Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Russell Dickerson, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion, Lauren Watkins & More

Russell Dickerson - Famous Back Home

Russell Dickerson has always been a storyteller. From his breakout hits to his electrifying live performances, the Nashville singer-songwriter has built a career on songs that feel intimate, authentic, and larger than life all at once. With his fourth studio album, Famous Back Home, Dickerson takes everything he has learned over the past decade and channels it into a project that is as reflective as it is celebratory. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Josh Kerr and featuring songwriting and production contributions from Casey Brown and Chris LaCorte, Famous Back Home captures the many sides of Russell Dickerson. It is a record that is at once deeply personal and widely relatable. Fans will recognize the heartfelt vulnerability that has defined his career, but this album also introduces a bold new energy, the kind of raw, live-wire intensity that makes the RD Party experience unforgettable on stage. Opening with “Dust,” Dickerson immediately sets the tone: he is unafraid to explore new sonic territory while staying true to the lyrical honesty that fans crave. The album moves effortlessly between high-energy anthems, reflective ballads, and songs that celebrate love and home in ways both universal and specific. On tracks like “Love That I Love You,” Dickerson digs deeper than ever, revealing the layers of emotion and nuance in his life as a husband and father set to a beat that is all RD. It is this unguarded intimacy that gives the album its lasting impact. But Famous Back Home is not only about introspection. It is also a celebration of the life Russell Dickerson has built, both personally and professionally. He wears his heart on his sleeve, but he also embraces the joy, humor, and spontaneity that have made his live shows legendary. The album strikes a careful balance between vulnerability and exuberance, showing that the RD Party is not confined to one lane. He is a songwriter willing to experiment, a performer who thrives on connection, and a storyteller whose work resonates because it is lived-in and honest. Ultimately, Famous Back Home is more than a collection of songs. It is a statement of identity. It reflects who Russell Dickerson is: a hitmaker, a devoted husband, a father, and a proud champion of the community and values that shaped him. It is an album that invites listeners into his world, offering a mix of nostalgia, hope, and the kind of joy that only comes from someone who is fully alive in their art. Russell Dickerson has always had the rare ability to make personal experiences feel universal, to make a song both a sing-along anthem and a deeply felt confession. With Famous Back Home, he does it better than ever, delivering a project that will not only define this chapter of his career but will also leave a lasting imprint on country music itself. This is an album meant to be celebrated, dissected, and returned to time and again, a record that, like its creator, is fearless, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

Lainey Wilson - Whirlwind Deluxe

Lainey Wilson has never been one to play it safe. The Louisiana native with the bell bottoms, powerhouse vocals, and razor-sharp pen has built a career on out-singing, out-writing, and outlasting just about anyone who dares to stand in her lane. Now, fresh off the success of her Whirlwind era, Wilson is kicking up the dust again with Whirlwind Deluxe, a reimagined version of her latest album that adds five brand-new songs to an already unstoppable tracklist. For fans who thought they had the record memorized front to back, Wilson has just thrown a curveball. Whirlwind Deluxe extends the original 14-song project with a high-octane set of fresh material: the cheeky “Bell Bottoms Up,” the swagger-drenched “King Ranch, King George, King James,” the reflective and melodic “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” the breezy “Peace, Love, and Cowboys,” and her current single, “Somewhere Over Laredo.” The latter debuted earlier this summer and is steadily climbing the Billboard Country Airplay chart, proving Wilson’s ability to craft songs that hit both the heart and the radio dial. Each addition feels intentional, offering listeners a new layer of Wilson’s artistry. “Bell Bottoms Up” leans into her signature playful sass, while “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day” slows the pace for a thoughtful reminder of her grounding in authentic storytelling. “King Ranch, King George, King James” is both tongue-in-cheek and rooted in tradition, a lyrical nod to Texas culture and country royalty, while “Peace, Love, and Cowboys” feels destined to be a festival singalong. Taken together, the deluxe release is less of an add-on and more of a statement. Wilson is reminding fans that her whirlwind is far from over. With each new song, she expands her universe, blurring the line between rowdy Saturday-night energy and Sunday-morning soul-searching. Just when you think you’ve found your favorite Lainey Wilson track, she delivers another contender that refuses to be ignored. If Whirlwind cemented Wilson as one of country music’s defining voices, Whirlwind Deluxe makes it clear she’s not just riding the storm, she’s the one creating it.

