Release Radar & Most Anticipated New Country Albums for 2026

Welcome to 2026! You made it. Now it’s time to prepare for the rest of the year. Music helps. This page will guide you through the first part of the year (until about June or so) to let you know who is releasing albums each week, and what to look out for. Below the very top highlighted releases you will find a curated list of most all the releases for each week that’s updated in real time. Below that is the always-fun “rumor mill” where the hints and allegations of albums go.

As we’ve seen over the last few years, starting 2026, the pickens’ are a little slim. Expect a big lump of albums to be officially announced in the first few weeks of January. They will be added here once they are.

Hint: Bookmark this page, and come back each Friday to stay up-to-date with releases. This list will be updated regularly under the “confirmed releases” heading as new albums are announced, though older albums won’t be removed from the list so people can look back at what they might have missed.

PLEASE NOTE: No artist or album was snubbed here. If there’s an album to be released that you believe is of interest to country and roots music, please feel free to share the information below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone.

Josh Weathers – Neon Never Fades – January 2nd

We won’t have to wait very long to carry the ’90s country music revolution into the new year. Josh Weathers is primed to release this 11-song album influenced “by the sound that raised me,” and assures, “real country music never truly fades once it’s in you.” From near Fort Worth, Weathers has been wowing audiences both in-person and online for years with an incredible, soaring and soulful voice brought to bear on country.

Though he’s been releasing singles like crazy, it’s been since 2019 that Weathers has released a proper studio album. Now signed to Sea Gayle Music, he’s looking for Neon Never Fades to be a career-defining moment and a big breakout.

Zach Bryan – With Heaven On Top – January 9th

Love him, hate him, consider him country or otherwise, Zach Bryan is a stadium-level artists that started in singer/songwriter Americana and is about the only soul out there capable of dethroning Morgan Wallen at the top of the country charts. 2026 might start off with the year’s biggest release.

What we don’t have is a lot of information about this album, or what to expect. Bryan has been curiously mum about it, and curiously mum lately, period … except for announcing his marriage on New Years Eve. What we do know is Bryan originally teased the album as an EP all the way back in February 2025. This is before he signed an insane $350 million deal in May, the project got expanded to a full LP, and was given a conventional release calendar. Whatever this album is, you can expect it to be distinctly Zach Bryan.

Low Gap – Geneva – January 16th

From the Eastern Kentucky / Southeastern Ohio region, singer and guitar player Gus Johnson and guitar/mandolin player Phin Johnson have already made waves with numerous singles including “Mockingbird” that YouTube critic Grady Smith helped blow up in 2022. Since then the songwriting, singing, and playing has only become sharper, and now this brother band is ready to take the roots world by storm with their debut album.

Working with Cloverdale Records, Geneva looks to announce Low Gap as serious performers and songwriters from Appalachia. Citing Tyler Childers as a primary influence, they’ve done a lot of growing through their music over the last few years from teenagers with a dream, to now two young mean determined to make that dream happen.

Courtney Marie Andrews – Valentine – January 16th

A new album from Courtney Marie Andrews is always cause for paying close attention. Though she seems to have been mostly out-of-sight recently, the early singles from Valentine have connoisseurs of songwriting paying close attention. Recorded at the Valentine studios in Los Angeles with producer co-producer Jerry Bernhardt, the 10-tacks album is said to be about profound endings and new beginnings.

Andrews calls Valentine, “a record in pursuit of love. But love, it turns out, is a lot more than I gave it credit for … I was in one of the darkest periods of my life, and songs were the only way I could reckon with it.”

Kashus Culpepper – Act I – January 23rd

Well it’s about time. Since the summer of 2024, Big Loud Records has been releasing singles on Kashus Culpepper until there’s now about a dozen of them out there, building an appetite for his tunes that find a sweet spot between country, soul, blues, folk and rock, all served with smart songwriting and a soulful voice. Kashus is like a heavyweight champion, throwing out songs like haymakers.

But we’ve been wondering for a while now when a proper album from Kashus would hit shelves as opposed to just a trickle of singles. That will finally happen on January 23rd. “Creating music has been the greatest joy of my life,” says Kashus. “What a magical thing it is. My debut album ‘Act I’ serves as a beginning of that journey.” (read more)

Emily Scott Robinson – Appalachia – January 30th

You’re forced to search far and wide, and to fall feeling feeble-minded when trying to find a singer and a songwriter who can equal or even rival the works of Emily Scott Robinson. She’s a Saving Country Music Song of the Year winner for her classic “The Dress,” and the recipient of an unprecedented two 9+ rated albums. The warning of a new album from the North Carolina-raised, Colorado-based songwriter is definitely something to heed.

