Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Jon Pardi, Muscadine Bloodline & More

Jon Pardi - Honkytonk Hollywood

Jon Pardi has never been one to follow the herd. A modern outlaw with a neon soul, he’s spent the better part of a decade proving that traditional country can still crackle with fresh electricity — and with the release of his fifth studio album, Honkytonk Hollywood, he’s turned the dial up to full tilt. Out now, the 17-track opus is more than just a new collection — it’s a full-throttle mission statement from an artist who has built a career on keeping it country while pushing the genre’s boundaries. Honkytonk Hollywood feels like both a spiritual successor to Pardi’s early breakout work and a bold leap into uncharted sonic territory. From the jump, the album captures the tightrope Pardi walks so well — blending boot-stomping bravado with West Coast cool, all while delivering hooks that hit like a shot of bourbon chased with sunshine. Where one track brims with pristine, steel-soaked tenderness, the next crashes through the speakers with fuzzed-out fiddles, triple-stacked guitars, and basslines that roll like thunder through an empty dancehall. There’s a kind of musical mischief at play here — Pardi isn’t just staying true to himself, he’s clearly having a hell of a time doing it. Whether it’s the barn-burning anthems built for backroad singalongs or the dusty slow burners that ache with sincerity, Honkytonk Hollywood shows an artist who’s not only found his voice but isn’t afraid to raise it. This is Pardi at full stride — fearless, fired-up, and forging his own lane somewhere between Bakersfield grit and Nashville shine. If California Sunrise introduced him, and Heartache Medication solidified him, Honkytonk Hollywood cements Jon Pardi as one of country music’s most unshakable forces. From start to finish, it’s a knockout — a loud, proud, and unapologetically Pardi-fied ride through the heart of honky tonk.

Kolby Cooper - Love You, Goodnight

The Texas rebel delivers genre-blending gold with his most personal work yet. Kolby Cooper has never been one to sugarcoat reality, and his brand-new album Love You, Goodnight is proof that he’s doubling down on what’s made him one of the most compelling voices in modern country. Out now and already making waves, the record is a fiery, emotionally-charged ride through heartbreak, healing, and the raw in-between. This isn’t your average break-up album—it’s a full-throttle, soul-baring confession, delivered with the same grit and gravel that’s become Cooper’s calling card. With his signature blend of country storytelling, Southern rock swagger, and a whisper of ‘90s grunge angst, Love You, Goodnight doesn’t just tug at heartstrings—it shreds them.

Each track pulses with authenticity, as if Cooper’s cracked his chest open and let the songs bleed out. From the moment the first note hits, you can feel the weight of every lyric, every growl, every guitar riff. But what sets this record apart is the undeniable sense that Kolby isn’t just experimenting—he’s arriving. The Texas native stretches his creative muscles across the entire album, leaning into a sound that’s 100% unapologetically him. There’s a restless spirit woven through the album’s DNA—equal parts rebellion and redemption. Whether he’s raising a glass to what once was, or reckoning with the kind of love that lingers long after the lights go out, Cooper refuses to play it safe. And that’s exactly what makes Love You, Goodnight such a standout. Kolby Cooper has carved out a space that’s all his own—where country grit meets rock edge, and every track feels like it was forged in the fire of lived experience. With Love You, Goodnight, he doesn’t just tell his story. He makes damn sure you feel every word.

