Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Eric Church, John Morgan, Zandi Holup & More

Eric Church - Hands Of Time

Eric Church is back—and not just back, but back in a way that feels like home. With his new song, "Hands of Time," Church delivers a track that pulses with the kind of raw energy, rich storytelling, and effortless cool that made him one of country music’s most compelling figures in the first place. For longtime fans, "Hands of Time" plays like a greatest-hits compilation of everything that makes Eric Church great. It’s packed with nostalgia, rebellion, and a reverence for the music that shaped him. It’s a love letter to the anthems that defined his life—Bob Seger’s "Hollywood Nights," Tom Petty’s "Even the Losers," and Meat Loaf’s "Paradise by the Dashboard Light." In true Church fashion, the song isn’t just about music; it’s about how music feels—how it moves us, comforts us, and carries us through the relentless march of time. From the first verse, Church sets the stage with a signature blend of grit and soul:"Detroit built brakes so that they could make a Chevy slow down / And a just-right midnight sorry might turn goodbye around." It’s poetry with an edge, an everyman’s wisdom wrapped in melody. And as the song unfolds, Church weaves in touchstones from his own life—his go-to Carolina blue jersey, his post-work barstool rituals, his search for solace in a small-town church pew. Every line drips with authenticity, the kind that makes his music feel like a conversation rather than a performance. What makes "Hands of Time" particularly poignant is its deeper reflection on life’s fleeting nature. As Church sings about "gravity pulling on the grains of sand," he acknowledges that time waits for no one. But in the next breath, he offers a defiant response: turn up the music, keep moving forward, and live fully in the moment. "Hands of Time" is more than just a return to form—it’s a reminder of why Eric Church became a country music powerhouse in the first place. It’s smart, it’s personal, and it’s packed with the kind of passion that turns a song into a statement. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, Church fans are in for one hell of a ride.

Ryan Hurd - Midwest Rock & Roll

Ryan Hurd is back, and he's bringing the heartland with him. With his latest album, Midwest Rock & Roll, the singer-songwriter delivers a striking return to the sounds that first made fans fall in love with his artistry. This new collection of songs isn't just a step forward—it's a powerful reclamation of his musical identity, injected with a raw and unapologetic edge. A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hurd has always worn his Midwestern roots proudly, but this time, he leans into them harder than ever before. The 12-track album, co-written by Hurd and produced by longtime collaborator Aaron Eshuis, is a bold, grunge-infused exploration of Rust Belt resilience, romantic wreckage, and personal evolution. It’s a gutsy, soul-baring project that feels like both a homecoming and a revelation. Hurd’s first full-length project since 2021’s Pelago, Midwest Rock & Roll captures a sense of recklessness and reflection in equal measure. It’s the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is and isn’t afraid to let the world hear it. From soaring power chords to melancholic ballads, the album offers a sonic timestamp of Hurd’s own coming-of-age, cementing his place as one of country music’s most compelling storytellers. Each track on the album is a testament to his evolution, showcasing a newfound confidence and maturity that speaks directly to the ever-growing country music audience. His ability to blend evocative storytelling with gritty, genre-blurring production makes Midwest Rock & Roll arguably his best work to date. Standout songs like "Paul," "California 1972," and the hauntingly beautiful "Go To Bed Sober" featuring Sasha Alex Sloan highlight his knack for introspection and raw honesty, allowing listeners to connect with his music on a deeper level. At its core, Midwest Rock & Roll is more than just an album—it’s a statement. It’s Ryan Hurd making the Midwest sound cool again, proving that the region’s stories are as vibrant, rebellious, and poignant as any in country music today. With this record, Hurd not only returns to his roots but reinvents them, solidifying his place as an artist unafraid to push boundaries while staying true to the place that made him.