Old Dominion - Barbara 

Old Dominion have always had a knack for bending country music into something uniquely their own, and with their latest album Barbara, the reigning kings of clever songwriting prove they are still at the top of their game. Across 13 tracks, the five-piece delivers an expansive record that brims with sharp wit, lived-in wisdom, and a musical curiosity that stretches beyond genre borders. From the start, Barbara feels like both a celebration and a reflection. The album’s anthemic opener “Making Good Time” sets the tone with a rush of optimism before sliding into the playful “Me Most Nights,” a track as sticky as the neon glow of a dive bar jukebox. But Old Dominion waste no time deepening the journey. “Water My Flowers” is a smoldering meditation on life’s fleeting seasons, “Man Or The Song” questions identity through the lens of artistry, and “Miss You Man” delivers one of the most poignant tributes to friendship and loss in their catalog. Just as the emotions threaten to overwhelm, the band brings back their signature breezy charm with “Late Great Heartbreak,” a track destined for summer road trips.True to form, Old Dominion make the album’s middle stretch unpredictable in the best way. “Crying in a Beach Bar” pairs wistful lyrics with sun-soaked melodies, while “Sip In The Right Direction” serves up honky-tonk funk with a wink. “Talk Country” is a highway anthem equal parts grit and longing, and “What Doesn’t Kill A Memory” blends contemporary R&B textures with classic country storytelling. The record closes on “Goodnight Music City,” a love letter to the town that shaped their careers and continues to inspire them. What makes Barbara remarkable is how it distills everything fans have come to love about Old Dominion while still pushing the boundaries of their sound. The hooks are as undeniable as ever, the wordplay sharp, but there is a deeper honesty running through the album. It is a portrait of a band growing older without losing the spirit that made them a household name. With Barbara, Old Dominion are not just reminding listeners why they hold the crown in modern country. They are showing what it means to wear it with pride, humility, and a whole lot of heart.

Lauren Watkins - Average Joe & Plain Jane 

Lauren Watkins is quietly carving out a space in country music that demands attention. Her latest single, “Average Joe & Plain Jane,” is a testament to her knack for finding beauty in the everyday, capturing the ordinary moments of love with an authenticity that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Co-written with Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, and Caroline Watkins, “Average Joe & Plain Jane” celebrates the simple, often overlooked moments of love. The song’s acoustic guitars and soft, swaying rhythm conjure the feeling of a front porch in the late afternoon, where life moves slowly and love feels effortless. It is a track that doesn’t need fireworks; its charm is in its intimacy, in the way it captures a relationship without embellishment or pretense. Watkins’ voice is both nostalgic and strikingly current, carrying lyrics with a gutty, authentic edge that is rare among new country artists. She has a way of writing that makes listeners feel seen, transforming everyday experiences into universal truths. Whether it’s laughing over coffee in the morning, sharing quiet moments at the kitchen table, or finding comfort in a partner’s presence, “Average Joe & Plain Jane” reminds us that these small moments are what make love endure. Lauren Watkins is part of a new wave of Nashville artists who prioritize lyrical truth over spectacle. With “Average Joe & Plain Jane,” she proves that her voice, both literally and artistically, is one the genre needs to hear. It’s a song that could easily become the soundtrack to someone’s love story, not because it shouts, but because it whispers the things we all recognize and feel. This is just the beginning for Lauren Watkins. If her ability to find magic in the mundane is any indication, she is a true talent poised to make a lasting mark on country music. For listeners seeking music that feels honest, relatable, and quietly powerful, “Average Joe & Plain Jane” is anything but plain. 

Stephen Wilson Jr. - Something In The Way 

Indiana-born, Nashville-based rising star Stephen Wilson Jr., is country music’s mad scientist and continues to push the boundaries of the genre with his daring, inventive approach. His new EP Blankets out next week is a testament to his fearless artistry, blending introspection, bold production, and a willingness to tackle material most artists wouldn’t touch. At the forefront of this project is his striking reinterpretation of Nirvana’s “Something In The Way.” The song, long considered untouchable and iconic in the pantheon of grunge music, is transformed under Wilson Jr.’s vision. Where the original carries a haunting sense of despair, Wilson Jr. infuses it with emotional warmth and melancholy beauty, layering delicate instrumentation and his signature vulnerable vocals. The result is a version that feels both reverent and daring, a track that honors the spirit of the original while staking its own claim in the country landscape. His take on “Something In The Way” and the EP as a whole signal that Wilson Jr. is shaping a new frontier in country music, one that celebrates experimentation, storytelling, and unfiltered expression. 