Muscadine Bloodline - …And What Was Left Behind

In an era where country duos are few and far between—and even fewer leave a lasting mark—Muscadine Bloodline continue to blaze their own trail, building a legacy defined by grit, storytelling, and a fiercely independent spirit. With the release of their new album, …And What Was Left Behind, the Alabama natives have proven once again why they’re one of the most compelling acts in the genre today. Produced by the duo themselves—Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster—alongside longtime collaborator Ryan Youmans, …And What Was Left Behind is a vivid, 11-track exploration of Southern soul, coastal roots, and lyrical mastery. There’s no filler here—just raw emotion, sharp songwriting, and a sonic landscape that feels as lived-in and real as the backroads they sing about. True to form, Muscadine Bloodline's creativity is never in short supply. Each track on the album stands tall on its own, yet together, they weave a cohesive narrative that honors the past while boldly stepping into the future. The title isn’t just poetic—it’s a statement. This project feels like a reckoning with memory, place, and purpose. It’s reflective without being nostalgic, forward-thinking without abandoning the roots that shaped them. The production is rich but restrained, allowing the lyrics and harmonies to lead the charge. There’s a confident simplicity here—one that only comes when artists are fully in control of their craft. Muscadine Bloodline don’t chase trends; they set their own pace, and this album is a testament to that vision. Whether it’s a breezy, coastal groove or a stripped-down heartbreaker, there’s a sense of fun and innovation throughout …And What Was Left Behind. It’s the kind of record that rewards a front-to-back listen—one that captures the spirit of Southern storytelling and wraps it in melodies that stick with you long after the final note fades. As Muscadine Bloodline continues to build their empire outside the bounds of the Nashville machine, one thing’s for sure: superstardom isn’t a question of if—it’s a matter of when. And with this album, they’re not just knocking on the door. They’re kicking it wide open.

Ryan & Rory - What’s Mine Is Yours

Country duo Ryan & Rory may be known for their high-energy stage presence and rough-around-the-edges storytelling, but with their latest single, “What’s Mine Is Yours,” the pair strips it all back—offering up a heartfelt slow-burn that’s as romantic as it is timeless. “What’s Mine Is Yours” is a nostalgia-soaked love letter that tugs at the heartstrings and showcases the duo’s softer side. Framed by seamless harmonies and top-notch vocal delivery, the song unfolds like a classic country vow—intimate, earnest, and rich with emotional texture. From the very first verse, Ryan & Rory lay it all on the line. It’s not just about handing over the keys or sharing the remote—it’s about baring their soul, unpacking the dresser drawers, and even offering up their last name. There’s a vulnerability here that’s palpable, and it’s delivered with the kind of sincerity that only seasoned songwriters can pull off. Ryan’s warm, gravel-kissed tone blends effortlessly with Rory’s soaring harmonies, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly personal. “What’s Mine Is Yours” feels like the kind of song destined to become a first-dance favorite, a mixtape staple, and maybe even a modern classic. It’s a reminder that in a genre built on stories, the most powerful ones are often the simplest: love, commitment, and the quiet beauty of giving everything you’ve got to someone who truly matters. For Ryan & Rory, this song is more than a single—it’s a statement. And if “What’s Mine Is Yours” is any indication of where they’re headed, the future of country music might just be written in harmony.

Madison Hughes - All I Am

With the release of her debut album All That I Am, Madison Hughes doesn’t just dip a toe into the vast waters of Americana, blues, and contemporary country — she dives headfirst, emerging with a collection that feels as familiar as it does refreshingly new. It's a striking arrival, a boundary-blurring statement from an artist who's not only found her voice but also found something far more elusive: her sound. Best known to some as the powerhouse vocalist who once caught national attention on television, Hughes proves with All That I Am that she's no flash-in-the-pan performer. She's a bonafide songwriter, one with a deep reverence for the music that shaped her and the vision to forge something entirely her own. Rooted in the soulful stomp of southern rock and laced with the moody textures of indie folk, the album pulls its spirit from an eclectic array of influences. Think the gritty blues of The Black Keys, the emotional weight of Chris Stapleton, JJ Cale’s swampy shuffle, and the windswept elegance of Alison Krauss' Raising Sand. But this isn’t imitation — it’s alchemy. That crossover sound is on full display with tracks like “Nobody Knows Your Love,” a haunting duet with Brent Cobb. Their voices wrap around each other like smoke curling from a back-porch fire, carried along by acoustic guitar, brushed drums, and pedal steel that feels more like a whisper than a wail. It’s moody, it’s cinematic — the kind of song that plays behind your memories. With All That I Am, Madison Hughes has delivered a debut that lives up to its title. It’s personal, fearless, and entirely her. Nashville may be full of new voices, but with this project, Hughes sets herself apart as an artist with staying power — one who honors her influences while carving out her own lane on the ever-widening country highway.

