She’s an “old soul,” according to a co-writer. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
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She’s an “old soul,” according to a co-writer. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
They’re one of the most enduring bands in music history. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
They’re one of the most enduring bands in music history. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country
Morgan Wallen is kicking off a new chapter with the release of “Been By Now,” marking his first solo track to arrive this year. The Tennessee native gave fans an early taste of the emotional track during his sold-out performance at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore before officially sharing the full song with listeners today (July 24).
Written by Wallen alongside Charlie Handsome, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Rocky Block and Taylor Phillips, “Been By Now” was produced by Joy Moi and explores the complicated reality of watching a relationship slowly slip away.
Rather than telling the story of a dramatic breakup, the song focuses on the quieter moments that often come before it, when a couple knows their connection is on the rocks. They start to experience the growing distance, the unanswered questions and the feeling of realizing something that once felt effortless has become harder than it should be.
Throughout the track, Wallen reflects on the fact that the amount of effort it takes to make things work has started to outweigh the happiness it previously evoked. The two people at the center of the narrator clearly still care about each other, but they’ve now started to question whether love is enough.
“If it was meant to be, we’d have been by now/ We wouldn’t have to keep tryna work things out/ Yeah, baby, we’re a breeze when the lights go down/ It wouldn’t be so hard when we ain’t in the dark/ If we were in the stars, they’d have lined right up/ Yeah, maybe from the start, we’ve been tryin’ too much/ I know you wanna think that it’s what we found/ But if it was meant to be, we’d have been by now/ Been by now,” Wallen sings with his signature rasp on full display amid the catchy melody and bittersweet undertones.
The new song arrives as Morgan Wallen’s latest album, I’m the Problem, continues to dominate the charts. It debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in May 2025 and spent 13 non-consecutive weeks at the top of the list. Ever since, it has held its place in the Top 10.
As fans gain excitement over what this next chapter will hold for Wallen, he is also preparing to wrap up his 23-stadium show Still The Problem Tour. The massive trek has just two weekends and four shows left across Ann Arbor, MI and Philadelphia, PA.
Remaining Still The Problem Tour dates:
July 24 || Ann Arbor, Mich. || Michigan Stadium w/ Thomas Rhett, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 25 || Ann Arbor, Mich. || Michigan Stadium w/ HARDY, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
July 31 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Lincoln Financial Field w/ Brooks & Dunn, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
August 1 || Philadelphia, Penn. || Lincoln Financial Field w/ Ella Langley, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten
The post Morgan Wallen Kicks Off New Chapter With First Solo Release Of 2026, ‘Been By Now’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Ashley Cooke is offering not one, but two new previews of her upcoming self-titled sophomore album, with the release of “famous to frances” and “johnny ‘n june.”
Arriving August 14 via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music, ashley cooke will showcase the singer-songwriter’s ability to turn deeply personal experiences into relatable stories. Both of today’s releases serve as perfect examples of Cooke’s ability to dive into complicated emotions that come with heartbreak, as they each offer a different perspective on love, loss and moving forward.
“famous to frances”
Written by Cooke alongside Johnny Clawson and Kyle Sturrock while on a bus weekend “somewhere in NY,” “famous to frances” is a raw and far too relatable story depicting the turmoil of a complicated relationship. Cooke paints the picture of a guy who isn’t necessarily a major part of her everyday life, in fact most people around her don’t even know he exists, but he still takes up a huge amount of emotional space in her mind.
The title references her real-life therapist, Frances, who knows all the details about this person because she’s the one hearing about him during their regular sessions. The two of them spend so much time helping Cooke unpack the relationship, her feelings for him and why she still struggles to let go that he ends up becoming “famous” to Frances. Through mid-tempo airy melody, the songstress creates an honest look at the conflict between knowing what’s best for you and still holding onto feelings.
“johnny ‘n June”
The second track to arrive today, “johnny ‘n June,” was penned by Cooke with Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband and Will Weatherly. These songwriters depict the lingering heartbreak of a relationship that was never fully defined, but somehow still felt like it would last forever.
The tune offers a nod to one of music’s most iconic love stories, but Cooke’s emotional storytelling actually points to a memory of falling for someone named Johnny in the month of June. She offers vivid imagery while reflecting on the time they shared and explores the difficulty of letting go of a connection that has left her wondering if she’ll ever find that same kind of spark again.
“I kissed a friend in February/ Said he saw us gettin’ married/ So I ran away the way I always do/ I met a mama’s boy in August/ Yeah but if I’m bein’ honest/ My mind the whole time just went back to Johnny ‘n June,” Cooke sings on the chorus.
Both produced by renowned producer Dann Huff, “famous to frances” and “johnny ’n june” offer another glimpse into the depth of Ashley Cooke’s upcoming sophomore album. The project features a collection of standout tracks, including her current Country radio hit “baby blues,” recent hit “the hell you are,” “xs” and “high school sweetheart.”
