Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Lainey Wilson, Vincent Mason, Treaty Oak Revival & More

Lainey Wilson - Somewhere Over Laredo

Lainey Wilson has made a career out of blending heart, heritage, and honky-tonk grit, and with the surprise release of her latest single, “Somewhere Over Laredo,” the reigning queen of country music once again proves she’s not just riding the wave, she is the wave. Co-written by Wilson alongside Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Andy Albert, the song is a soulful, roots-deep tribute that draws subtle inspiration from the iconic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” But don’t expect a wistful cover or reimagining. Instead, Wilson uses the legendary title as a poetic springboard, grounding her story in dusty Texas towns, wistful heartache, and the kind of vivid storytelling that has become her signature. In “Somewhere Over Laredo,” Wilson doesn't lean on flashy production or radio-chasing hooks. She doesn’t need to. With her signature Southern drawl and a heart-on-the-sleeve delivery, she paints a cinematic picture of lost love and longing, all while tipping her hat to the small towns that shaped her. It’s a song that could just as easily echo from a neon-lit barroom jukebox as it could be scribbled in a well-worn notebook under a porchlight. Wilson’s ability to elevate classic country themes while keeping them grounded in raw, emotional truth is what sets her apart, and this song is no exception. From the first twang of steel guitar to the final whisper of goodbye, “Somewhere Over Laredo” captures that distinct blend of old soul and new spirit that continues to make Lainey Wilson one of country music’s most compelling voices. If this surprise release is any indication of what’s on the horizon, one thing is clear, Lainey Wilson isn’t just back, she’s setting the standard for what modern country music can and should be. With “Somewhere Over Laredo,” she proves that substance still wins over spectacle, that storytelling still matters, and that there’s power in honoring the past while carving out your own lane. In an era when country often flirts with pop gloss and trend-chasing gimmicks, Wilson doubles down on authenticity. She’s not chasing a sound, she is the sound, the voice of the dusty backroads, the quiet moments after heartbreak, the resilience of small-town America, and the spirit of a genre that lives and breathes through its stories. And as she continues to rise, one thing is certain: Lainey Wilson isn’t just making hits, she’s building a legacy.

Vincent Mason - Painkiller

In a landscape crowded with rising voices and radio-ready hooks, Vincent Mason cuts through the noise with a sound that’s both soul-stirring and sonically bold. His latest single, “Painkiller,” is a shot of electricity to the heart of country music, a guitar-driven anthem that explores the paradox of a love that heals and hurts in equal measure. Mason, whose voice carries the weight of lived experience wrapped in a smooth Southern drawl, takes listeners on a wild ride through the highs of newfound love and the lows it can leave in its wake. Co-written with hitmakers Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, and Chase McDaniel, “Painkiller” isn’t just a clever metaphor, it’s a full-bodied immersion into that feeling when someone walks into your life just when you need them most and leaves you changed forever. From the first note, the track charges forward with foot-stomping momentum with a John Mayer feel. It’s the kind of song that begs to be played loud, windows down, heart wide open. “Painkiller” captures more than just a fleeting romance. It’s a tribute to love's power to act as a remedy to deeper pain, a balm that stings as much as it soothes. There’s grit in Mason’s delivery, a knowing pain tucked into each lyric that makes the story feel achingly real. With each release, Mason inches closer to becoming a mainstay in modern country. “Painkiller” doesn’t just showcase his vocal strength or songwriting chops, it cements him as a compelling force in the genre. For fans of country that hits hard and lingers long after the final chord, this is the track to press play on. Vincent Mason isn’t just singing about love. He’s redefining what it means to feel it.

Midland - Glass Half Empty

When Midland steps up to the mic, you can count on two things: pitch-perfect harmonies and a time-honored Texas twang that turns any song into a modern-day Country classic. With their latest release “Glass Half Empty,” the trio once again proves why they’ve earned their place at the top of the Neotraditional revival. The new track is pure Midland magic. Written by bandmates Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy alongside seasoned songwriters Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell, “Glass Half Empty” doesn’t dwell on sorrow despite what the title might suggest. Instead, it offers a lively escape into a neon-lit world of honky tonks, cold beer, and just the right rhythm to dance your troubles away. Midland taps into the spirit that made their breakout hit “Drinkin’ Problem” a fan favorite. But where that song leaned into lonesome, this one lifts the listener up. “Glass Half Empty” is overflowing with optimism, wrapped in the kind of toe-tapping groove that invites you to lace up your boots and hit the hardwood. There’s something reassuring in the idea that, sometimes, the simple act of being in the right bar with the right song can make everything feel just a little more hopeful. Sonically, the track is a masterclass in Country craftsmanship. Guitars twang with swagger, steel slides like a breeze across the plains, and every beat feels built for the dance floor. But it’s Midland’s harmonies, widely regarded as some of the best in the business that truly elevate the song. Their voices blend with effortless precision, giving “Glass Half Empty” a rich, warm feel that hits just right whether you're nursing a heartbreak or celebrating a Friday night. “Glass Half Empty” isn’t just a song, it’s a reminder of what makes Country music timeless. It’s about resilience, connection, and finding joy even when life throws a few curveballs. With this release, Midland once again cements their status as torchbearers of a classic sound, crafting music that speaks to both the heart and the heels. So next time you’re feeling the weight of the world, consider this your official prescription: a shot of Midland, a spin on the dance floor, and a reminder that maybe the glass isn’t so empty after all.

