Country music’s hottest new albums, singles and tours!

By Preshias Harris

SO much great music news! How can we fit it all in?! New albums, singles, tours and more from Gabby Barrett, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey, Lady A, CJ Solar, Alana Springsteen, Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, Cody Jinx, Allie Colleen, Riley Green, The Highwomen, Don Williams, Ashley Cooke, Vince Gill, LOCASH & Parmalee plus new releases from emerging artists, upcoming music festivals and more. Thank you for making Inside Track on Music Row the longest continuously-published monthly country music column in the USA!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I feel, as a songwriter, it’s one of the hardest things to do – to sit down and say how you feel.” – Bruno Mars

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter. – Psalm 74:17

RILEY GREEN

RILEY GREEN: Amid another massive year of touring sold-out arenas, new career feats, and major award show milestones, Country superstar Riley Green announces his fourth studio album, That’s Just Me out September 18th (pre-save/pre-order here). Produced by Dann Huff and Green, the project will be released via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Alongside the announcement, Green also released the second track from the record, “Think As You Drunk” (listen here).

Written and recorded during a pivotal year in Riley Green’s life and in the midst of the biggest tour of his career to date, That’s Just Me is a deeply personal multi-faceted body of work that captures the many sides of Green as an artist, but more importantly as a songwriter. Rooted in his signature Country storytelling with a strong western spirit, the record moves effortlessly between tender moments of yearning, brooding, and heartbreak, carefree beachy anthems, and the fun-loving drinking songs fans have come to love. Reflecting a season of change and growth, That’s Just Me showcases Green at a defining moment, revealing new layers while staying true to the authenticity that has always driven his music. Follow Green on FacebookXInstagramTikTok and YouTube.

  • See also Number One News, below. 

VINCE GILL

VINCE GILL: Music icon Vince Gill has released A Mother’s Prayer, the newest in his year-long EP series titled 50 Years From Home. Gill also launched his 50 Years From Home tour in June, a 27-city run including a six-night residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium. A complete list of dates can be found here.

Each of Gill’s EP releases thus far have centered around a unifying idea and theme. The glue holding the seven songs on the eighth installment, A Mother’s Prayer, is a bit more subtle, but the connection is revealed after listening all the way through and considering the context. Like the other 50 Years From Home EPs, A Mother’s Prayer was produced by Gill at his home studio near Nashville, with engineers Justin Niebank and Matt Rausch.

“I think with each of these EPs, I’m working toward pairing the songs that will sit together, that flow together, that sequence well,” Gill explains. “I like the theme of these songs, what they’re about. Where they came from. There are definitely some very personal ones on A Mother’s Prayer.” More at vincegill.com and on FacebookInstagramX, and YouTube.

THE HIGHWOMEN

THE HIGHWOMEN, the acclaimed collaborative movement formed by Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and Natalie Hemby, share their new live album, Live at The Gorge 2023—available to stream everywhere: listen here. Alongside the digital album, a new live music video for “Redesigning Women” is available here.

“We weren’t planning on releasing a live album,” shares the group, “But in preparing for our upcoming reunion we recently listened back to The Gorge, and whatever happened out there that night came rushing right back…the adrenaline, the near misses, the harmonies locking in at exactly the right second, and the sound of thousands of people singing like they meant every word with their whole chest. The recordings sound wild, emotional, electric, human and exactly how that night felt…We could really feel the connection, the community and that rare oneness where everybody carried each other for a little while … Just us, the crowd, the canyon, and whatever that feeling was. We sure hope you feel it.” More at TheHighwomen.com and InstagramFacebook and YouTube.

Continue reading “Country music’s hottest new albums, singles and tours!”

