
New Viewing Options Open Up for Alan Jackson’s Final Concert
Alan Jackson’s farewell concert at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium sold out instantly, driving ticket prices to record highs. The lineup now includes country legends like George Strait, expanding its draw. NBC will film the show for a future primetime special, with the full performance streaming on Peacock the next day. Additional live‑feed screenings at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Belmont University give fans who missed tickets a way to watch in real time, with proceeds supporting a scholarship fund.

American Aquarium Finds “New Ways To Lose” On Upcoming Album
American Aquarium announced their 21st studio effort, *New Ways to Lose*, slated for release on June 26, 2026. The record was produced by Shooter Jennings and captured mostly live over a ten‑day session in Los Angeles, emphasizing an organic, gritty...

Album Review – Alex Amen’s “Sun of Amen”
Alex Amen’s new album *Sun of Amen* earns an 8.6/10 rating, delivering a meticulously crafted blend of country‑folk that evokes the mid‑1960s era. The record leans on steel‑guitar twang, piano ballads, and plaintive vocals while avoiding modern clichés, creating an...

The Best New Country Songs of 2026 So Far
Saving Country Music’s mid‑year roundup spotlights the most compelling country songs of 2026, separating deep‑lyric “best songs” from upbeat “best singles.” The list features Ashley McBryde’s emotionally charged “Bottle Tells Me So,” JD Graham’s duet “Truth In Tears,” and Kacey Musgraves’s introspective “Loneliest...

Hook Ep. 4 Features New Stars, Kerrville Folk Fest Winners
The Hook’s fourth episode, recorded May 31 in Austin, showcased emerging songwriters including Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk winner Caitlin Cannon and former winner Noosa Al‑Sarraj (Girl Haggard). Performers such as Aiden Rackley, Long Prairie, and Nitin Anish delivered a mix...

What Is Going On with These New Brad Paisley Songs?
Brad Paisley has launched a "Tacklebox" project, releasing six previously unreleased songs that were re‑recorded at The Castle studio, positioning the collection as a never‑ending digital playlist rather than a traditional album. The initiative follows a stalled 2023 album, "Son...

On Garth Brooks Looking to Sell His Catalog for $2 Billion
Country music icon Garth Brooks is reportedly seeking more than $2 billion to sell his entire music catalog, encompassing both publishing and master recordings. The price would rival recent high‑profile deals, such as Sony’s $600 million purchase of half of Michael Jackson’s catalog....

Album Review – Charlie Marie’s “Signs”
Charlie Marie’s second album *Signs* arrives as a self‑financed, pandemic‑inspired record that expands beyond her classic country roots. Drawing on a solo cross‑country road trip, the project fuses traditional country vocal stylings with folk, rock, and spiritual motifs. Produced with...

Album Review – The Red Clay Strays – “Grateful”
The Red Clay Strays released their new album *Grateful*, earning an 8.1/10 rating and solidifying their reputation as genre‑defying Americana leaders. The record weaves gospel, Southern rock, Sun‑era rock ’n’ roll, and classic roots music, reflecting the band’s refusal to...

Charley Crockett Goes Full Gonzo to Get “Clovis” To Fans
Charley Crockett independently released his new album *Clovis* on April 28, just weeks after Island Records issued *Age of the Ram*. Island pulled *Clovis* on May 6, alleging contract violations, while continuing to promote the earlier record, which now sits at #3...

Album Review – Colby Acuff’s “Handmade Horsepower”
Colby Acuff drops his seventh studio effort, "Handmade Horsepower," as a fully independent release after parting ways with a major label. The album leans heavily into outlaw‑country aesthetics, pairing twangy two‑tone beats with sharp, industry‑focused protest lyrics. Critics praised its...

Ray Wylie Hubbard Details Upcoming New Album “Reel 2 Reel 4 Real”
Veteran country‑rock singer‑songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard is set to release his new album "Reel 2 Reel 4 Real" on August 21. The record, largely recorded on analog tape at Jonathan Tyler’s Austin studio, features his road band plus guest musicians...

Album Review – Don Williams “Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes”
Don Williams’ estate has issued a posthumous album, *Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes*, featuring never‑heard songs recorded between 1979 and 1984 and uncovered in the family’s Tennessee cellar. Long‑time producer Garth Fundis restored deteriorated instrumental tracks while preserving Williams’ original vocals. Critics note...

New Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Playlist (#179)
Saving Country Music refreshed its Top 25 Playlist with ten new tracks, spotlighting emerging talent and a rare posthumous Don Williams release. The additions include Kimmi Bitter, Walker Montgomery, Tyler Richards, Alex Amen, Grace Maher, Valley Flower, Coleman Jennings, Kaitlin Butts and...

Album Review – Joshua Ray Walker’s “Ain’t Dead Yet”
Joshua Ray Walker’s new album *Ain’t Dead Yet* marks his triumphant return after a 2023 cancer diagnosis, delivering a blend of honky‑tonk grit and progressive country flair. The record follows his experimental projects *Tropicana* and *Stuff*, shifting focus to the...