Zach John King - Slow Down EP

After years of evolving as a frontman and fine-tuning his storytelling, Zach John King has arrived with Slow Down, a six-track EP that marks both a homecoming and a bold new chapter. The Nashville-based singer-songwriter, once at the helm of an indie rock outfit, now stands center stage with a project that fuses the grit of his past with the heart of country music. Produced by Ryan Wilson, Slow Down offers a deeply personal and cinematic listening experience. King's vocals shine across the EP, cutting through arrangements that weave together indie rock textures and country storytelling. His artistry is both distinctive and dynamic, unafraid to lean into emotional vulnerability and sonic nuance. Each of the six songs was co-written by King, who drew heavily from his own experiences, from moments of quiet gratitude to the lingering sting of heartbreak. The result is a body of work that feels lived-in and authentic. Whether he’s capturing the exact instant a relationship fell apart or the weight of finally finding peace, King proves himself a skilled narrator with an eye for detail. The title track, “Slow Down,” co-written with Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman, and Michael Tyler, feels like a mission statement. It invites listeners to pause and take stock of life’s fleeting moments, echoing the introspective tone that runs throughout the EP. “Lose You,” a haunting opener written with Alex Hope and Sasha Sloan, sets the stage with aching vulnerability, while “Hole In The Wall” and “Cold Shoulder” dig deeper into emotional solitude. Other standouts include “She Didn’t Have To,” a soul-baring reflection on unexpected kindness in the midst of heartbreak, and “I Deserve A Heartbreak,” which walks the line between self-blame and self-awareness with remarkable grace. King's Slow Down isn’t just an EP, it’s a statement of purpose. With raw honesty and melodic sophistication, he’s crafted a collection that doesn’t just ask listeners to feel, it insists on it.

Chris Stapleton - Bad As I Used To Be

Chris Stapleton, the gravel-voiced powerhouse who has redefined the edges of country music, is off to the races—literally. The GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter lends his signature blend of blues-infused grit and lyrical weight to “Bad As I Used to Be,” a standout track featured on F1® The Album, the first-ever official Formula 1® compilation. Stapleton has long been known for steering country music down roads less traveled, but with “Bad As I Used to Be,” he puts pedal to metal in a thrilling sonic detour. Fueled by hard-hitting electric guitar and laced with the kind of raw vocal swagger only he can deliver, the track is as adrenaline-charged as the sport it’s tied to. It’s a bold fusion of musical horsepower and lyrical introspection that captures the spirit of speed, danger, and self-reckoning. “Bad As I Used to Be” doesn’t just roar, it rumbles with purpose. There’s a bluesy darkness under the hood, evoking the push and pull between who we were and who we’ve become. Stapleton leans into that tension with the finesse of a seasoned racer navigating hairpin turns, proving once again that he’s just as comfortable burning rubber as he is burning through heartbreak. “Bad As I Used to Be” doesn’t ask for the spotlight, it demands it. From the smoky dive bars of Nashville to the high-octane circuits of Monaco, Stapleton’s latest proves he’s still got plenty of fuel in the tank. And if this is Chris Stapleton in the fast lane, country fans better buckle up.

Nate Smith - Dads Don’t Die

Nate Smith has never shied away from raw emotion or honesty in his music, but his latest single, Dads Don’t Die, may be his most vulnerable and powerful offering yet. In a career already stacked with record-setting success and chart-topping hits, Smith takes a heartfelt creative leap with a song that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Produced by Joël Bruyère and backed by a stellar lineup of session musicians, including guitar greats Tim Galloway and Derek Wells, Dads Don’t Die finds its emotional center in the delicate, expressive piano work of Alex Wright. From the first verse, Smith paints a scene of quiet devastation: a man grieving the loss of his father, surrounded by the relics of a life lived and loved. “You can cover him in flowers / Carve his name into a stone / Let your brother have his toolbox / And keep his number in your phone,” Smith sings, with a voice that’s never sounded more authentic or emotionally present. It’s a moment of clarity and confusion, where the rituals of grief clash with the stubborn permanence of memory. As the song builds into its chorus, Smith offers a line that feels destined to be quoted at memorials and family gatherings for years to come: “Dads don’t die / They still make you laugh / Still make you cry / Still make you mad the day it dawns / That you were wrong and he was right.” It’s a masterclass in country songwriting, simple, sincere, and deeply human. Yet what elevates Dads Don’t Die beyond a traditional tribute is its graceful acknowledgment of imperfection. Smith doesn’t paint a saintly portrait of fatherhood. Instead, he leans into the complexity of the relationship. “Even if they let you down sometimes / There’s gonna come a day you understand / That he was just a man and you turned out alright.” That perspective, hard-won and full of grace, is what gives the song its enduring power. In a genre built on storytelling, this might just be Smith’s defining chapter.

