Welcome to the newest edition of the Friday Finest Five — your weekly round-up of the most exciting new country releases hitting streaming platforms today. From soulful duets and heartbreak anthems to good old-fashioned honky-tonk and small-town reflections, this week’s lineup brings something for everyone. Let’s dive in.
Nora – Kiss My Ass
Nashville-based singer-songwriter NORA. is making a bold entrance onto the country scene with her fiery new single ‘Kiss My Ass.’ Debuted live at Nashville’s Whiskey Jam, the unapologetic anthem showcases her sharp wit and fearless storytelling, capturing the spirit of anyone ready to stop playing nice and start standing tall. Written by NORA. herself, the track blends humour, honesty and hooky pop-country flair, making it an instant sing-along for the heartbroken and the defiant alike. A Belmont University graduate who traded her corporate 9-to-5 for the stage, NORA. is carving her own path in Nashville as an independent artist, turning life’s messy moments into empowering, conversational songwriting.
Chayce Beckham – Holdin’ You Lovin’ You
PLATINUM-selling country hitmaker Chayce Beckham, hailed by ourselves as “the poster child for impactful and meaningful country music,” returns with his heartfelt new single ‘Holdin’ You, Lovin’ You.’ Written for his wife ahead of their wedding, the romantic ballad finds Beckham blending his signature blues-soaked vocals with raw, timeless lyricism that captures love in its purest form. Currently on tour with Warren Zeiders, the newlywed showcases his evolution as both a songwriter and storyteller, delivering a sound rooted in country tradition yet edged with contemporary grit — evoking the spirit of legends like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings while firmly carving his own path.
Zach John King – Happy For You
Zach John King lays his heart bare on his new single ‘Happy For You,’ a stripped-back, emotionally charged track written alongside Chris LaCorte and Justin Wilson. Inspired by a relationship that didn’t unfold as he’d hoped, the song captures the painful honesty of pretending to be happy for someone who’s moved on when, deep down, you’re still hurting. Built around a simple, intimate production that lets the lyrics take center stage, ‘Happy For You’ delivers a gut-punch of vulnerability — especially in its cleverly deceptive hook that turns what seems like a positive message into a raw confession: “I wish that I was happy for you.” It’s one of King’s most honest and relatable releases yet, offering comfort to anyone who’s ever struggled to let go of what might have been.
Troy Cartwright – Whiskey Ginger
Troy Cartwright captures the ache of autumn heartbreak with his new single ‘Whiskey Ginger,’ a smooth, reflective track that blends emotional depth with a polished pop-country edge. Co-written with veteran hitmaker Billy Montana, the song feels like that first cold wind of November — wistful, biting, and beautifully bittersweet — as Cartwright traces the ghost of a girl he can’t quite shake, watching the leaves fall just like their story did. With its cinematic imagery and effortless delivery, ‘Whiskey Ginger’ evokes the introspective storytelling of Ryan Hurd and the soulful maturity of Charles Kelley and Lady A, marking a sophisticated new chapter for Cartwright as he continues crafting his highly anticipated debut album, due out in 2026.
Tyler Halverson – Smoke You Out
Tyler Halverson lights a match under modern country with his new single ‘Smoke You Out,’ the third release from his upcoming debut album ‘In Defense of Drinking,’ due in February 2026. Blending grit, heart, and a rebellious spirit, the track showcases Halverson’s signature rough-hewn croon and vivid storytelling — the kind that bridges his small-town ranch roots with his alt-country edge. Raised on a heady mix of Mac Miller, Drake, and Merle Haggard, Halverson’s music captures both the swagger of the skate park and the soul of the sale barn, a fusion that feels entirely his own. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, and co-produced with Ryan Youmans and Gary Stanton of Muscadine Bloodline, ‘Smoke You Out’ deepens the smoky, outlaw tone Halverson honed on his ‘Western Amerijuana’ project, offering a tantalising glimpse of the boundary-pushing record to come.
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