Best New Country Songs

It's a bumper edition of Best New Country this week. It seems like anyone who's anyone has released an absolute banger today, so without further ado here is our weekly roundup of the biggest and best new releases from the world of country and americana. Might as well put your feet up and give up on doing anything else today. There's just too much good new music to listen to.

This week's Best New Country cover star is the birthday boy himself, Riley Green. With the title track featuring Ella Langley riding high in the charts, he celebrates the special occasion by releasing what looks like being one of the country albums of the year

Produced by Dann Huff, the follow up to last year's Ain't My Last Rodeo and the 7-track Way Out Here album from earlier in the year, Don't Mind If I Do finds Riley mining his small-town life in rural Alabama for inspiration to deliver an honest, relatable and loveably lighthearted record that feels like a breath of fresh country air.

We love a country song about fishing here at Holler so it's a real treat to be able to add the Brad Paisley-esque 'Reel Problems,' featuring Luke Bryan to our riverbank soundtrack. Don't mind if we do.

Riley's regular duet partner Ella Langley gives us another song from the deluxe version of her album, still hungover, ahead of its release in a couple of weeks with 'made it out of mexico (acoustic).' Co-written with Joybeth Taylor and Natalie Hemby, the song is one of four additional tracks featured on the forthcoming deluxe version of her debut album.

“I decided when I put out my first project that I wanted to end each project with acoustic tracks,” says Ella. “Right back where it all started, just me and a guitar. this is one of the oldest songs out of the 18 and one of my favorites… without further ado here’s ’made it out of mexico’.”

BRELAND releases his new Project 2024 EP this week and we've got 'Same Work' included in our playlist today, which features the inimitable War & Treaty.

“The only song that made sense to me to get him on was this one. Michael served in Iraq, and he is also an artist," explains BRELAND about where the song sits in his new EP. "He can understand the song in ways that most people can’t. He’s been on both sides of it. He has been the veteran and the artist in that story which prompted me to reach out to him. He and Tanya added a lot of great energy to it.”

In an age defined by agendas, BRELAND’s is not political, but his new Project 2024 EP does recognize a time of collective reflection, similar to the Civil Rights struggle which became front and centre to American history in Selma, Alabama, where BRELAND’s family is from.

Returning to the city of his great grandmother, great-great grandmother and more, the rising star expected to find a place transformed by perseverance – to recharge his spirit after seeing the better world their struggle brought. But instead, he found a community all but forgotten.

“When I went to Selma and reflected on the history of Selma but also my family, it helped me to understand that this is bigger than me," he says. "There are so many people that fought for me to do this.”

The experience crystalized a powerful truth in BRELAND’s mind: That his success points back to this place, to the difficult choices made by people filled with hope, who never saw the impact of what they did. Like them, he is just a link in the chain, and what he does today will set the stage for those who come next.

With Project 2024 the agenda is simple. To uplift and inspire, and to do so on behalf of all those who work towards a better future. To think of Selma as a symbol of how real the struggle still is and for BRELAND, to do his part to keep the movement going.

Wyatt Flores' new album, Welcome To The Plains, is finally here and we've got the title track in our playlist today. In celebration of the new music, Flores made his late-night television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night.

“For my debut album, I wanted folks to know where I come from. Oklahoma has long been called a flyover state, but it’s far more than that to me," Flores shares. "It’s filled with the kindest people, a dark history, and a resilience that’s like nowhere else. I hope Welcome to the Plains brings a little curiosity to not only the Red Dirt sound but the culture that defines it.”

Someone else who's been making us wait, Morgan Wallen finally releases ‘Love Somebody.' Our first dose of new music from the singer since 'Lies, Lies, Lies' back in July, the newest offering from Morgan reveals a softer '80s pop tinged side to the country star, and hints at what might be coming next.

Kelsea Ballerini is proving the old adage that the best thing to do when you fall off a horse is to get straight back on it again on her latest single, 'First Rodeo,' the latest preview of her forthcoming album, Patterns, due out next week.