To be released on John Prine’s Oh Boy Records come January 30th, 2026, Appalachia promises to set the pace for high caliber songwriting in the new year. Produced by Josh Kaufman (Bonnie Light Horseman), the album was recorded in an old 1896 church on the banks of the Hudson River known as Dreamland Recording Studios in rural New York. The 10-track album will also feature a duet with John Paul White. (read more)

Theo Lawrence and Melissa Carper – Havin’ A Talk – February 9th

It’s a match made in hillbilly heaven. Having struck up a friendship over the last couple of years, French-born and Austin-based throwback honky tonk crooner Theo Lawrence teams up with the “Hill-Billie Holiday” Melissa Carper for a collaborative duets album. These two have already been teasing us with multiple singles. But come early February we’ll get the full thing, co-produced with Chris Scruggs.

Though Lawrence has become a local favorite around his adopted hometown of Austin, he’s poised to break out nationally in the next few years if not sooner now that he’s signed to Warner Records. It speaks a lot to where his head is, and what kind of music he wants to make that his first record on Warner is with Carper. Also appearing on the record will be Billy Contreras on fiddle, Emily Gimble on piano, and of course, plenty of steel from Chris Scruggs.

Clay Street Unit – Sin & Squalor – February 13th

From Colorado, Clay Street Unit has been setting audiences on fire with their authentic blend of bluegrass, country, and rock influences, a strong disposition for songwriting, all stewed up into a concoction that is distinctly their own. Now they’re ready to unleash their debut album on Leo33—the same label as Zach Top. The album was produced by Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters.

Clay Street Unit features Sam Walker (lead vocals/guitar), Scottie Bolin (mandolin/vocals), Jack Cline (banjo), Brad Larrison (pedal steel), Brendan Lamb (drums) Jack Kotarba (bass). The new album also features Lindsey Lou on the song “Choctaw County.”

The Waymores – The Knot – February 13th

Married honky tonk duo Kira Annalise and Willie Heath Neal—known as The Waymores—are excited to release their fourth album, produced by Mose Wilson and recorded in Nashville. As the duo’s name implies, classic country songs is where they draw their inspiration from. “We’ve always written songs that come straight from the truth of our lives,” says Kira Annalise. “’The Knot’ is about the ties that bind—whether you’re holding on or letting go.”

For Kira and The Waymores, simply recording and releasing this album is a victory. She recently had to go through not one, but two brain surgeries that took the Ameripolitan-nominated duo off the road, and had them evaluating everything about their lives. Luckily, they’re back now, and ready to pursue music with renewed vigor.

Megan Moroney – Cloud 9 – February 20th

Though she’s left some to be desired with live performances—especially on award shows—Megan Moroney remains one of the more interesting performers in the mainstream by displaying a propensity for deeper songwriting, and underpinning it with steel guitar. Once again she’ll be working with Kristian Bush as producer.

“Similar to the first two albums, it’s all written about honest, personal experiences, but these songs were written by the strongest, most confident version of myself I’ve ever been,” says Moroney. “My feet feel firmly planted in my artistry and it was fun to play around sonically, while still sticking to my roots of what my fans and I love. Cloud 9 is a state of mind, and I have no doubt this will be the best chapter yet.”

Jimmy Fretwell – analog dream – February 20th

In Southern Oregon, Jimmy Fretwell is a well-respected singer/songwriter and in-demand guitar player who’s been wowing local audiences for decades. For years, those who know of Fretwell have been waiting and wondering if he’ll ever break out into the great national consciousness. analog dream is hopefully that moment. The acoustic album was recorded in Austin, TX at the Ameripolitan Studios.

“For thirty years now I’ve been bringing my songs to bars and coffeehouses and living rooms and back yards – going into physical spaces and making analog soundwaves in real time to share with real people,” Fretwell says. “And now I’m glad for the opportunity to share some of my old songs with you whoever you are and wherever you may be when you hear them.

