Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Emily Ann Roberts, Jackson Dean, Carter Faith & More

Emily Ann Roberts - Jack And Jill Daniel’s 

When Emily Ann Roberts opens her mouth to sing, it’s not just a note,it’s a story. The East Tennessee powerhouse has built her career on authenticity, and with her major label debut single, “Jack & Jill Daniel’s,” she proves she’s more than ready to stake her claim as one of country music’s next great storytellers. Written alongside Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Beaver, and Trent Willmon, Roberts’ “Jack & Jill Daniel’s” is more than a clever turn of phrase, it’s a reimagining of American lore through a distinctly Appalachian lens. The song spins a tale that feels half-myth, half-memory: Jill, the dazzling small-town heartbreaker, and Jack, the man who turned pain into something legendary. “Jill was a diamond in a chunk of coal town / Prettiest girl in any holler around,” Roberts sings, painting the picture of a love destined to combust. When Jill leaves town on a midnight train, Jack does what so many country ballads’ heroes have done before him, he drowns his sorrow. But instead of fading into obscurity, his heartbreak sparks a legacy: the creation of a whiskey that would eventually be known around the world. The track is as much about loss as it is about resilience. In Roberts’ hands, Jack’s pain isn’t simply tragedy, it’s transformation. “She put the fire in his heart, he put the burn in the bottle,” she belts, her voice cutting sharp as Tennessee lightning. The line feels like the thesis of the song: a reminder that behind every great creation lies a story of love, loss, and reinvention. “Jack & Jill Daniel’s” wears its roots proudly. Fiddle licks and steel guitar bend around Roberts’ crystalline vocals, grounding the track in traditional country even as the storytelling gives it an almost cinematic sweep. The melody feels timeless, like it could have been sung in a smoky roadhouse decades ago or on a festival stage tomorrow night. “Jack & Jill Daniel’s” is proof that Roberts doesn’t just have a voice worth listening to, she has stories worth believing in. And in a genre that thrives on heartache turned into poetry, her ability to blend tradition with fresh perspective is exactly what sets her apart.

Jackson Dean - Make A Liar 

Jackson Dean has a knack for turning vulnerability into swagger, and with his new single “Make A Liar,” he manages to do both in one sly move. It’s a song that doesn’t just flirt, it dares. Built on a groove thick enough to rattle the floorboards and lyrics sharp enough to double as a wink across the room, Dean’s latest track finds him toeing the line between playful mischief and heartfelt honesty, proving once again why he’s one of country’s most magnetic young storytellers. The track, co-written with his trusted collaborator Luke Dick and heavyweight songwriter Randy Montana, is a clever spin on classic country storytelling. At first listen, Dean plays it cool, laying out a future he insists he doesn’t want, keeping his real cards close to the vest. But just when you think he’s got his poker face locked in, he throws down the real dare: “Make a liar out of me.” In that single line, the song flips from coy to candid, inviting someone to prove him wrong in all the best ways. It’s a cheeky challenge dressed up in swagger, and Dean sells it with that signature raspy vocal half grin, half growl that has made him one of country’s most intriguing young voices. The bass-heavy production sets a slow-burning groove that feels equal parts flirtation and provocation, while the lyrics themselves carry the punch of a sly wink across the bar. What makes “Make A Liar” hit isn’t just its lyrical hook, but the way Dean leans into the role of playful instigator without losing his authenticity. It’s a balancing act, cocky without being smug, tender without being soft and it cements Dean’s ability to walk the line between outlaw edge and modern country charisma. With every release, Dean continues to prove he’s not just another artist riding the Nashville conveyor belt. He’s carving out a lane of his own, one where grit meets grace, and “Make A Liar” feels like the kind of track that doesn’t just entertain, it sticks, daring listeners to hit repeat just to catch the subtle smirk behind the delivery.