Kelsea’s new album emerged from the aftermath of her marriage break up with country singer Morgan Evans as she found her way forward, weighing the moments of loss, love and laughter that have defined the singer's life since their split in 2022.

With a sorrowful cello and a breathy vocal, the steamy, slow burning 'First Rodeo' finds Kelsea reflecting on the regrets she has over the way a past relationship ended as she begins to take the first few tentative steps in a new one.

“Listen, there’s a reality that an inner monologue post public breakup is, 'I feel washed up on the heart front. I feel like I don’t know how to do this anymore,'" she says. "But at the end of the day, choosing love is bigger, and the honesty of saying please take it slow and be patient with me can actually be a beautiful and connective moment. 'First Rodeo' encapsulates that conversation, and more so, that decision within self to be vulnerable and open and allowing the hope of it all to seep back in.”

Watch the video for 'First Rodeo' below.

Midland have released a deluxe edition of their critically acclaimed LP Barely Blue featuring collaborations with Kaitlin Butts on 'Vegas' and Paul Cauthen on 'Lone Star State of Mind.'

“‘Vegas’ is an homage to the wildest town in the world and the intense connections and losses that tend to happen in Sin City along the way," explains Mark Wystrach from the band. "The song is sung as a duet with the incredible Kaitlin Butts and sonically feels like a tip of the cowboy hat to early George Strait classics penned by the legendary Dean Dillon.”

“A sonic desperado with a swagger as pronounced as his Texas drawl," Cameron Duddy adds about Paul Cauthen. "Rolled off the assembly line with a soul full of horsepower and no safety gear, he’s someone we’ve admired and feared for some time now. It’s only right that we should put out a song together that exists thematically and literally in the heart of Texas.”

They're both so good we've got both songs in our playlist for you today.

After premiering the song on Holler yesterday, we've got 'Keep Your Promises' from Tiera Kennedy's debut record Rooted in our playlist today. You can read more about the song and the album here.

If that wasn't exciting enough, Lost Dog Street Band's frontman Benjamin Tod releases his solo album, Shooting Star, The Castellows release ‘Ways to Go' and Noeline Hofmann drops her full length Purple Gas EP. Read all about her new EP here on Holler.

In a week when Jason and Brittany Aldean launch their limited line of All American Trump themed American football shirts, Karley Scott Collins releases the timely 'Religion and Politics' and throws an ex-boyfriend into the list of things that are off limits for conversation.

“I had the title ‘Religion and Politics’ in my back pocket for a long time," Karley Scott Collins explains. "My mom had a friend when I was growing up who had different religious beliefs than we did, and he would always tell her, ‘You don't talk about religion and politics among friends.’ I always thought that would be a cool song title, but I didn't really know how I was going to use it."

"I went back home for the first time in a while, and you know when you go back home, you talk with your friends about everything that's changed and what's happening back in your hometown," she continues. "I had just gone through a breakup, and I knew that when I went home, they were going to ask me about him. So, I ended up adding religion, politics and you are the things that I don't want to talk about when I go back home."

Scotty Hasting has teamed up with Lee Brice and the legendary Dolly Parton on his newest single, 'Til The Last Shot's Fired,' a cover of the Trace Adkins' song.

"The first time I heard this song I was at Walter Reed," shared Hasting, who spent six months at the National Military Medical Center in recovery after being shot 10 times while serving in Afghanistan. "It was like something inside of me flipped. I started sobbing, and I couldn't stop. At that moment, I knew that I had to live life to the fullest for my friends who would never have the opportunity to. I wasn't going to let my injury dictate how I lived my life or for their sacrifice to be in vain."

