New Country Music Roundup: Zac Brown Band, Pecos & The Rooftops, Laci Kaye Booth & More

Zac Brown Band — Love & Fear

Zac Brown Band’s Love & Fear captures the emotional duality that defines so many of life’s most important moments. The project leans into vulnerability, exploring how love and fear often coexist in relationships, growth, and personal evolution. Zac Brown’s unmistakable voice brings a grounded sincerity that anchors each track. The album blends the group’s classic acoustic warmth with touches of modern country and soft rock. Lyrically, the songs dive deep into introspection, showing a band unafraid to tackle honest themes. The production feels rich yet organic, allowing the storytelling to shine. Fans will appreciate the album’s balance of reflective ballads and uplifting, hopeful moments. What stands out most is how cohesive the project feels, each track contributes to a bigger emotional journey. Love & Fear is both familiar and refreshing, reminding listeners why the band remains a staple in country music. It’s an album meant to be listened to start to finish, taking in each layer along the way. Zac Brown Band deliver a thoughtful, heartfelt release to close out the year.

Pecos & The Rooftops — Looking Down Proud

“Looking Down Proud” from Pecos & The Rooftops is a gritty, reflective track that captures the feeling of rising above past struggles. The band leans into their signature blend of rock-leaning country and raw vocal power. The lyrics tell a bold story about growing, changing, and feeling proud of how far you’ve come. Pecos Hurley’s vocals bring real grit and emotion, making each line hit harder. The production pushes forward with a driving beat and atmospheric guitars that create momentum. What makes the song stand out is its confident, unapologetic tone, it’s both a victory lap and a reminder of resilience. The chorus carries an anthemic quality that feels built for live shows. The band taps into themes of self-improvement without losing their edge. “Looking Down Proud” is powerful, relatable, and full of identity. It highlights the group’s continued growth while keeping the authenticity fans love. A standout track that showcases a band evolving with purpose.

Matt Lang — All Night Even Longer

Matt Lang’s “All Night Even Longer” is a high-energy track built for fun, long nights, and carefree memories. Lang leans into a lively production style full of punchy drums and guitar-driven momentum. His vocals bring a charismatic charm that makes the track feel instantly addictive. The lyrics celebrate stretching out good moments and letting the night take its course. It’s the kind of song that feels like it belongs on every road trip or party playlist. Lang keeps things upbeat while still delivering polished, modern country storytelling. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, making it a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The song strikes a balance between swagger and sincerity. “All Night Even Longer” captures the joy of being in the right place, with the right people, at the right time. Matt Lang continues to prove he knows how to create energetic, feel-good tracks. This release is pure fun from start to finish.

Sterling Elza & Giovannie and The Hired Guns — Never Gonna Quit

“Never Gonna Quit” delivers a powerful burst of determination from Sterling Elza and Giovannie and The Hired Guns. The track leans into gritty guitars, explosive drums, and a rebellious rock-country attitude. Both artists bring bold vocal energy, creating a fiery collaboration that refuses to back down. Lyrically, the song celebrates persistence, ambition, and the refusal to give up, even when the odds stack high. The contrast between Elza’s tone and Giovannie’s grit creates a dynamic, engaging sound. The production keeps the intensity high, making each chorus feel bigger than the last. It’s a song made for people who grind, push, and chase their dreams with everything they’ve got. The storytelling taps into universal feelings of fighting for your place in the world. “Never Gonna Quit” feels like a rallying cry for underdogs everywhere. This release is bold, unapologetic, and full of heart. A standout collaboration that leaves a strong impression.