Aaron Watson – A Horse Named Texas – March 6th

It’s been a little quiet on the Aaron Watson front lately, with his last original album coming out in 2021. But he’s about to make up for it big time with the 26-track A Hose Named Texas featuring all Watson written or co-written songs. If you think 26 tracks sounds like a lot, the original plan was to release 40. No matter how many songs there are, Watson insists he’s never taken songwriting more seriously, has never poured himself more into the tracks, and believes this is the best music of his career.

He recently told the Amarillo newspaper, “I love music of all kinds. But I can tell when someone’s chasing a dollar instead of chasing something real. There’s a big difference between art and marketing. Trap beats and loops—if that’s your thing, go for it. But I love making music with a four- or five-piece band. That’s just where my heart is.”

William Clark Green – Watterson Hall – March 6th

West Texas mainstay William Clark Green is readying his seventh record, and it finds the songwriter settling into life with his wife and kids, and finding a more reflective mood. Interesting geography always seems to weigh into the naming of a William Clark Green album, and Watterson Hall is no different. It’s named for one of the many local dancehalls in central Texas. Watterson Hall is just south and east of Austin.

“It’s the first love song I’ve ever written for her that I felt was good enough to share,” Green shares about the title track. “The song shows a more personal side of my writing—it came together quickly but not without effort, and it reflects the changes in my life with marriage and family. At its heart, it’s about love, experience, and writing something real.”

Whey Jennings – Baptized By Fire – March 27th

With a strong redemption story and compelling original songs, Whey Jennings continues to forge a dedicated grassroots following while helping to keep his family’s name in the foreground of country music’s mind. The grandson of Waylon and son of Terry Jennings has made the most of his opportunity of finding sobriety after the pandemic for a new lease on life, and a new sense of purpose behind his music career.

His new album Baptized By Fire includes songwriting contributions from regular collaborator Wes Shipp, the legendary Jim “Moose” Brown, as well as Karen Waldrup. Though not exclusively religious music, Whey regularly works his faith into his songs. “This album is close to my heart and I’ve never felt more at home with my music as I do now,” Jennings says. “If you want to know who I really am as a person, the songs on this album present an open window to both my heart and soul as a songwriter.”

OTHER ANTICIPATED/CONFIRMED RELEASES

January 1st

Travis Feutz & The Stardust Cowboys – Country Gold

Brule County Bad Boys – Burden Lake (Cold as Life)

Parry Lamont – Self-Titled (folk)

January 2nd

Josh Weathers –Neon Never Fades

(1-6) Diane Coll – Strangely In Tune (folk, Americana)

January 9th

Zach Bryan – With Heaven On Top

Cole Kidwell – World of Stone

Meghan Patrick – Golden Child (The Final Chapter)

John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton – Together Again (Singer/songwriter)

(9-14) – Smilo & the Ghost – Phantom EP

January 16th

Memphis Kee – Dark Skies

Low Gap – Geneva

David Huckfelt – I Was Born But…

Courtney Marie Andrews – Valentine (Americana)

Langhorne Slim – The Dreamin’ Kind (Americana)

January 23rd

Sammy Brue – The Journals (Justin Townes Earle songs)

Kezia Gill – All On Red

Jamie O’Neal – Gypsum

Kashus Culpepper – Act I (Country soul)

The Lowest Pair – Always As Young As We’ll Ever Be (folk, Americana)

Lucinda Williams – World’s Gone Wrong (Americana)

Tylor and the Train Robbers – Tylor and the Train Robbers Live

Hudson Westbrook – Exclusive EP

Della Mae – Magic Accident (bluegrass, Americana)

Carolina Chocolate Drop – Genuine Negro Jig 15th Anniversary Edition (folk)

Max Devereaux – Hidden Valley Sound (Vinyl only release)

Reba McEntire – Starting Over (30th Anniversary Edition)

January 30th

Ole Kirkeng – Cowboy Lie Detector Machine

Natalie Del Carmen – Pastures

Emily Scott Robinson – Appalachia

Cordovas – Back To Life (Americana)

The Naked Sun – Mirror in The Hallway (Americana)

Kim Moberg – All That Really Matters (folk)

Tinsley Ellis – Labor of Love (Country blues)

February 6th

CJ Hooper – Over Yonder

Big Richard – Pet (bluegrass)

Rissi Palmer – Perspectives EP (Americana)

(2-12) Ray Stevens – Ray Stevens Favorites Old and New

February 13th

Caroline Jones – Good Omen

Ward Davis – Here I Am

The Waymores – The Knot

Clay Street Unit – Sin & Squalor

The Sky Chiefs – Self-Titled

Eric Church – Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Live album, Soundtrack)