Cooke is also preparing to embark on her upcoming global headline run, the baby blues world tour, which launches on September 17 at Globe Iron in Cleveland and is set to continue through February 25, where she will wrap up the run at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. In between, the 28-date trek include stops in major cities throughout the US and UK.
The post Ashley Cooke Unveils Two Emotional New Tracks, ‘famous to frances’ and ‘johnny ‘n june’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Brett Eldredge is already defrosting his holiday persona, “Mr. Christmas,” as he announces the return of his beloved GLOW Live Tour for its 10-year anniversary celebration.
The 12-date Christmas run is set to kick off with three back-to-back nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium from November 27-29. He will continue with stops in Boston, Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, and Columbus before wrapping up just in time for the holidays with two nights in New York, NY on December 18-19.
Over the years, the GLOW Tour has grown into a cherished holiday tradition shared between Eldredge and his fans, and this year’s run will hold even more meaning as it celebrates a decade of memories.
Announcing the news on Instagram, the country star wrote, “Some traditions have a way of becoming part of who we are. We built this together. And now… we celebrate. See you this Christmas. Let’s Glow. ❤️”
The Illinois native has earned the title “Mr. Christmas,” thanks to his beloved holiday albums, Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), Glow, and Mr. Christmas, filled with Christmas classics and fan-favorite originals.
Tickets to the GLOW 10-Year Anniversary Tour will go on sale starting with a presale that opens July 29 at 10am EDT. Tickets will then open to the general public on Friday, July 21 at 10am Local time at //livemu.sc/BrettEldredge2.
The news comes just one day after Eldredge returned to social media with a cryptic video that appears to show him hard at work inside what looks to be a barn in its early stages of construction.
He then hinted that more news is on the way, writing “Missed ya. I really did. Just been out here living life. I got a lot to tell you but right now, a lot of work to do.”
Just a little over a month prior, the “Songs About You” singer shared his first post of since wrapping up his 2025 Glow Tour in December. In the post, he revealed he’s secretly married, offering a rare glimpse into his personal life, which he has mostly kept private throughout his career.
He shared a slideshow of two black and white photos, the first being of his wedding day with his wife, whose face is not shown. In the second image, they are sharing a kiss in a romantic restaurant setting, still her identify is unknown.
Within his heartfelt caption, Eldredge explained that keeping their relationship under wraps was the best way for them to grow together.
“To me, some of the best things in life are the ones you plant and grow quietly in your sacred space, away from the noise. We value that deeply, and honestly, it soothes my soul…There are so many amazing things ahead, And after all this time, I’m so grateful I have such a beautiful soul to share it all with. :),” he wrote.
The post was also paired with a preview of a brand-new song. Although the title was not revealed, it’s clear from the lyrics that the tune captures the joy of this heartfelt new chapter.
While it remains unclear what’s next for Brett Eldredge, fans already have plenty to look forward to, between the return of the GLOW Tour and hints that new music could be on the way.
The post Brett Eldredge Announces GLOW 10-Year Anniversary Tour Dates appeared first on Country Now.
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Brantley Gilbert is taking fans on one of his most personal journeys yet with his eighth studio album, Sins of the Father, marking his first full-length project with BBR/BMG Nashville.
During a recent conversation with Country Now, the country rocker revealed that the 15-track collection serves as a reflection on the lessons he’s learned throughout his life, spanning the reckless days of his youth all the way to adulthood and the perspective he’s gained as a husband and father of three.
Gilbert refuses to let his past define who he is today, but he’s also not afraid to expose the mistakes that shaped him, knowing that it was all part of the journey. And if revisiting painful memories or sparking uncomfortable conversations through his music has the potential to help someone else feel seen or find hope, he’s willing to open up about even the darkest moments.
The album’s title track, which he released over Father’s Day weekend, set the emotional foundation for the entire record. To Gilbert, being a dad is the job he values most and through that he has come to terms with the fact that he has gained so much knowledge in this season of learning.
“Being a dad’s the most important job I’ve ever had. It’s the best job I’ve ever had, but it’s also the toughest and the scariest. And like I said, I learn something every day. And that’s kind of where this album’s at. It goes all the way from my youth to their youth and the lessons learned in between,” he shared.
He took the no rules approach to making this collection and fully leaned into his roots of working and playing on farms throughout his upbringings. This album, co-produced Brock Berryhill, turned out to be country through and through, a natural result that came from writing the majority of the songs on flat-top guitars and tapping into the kind of music he fell in love with early in life.
“These songs are about my life. It’s going to be country. But we let the songs be what they want to be. We really produced it that way. Instead of trying to bend a song more towards ‘country’ or away from something else, we just let the song be what it wanted to be. And we wound up with a playlist of songs. It’s like a no skip 15-song album. Those are hard to do.”