Austin Tolliver - Rodeo Desperado

In a genre built on tradition and rebellion, Austin Tolliver is staking his claim as a new kind of outlaw. With his latest release, Rodeo Desperado, the country-rock firebrand blends Southern grit, raw vulnerability, and a touch of high-octane swagger to deliver a track that’s as emotionally charged as it is sonically bold. Tolliver, who’s quickly gaining momentum as one of country music’s most compelling genre-benders, throws out the rulebook on Rodeo Desperado. The song rides a thunderous beat, bolstered by gritty guitar riffs and a vocal performance that walks the tightrope between rugged and reflective. It’s outlaw country through a modern lens, untamed, unapologetic, and strikingly human. At its core, Rodeo Desperado tells the story of a drifting cowboy torn between the thrill of the open road and the ghost of a love he left behind. Tolliver paints the scene with sharp imagery and aching honesty. A truck packed with everything but closure, late-night calls that never get answered, and a single photo tucked into a rearview mirror, it’s the kind of storytelling that sticks. The song’s production mirrors its theme — a relentless drive forward underscored by the quiet ache of something lost. Tolliver leans into the contrast, allowing the rowdy energy to clash beautifully with the song’s softer emotional undertones. It’s the sound of a man chasing spotlight dreams while glancing backward at a love that won’t fade. Rodeo Desperado isn’t just another single. It’s a signal flare from an artist unafraid to mix twang with torque, heartbreak with horsepower. Tolliver continues to carve his own path, one gravel road anthem at a time, and this latest release proves he’s not just here for the ride, he’s steering with purpose. For anyone who’s ever felt pulled in two directions — between who they are and who they used to love, Rodeo Desperado offers both a mirror and a moment of catharsis. It’s rough. It’s real. And it’s Austin Tolliver at his best.

Alexandra Kay - The Last

Alexandra Kay has never shied away from wearing her heart on her sleeve, and with her latest release, “The Last,” the country songstress once again proves why she’s one of the genre’s most emotionally resonant storytellers. Written alongside acclaimed songwriter Jon Green and producer Andrew DeRoberts, “The Last” is a heartfelt ballad that captures the breathtaking simplicity of finding your forever person. It's not just a love song, it’s a confession wrapped in shimmering strings and soft-spoken steel, a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best songs come straight from lived experience. From the first note, Kay's signature angelic vocals carry a kind of weightless warmth, the kind that feels like a hand on your shoulder or the hush of a first kiss. She sings with a radiance that suggests she’s not just reciting lyrics but reliving the moments that inspired them. Her voice, at its brightest and most content, floats through the song’s dreamy melody with a sense of peace that only true love can bring. There’s a kind of magic in the way Alexandra Kay delivers this song. It’s not overwrought or overly polished. It’s honest, tender, and rooted in real emotion. In a world where love songs often veer into cliché, “The Last” feels refreshingly sincere. With this latest release, Kay continues to carve out a space for herself as a modern-day romantic in country music. Her storytelling is as evocative as it is earnest, and her voice remains a powerful instrument for truth and connection. “The Last” isn’t just another ballad it’s a reminder that love, when it’s real, sounds exactly like this.

Treaty Oak Revival - The Talco Tapes

In a bold, no-frills move that showcases their signature grit and emotional punch, Treaty Oak Revival has just released The Talco Tapes, a stripped-down acoustic album that highlights the soul of their songwriting and the unfiltered energy that has defined their rise. Released via TOR Records and distributed by Interscope Records, this live-in-the-studio project captures the Odessa, Texas-based band at their most honest and unguarded. The Talco Tapes reimagines eight fan favorites from Treaty Oak Revival’s first two albums, including the Gold-certified anthems “I’m The Worst” and “Ode To Bourbon.” The project also features a hauntingly heartfelt rendition of The Goo Goo Dolls’ 1995 classic “Name,” a cover that bridges genres and generations with startling authenticity. Treaty Oak Revival doesn’t hold back and that’s exactly why fans can’t get enough. Their songs don’t pander or polish away the rough edges. They embrace them. The Talco Tapes is a raw, resonant reminder of the band’s ability to turn vulnerability into strength and simplicity into something unforgettable. With this new acoustic collection, Treaty Oak Revival is not hitting pause, they’re turning the volume up on what matters most: truth, talent, and the kind of authenticity you can’t fake.

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