Marcus King Band - Heartlands 

Marcus King has never been afraid to bare his soul in song, but with the release of his latest single, “Heartlands,” he takes that vulnerability to new heights. The track, unveiled ahead of his highly anticipated album Darling Blue, is equal parts tender ballad and timeless roots anthem, anchored by the kind of grit, groove, and grace that have made King one of the most magnetic voices in modern music. “Heartlands” is more than just another love song; it’s a living, breathing testament to devotion. With a raw vocal delivery that crackles like vinyl and instrumentation that feels like it was born in a Southern roadhouse, King crafts a love letter to his wife that manages to feel both intimate and universal. “This song puts into words just the way I feel about that sweet little wife of mine,” King shared. “She’s supported me through so many ups and downs. But when I fall, she’s always where my heart lands.” There’s a simplicity to the sentiment, but the performance makes it transcendent. Real instruments played with fire, patience, and soul, give the track a richness that stands in stark contrast to today’s digital gloss. The acoustic guitar rings like a promise, the rhythm section pulses with quiet strength, and King’s voice, gravelly yet angelic carries the weight of both gratitude and awe. If Darling Blue is meant to be a turning point for King, “Heartlands” may be the album’s emotional compass. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about the soaring highs but about the grounding presence of someone who steadies you through the storms. In the span of just a few minutes, King manages to make listeners feel both the fragility and the resilience of devotion. What makes the song land, though, is King’s refusal to overcomplicate it. He doesn’t dress the emotion in metaphors too far removed from reality. Instead, he speaks plainly, letting his heart and that voice do the heavy lifting. The result is a track that feels destined to become one of those career-defining songs, the kind of tune you don’t just listen to, but live with.

Carter Faith - Arrows (Die For That Man)

Carter Faith is back, and she’s done it again, delivering a song that’s as sassy as it is soulful, blending old-world country sensibilities with a fresh, modern twist. Her newest single, “Arrows (Die For That Man),” showcases not just her impeccable voice, arguably one of the best country has seen in decades. But her uncanny ability to turn personal experiences into universal storytelling gold. From the opening chords, “Arrows” feels both timeless and entirely of its moment. Its instrumentation evokes the warmth of classic country. The kind of music that lingers long after the record stops spinning while Carter’s voice glides through the melody with a precision and emotion that demands attention. Every note is both a wink and a plea, a clever balance that makes the track irresistible. “I wrote ‘Arrows’ after meeting a man for five minutes and developing an unhealthy and delusional crush on him,” says Carter. “As the song goes, I truly felt like I would die for that man. I’ve said before that I’m a girl who’d die for love but would never let it kill me. That’s what this song is about.” The honesty in that admission translates effortlessly into the track: playful, dramatic, and heartbreakingly sincere all at once. Yet beyond the story of a fleeting crush turned musical obsession, the song cements Carter Faith’s growing reputation as a songwriter unafraid to mix humor, honesty, and heartbreak. Her lyrics carry the sly wit of a seasoned storyteller while maintaining an emotional weight that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt swept away by a moment, or a man. “Arrows (Die For That Man)” is a reminder that country music can still surprise. It can be clever without being contrived, heartfelt without tipping into melodrama, and most importantly carried by a voice that demands to be heard.

