Jillian Cardarelli Raises a Glass to the Country Greats with New Single "The Boys"

Jillian Cardarelli is tipping her hat to country music legends with her latest release, "The Boys." The highly anticipated single, now available on all streaming platforms, seamlessly blends the rich traditions of classic country with a modern flair, proving once again why Cardarelli is one of the genre’s most exciting voices.

Dusty Baker

Penned by Jessica Cayne, Kyle Kelso, and Tina Parol, and produced by Daniel Dennis, "The Boys" is a love letter to the icons who shaped country music. With a nod to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams, Cardarelli delivers a song that feels like an instant classic—rooted in nostalgia yet undeniably fresh.

For Cardarelli, recording this song was a no-brainer.

“I’m an old soul, and I love that classic country sound. Not to mention that I’m a homebody at heart. So when I heard this song, I knew it described me to the core and that’s why I had to record it,” she shares. “My ideal night is a glass of wine accompanied by the timeless voices of Willie, Waylon, and Hank—the legends. It just doesn’t get better than that.”

With an infectious melody and Cardarelli’s signature bright vocals, "The Boys" is poised to become a feel-good anthem as the warmer months roll in. The song’s modern production perfectly complements its traditional influences, creating a track that will resonate with both classic country purists and contemporary fans alike.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night in, where the company of country’s greatest outlaws is all one needs:

“I don’t need a night out / I don’t need a downtown / I don’t want a crowded bar where the people are and I gotta put my card down.”

Instead, Cardarelli embraces a simpler kind of joy, one where the music does the talking:

“It’s Waylon and Willie and Haggard and Hank / Just hangin’ and dancing and having some drinks.”

With clever references to classics like "Your Cheatin' Heart," "Mama Tried," and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," the song feels like a jukebox spinning only the best of country’s golden era.

Jillian Cardarelli has long been celebrated for her ability to weave storytelling and authenticity into her music, and "The Boys" is no exception. It’s an anthem for those who find solace in the songs that built country music—proof that sometimes, the best nights out are the ones spent at home with the legends.