John Morgan - Kid Myself 

John Morgan has just outdone himself. With his latest single, “Kid Myself”, the country singer-songwriter has delivered what might just be the best song of 2025 so far. The track, a masterclass in lyrical depth and emotional resonance, showcases Morgan at his absolute best, setting the stage for what could be one of the most celebrated country albums of the year—his forthcoming debut, Carolina Blue. Morgan has always been sharp with a pen, but "Kid Myself" takes his songwriting prowess to a whole new level. The song tells a poignant story of youthful mistakes and the weight of hindsight, weaving a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. With lines like: “We were young, we were wild / It was fun on the run for a while / But you grew up, girl, when I shoulda / I wouldn’t be kickin’ myself if I woulda...” Morgan taps into a raw emotional core that resonates with anyone who’s ever looked back on love with a tinge of regret. The chorus, haunting and heartfelt, serves as a confession of missed opportunities and hard-earned wisdom: “But I was just a kid myself, I was just a kid myself / Didn’t know better than to wish you well...” It’s a song that doesn’t just tell a story—it makes you feel every ounce of its weight. Beyond the lyrics, "Kid Myself" also delivers Morgan’s best vocal performance to date. His voice carries a maturity and richness that elevate the song’s emotional depth. There’s an undeniable sincerity in his delivery, making every line feel like a lived experience rather than just another track on a record. Morgan’s ability to balance vulnerability with powerhouse vocal moments is what sets him apart. Whether it’s the aching regret in the verses or the soaring, bittersweet acceptance in the chorus, he navigates the song with precision and passion. If "Kid Myself" is any indication of what’s to come, Carolina Blue is poised to be a top 10 album of 2025. The song not only cements Morgan’s place as one of country music’s most promising voices but also raises anticipation for his debut full-length release. With “Kid Myself,” John Morgan proves that country music’s future is in good hands. Thoughtful, deeply felt, and brilliantly crafted, this song isn’t just a standout—it’s a statement.

Muscadine Bloodline - Way Too High (2010)

Muscadine Bloodline is back, and they’ve once again proven why they have some of the best harmonies in country music—or any genre, for that matter. Their latest release, "Way Too High (2010)," isn’t just a song—it’s a time machine wrapped in Southern grit and artistic brilliance. With its vivid storytelling and evocative melodies, this might just be the coolest and most creatively authentic song of the year. From the moment the track kicks off, listeners are transported straight to the backroads of Alabama, where high school memories, rowdy nights, and youthful rebellion intertwine. Muscadine Bloodline has mastered the art of nostalgia, and "Way Too High (2010)" is a perfect snapshot of that early 2010s era—before life got complicated, when the biggest concerns were Friday night plans and burning CDs. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery:“Me and B. Rich would head to Hurley for a week’s worth of Grizzly Straight / Turning eighteen was the magic number to buy it over that state line” Lines like these paint a picture of a time when life was about stretching curfews, pushing limits, and making memories that would last a lifetime. From Lil Wayne blasting on a burnt CD to half a case of warm Busch Light, the song captures the essence of reckless youth in a small Southern town. Muscadine Bloodline’s signature harmonies shine throughout the track, weaving effortlessly between the heavy-hitting instrumentals. The production is polished yet raw enough to maintain the authenticity of the story they’re telling. Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton have a way of making every note feel both personal and universal—something that’s become a hallmark of their sound. Muscadine Bloodline has once again delivered a masterclass in storytelling, and if this track is any indication, they’re only getting started. Catch them live and experience the magic for yourself—because some memories deserve to be relived over and over again.