Lanie Gardner - Faded Polaroids 

Country music’s rising star, Lanie Gardner, has returned with her highly anticipated sophomore album, Faded Polaroids, available now. Following the intimate, critically acclaimed debut A Songwriter’s Diary in 2024, Gardner’s latest effort is not just a continuation, it’s an evolution. The 18-track project is a sprawling, deeply personal collection that showcases Gardner’s gift for blending raw emotional honesty with rock-infused grit, small-town pop charm, and country storytelling at its most evocative. Produced by an eclectic mix of talents, including Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil, Carlo Colasacco, Mick Fleetwood, Ryan McMahon, and Don Miggs, Faded Polaroids reads like a carefully curated scrapbook of life’s complexities. Gardner moves seamlessly between moments of reflection, heartbreak, joy, and resilience, offering a portrait of a young artist unafraid to lay her soul bare while experimenting with sonic textures that push the boundaries of contemporary country. The album’s title track, Faded Polaroids, is a nostalgic centerpiece, a meditation on memory, time, and the small, meaningful moments that shape our lives. It sets the tone for an album that is as much about emotional resonance as it is about musical craft. Tracks like High Divin capture a soaring, almost cinematic energy, while Love You Like Appalachia roots listeners in a warm, rootsy homage to love and heritage. The introspective Concrete Cowboy reveals Gardner’s ability to articulate heartache with both grit and vulnerability, and Takin’ The Slow Ride invites listeners into a breezy, windows-down escape, a momentary pause in the rush of life. What makes Faded Polaroids particularly striking is Gardner’s fearless blending of genres. She threads indie-rock grit, small-town pop accessibility, and country storytelling into a sound that feels simultaneously grounded and expansive. Each track is carefully constructed to serve both narrative and mood, creating a listening experience that invites repeated exploration. The album doesn’t just document her life, it translates it into something universal, a reminder that personal stories, when told with courage and artistry, can resonate across listeners’ own experiences. As country music continues to evolve, Gardner’s voice stands out as one of the most compelling of her generation, unmistakable in tone, fearless in expression, and magnetic in its honesty. Faded Polaroids is a testament to her growth as a songwriter and as an artist, a project that confirms she is not merely a rising star but a fully realized force in contemporary music. For listeners willing to sit with its emotional depth, the album offers a rare gift: the sense that someone sees life and tells it exactly as it is, in all its messy, beautiful complexity. With Faded Polaroids, Lanie Gardner proves that she is more than a country artist; she is a storyteller, a musical innovator, and one of the most exciting voices in modern music, period.

Hannah McFarland and Chase Rice - Foolin'

Breakout singer-songwriter Hannah McFarland joins forces with platinum-selling hitmaker Chase Rice to deliver their highly anticipated collaboration, “Foolin’.” The track, teased over the past several weeks with behind-the-scenes studio clips and fan speculation, finally sees the light of day, and it’s already proving to be a contender for one of the year’s most irresistible country duets. Built on an easy, infectious groove, “Foolin’” trades the heavy ballads and brooding storylines for something altogether lighter, a breezy back-and-forth that captures the dizzying fun of a love that doesn’t take itself too seriously. McFarland and Rice volley lyrics with undeniable chemistry, weaving a playful push-and-pull that feels tailor-made for late-night drives, tailgate speakers, and endless summer playlists. At its heart, the song thrives on its electric chorus, the kind of hook that begs to be cranked up with the windows down. McFarland’s honeyed vocals and Rice’s gravelly edge balance each other beautifully, creating a contrast that elevates the track from catchy duet to full-blown earworm. It’s a sonic reminder that sometimes country music doesn’t need to be complicated to stick; it just needs to feel good. For McFarland, who’s been carving her own lane as one of Nashville’s most exciting emerging voices, “Foolin’” marks a milestone moment. Pairing with a seasoned chart-topper like Rice not only expands her reach but also underscores her versatility as an artist. For Rice, who’s made a career out of toeing the line between country grit and radio-ready polish, the song adds another crowd-pleaser to his catalog while introducing him to a fresh wave of fans through McFarland’s rising star power. The collaboration feels less like a calculated industry move and more like the natural meeting of two artists who genuinely enjoy making music together. That authenticity is exactly what makes “Foolin’” work: it’s effortless, fun, and brimming with the kind of spark that can only come from a perfect creative match. As the track hits streaming platforms and country radio, don’t be surprised if “Foolin’” becomes this season’s singalong staple, the song you didn’t realize you needed until it was already stuck in your head.