The title track ended up becoming one of the most country leaning tracks on the record. Gilbert’s gritty vocals emerge among the acoustic guitar as he looks back on a life filled with mistakes, reckless choices and hardship, but as soon as he hits the chorus, he delivers a powerful prayer. Rather than asking for forgiveness for himself, he pleads that his children won’t have to carry the weight of his past or repeat the same cycles.
At the very top of the track list is “THE ADDICTION,” which sets the tone for some of the most raw, soul-baring songs of Gilbert’s career that highlight on themes of nostalgia, fatherhood, faith, love and redemption. This song was one of the first that came from a writing retreat on a farm where he built a barn specifically to host these moments as an escape from the city.
“It’s a special song…it’s a unique take. At the end of the day, I do feel like as an addict, a lot of times we replace that addiction. And you’ll hear in recovery that’s not a good way to put it. At the end of the day, that’s what we’re doing. And I really do feel like a lot of my addiction I replaced with not just my wife, but the life that brought with it, that she brought with her. And it’s been the last 11 years, so it’s a hell of a chapter. And man, I got three little ones running around, eight, six and one. And I can’t imagine a life without them in it,” he explained.
“I just think about what the other dude would’ve missed had I gone a different direction. And this album really encapsulates that. And as I said, it’s as much about holding yourself accountable and trying to learn and be a better version of yourself on a daily basis. And that song kicks it off in a big way.”
Fans will also recognize the lead single that’s currently climbing country radio, “GOOD DAMN,” “GOOD OL’ BOYS,” and “F****D Me UP,” all of which were released in advance of the project.
A clear highlight on the album is Gilbert’s only collaboration, “BEGGING FOR A CHANGE” featuring Jelly Roll. The moving track was co-written by the longtime friends with Berryhill and Andrew Baylis and inspired by a real-life moment Jelly Roll had when he recognized a homeless man as someone he went to high school with.
He recalls recognizing that something was bothering the “Save Me” singer during their writing session. He prompted to open up about the heaviness weighing on his heart and that’s when Jelly Roll explained the crazy experience he had earlier that day.
“He had an event for the label that morning before he came to the write and as he was getting in the car, there was a homeless man standing close and the guy turned around and he recognized him. He went to school with. And he was like, ‘Man, it was the craziest thing because this dude was the least likely dude in high school to be a homeless guy. He was the man that he had all the new stuff before it came out, all this stuff,” said Gilbert.
“There’s something I’ve said since I’ve been in recovery and that is that nobody wakes up one morning and says, ‘Man, I think I want to be a drug addict and an alcoholic, I think I want to wind up homeless.’ It’s like addiction’s one thing in life I feel like truly is colorblind and non-biased. It doesn’t care who you are, what color you are, what family you came from, what tax bracket you’re in. It just wants you dead. It wants us all dead. So it was both of our perspectives coming from having dealt with that in our own way,” he added.
Gilbert also notes that the mission with the album was always to do something different and to make some statements that people would remember. He made sure that this particular story would stand out among the rest by making it the sole collaboration.
“We wrote the song together from a pretty vulnerable place. It was his story and both of our perspectives. And we ended up with a very powerful song… It just has a quality to be able to meet people where they’re at, whether that’s rock bottom or on either side of it. And lets you know you’re not alone and may even inspire you and motivate you or give you some incentive to dig out of where you’re at and get to higher ground. So the opportunities to write those songs are few and far between.”
With each of the album’s 15 tracks, Gilbert set out to tell his story with complete honesty, which sometimes meant using explicit language to accurately reflect the mindset he was in during different chapters of his life. However, because fatherhood sits at the heart of the project, he also chose to release a clean version alongside the original, making the project more appropriate for listeners of all ages
“People will be like, ‘Well, you didn’t have to use those words.’ It was like, well, those are the words that I used. And depending on the song, it may be on a chapter of life where I wanted to communicate from the guy in that chapter. It’s not hard for me to dig back to who that dude was. I’m trying to do more of that. Spent a lot of time in my life trying to forget it and not think about it. It’s like now as a dad, realizing that was a mistake, ‘hey, we need to dig into that guy, make sure we learn from the dumb shit and make sure we’re trying to get better on a daily basis. And that’s part of what this album’s about.’”
He continued, “It’s not really finding yourself. It’s holding yourself accountable and learning…How much time do we spend in life just…being set in our ways, this, that, and the other. I was like, ‘Man, as a dad, you learn real quick that that only goes so far.’”
The post Brantley Gilbert Gets Brutally Honest About His Past And Journey To Redemption On ‘Sins Of The Father’ appeared first on Country Now.
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Fans have been hotly anticipating his new song. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Fans have been hotly anticipating his new song. Continue reading…Country Music News – Taste of Country