Hot Summer Country Sounds: Here’s your Inside Track!

by Preshias Harris

It’s August already and time for this month’s Inside Track on Music Row! New singles and albums from Gabby Barrett, Rodney Crowell, Greylan James, Alex Miller, John Prine, Lily Rose, Sammy Sadler, Morgan Wallen, Due West, Anne Wilson, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Young and more. Plus music video releases, news about Christian music, the CMA, the Opry, a fundraising concert to aid Texas flood victims and more.  Scroll down and catch up!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “It took seven years after moving here to get my first song on the radio.  It felt like seventy.” – Blake Shelton (addressing audience at a concert in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, March 2016)

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34: 4-5

ACM HONORS NEWS: The Academy of Country Music has announced the recipients of the Special Awards for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards.  Honorees Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, “Twisters,” and Ben Vaughn will be celebrated during the 18th Academy of Country Music Honors during an unforgettable evening of live music and tributes. The event will take place Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at The Pinnacle, Nashville’s newest cutting-edge venue, located at Nashville Yards.

“This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees each have played an essential role in Country Music’s success,” said Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards committee. “From some of Country Music’s legendary artists to the incredible songwriters and powerhouse executives, we are so excited to celebrate these well-deserved recipients next month at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Congratulations to all the honorees,” she continued.

Additionally, previously announced ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, ACM Songwriter of the Year winner Jessie Jo Dillon, as well as ACM Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at ACM Honors. Tickets are on sale now via AXS here. More about the ACM Honors here.

ABBIE CALLAHAN

ABBIE CALLAHAN: Rising singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan has released her long-awaited debut EP,Grossly Aware, available now via Twelve6 Entertainment. The seven-track project arrived July 25 and is available here.

The EP features standout single “Strawberry, California,” which Abbie performed live on WSMV’s Today in Nashville on release day. She has shared a new rendition: “Strawberry, California” x Live from the Treehouse, the second installment of her Live from the Treehouse series. Like the first video for “The Garden,” this performance showcases Abbie’s timeless vocals and the natural intimacy that runs throughout the project. Watch here.

Produced by Oscar Charles (Chase Rice, Kip Moore, Kassi Ashton, Madeline Edwards), Grossly Aware features co-writes with Nashville hitmakers including Emily Shackelton, Sarah Allison Turner and Jason Gantt, while three tracks were written solely by Callahan herself – a testament to her emotional depth, lyrical wit, and melodic instinct.

Legendary musician Charlie Worsham (CMA Musician of the Year, ACM Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year) lends his signature guitar work to the entire EP, except on “Marry Jane,” which features Alex Pearson and additional production from Jarrad Kritzstein (Ruston Kelly, Madi Diaz, Wild Rivers) alongside Charles.

Callahan has also been confirmed for an official showcase at AmericanaFest 2025, with more details to be announced soon. Music and more at her websiteInstagramTikTokFacebook and YouTube.

JOHN PRINE

JOHN PRINEIn celebration of the 30th anniversary of Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, a deluxe edition of John Prine’s beloved and Grammy-nominated album will be released via Oh Boy Records on September 12. (Pre-add / pre-save here.)  The digital deluxe edition features five previously unreleased demos and alternate takes, along with the never-before-heard track “Hey Ah Nothin’,” out now. Watch the video here. A long-lost gem sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers alike, this addition offers an intimate glimpse into the album’s creation and the spontaneous spirit that defined the sessions. 

Continue reading “Hot Summer Country Sounds: Here’s your Inside Track!”

Christmas albums, singles, live shows!

‘Tis the season for the sounds of Christmas!

By Preshias Harris

It’s getting to feel a lot like Christmas… and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!  I just couldn’t wait to start setting the Holiday mood, so – ahead of my December column – here is the news you can use to start jingling the bells! Scroll down for Christmas albums from Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Brett Eldridge, Megan Moroney and Dolly Parton… seasonal singles from George Birge, Mackenzie Carpenter, Randall King, Tori Martin, Hillary Scott, Sophia Scott, Blake Shelton and Bailey Taylor. Plus news about star-studded live Christmas shows at Gaylord Opryland, the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry and more! Keep scrolling!

