Country music fans, get ready to hit play because this week’s country New Music Friday is serving up major heat! From long-awaited comebacks to genre-bending anthems, we’ve got all the must-hear tracks dropping today.
After nearly four years, Blake Shelton is officially back in album mode, and his latest single, “Let Him In Anyway,” proves the wait was worth it. A deeply emotional ballad about seeking divine forgiveness for a lost friend, the song is already resonating with fans. Co-written by HARDY, the track is a gripping preview of Shelton’s upcoming album, For Recreational Use Only, which drops May 9 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” Shelton shared in a statement. “It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
The album, now available for pre-order, pre-add, and pre-save, spans 12 tracks featuring collaborations with Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan. It also includes his already successful Top 10 hit “Texas.”
In other news, Chappell Roan is proving she can do it all with her first-ever country release, “The Giver.” The track is a bold, boot-stomping anthem filled with high-energy western instrumentation, clever wordplay, and a powerhouse vocal performance.
“I have such a special place in my heart for country music,” Roan shared. “This song is my take on ‘cuntry’ xoxo, may the classic country divas lead their genre, I am just here to twirl and do a little gay yodel for y’all.”
To celebrate, Roan is dropping five limited-edition 7-inch vinyl records featuring artwork that showcases her in various service-oriented characters, from a lawyer to a plumber. Fans even got a taste of the song through a mysterious hotline number (620-HOT-TO-GO) teased on billboards in Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles.
This week also brings exciting new projects from some of country’s best storytellers, including Charley Crockett‘s Lonesome Drifter, Warren Zeiders‘ Relapse, Lies & Betrayal, Carly Pearce‘s hummingbird: no rain, no flowers, Brett Eldredge‘s Lonestar Lovers, Grace Tyler‘s Everything I Didn’t Say, Onoleigh‘s First Rodeo and Jordana Bryant‘s Right Key, Wrong Porch.
Country music is all about collaborations and fresh faces, and this week is no different. Dierks Bentley teams up with Stephen Wilson Jr. for “Cold Beer Can,” while Jake Worthington and Marty Stuart drop “I’m The One.” Plus, Rascal Flatts reunites with Kelly Clarkson for a brand-new rendition of “I’m Movin’ On” and Adam Doleac links up with Thomas Rhett for a powerful new track titled “Bar Named Jesus.”
If you’re looking for rising stars, keep an eye on Dylan Gossett (“Like I Do”), Jordyn Mallory (“Hearts & Horses”), Preston Cooper (“Numbers On A Mailbox”), and Kayley Green (“Broken Heart”).
From Blake Shelton’s emotional ballad to Chappell Roan’s country crossover moment, this week’s New Music Friday is packed with must-listen tracks. Whether you’re craving heart-wrenching storytelling, a good old-fashioned honky-tonk jam, or a fresh twist on the genre, there’s something for everyone.
Keep scrolling to see all of our fav tracks that were released their week and don’t forget to share your thoughts by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs at @celebsecretscountry.