Zandi Holup - Dirty Wings

Rising country songstress Zandi Holup is proving that authenticity is her greatest strength with her latest release, "Dirty Wings." In an era where country music often wrestles between glossy perfection and raw storytelling, Holup plants her flag firmly in the latter, delivering a song that blends singer-songwriter introspection with the kind of hard-earned wisdom that makes a lyric cut deep. "Dirty Wings" establishes itself as a confessional—an open letter to redemption wrapped in melody. “I hope that you don’t kick me out of Heaven / Once I tell you ‘bout the hell that I’ve been through,” she sings, her voice tinged with equal parts vulnerability and defiance. It’s a sentiment that hits home for anyone who’s ever reckoned with their past, searching for grace in the wreckage of their own mistakes. Sonically, "Dirty Wings" leans into the singer-songwriter roots that country music has been missing. There’s an organic, lived-in quality to the instrumentation that allows Holup’s voice to take center stage. The production doesn’t overshadow the message but rather enhances it, letting the song breathe in a way that feels deeply personal and resonant. Beyond the song’s introspective verses and haunting refrain, "Dirty Wings" finds its emotional peak in its bridge: “Find the beauty in the ashes / By the river I’ll come clean / Holy water heal the scars / So my truth can set me free.” It’s here that Holup fully embraces the redemptive arc of her narrative, balancing regret with the hope of forgiveness—whether from herself or from something greater. As country music continues to evolve, artists like Zandi Holup are a reminder that the heart of the genre lies in its ability to tell real stories—unpolished, unapologetic, and deeply human. With "Dirty Wings", she not only cements her place as a rising force in country music but also delivers a song that feels like a lifeline for anyone searching for acceptance, both from others and within themselves. If country music is about honesty, then "Dirty Wings" is as country as it gets. And if Holup’s latest track is any indication of what’s to come, she’s only just begun to fly.

Hudson Westbrook - Weatherman

In a genre that thrives on storytelling and emotion, Hudson Westbrook is proving he has both in spades. With his latest release, "Weatherman," the rising country star cements himself as one of the best new artists in the game—one with a sound that’s equal parts Texas grit and stadium-ready anthems. A fresh take on the Lone Star State’s signature sound, Westbrook blends traditional country elements with a modern edge, giving fans a song that feels as big as the Texas sky yet as intimate as a heart-to-heart over a whiskey neat. "Weatherman" is a heartbreak ballad wrapped in a storm metaphor, channeling the unpredictable nature of both the forecast and love itself.

Westbrook's lyricism in "Weatherman" is as sharp as a lightning strike. The opening lines set the scene with a classic country trope—weather as a metaphor for heartache. The song follows the narrator as he wakes up to a bleak reality—one that starkly contrasts the sunny forecast given by the titular weatherman. It’s a clever twist, placing blame not on the woman who left, but on the man whose job it is to predict the atmosphere. What makes "Weatherman" stand out is Westbrook’s ability to weave in a traditional country foundation while still feeling fresh. The steel guitar moans alongside his weathered vocals, while the production leans into anthemic energy fit for festival crowds. Westbrook masterfully captures the helplessness that comes with lost love. The hook is instantly memorable, and the imagery of a "tin roof singing me a heartbreak song" evokes the lonely echo of a rainstorm just outside your window. Hudson Westbrook isn’t just another name on a Spotify playlist—he’s an artist poised for something bigger. With his knack for blending clever songwriting with a sound that feels both timeless and new, "Weatherman" is proof that he’s ready for the main stage. Country music fans looking for the next big thing should keep their eyes (and ears) on Westbrook. If "Weatherman" is any indication, there’s a whole lot more on the radar from this Texas-bred talent.