"Fast forward 10 years, and a chance encounter in Nashville led me to Doug Johnson, one of the writers of the song," he explains about how the new version came to be. "That quite literally changed everything for me and led to my record deal. Then, Doug asked me to do a version of 'Til The Last Shot's Fired.' It was such an emotional full circle moment for me. Adding to that emotion, finding out that Lee Brice and Dolly Parton, two legends that I've been listening to and looking up to my whole life, wanted to be a part of the song and my journey, it's just incredible to me."

Alli Walker is tapping into her younger years on the follow up to one of our favourite songs of the year, 'Nashville,' with her new single, 'Kitchen Floor.'

“Kitchen Floor” is a nostalgic and personal song about looking back on the memories your childhood home holds, specifically the scratches and dents that were left on the kitchen floor," Walker shares. "The idea of Kitchen Floor came to me when I was living with my in-laws and noticed all the scratches in their heritage home and asking them where they all came from and the stories. It reminded me of my childhood home, and all the memories that are held in the scratches and dents in the walls and floors and how so many people share the same sentiments surrounding their childhood homes.”

This week's Best New Country is packed with 10 Artists You Need to Know alumni, not least Maddox Batson, who releases his new single, 'Southbound,' and Max McNown with his vulnerable new single 'Hotel Bible.'

“Even the most confident among us doubt themselves at times," says McNown. “‘Hotel Bible’ follows a loved one who’s lost their ability to trust and love themselves. But as the lyrics illustrate, even in the darkness of self-doubt, there can also be light. The song is meant to serve as a reminder of the best times of our lives, when we inevitably endure the worst… to see value in the times we feel cheapest.”

And if that wasn't empowering enough, Bailey Zimmermanunveils his new song, 'Holding On,' an introspective anthem about finding resilience in the face of adversity after debuting the track live at the Grand Ole Opry last month and teasing it on social media.

Zimmerman reflects on personal struggles and the desire for a love strong enough to weather any storm. He vividly portrays a relationship at a crossroads, asking whether two people can find strength in each other when life feels insurmountable.

“No matter who you are or where you’re at in life, everybody goes through hard times. I hope this song reminds you guys to keep going when you’re faced with adversity because you never know what tomorrow may have in store for you," shares Zimmerman. "KEEP GOING, KEEP HOLDING ON.”

We will, Bailey. We will.

Jessica Lynn releases her new single, 'Something 'Bout You,' and gives us all a little peek into her life, with an upbeat song about falling in love with her husband.

“‘Something ‘Bout You’ is a feel-good story about falling in love and having the most amazing adventures together," Lynn says. "There is something nostalgic about the song and I hope it brings everyone listening back to a really special time in their lives.

Watch the music video for Something ‘Bout You’ below.

Elsewhere we've got new ones from Lily Fitts, Koe Wetzel, Wesko, Kip Moore, Warren Zeiders, Alana Springsteen, Old Crow Medicine Show, Hudson Westbrook, Wilder WoodsandJade Eagleson, plus MacKenzie Porter reimagines fan favourite 'Coming Home To You (Bigger Houses)' with Owen Riegling.

Oh, and Ringo Starr has gone country. Again! We told you it was a bumper edition!!!

Check out this week's new country and americana song releases and listen to the full playlist below:

1. 1.

   Reel Problems

   Riley Green and Luke Bryan

2. 2.

   Same Work (feat. War & Treaty)

   BRELAND

3. 3.

   Welcome To The Plains

   Wyatt Flores

4. 4.

   One Hell of a Woman

   Noeline Hofmann

5. 5.

   First Rodeo

   Kelsea Ballerini

6. 6.

   Love Somebody

   Morgan Wallen

7. 7.

   made it out of mexico - acoustic

   Ella Langley

8. 8.

   Vegas

   Midland and Kaitlin Butts

9. 9.

   Holding On

   Bailey Zimmerman

10. 10.

    You For A Reason

    Warren Zeiders

11. 11.

    Good Times

    Koe Wetzel

12. 12.

    hold my beer

    Alana Springsteen

13. 13.

    Keep Your Promises

    Tiera Kennedy

14. 14.