Colby Acuff - His Song and Her Song 

Colby Acuff has always been a songwriter who digs deeper than the surface. But with his upcoming concept album Enjoy The Ride set for release October 3, the rising country artist takes that approach to an entirely new level. Built from conversations with more than 40 strangers he met while crisscrossing the road over the past year, the 11-track project is less an album than a living anthology of real American stories. To mark the announcement, Acuff released two standout tracks Friday: “His Song (What’s A Man Supposed To Be)” and “Her Song (Numb To Everything).” The pair function almost like dueling diary entries, their narratives intertwining as both contrast and complement. Rooted in country, Americana, and bluegrass traditions, Acuff’s smoky yet crystalline vocals breathe vivid life into the material. “His Song” digs into the weight men often carry, the unsaid pressures of strength, expectation, and endurance, while “Her Song” embodies the flip side: resilience born from heartbreak, the numbness that lingers when survival demands silence. Taken together, they’re not just two singles, they’re twin chapters in a story only Acuff could tell. Musically, the tracks mirror their themes. “His Song” builds slow and steady, with a rugged acoustic backbone and fiddle flourishes that nod to Appalachian roots. “Her Song” counters with haunting harmonies and a stripped-back arrangement that lets the ache in Acuff’s delivery sit front and center. It’s a deliberate pairing, showcasing both sides of a shared experience, threaded together like two perspectives on the same long night. Acuff doesn’t just write about life; he gathers it, translates it, and sends it back into the world with the grit of country, the depth of Americana, and the soul of bluegrass. In a genre built on storytelling, Acuff’s new project feels both classic and daring, reminiscent of the great concept albums that defined generations, yet uniquely personal in its execution. By turning strangers into muses, he’s crafted something that belongs to everyone. 

Jenna Paulette - Steady 

In a genre built on stories of heartbreak, hard living, and wide-open highways, sometimes the most powerful statement a country artist can make is one of quiet constancy. Rising star Paulette delivers exactly that with her new single, “Steady.” Written alongside hitmakers Will Bundy and Rhett Akins, and produced by Bundy, the track is a tender yet commanding ode to the kind of love that doesn’t burn fast and fade, it endures. Country music has always revered the timeless image of something or someone that stands firm through life’s unpredictability, and “Steady” captures that essence with poetic grace. Lyrically, the song paints with simple but evocative brushstrokes: “Steady like the sun sinking out of the sky / Steady like a slow dance, three-quarter time / Steady like an ol’ ranch house on a hill / Or a hundred-year-old oak tree in the field.” Each line stacks up like a brick in the foundation of a relationship built on resilience and reassurance. The metaphors, sunsets, oak trees, ranch houses aren’t just familiar country imagery, they’re living emblems of permanence. By leaning into the everyday, Paulette and her co-writers craft a portrait of love that’s not flashy or fleeting, but enduring in its strength. In an industry that often rewards vocal fireworks, she leans into subtlety letting the lyric and melody do the heavy lifting. There’s a confidence in that restraint, a belief that listeners will lean in closer to catch the nuances rather than be bowled over. At its core, “Steady” isn’t about the kind of love that makes headlines, it’s about the kind that lasts a lifetime. The kind that holds your hand like it holds the reins. And in an era when so many songs are chasing the next big hook, Paulette offers something more valuable: a reminder that true strength is often found in simplicity. With “Steady,” Paulette doesn’t just add another love song to country music’s long lineage, she adds one that feels destined to stand tall among them. Like the oak tree in her lyrics, it’s built to last.

Jaxson Free - Get Go

Jaxson Free is done playing it safe. The North Carolina native already a proven multi-genre chart-topping songwriter steps boldly into the spotlight with his latest single, “Get Go,” a track that burns slow, steady, and unforgettable. From the opening gallop of its rhythm, “Get Go” hooks you in. Acoustic guitars ride shotgun, weaving a southern warmth through the production, while Free’s unmistakable voice takes the wheel. His delivery is a masterclass in contradiction, gritty yet smooth, raw yet controlled, blurring the lines between country soul and heartland grit. It’s the kind of vocal that can break hearts and raise glasses in the same breath. “Get Go” tells the story of a situationship destined to crash before it could ever take flight. Instead of leaning into bitterness, Free leans into truth, balancing heartbreak with a wry acceptance that feels universal. Listeners won’t just hear the words, they’ll feel the weight of them. For an artist who’s penned hits across multiple genres, “Get Go” marks a personal moment of ownership. It’s not just another notch in a songwriter’s belt, it’s Jaxson Free carving out his identity as an artist unafraid to fuse vulnerability with firepower. With its southern textures, and a vocal performance that refuses to let go, “Get Go” cements Free as one of country’s most compelling new voices. It’s a debut that doesn’t just bring the smoke, it leaves you standing in the haze, wanting more.

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