Tyler Halverson – In Defense of Drinking

Jeremy Ivey – It’s Shape Will Reveal Itself

Morgan Myles – Laced

The Infamous Stringdusters – 20/20 (bluegrass)

Mumford & Sons – Prizefighter (Americana)

February 20th

Sassaparilla – Honey, I’m Using Again

Jimmy Fretwell – analog dream

Megan Moroney – Cloud 9

The Kimball Superstars – Here’s To The Memory

The Band of Heathens – Country Sides

Lightning Stills – Self-Titled

Jeffrey Martin – Alive July 25, 2025 (live album, folk)

Frank Viele – Silo EP (Americana)

February 27th

Michael Rudd – Ways of the World (Americana)

Magoo –What A Life (progressive bluegrass)

Pert Near Sandstone – Side By Side (string band)

March 6th

Aaron Watson – A Horse Named Texas

William Clark Green – Watterson Hall

Austin Michael – Lonestar

Chicago Farmer – Homeaid (Americana)

The Brook & The Bluff – Werewolf (Americana)

March 13th

Joey Frendo – Harder than Dreaming

(3-14) The Steel Wheels – Self-Titled (Americana)

March 20th

Morgan Evans – Steel Town

Leah Blevins – All Dressed Up

March 27th

Whey Jennings – Baptized By Fire

Will Carter Band – Self-Titled

Calder Allen – Fault Lines – (Americana)

June 6th – Josh Mitcham – Gonna Be Alright

THE RUMOR MILL

The Highwomen are said to be reuniting this winter to write new songs.

Joe Nichols is working on a new album and swears it’s super traditional country like his first few.

Billy Strings has said he wants to work on an album based around his late mother’s poetry.

Though traditionalist Jason James officially stepped away from music in 2023, he’s now stepping back in it, playing shows again, and getting ready to release an album called Cut The Chain through Heart of Texas Records at some point in 2026.

Drayton Farley has a new album on the way, with new singles “Turn Around” and “It’s Called Doubt” from it already released.

The Red Clay Strays accidentally revealed through an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience that they have a new album coming out, likely in July.

Sturgill Simpson, or “Johnny Blue Skies” said in September from the stage at Red Rocks that he has a new record in the can. “Johnny Blue Skies and the Dark Clouds” is the name Simpson has been using for the band recently.

Craig Campbell will have a new album assembled from songs that he was told were “too country” for other albums.

Colby Acuff on December 20th, “Album is done. I hope this is the project I am known for.”

Ashley McBryde recently burst into tears after hearing the rough mixes of new songs from her upcoming album. No title or release date just yet.

India Ramey has been recording with folks from Blue Elan Records for a new album.

Margo Price recently played the West Tennessee Correctional Facility for women inmates in a concert that will be turned into a live album and documentary.

Benjamin Tod is working on a classic country covers album among perhaps other things. Shooter Jennings produced his most recent single “Hell I Have,” so maybe the two have more in store.

Cat Clyde has signed to Rounder Records. Expect a new album coming in 2026.

Wyatt Flores was recording in Nashville in November. He says a new album is in the can, and is nothing like his previous one.

Jesse Daniel on December 17th, “I’ve got two records in the can and I’m ready to do another. Lord help me.”

Shaboozey says he’s releasing a feminist Western concept album. So there’s that.

Oklahoma songwriter Daniel Card will have a new album coming on in February called Adjusting to the Gray produced by Wes Sharon. Card performed the title track recently on The Hook.

Jason Eady on December 5th, “Listening to the final mixes to a new album I’ll be releasing next Year! Stay tuned.”

On December 9th, Evan Felker of the Turnpike Troubadours posted on Instagram, “New Record in 26? You tell me.” There was some rumors previously of a solo record from Felker previously too. But with the success of Turnpike’s The Price of Admission, they could be trying to carry that momentum into next year.

Ray Wylie Hubbard has been teasing a new album for many months now, with his latest tease taking the form of two crows talking about him, saying, “so he recorded another album?” “yeah, still writing songs. just don’t know the word quit.” “thinks he gonna go out like pike bishop in the wild bunch. probably just trip over a frog on his way to the mailbox to get a $7.48 royalty check from japan.” “oh well..got his dreams.”

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