    Religion and Politics

    Karley Scott Collins

15. 15.

    Shooting Star

    Benjamin Tod

16. 16.

    Over Your Head

    Lily Fitts

17. 17.

    Ways to Go

    The Castellows

18. 18.

    House Again

    Hudson Westbrook

19. 19.

    Kitchen Floor

    Alli Walker

20. 20.

    Hotel Bible

    Max McNown

21. 21.

    Southbound

    Maddox Batson

22. 22.

    Coyote (feat. John Moreland)

    Ken Pomeroy

23. 23.

    Time on My Hands

    Ringo Starr

24. 24.

    Learning As I Go

    Kip Moore

25. 25.

    Holding My Breath

    Blanco Brown

26. 26.

    Down By The River

    Jameson Rodgers

27. 27.

    Coming Home To You (Bigger House)

    Mackenzie Porter and Owen Riegling

28. 28.

    Ends of the Earth

    Ty Myers

29. 29.

    Don't Fall in Love

    Kelleigh Bannen

30. 30.

    Crying in the Car

    Meg McRee

31. 31.

    Worth the Double

    Jade Eagleson

32. 32.

    Considering

    Austin Snell

33. 33.

    Still Fallin (Lost & Found)

    Hunter Hayes

34. 34.

    Take It Out On Me

    Eddie And The Getaway

35. 35.

    The Crash

    Jordana Bryant

36. 36.

    Lone Star State of Mind

    Midland and Paul Cauthen

37. 37.

    Cold Beer and Common Sense

    Spencer Hatcher

38. 38.

    Donkey & Elephant

    Old Crow Medicine Show

39. 39.

    Time On My Hands (feat. Jim James)

    Wilder Wood

40. 40.

    Waco Kool-Aid

    Andrew Duhon

41. 41.

    Better Than Leavin'

    Ashley Ryan

42. 42.

    Real

    Brooke Law

43. 43.

    Something 'Bout You

    Jessica Lynn

44. 44.

    Made It This Far

    Chase McDaniel

45. 45.

    Cry Baby - Country Mix

    Clean Bandit, Anne-Marie and Tanner Adell

46. 46.

    'Til The Last Shot's Fired

    Scotty Hasting, Lee Brice and Dolly Parton

47. 47.

    Together We Stand

    William Michael Morgan and Heartwreckers

48. 48.

    Burning House

    Colt Graves

49. 49.

    Hoosier

    Ollie Joseph

50. 50.

    Your Man

    Nate Good

51. 51.

    Here For A Reason

    Ryan Larkins

52. 52.

    Made for Tennessee

    Dalton Davis

53. 53.

    Carolina When I Die (feat. Darius Rucker & Edwin McCain)

    Patrick Davis

54. 54.

    Memory Bank

    Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors

55. 55.

    God's Grocery Store (feat. Craig Morgan)

    Styles

56. 56.

    Miles Don't Matter

    Ward Thomas

57. 57.

    Jolene

    Harper Grace

58. 58.

    Three Wise Men

    Tyra Madison

59. 59.

    Yo Quiero Todo

    Jimencio and Angie K

60. 60.

    Firework Skies

    True Youngblood

61. 61.

    Fingerprints

    Gareth

62. 62.

    Give Me Away

    Riley Roth

63. 63.

    Homecoming Queen

    Amy Speace

64. 64.

    Gold In Your Pocket

    Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms

65. 65.

    Start / Stop

    Twisted Pine

66. 66.

    flowers

    Joy Oladokun

67. 67.

    Speak to a Girl

    Rebecca Correia and Shy Carter

68. 68.

    Burning Man

    Kat Velasco

69. 69.

    Baby Days Blues

    Jerron Paxton

70. 70.

    Recreational Sex

    Tift Merritt and Robert Ellis

Be sure to subscribe to Best New Country, listen above and follow Holler on your favourite digital streaming platform.

For more of the finest country playlists from Holler, see below: