Nine Country Music Songs You Need To Hear This Week Featuring Lauren Watkins, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion & More

Lauren Watkins - Loose My Cool

Lauren Watkins continues to carve out her space in the country music scene with her latest single, “Lose My Cool.” The rising artist has been making waves with her authentic storytelling and distinctive vocals, and this new release is no exception.

Check out our interview with Lauren!

Lainey Wilson - Bell Bottoms Up

Lainey Wilson is once again proving that country music and personal style go hand in hand. In honor of National Bell Bottoms Day, "Bell Bottoms Up," a rollicking, boot-stomping tribute to her signature fashion statement and free-spirited personality. Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, the song is infused with country grit, classic rock flair, and Wilson's unmistakable Louisiana drawl. Co-written alongside her bandmates, "Bell Bottoms Up" isn't just a celebration of Wilson’s iconic flared pants—it’s a full-throttle anthem that demands to be played loud and proud. The track has already made waves on Wilson's ongoing Whirlwind World Tour, quickly cementing itself as a fan favorite. With its infectious chorus and no-holds-barred energy, it's easy to see why. From the moment Wilson belts out, "I got my high-heeled feet up on this leopard love seat," she transports listeners into a honky-tonk fever dream, where whiskey flows, disco balls spin, and the party never stops. Wilson leans all the way into her rowdy, larger-than-life persona with lines like, "I'm a homegrown, roll your own, light it up life of the party / Yeah, I'm a last call, wrecking ball, I'm tellin' y'all I'm just gettin' started." The song drips with swagger, blending outlaw country with a modern-day barn burner. It's a testament to Wilson's ability to seamlessly merge classic influences with her own unapologetic brand of contemporary country. If the song’s title sounds familiar, it’s because Wilson has already planted her bell-bottomed flag in Nashville with her very own bar, Bell Bottoms Up. Now, she's bringing that same spirit to the airwaves, creating a soundtrack for anyone looking to raise a glass and let loose. With "Bell Bottoms Up," Wilson delivers more than just a party anthem—she cements her place as a country music powerhouse who knows how to make a statement, whether it's with her voice, her lyrics, or the unmistakable flair of her wardrobe. So, in true Lainey fashion, grab a drink, throwback, throw down, and, as she sings, "bell bottoms up!"

Old Dominion - Me Most Nights

Few bands in modern country music have mastered the art of blending melancholy with melody quite like Old Dominion. With their latest release, “Me Most Nights”, the country supergroup peels back the layers of a love lost, offering a poignant glimpse into the echoes of heartbreak and the questions that haunt the lonely hours. Written by Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, and Ross Copperman—four architects of emotion-laced storytelling—“Me Most Nights” takes its time, unraveling in waves of introspection and aching vulnerability. The song is built on a gentle, hypnotic progression that mirrors the restless mind of a heart still tethered to the past. A steady, pulsing rhythm carries the weight of regret forward, while Ramsey’s signature vocal—equal parts weathered and wistful—delivers each line with an almost resigned sincerity. “Me Most Nights” is an intimate late-night confession, a window into the solitary thoughts that spiral when the world quiets down. “Counting seconds, counting minutes, counting hours, that's the game I play,” Ramsey sings in the opening verse, immediately painting the picture of a mind trapped in a cycle of memories. The song leans into its emotional weight with every line, unraveling like a letter never sent, a message left unsent on a phone screen. The chorus is where “Me Most Nights” strikes its deepest chord—both literally and figuratively. “Who do you love, who’s on your mind? Is it somebody else, or is it me most nights?” It’s a question no one wants to ask, yet one that lingers when closure feels just out of reach. The balance between longing and self-awareness in these lyrics makes the song sting in the best way possible. Sonically, Old Dominion keeps things restrained but rich. Swirling steel guitar lines weave into understated percussion, letting the storytelling take center stage. There’s an easy, almost dreamlike quality to the production—an aching simplicity that heightens the impact of every word. Unlike some of the band’s more anthemic hits, this song finds its strength in quiet desperation. It’s the kind of song that sits with you long after the last note fades, much like the memories it brings to life. “Me Most Nights” is Old Dominion at their most vulnerable, their most raw, and their most reflective. It’s a late-night drive with the windows down, a last sip of whiskey before turning off the lights, a deep sigh before sleep takes over. It’s the kind of song that reminds us all that love and loss are never as clean as we wish they were. And sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the heartbreak itself—it’s the haunting uncertainty of wondering if the person you lost is still thinking about you, too. With this release, Old Dominion proves once again why they’re among country music’s most compelling storytellers. “Me Most Nights” isn’t just a song—it’s a feeling, wrapped in melody, waiting to be felt.

Chris Young - Til The Last One Dies

Chris Young has always had a voice that feels like home. Whether it’s his baritone warmth or the way he makes even the simplest lyric ache with sincerity, he has a way of pulling listeners in and holding them close. With his latest release, “Til The Last One Dies,” Young proves once again why he remains one of country music’s most compelling storytellers. His first single in over a year, the song is also his debut release under Black River Entertainment—a fresh chapter in a career already brimming with success. But if this track is any indication, Young isn’t just starting a new chapter; he’s refining the very essence of what makes his music so powerful. Written by the powerhouse trio of Ben Hayslip, Seth Mosley, and Jordan Walker, and co-produced by Young and Andy Sheridan, “Til The Last One Dies” is a masterclass in thoughtful, slow-burning country balladry. From the moment the first notes hit, it’s clear this is a song about devotion, about making sure the people we love know just how much they mean to us. Lyrically, it’s the kind of song that makes you pause, makes you take stock of the moments you might take for granted. Lines like “Every goodbye, every phone call before we hang up / I always say ‘I love you,’ but I never say how much” cut to the core of human connection. It’s not about grand gestures but the everyday, quiet kind of love—the kind that grows stronger through time and small acts of affection. The song’s hook, “So I bought a dozen roses on my way to you tonight / Eleven real ones, one fake one / And I’ll love you ‘til the last one dies,” is pure country poetry, simple but evocative, metaphorical yet deeply tangible. It’s the kind of line that will find its way into wedding vows and anniversary cards for years to come. “Til The Last One Dies” leans into Young’s strengths. The production is understated yet rich, allowing his voice to take center stage. The arrangement is lush but never overbearing, giving the lyrics room to breathe. It’s the kind of song you want to listen to on a quiet drive home, headlights illuminating an empty road, letting the weight of the words settle in. More than just a love song, “Til The Last One Dies” is a reminder to cherish the people in our lives. It’s a lesson wrapped in melody, a heartfelt confession set to music. If this is the start of Young’s next chapter, then country music is in for something truly special. A masterful return, and quite possibly some of his best work to date.

Hailey Whitters - High On A Heartbreak

Country songstress Hailey Whitters is no stranger to crafting songs that capture the heart and soul of small-town dreams, loves, and losses. Her latest release, "High On A Heartbreak", drips with Midwestern flair and an intoxicating dream-like quality, setting the stage for her upcoming album, Corn Queen. But make no mistake—this isn't your typical heartbreak ballad. Instead of wallowing in sorrow, Whitters turns heartache into a guilty pleasure, creating an anthem for those looking to reclaim their power post-breakup. With a pulsing rhythm and neon-soaked production, "High On A Heartbreak" is the kind of track you'd throw on while getting ready for a night out—more about reveling in the breakup than drowning in it. It’s a masterclass in emotional contradiction, where heartbreak feels almost euphoric rather than devastating. The song flips the script on traditional country heartache anthems, offering an uplifting twist: sometimes, heartbreak isn’t about feeling low—it’s about embracing the high.

From the opening lines, Whitters sets the scene with the kind of reckless abandon that heartbreak can bring: I went and put on that dress / I might do somethin' I regret / I know this ain't gonna be a two-drink night, then I go home / 'Cause I'm in a condition, my heart is on a mission, and it ain't gonna leave it alone. The chorus builds into a cathartic release, mirroring the feeling of letting go and giving in to the moment: I've been bottlin' it up / And now the bottom of the bottle's got me up on this neon moon / I got a miss-you kinda rush / Gonna let your memory roll over me, just like your hands used to do / I know you might think I'm low / But, baby, I'm high / High on a heartbreak tonight. The song's clever use of contrast—pairing sorrowful lyrics with an almost celebratory tone—gives "High On A Heartbreak" a unique charm. Whitters embraces the idea of “slow-dancing with the hurt,” allowing the pain to be felt rather than numbed, but in a way that feels empowering rather than pitiful. With its lush, neon-lit soundscape and lyrical depth, "High On A Heartbreak" is more than just another breakup song. It’s a declaration of independence, a soundtrack for those who choose to dance through the pain rather than be consumed by it. As anticipation builds for Corn Queen, it’s clear that Hailey Whitters is continuing to carve out her own space in country music—one where nostalgia and modernity blend seamlessly, and where even heartbreak can feel like a high worth chasing.

Waylon Wyatt & Willow Avalon - Smoke & Embers

In the ever-evolving landscape of country music, certain songs strike a chord so deep they linger long after the final note fades. Rising country star Waylon Wyatt has achieved just that with his latest release, "Smoke & Embers", a stunning duet with the ethereal-voiced Willow Avalon. The track, recorded in a single day at New York City’s legendary Electric Lady Studios, captures both the sorrow and perseverance that come with the dissolution of love. From the opening notes, Smoke & Embers envelops listeners in a moody, evocative soundscape where heartbreak smolders beneath every lyric. The song tells a story of love that once burned bright but has since been reduced to ash, with echoes of what once was lingering in the air like a ghost. Wyatt, known for his rugged authenticity and soul-stirring delivery, brings a weighty sincerity to the song, his voice a steady anchor against Avalon’s delicate, almost haunting presence. The contrast between their voices—his grounded and full of quiet resolve, hers drifting like a whisper on the wind—creates a magnetic tension that underscores the song’s emotional depth. At its core, "Smoke & Embers" is a masterclass in storytelling, blending classic country lyricism with a contemporary sonic edge. Stripped down yet rich in feeling, the track leans on the simplicity of acoustic guitar and piano, allowing the raw emotion of Wyatt and Avalon’s performance to take center stage. Each verse is laced with the ache of two souls struggling to let go, clinging to the remnants of something that once set their world ablaze. What sets Wyatt apart in the modern country scene is his ability to seamlessly weave elements of traditional country with fresh, boundary-pushing production. His artistry shines in this collaboration, proving that his music is as much about honesty as it is about innovation. Meanwhile, Avalon’s ethereal vocals add an element of vulnerability that elevates the song’s haunting beauty. With "Smoke & Embers", Wyatt and Avalon have crafted a ballad that refuses to be forgotten—a song that lingers like the last trails of smoke from a dying fire. As the duo continues to carve their paths in the industry, this release serves as a powerful testament to the timelessness of a well-told story and the enduring magic of country music at its most heartfelt.