Kyle Gates — Top Shelf Women

Kyle Gates brings a laid-back charm and playful swagger to “Top Shelf Women,” a fun track celebrating confident, unforgettable women who stand out from the crowd. The song blends upbeat melodies with Gates’ smooth vocal delivery. Lyrically, he draws clever comparisons between top-shelf liquor and top-tier women, creating a catchy and lighthearted vibe. The production has a classic country bar-song feel with a modern shine. Gates leans into his storytelling ability, giving listeners a vivid image of the kind of women who command attention. The chorus is catchy and infectious, perfect for sing-alongs. There’s an easygoing warmth to the track that makes it feel instantly likeable. Gates manages to keep the song playful without losing sincerity. “Top Shelf Women” is charming, feel-good, and full of personality. It’s a fun addition to his growing catalog and showcases his natural charisma. This one is destined to become a weekend favorite.

Ethan Miller — Left or Right

Ethan Miller’s “Left or Right” is a thoughtful, introspective track that explores the crossroads we all face in life. His heartfelt vocal delivery brings honesty and emotion to the storytelling. The lyrics follow the internal conflict of making a tough decision and not knowing which path is truly right. Miller uses simple but powerful imagery to guide listeners through the struggle. The production stays soft and steady, allowing the weight of the message to resonate. What stands out most is Miller’s vulnerability, he doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. The chorus brings a gentle emotional release that feels hopeful rather than heavy. Miller’s songwriting showcases maturity and depth beyond the surface. “Left or Right” is relatable for anyone navigating uncertainty or change. It’s a comforting reminder that choosing a path is part of the journey. A beautifully crafted, introspective release.

Roan Ash — Thieves

Roan Ash brings haunting emotion and cinematic storytelling to “Thieves,” a track that explores love, loss, and the moments that steal pieces of us. His warm, textured voice gives the song a deeply intimate feel. The lyrics depict heartbreak as something that sneaks in quietly, taking more than you realize. Ash’s songwriting leans into poetic imagery, creating a moody and reflective atmosphere. The production is lush and atmospheric, adding depth without overwhelming the vocals. The chorus carries a subtle heartbreak that lingers long after the song ends. Ash balances vulnerability with strength, showcasing his ability to tell complex emotional stories. “Thieves” feels like a slow burn, soft at first, then deeply affecting. It’s the kind of track that resonates more with each listen. Roan Ash continues to prove himself as a standout storyteller in the country-folk landscape. This release is haunting, elegant, and beautifully crafted.

Laci Kaye Booth — I’m in Love With a Man

Laci Kaye Booth offers a stunning, intimate confession with “I’m in Love With Man,” a song full of emotional honesty and soulful vulnerability. Her smoky, ethereal vocals give the track a dreamy atmosphere. The lyrics explore the moment of realizing you’ve fallen deeply for someone in a way that feels both surprising and undeniably right. Booth’s delivery is soft yet powerful, allowing every line to feel personal. The production takes a minimalist approach, highlighting her voice and the raw emotion behind the story. What makes the song special is its sincerity, Booth doesn’t hold anything back. The chorus blooms gently, expressing pure admiration and affection. This track shows Booth’s evolution as a songwriter, leaning into deeper emotional territory. “I’m in Love With a Man” feels timeless and beautifully vulnerable. It’s one of Booth’s most compelling releases yet. A gorgeous moment of truth wrapped in melody.

Ricky Manning ft. Dasha — Someone Else & Jesus

“Someone Else & Jesus” pairs Ricky Manning and Dasha for a powerful, emotional collaboration about heartbreak, faith, and moving forward. The song explores the realization that sometimes love breaks in ways you can’t fix on your own. Manning’s vocals bring raw sincerity, while Dasha adds a soft, soulful contrast. Together, they create a stunning back-and-forth that deepens the storytelling. The lyrics wrestle with accepting that healing may come from unexpected places, or from letting go entirely. The production blends gentle instrumentals with emotional swells that lift the chorus. What stands out most is the honesty in the writing; it’s vulnerable without being dramatic. Manning and Dasha’s harmonies add emotional weight that lands right in the heart. “Someone Else & Jesus” is reflective, poetic, and beautifully layered. It captures the complexity of heartbreak while offering a sense of grace. A powerful collaboration with genuine emotional resonance.

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