HOLIDAY ALBUM ROUNDUP

GABBY BARRETT: Warner Music Nashville’s Gabby Barrett gives a warm welcome to the holidays with the release of her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight. Available now, the 11-song collection includes a lovingly curated selection of cherished Christmas carols, time-honored Advent hymns, and joyous songs of celebration — all spotlighting the multi-Platinum star’s unforgettably beautiful talent. Listen hereand check out the adjoining videos

Carols and Candlelight opens with Barrett’s poignant rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” (written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene, and produced by Ross Copperman). Listen here and watch the visualizer. With its poetic contemplation of the relationship between Mary and her son, “Mary, Did You Know?” brings her distinct sensibilities to the modern Christmas classic, blending her bright and soulful vocals with a gorgeously subtle arrangement of pedal steel, piano, strings, and more. Along with showcasing the phenomenal range and nuance of her voice, the slow-burning and richly detailed track makes for a prime introduction to the full-length project’s stellar musicianship. 

With its era-spanning mix of Christmastime favorites, Carols and Candlelight also includes standouts like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (for KING & COUNTRY feat. Gabby Barrett) – an exultant Gospel number nominated for Christmas Recorded Song of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. More at Gabby’s website and updates on social media. #GabbyBarrett

DAN + SHAY:  It’s another ‘first’ from Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney (aka Dan + Shay). They have released their first-ever Christmas project, titled It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album (listen/stream/download here) and is available as a CD and a two LP package pressed in opaque red and green vinyl. The vinyl version comes with printed inner sleeves in a two-pocket gatefold jacket. Signed copies of both versions at Dan + Shay’s official website.

Continue reading “Christmas albums, singles, live shows!”

CMA Awards, Christmas songs, new music and more

Preshias and Jon on this week’s Y’all Show

Preshias Harris joined Jon Rawl again this week on the Y’all Show for another look at what’s happening on Music Row. Among the items they discuss…

  • The new Barry Gibb album, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1, with some of country music’s biggest stars, including Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile and more.
  • It’s CMA Awards time! Gabby Barrett sings her hit duet with Charlie Puth – and this is the first time they’ve met in person.
  • Dan + Shay are saying “Take Me Home For Christmas” with their first-ever original Christmas song.
  • Platinum-selling Blackhawk are releasing a two-disc greatest hit project, Just About Right: Live From Atlanta.
  • CJ Solar’s new single “The Only Present I Want” arrives while he is still celebrating his second No. 1 as a songwriter.
  • Plus a Q&A from “I Know Country” and some country music birthdays to celebrate this week.
Jon Rawl and Preshias talk Country on the Y’all Show

Catch the show at Y’all’s website or at the Y’all Show YouTube channel.

 Preshias Harris  is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at   www.collegeofsongology.com   Follow her blog at  www.nashvillemusicline.com

The Y’all Show with Preshias, June 30, 2020

Gabby Barrett, Rascal Flatts, Caylee Hammack & Reba, Tenille Townes, Kenny Chesney … Jon and Preshias talk about that and more!

Livestreamed on The Y’all Show

Another edition of our weekly livestream of the Y’all Show hosted by Jon Rawl. Watch the entire episode here on the Y’all Show YouTube channel.

  • Gabby Barrett is Country’s ‘golden girl’ breaking records with her album Goldmine
  • Rascal Flatts set to release seven-track EP July 31
  • Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Orlando ‘virtual’ launch party postponed
  • Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum remains closed – for now
  • Reba joins Caylee Hammack on “Redhead” song and video
  • Tenille Townes (Lemonade Stand) & friends have “Big Hearts for Big Kids”
  • Kenny Chesney score 31st chart-topper with “Here and Now
  • A country music Q&A from my book I Know Country
  • …and more from this week’s Y’all Show With Preshias. Scroll down to read more

Gabby Barrett is Country’s new ‘golden girl’ as she continues to break records with her debut album Goldmine.  Among her achievements:

  • Gabby is the first-ever female artist with a Country song to log over 10 million on-demand streams in a single week with 11.3 million.
  • The ACM New Female Artist Of The Year Nominee has racked up nearly 400 million on-demand streams to date.
  • Gabby is the youngest artist to have a debut #1 in over two decades. 
  • Additionally, Goldmine breaks the first day Country streaming records on Amazon Music globally with first-day streams exceeding any other debut Country album ever.
Continue reading “The Y’all Show with Preshias, June 30, 2020”