Ashley Cooke - swear words 

Rising country sensation Ashley Cooke has once again proven why she is a voice worth hearing with her latest single, “swear words.” Co-written with Johnny Clawson, Joe Fox, Kyle Sturrock, and Seth Ennis, the track captures a tender, introspective side of Cooke that fans have long anticipated. “swear words” is a modern breakup anthem that blends emotional vulnerability with Cooke’s signature dynamic energy. The song’s title is a clever double entendre, hinting both at the emotional expletives we mutter in heartbreak and the unspoken words that linger after love ends. Cooke invites listeners to feel every pang of regret, frustration, and hope that comes with letting go. This is a new age breakup song, one that resonates with anyone navigating love, loss, or the messy in-between. Cooke’s nuanced storytelling and soft yet commanding vocal delivery reveal an artist willing to expose her heart while still owning her power. With “swear words,” Ashley Cooke proves she is not just a singer but a force in country music, capable of crafting moments that linger long after the last note fades. Her voice demands to be heard and celebrated, and this track ensures no one will forget it anytime soon.

Eddie And The Getaway - Broken Man 

Eddie And The Getaway step boldly into the spotlight with their latest single, “Broken Man,” co-written by Eddie Eberle, Lindsay Rimes, Brett Warren, and Brad Warren. Clocking in at just under three minutes, the track is a tightly packed burst of country rock energy layered with heartfelt emotion. “Broken Man” is a song of struggle and redemption, exploring the universal experience of hitting rock bottom and searching for a way forward. Eddie Eberle’s vocals carry a raw, unflinching honesty that makes every lyric resonate, while the production balances grit and polish, creating a sound that feels both timeless and urgent. There is a distinct echo of early Brantley Gilbert in the song’s driving guitars and rugged rock-country sensibility, but Eddie And The Getaway stamp the track with their own identity, making it unmistakably their own. The song’s power lies in its relatability. It captures the moments when life feels fractured and uncertain, yet also offers a glimmer of hope. The songwriting team’s deft touch ensures that every line lands with clarity, emotion, and purpose. It’s a brief journey, but one that leaves a lasting impression. For listeners craving country rock that combines intensity with introspection, “Broken Man” delivers. Eddie And The Getaway prove that they are artists unafraid to confront life’s challenges head-on, turning pain into music that is both cathartic and compelling.

Tommy Acker - 10 & 2

Tommy Acker is a name you’ll want to remember. The rising country artist is making waves with his latest single "10 & 2," a song that proves he won’t be a newcomer for long. With arena-ready guitar riffs and an effortless vocal delivery, Acker crafts a track that is both upbeat and thoughtful, a rare combination that feels intentional at every turn. "10 & 2" uses the simple mechanics of driving as a clever metaphor for relationships. Just like keeping your hands steady on the wheel, Acker sings about maintaining control and staying steady when you’ve found someone you don’t want to lose. The lyrics are sharp, the delivery sharper, and the message resonates without ever feeling forced. Acker has a knack for storytelling that makes even the most familiar imagery feel fresh. Driving becomes a lens for devotion, care, and commitment, all wrapped in a melody that feels made for the stage. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sing along, tap your foot, and maybe even glance at the road ahead with a little more mindfulness. With "10 & 2," Tommy Acker shows that his arrival in country music is more than just a debut. It’s a statement that he is ready to take the wheel and lead audiences down a path that’s both fun and deeply relatable. Keep your eyes on this rising star; he’s headed straight for the spotlight.

The Band Loula - Sweet Southern Summer

Duos have always held a special place in country music, from the timeless storytelling of Brooks & Dunn to the heartfelt harmonies of The Judds. Emerging act The Band Loula proves that the tradition is alive and well, delivering a debut EP that reminds listeners why two voices can often be better than one. Sweet Southern Summer is a bold introduction to Logan Simmons and Malachi Mills, two artists whose chemistry is as natural as it is compelling. Rooted in gospel hymns, blues, and the rich musical traditions of North Georgia, the six-track EP is a masterclass in authenticity. Each song is written from the heart, unpolished in all the right ways, and brimming with honesty. Simmons and Mills don’t rely on flashy production or gimmicks; instead, they let their voices and their stories do the heavy lifting, creating music that feels lived-in, warm, and true. From the opening track to the final note, the EP unfolds like a storybook full of wit, charm, and dynamic soundscapes. Listeners are invited to experience the duo’s world, discovering who they are song by song. The harmonies glide effortlessly, creating a sense of intimacy that makes every lyric hit harder and every chorus stick longer. There is a palpable joy in their music, a sense that Simmons and Mills are having the time of their lives, and they want their audience along for the ride. Sweet Southern Summer is more than a debut, it is a statement. The Band Loula reminds country fans why duos have endured through decades: because when two voices come together with purpose and passion, the result can be unforgettable. This EP positions them as one of the most promising new acts in country music today, a duo whose songs feel timeless even on first listen. 

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