 2020 @ 7:56 am
What is the problem with McMurtry?? One of your better ones…. Not fair.
July 22, 2020 @ 9:48 am
What IS the problem with McMurtry? Not following what you’re saying.