Grant Gilbert Feat. Hudson Westbrook - Bad Reputation

If ever there was a song that perfectly captures the reckless, windows-down heart of summer, it’s “Bad Reputation”—a new firecracker of a track from Texas native Grant Gilbert and rising talent Hudson Westbrook. With co-writing credits from Beau Bailey and Lukas Scott, this unapologetic banger throws the rearview mirror away and dares you to keep driving straight into the storm. Crafted with the kind of swagger that only comes from hard-earned heartache and a good sense of humor, “Bad Reputation” is less about nursing wounds and more about lighting a match and watching the bridge burn in style. “Light up a cigarette, roll the windows down / Throw some caution to the wind, give ’em something to talk about.” That opening line doesn’t just set the tone—it barrels down the backroad with the top down and the dial turned up to eleven. This song isn’t here to whisper regrets—it’s here to shout confidence from the rooftops. Gilbert and Westbrook trade verses with a cool, devil-may-care chemistry, the kind you don’t fake in the studio. Westbrook’s smooth delivery blends effortlessly with Gilbert’s seasoned edge, creating a perfect sonic tug-of-war between cool composure and heated emotion. The chorus is instantly addictive, with Gilbert and Westbrook declaring, “I’m good with a bad reputation / I like the way you love to tear me down.” It’s defiant, clever, and catchy as hell. Each word drips with the kind of charm only country music can pull off—unfiltered, authentic, and drenched in just enough sass to make it stick. And maybe that’s the point. “Bad Reputation” isn’t interested in clearing its name. It owns the gossip, spins it into gold, and smiles as it walks away from the mess. “The more that you talk / The better I look,” the duo sings, flipping the narrative in a way that’s both cheeky and liberating. Whether you're mending a broken heart or just in the mood to stir the pot, “Bad Reputation” is your new summer soundtrack. It’s bold, it’s honest, and it’s got enough bite to leave a mark. Grant Gilbert and Hudson Westbrook aren’t playing it safe—and thank God for that.

Jacob Hackworth - When I Don’t

After years of lending his pen to chart-topping country hits, Jacob Hackworth is finally stepping out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight. Today marks the official debut of Hackworth the artist, with the release of his smoldering, self-destructive first single, “When I Don’t”—a track that packs a gut punch, spins gravel, and introduces a voice country music didn't know it was missing. Co-written with country powerhouses Chris Tompkins, Daniel Ross, and Josh Phillips, “When I Don’t” feels like a confessional on fire. It captures the chaos of heartbreak in motion: a man spiraling through town at a thousand miles per hour, desperate to outrun the consequences of his own bad habits. The result? A track that’s not just heartbreak—it's heartbreak in high definition. Hackworth, who’s already made waves behind the scenes in Nashville, proves he’s more than just a behind-the-boards songwriter. His voice—gritty with experience, yet smooth with a storyteller’s charm—cuts through the cinematic production with purpose. Producer Daniel Ross leans into the song’s vivid energy without overwhelming it, crafting a moody, atmospheric backdrop that plays like a movie score for emotional wreckage. Still, it’s Hackworth’s vocal delivery that pulls listeners in and refuses to let go. This is the kind of debut that doesn’t whisper its arrival—it roars. Thematically, “When I Don’t” walks a razor-thin line between regret and recklessness, with the narrator relapsing into the very behaviors that fractured his love life in the first place. It’s that honest, unflinching vulnerability that makes the song not only relatable, but gripping. It's a dive into the darker corners of coping, told by someone who’s clearly lived it—or at least written enough truth to make us believe he has. In an industry teeming with talent, Hackworth isn’t just another songwriter trying his hand at a solo career. He’s the total package. A seasoned craftsman with a compelling voice and a fresh take on modern country storytelling, Jacob Hackworth’s debut signals that this isn’t a one-off experiment—it’s the beginning of something big. With “When I Don’t”, Hackworth has officially traded his pen for the mic—and country music is all the better for it.

