The first days of 2026 bring with them with new music from several rising artists, among them Josh Weathers, who issues his album Neon Never Fades. Abbey Cone puts a fresh spin on an often-sung topic on “Change the Man,” while Katlin Owen, known for his work with artists including Brian Kelley and Chase Rice, steps forward as an artist in his own right.
Check out all of these and more in Billboard‘s roundup of some of the best country, bluegrass and/or Americana songs of the week below.
Josh Weathers, Neon Never Fades
Josh Weathers starts off 2026 with a solid barrel of ’90s country-inspired tunes with his project Neon Never Fades, signaling that the resurgence in ’90s country sounds is far from over. His nimble voice weaves through songs that pull from hardcore honky-tonk (“Livin’ the Life”), soulful country-rock hybrids (“Up at Night,” “Life Still Happens”) and the pensive ballad “Never Died From It.” Working with writers including Bobby Pinson and Brett Sheroky, and smart production from Dan Friszell, Weathers sings of carefree, youthful nights, love, loss and lessons learned along the way. Some of his previous music has been steeped in soul, blues and pop, but his new album cements Weathers as a new country voice worth listening to this year.
Abbey Cone, “Change the Man”
A honeyed fiddle intro launches this straight-to-the-point anthem that melds a swirl of barroom country, pedal steel, guitar and piano with Cone’s silvery vocal and sage relationship advice. “If he’s givin’ you the minimum/ Just get rid of him,” Cone sings, washing her unabashedly country vocal over a pull-no-punches message. Cone co-wrote the song with Madison Kozak, with production from Jack Schneider and Matt Andrews.
Parker Graye, “When Do We Stop Talking”
Graye offers this polished, dreamy country-pop ballad that finds the singer-songwriter chronicling the rise and fall of a relationship coming apart. As it unravels, she’s left wondering how to finally break the habit of reaching out and talking, and when to fully let go. Graye’s dulcet tones are a stellar match for this song’s gorgeous melody. The song was written by Graye with Olivia DaPonte and Averie Bielski.
Katlin Owen, “Just a Hat”
South Carolina native Owen, a producer/guitarist and vocalist known for his session work with artists including Brian Kelley, Jon Pardi, Riley Green, Chase Rice and Mickey Guyton, proves he possesses a vocal charisma of his own that’s worth putting in the spotlight. His latest release blends polished production, crisp guitar and bright piano, as he issues a perspective that cowboy culture goes far beyond simply donning cowboy aesthetics. “I’m gonna be breaking my back working overtime/ Putting food there on the table,” he sings, as he etches a scene of familial dedication, work ethic, integrity and love that goes into every handshake and every word kept. Owen wrote this track with Mandi Sagal.
Trevor Martin, “No Matter What”
Kentucky native Martin is known for his romantic, uplifting tracks such as “Keeper” and “This Much.” He continues in that vein on his latest song, baring his earnest dedication and determination to be there for his loved one regardless of the highs and lows they embrace and endure. “You can’t pick and choose when life throws its punches/ But you can choose who you’re gonna face them all with,” he sings. A smooth, radio-friendly track written by Martin with Jonathan Gamble and Brian Bunn, this song again places Martin as a consistent wellspring of songs marked by tenderness and amorous charm.
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