This week’s new country music includes newcomer Braxton Keith’s debut major-label EP, Ashley McBryde’s authentically introspective look at embodying the values of “cowboy song,” Kameron Marlowe’s haunting look at the effects of addiction and depression, and Ned LeDoux proposed a collaboration with his late father, country great Chris LeDoux.
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Check out all this and more advertising billboardHere’s a roundup of the week’s best country releases.
Braxton Keith “Blue”
Keith, who just signed with Warner Music Nashville, incorporates chilled country sounds into his new EP blue. The five-song collection, born from the depths of the Texas honky-tonk circuit, highlights Keith’s unmistakable conversational singing style, peppering his songs with sly warnings (“Cozy”), romance (“Fall This Way”) and later songs.
Ashley McBride “Not Enough Cowboy Songs”
Grammy winner McBride expressed a desire for more songs that embody the essence of the values of freedom, hard work, responsibility and a love of the outdoors, and expressed condolences to those who are still doing their best to live that spirit. “Some of us try to circle the wagons/But we can barely hold our ground,” she sings. Her voice, as always, carries the same unvarnished truth and sincerity.
Cameron Marlowe “Never Know”
Marlowe just released a gripping music video for the song, which showcases not only his commanding, gritty voice, but also a storyline that, unfortunately, many people are all too familiar with – they fail to notice the dream The pain and effects of brokenness, depression and addiction, until it’s too late. Marlowe co-wrote the song with co-writer James McNair, and the song further established Marlowe as a versatile singer-writer-artist to watch.
The Castellos, “The Stone of Alabama”
“Alabama Stone,” the title track from the sibling trio’s new three-song EP, further cements The Castellows’ top-notch songwriting. The song was written by trio members Powell Balkcom, Eleanor Balkcom and Lily Balkcom, as well as screenwriter Josh Dorr Co-written with Caroline Watkins, the heart of the song lies in the various meanings of “Alabama Stone” that keep the song’s protagonist connected to her Alabama hometown – regardless of It was her family’s home, the wedding ring on her finger, or finally, the stone that marked her final resting place. The song is underpinned by reverent piano and the trio’s ethereal harmonies.
Chris and Ned LeDoux, “A Hand in Control”
In a song included on Ned LeDoux’s upcoming album, due out in 2025, he duets with his late country singer/rodeo champion father Chris LeDoux on the song “One Hand in the Riggin,” Ned combined his voice with what he called the finale. This is a vocal that his father recorded before his death in 2005. The song pays homage to twins who struggled to maintain a family while chasing the endless excitement of “one more rodeo.” All in all, it’s refreshing to hear Chris’ voice again – especially on a song that feels so timeless, and considering how perfectly his and his son’s voices blend together.
Evan Horner “High School Reunion”
After seeing the power of Tyler Childers covers make his career soar, his own projects followed, such as fight for and different life”, Horner delves into the complex emotions that come with the idea of meeting your high school sweetheart at their tenth year reunion—his straightforward songwriting style and rough vocals reveal his thoughts on how teenage relationships might play out. Anxious thinking. “High School Reunion” is the third single from Honer’s upcoming EP annabellreleased on December 13th.