Jordan Smith - Hanging On The Wall

In a genre that thrives on storytelling, Jordan Smith delivers a poignant and deeply emotional ballad with his latest release, "Hanging On The Wall." The acoustic-driven track is a tender showcase of Smith’s smoky, evocative vocals, effortlessly pulling listeners into a narrative of longing, loss, and the search for belonging. Country music has always been about the stories it tells—the ones that make you reflect, the ones that pull at your heartstrings. "Hanging On The Wall" is one such song, resonating with anyone who has ever felt like they were searching for a place to call home. With a stripped-down instrumental arrangement that leans into its acoustic roots, the track allows Smith’s voice to take center stage, delivering each lyric with sincerity and depth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a soul wandering through life, grappling with the pain of abandonment and the aching desire to be remembered. Lines like “I was born a traveler against my will / All I’ve ever known, I fear it’s real” encapsulate the emotional weight of the song, making it a ballad that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Smith’s voice is the undeniable star of this track—smoky, tender, and rich with emotion. His ability to convey vulnerability without sacrificing strength sets him apart, drawing comparisons to some of country music’s most compelling storytellers. The rawness in his delivery ensures that every word lingers, leaving a lasting impact on the listener. With "Hanging On The Wall," Jordan Smith solidifies himself as an artist to watch. This song is not just another ballad; it’s a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. As country music continues to evolve, Smith proves that there is still space for timeless storytelling and heartfelt lyricism. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, Jordan Smith isn’t just knocking on the door of superstardom—he’s about to walk right through it.

Overserved Again - Song While You're Away

Rising country group Overserved Again is making waves with their latest release—a heartfelt cover of Tyler Childers' Song While You’re Away. Taking on a track from one of the most revered modern storytellers in country music is no small feat, but Overserved Again does more than just cover the song; they breathe new life into it while staying true to the raw emotion that defines Childers’ songwriting. Song While You’re Away is a deep-cut favorite among Childers fans, celebrated for its aching vulnerability and stripped-down sincerity. Overserved Again approaches the song with a careful balance of reverence and individuality, allowing their harmonies and instrumentation to enhance the song’s melancholic beauty without overshadowing its intimate essence. Their rendition showcases the group’s deep appreciation for traditional country storytelling, while also highlighting their own artistic identity. Fans of the group are already buzzing about the cover, praising the band for capturing the same kind of emotional depth that has made Childers a standout in modern country. Their version offers a fresh take while maintaining the integrity of the original—a tough balance to strike but one they accomplish effortlessly. With this release, Overserved Again continues to build momentum as one of the most promising acts in country music today. If their take on Song While You’re Away is any indication of what’s to come, fans have every reason to be excited for what’s next. Whether they’re putting their own spin on a classic or crafting original songs, Overserved Again is proving they belong in the spotlight. What’s on the horizon for this rising group? If their latest cover is anything to go by, we can’t wait to find out.

WHYNOT - Lair 

Jelly Roll’s powerful track "Liar" is already an emotional powerhouse, but sibling trio WHYNOT is breathing new life into the song with a fresh alt-country twist. What makes this reinterpretation even more special? The song was co-written by none other than WHYNOT’s own Ben Johnson, giving the trio a deeply personal connection to the track. Their version of "Liar" strips the song down to its raw essence, swapping out the heavier production of Jelly Roll’s original for a more atmospheric and emotionally charged arrangement. The result? A hauntingly beautiful take that offers a whole new perspective on the track’s message of regret and self-reflection. WHYNOT—comprised of siblings Ben, Jenna, and KK Johnson—have been making waves with their genre-blurring sound, seamlessly blending elements of country, alternative, and folk. Ben Johnson’s role in co-writing Liar adds another layer of depth to WHYNOT’s cover. It’s not often that an artist gets to reimagine a song they helped bring to life in the first place, and this unique connection allows the trio to approach the lyrics with an intimacy and authenticity that’s hard to replicate. Their harmonies—blended with a moody, alt-country production—give the song an entirely different feel, one that’s both delicate and powerful. For fans of Jelly Roll’s version, WHYNOT’s take is a must-listen. It showcases how a great song can transcend genres and interpretations while staying true to its emotional core. Whether you’re drawn in by the siblings’ tight-knit harmonies or the new sonic landscape they’ve crafted, this reimagining of "Liar" proves that WHYNOT is a trio worth keeping an eye on in the alt-country scene. With this release, WHYNOT not only puts their unique stamp on "Liar" but also highlights their ability to craft deeply moving music that resonates with listeners across genres.