Cole Phillips - Steel Toes and Texacos

Rising country artist Cole Phillips has released his latest EP, Steel Toes and Texacos — a five-track collection that cements the 20-year-old Oklahoma native as one of the genre’s most compelling young voices. Known for his gritty realism and Red Dirt roots, Phillips continues to blend old-school country soul with a modern edge, delivering songs that cut deep and linger long after the last chord fades. A storyteller at heart, Phillips leans fully into his signature sound — a blend of rugged twang, emotional rawness, and small-town truth. It's a style that’s already earned him millions of streams and a rapidly expanding fanbase, but with Steel Toes and Texacos, he’s not just making noise — he’s making a statement. Each track on the EP is co-written by Phillips and brought to life by producer Trevor Thornton. The result? A vivid and unfiltered portrait of life in rural America — equal parts tough and tender. Whether he's singing about heartbreak on a backroad or the resilience that comes with dusty boots and early mornings, Phillips proves he’s not just singing about country life — he’s living it. The EP’s title alone sets the tone: Steel Toes and Texacos isn’t about glamour. It’s about grit. It's about love lost and lessons learned under fluorescent gas station lights and from the worn soles of hardworking folks. Every lyric feels like it could’ve been pulled from the dashboard notebook of a small-town dreamer — one chasing something bigger while staying rooted in where he came from. With this release, Phillips isn’t just carving a lane — he’s paving one. And if Steel Toes and Texacos is any indication, it’s going to be a long road filled with even more stories worth telling.

Noah Silver - Rock Is Rollin’

In a genre that lives and breathes through stories of heartbreak, regret, and neon-lit barstool confessions, newcomer Noah Silver delivers a slow-burning gut punch with her brand-new single “Rock Is Rollin’.” True blue in tone and soaked in twang, Silver leans hard into her honkytonk side — and comes out swinging with a song that sounds like it’s been aged in a barrel of George Jones vinyl and Miranda Lambert’s sass. The title may be clever, but the heart of the track is achingly sincere. Over a bed of classic country instrumentation — think crying steel, dusty acoustic riffs, and just the right dose of saloon-stomp swagger — Silver spins a story of a love lost not to infidelity or incompatibility, but to ambition and miscalculation. There’s wordplay here, sure — “rock” serving double duty as both his lost love and the engagement ring he never got to give — but it never feels gimmicky. It’s the kind of line you can imagine hollering into your whiskey at 1 a.m., or hearing screamed back in unison during the last call of a dive bar set. Silver’s delivery is sharp yet soulful. She balances the masculine grit of the narrator with the feminine fire of a woman who clearly knows her way around a honkytonk heartbreak ballad. As the second verse spirals into substance-fueled desperation — “She ain’t here to ground me / So I keep on getting high” — the vulnerability hits like a busted screen door in a summer storm. By the time she closes with a final round of the chorus — “Left me here with nothing but my honky-tonkin’ ways / Now I’m drinking every night and getting stoned every day” — there’s no mistaking it: Noah Silver’s “Rock Is Rollin’” isn’t just a song. It’s a statement. It’s messy. It’s twangy. It’s real. And it’s proof that Silver isn’t afraid to dig deep into the dirt roads of emotion and come up swinging with something that sticks. In a world of polished pop-country crossovers, “Rock Is Rollin’” reminds us that the roots still matter — and they’re alive and well in the voice of Noah Silver.