New Music Friday has officially entered its main character energy era — and honestly, country fans are eating GOOD today (February 6).
Megan Moroney is entering her soft, self-assured, main pop-country girl era — and we’re absolutely here for it. The multi-platinum hitmaker kicked off Cloud 9 release month with the album’s dreamy title track, giving fans their first taste of what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated country albums of 2026.
Written alongside Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Ernest Keith Smith, “Cloud 9” captures that floating-on-air kind of love where even life’s most annoying moments don’t stand a chance. Produced by longtime collaborator Kristian Bush, the track blends lush steel guitar, airy synths, and Megan’s signature wide-eyed honesty — aka everything Moroney stans love about her, but elevated.
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to catch Sam Barber live, you already know that his shows hit different. Now, fans can relive the magic with his brand-new live album Live From 2025, a 21-track snapshot of his sold-out headline tour across North America.
From emotionally raw cuts like “Restless Mind” (feat. Luisa Marion) to his 2x-Platinum breakout “Straight and Narrow” and Platinum-certified “Indigo” with Avery Anna, the project captures the heart, grit, and crowd energy that’s turned Sam into one of country’s most exciting storytellers. The release also arrives as Sam embarks on his massive “The American Route” Tour, with stops running through June and a highly anticipated return to Stagecoach this spring. Basically? This album feels like a love letter to fans — and a reminder that Sam Barber is built for the stage.
Additionally, Koe Wetzel is back in his feelings — but like, in a late-night-drive-with-the-windows-down way. His new single “Time Goes On” finds the Texas rocker-country hybrid getting honest about growth, mistakes, and how fast life moves when you’re too busy trying to keep up.
Co-written with Amy Allen, Carrie Karpinen, Josh Serrato, and producer Gabe Simon, the track blends Koe’s signature grunge-meets-country swagger with introspective lyrics that hit harder the longer you sit with them. Lines about concrete streets, wrong turns, and life lessons feel lived-in — and fans are already calling this one of his most emotionally grounded releases yet.
From heartbreak anthems and love songs to genre-blending bops and emotional deep cuts, this week’s New Music Friday lineup is stacked with fresh releases from both rising stars and your longtime faves. Whether you’re building your weekend playlist, searching for your next repeat song, or just need something new for your morning commute, we’ve got you covered.
Megan Moroney – “Cloud 9”
Sam Barber – “Man of the Year” (Live from 25)
Koe Wetzel – “Time Goes On”
George Birge feat. Luke Bryan – “Ride Ride Ride”
Russell Dickerson – “The Roses”
Gavin Adcock – “Colorblind”
Ashland Craft feat. Chase Rice – “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To”
Waylon Wyatt – “In Loving Memory”
Carter Faith – “Fame Is A Gun”
Zach John King – “Get To Drinkin””
Elvie Shane and Kameron Marlowe – “Bourbon and the Bible”
Elizabeth Nichols – “Sweet Cigarette”
Redferrin – “If I Was California”
49 Winchester – “Pardon Me”
Tyler Nance – “Midwest Memoir”
Dawson Anderson – “No Telling Now”
Kenny Whitmire – “I Gave Her The Moon”
Tyce Delk – “Rollin'”
Cooper Alan – “Work”
Jaxon Free – “Let U Go”
Austin Michael – “Slow Burn”
Larry Fleet – “Both Sides of the Fence”
Troy Cartwright – “That’s Alright”
Bayker Blankenship – “Pickup Man”
The Jack Wharff Band feat. Solon Holt – “A Month, A Week, A Day”
Robert Bacon – “Crazy Over You”
Southall – “Freight Train”
Lakelin Lemmings – “Get Around Boy”
Sam Paige – “Growing Pains”
Hope Douds – “One Hell Of A Life”
Kimberly Dawn – “Days Go By”