Cody Jinks - Snake Bit

Few artists in country music embody the spirit of outlaw resilience quite like Cody Jinks. Known for his unfiltered songwriting and no-frills approach to storytelling, Jinks has once again delivered a track that cuts straight to the bone. His latest release, "Snake Bit", is a gripping, no-holds-barred anthem that dives into the depths of deception, resilience, and spiritual reckoning—all wrapped in his signature blend of grit and vulnerability. From the very first lines, Jinks paints a biblical tapestry of struggle and redemption: Call me Adam / If it’s all the same, you know I’m Abel / I’ve been raising Cain just like Peter / I could change my name, it’s all in vain... Layered with religious imagery, "Snake Bit" masterfully weaves in references to Cain and Abel, Judas, and the devil himself—turning the song into a modern-day parable of trust shattered and strength reclaimed. Jinks’ weathered baritone delivers these lines with the weight of experience, making it clear that the wounds he’s singing about are more than just metaphorical. The song’s chorus hits like a gut punch: Go on and fill me with your venom and your lies / You can’t kill me or even look me in the eye / I ain’t hard to find, I’m done running with your kind, and I don’t hide / I never saw the snake there in plain sight / Damn sure felt the bite. Here, Jinks leans into his outlaw ethos, refusing to cower in the face of betrayal. The track resonates with the kind of raw, honest emotion that has become a hallmark of his songwriting—turning pain into anthemic perseverance. "Snake Bit" is classic Cody Jinks—uncompromising, stripped-down, and fueled by a brooding intensity. The production keeps things gritty, allowing Jinks’ commanding vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes, with haunting guitar licks and a steady, determined beat that propels the track forward like a man walking away from the wreckage, unscathed but forever marked. At its core, "Snake Bit" is a cathartic declaration of survival. It’s the sound of a man who has faced deception head-on, refused to back down, and emerged stronger for it. Jinks has never been one to sugarcoat the realities of life, and this song is no exception—delivering a sobering, yet empowering, reminder that even when the snake is hidden in plain sight, the bite isn’t enough to break a true survivor. With "Snake Bit", Cody Jinks once again proves why he remains one of country music’s most compelling storytellers. It’s four minutes and eighteen seconds of raw, unapologetic truth—well worth every second of your time.

Preston Cooper - One For The Road

Preston Cooper is making his mark with a fiery new single that embodies the rebellious spirit of small-town living. "One For The Road," his latest adrenaline-fueled anthem, is a shot of pure country-rock energy—built for those who live life with the pedal pressed to the floor. Cooper himself has dubbed it a "speeding-ticket song," and for good reason. From the moment the first chords rip through the speakers, "One For The Road" surges forward with a relentless intensity. Rollicking electric guitars, thunderous percussion, and Cooper’s signature gritty vocals combine to create a track that demands to be blasted at full volume. This is the sound of freedom—the rush of an open highway, the roar of an engine, and the unbreakable spirit of a restless heart. Written by Cooper alongside the seasoned hitmakers Brad and Brett Warren, "One For The Road" doesn’t just deliver on high-octane energy; it paints a picture of a life rooted in country grit and blue-collar pride. Listeners are transported straight into Cooper’s world—a weathered guitar propped up in the corner, a loyal mutt riding shotgun, and the steady rhythm of farm life that begins with the rooster’s crow. But as much as this track celebrates the familiar, it also revels in the thrill of breaking free from routine, embracing the unknown with nothing but the road ahead. The track leans into a Black Crowes-inspired blend of Southern rock swagger and dive-bar attitude, cementing Cooper’s place among a new wave of artists pushing the boundaries of country music. His ability to fuse traditional storytelling with a modern, edge-of-your-seat sound proves that he’s not just another artist in the crowd—he’s one worth watching. With "One For The Road," the singing mailman-turned-country-thunderbolt delivers a song that is equal parts reckless abandon and heartfelt homage to the places and people that shaped him.

The Band Loula - Running Off The Angels

Emerging country duo The Band Loula is making waves with their latest release, "Running Off The Angels"—a haunting, culturally charged ballad that cements their place as one of the genre’s most compelling new acts. The track, penned by band members Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons, alongside fellow Georgian Peytan Porter, delves deep into the complexities of growing up in the Bible Belt, resonating with listeners in a way few songs do. A Southern gothic tour de force, "Running Off The Angels" blends poetic lyricism with moody instrumentation, evoking a sense of reckoning and rebellion. From the moment the band teased the track on social media last year, it struck a chord with fans, prompting an outpouring of personal stories about faith, identity, and the weight of cultural expectations. The song’s raw honesty and evocative storytelling have only amplified the duo’s growing reputation as a group to watch in country music. The Band Loula’s ability to weave tradition with modernity sets them apart in today’s country landscape. While deeply rooted in the South’s rich musical heritage, their sound carries an edge—gritty yet ethereal, nostalgic yet forward-thinking. "Running Off The Angels" showcases this duality, capturing the tension between devotion and disillusionment in a way that feels both timeless and urgent. With an overwhelmingly positive response from fans and industry insiders alike, The Band Loula proves that they’re more than just another duo on the rise—they’re storytellers with something to say.