6 Must-Hear New Country Releases: Oliver Anthony, Tucker Wetmore, Joe Diffie

This week's batch of new music includes Oliver Anthony's full-length, a tribute to the late Joe Diffie featuring vocals from Diffie, Luke Combs and the late Toby Keith, plus another viral hit from Tucker Wetmore and the excellent soul-country. by Angel White.

Oliver Anthony, Hymnal of a Troubled Man's Mind

Oliver Anthony follows up last year's hit 'Rich Men North of Richmond' with this 10 track magnum opus, Hymnal of a Troubled Man's Mind, which was released on Easter Sunday (March 31). The Dave Cobb-produced project incorporates new recordings of previously released tracks such as “I've Got to Get Sober” and “VCR Kid,” as well as a new song, “Mama's Been Hurting.” Oliver Anthony caught the world's attention thanks to his house sound, and his new project completes that, augmenting his grainy, soulful vocals with acoustic guitars, bass and violin.

Notably absent from the set is “Rich Men,” though he adds in several spoken word moments of him reading Bible verses, similar to what he does in concert. Following the biblical moments of the album, the project was recorded in a church in Savannah, Georgia. “Mama's Been Hurting” continues Anthony's penchant for singing about the hard lives of country folk, offering a musical appeal to the heavens not to “let the land I love die so young.” Oliver seems to know his audience and continues to deliver the kind of rustic laments he's known for.

Joe Diffie, Toby Keith and Luke Combs, “Ships That Don't Come In”

HARDY's latest Hixtape project offers a tribute to the late country singer Joe Diffie, but creates a unique take on a tribute project, bringing in a host of artists to sing many of Diffie's biggest hits alongside Diffie's vocal tracks from a repeat of the 2006. recording session. “Ships That Don't Come In,” a nod to the struggles military members face after they get home — if they get home — was a top five hit Advertising signHot Country Singles & Tracks (now Hot Country Songs) chart for Diffie in 1992.

This track is especially poignant as it also features the last recorded vocal from another late country star, Toby Keith, who died earlier this year. Keith's voice is the first you hear on this track and his voice still rings with strength and warmth, like a thin skin tested by time. Diffie's rugged twang and Combs' muscular, raspy vocals further expand the story, enhancing this timeless '90s country classic.

Tucker Wetmore, “Wind Up Missin' You”

Wetmore scored a viral hit with the catchy 'Wine Into Whisky', (which earned Wetmore his first Billboard Hot 100 entry) and followed up with what quickly became another early hit, 'Wind Up Missin' You'. Sonically, Wetmore's hip-hop-infused grooves have drawn comparisons to Morgan Wallen, while his vocal phrasing sometimes sounds like a copycat of Wallen. However, he weaves his own distinct personality through the song's poetic moments — particularly on this one, where his vocals rest on subtle guitar percussion.

Wetmore wrote “Wind Up Missin' You” with Thomas Archer and Chris La Corte. Although the song title here suggests a disappointment, the story arc finds him on the brink of a possible long-term romance as he tries to convince a woman at the bar that despite his ball-wearing exterior, his sights are set. for committed love, rather than a quick fix of jerky salvo. “I turned the page on my old self,” he sings. Wetmore looks to have another surefire hit on his hands.

Angel White, “Outlaw”

“I'm an outlaw and you can't catch me now,” this fifth-generation Texan boasts over stacked harmonies, as he sings about packing up and moving on after a breakup. Bluesy guitar seems to answer his calls, while heavily banded instrumentation and a slow groove set his smooth, soulful vocals to the fore. He's released a handful of tracks, including the emotional “Red Blanket,” and here he delves into his unique fusion of musical styles and emotions. “Outlaw” was written by Dwight A. Baker and Khalil Hall and is from White's upcoming album Ghost of the West.

The Lone Bellow, “Victory Garden”

In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the school shooting that took place at Nashville's Covenant School, which resulted in the loss of six lives, The Lone Bellow released this gorgeous, folky and raw ballad full of harmony that champions the work of healing and putting the good in the world as a means of shifting communities to a brighter place and sustaining ourselves. Elsewhere they sing, “Thus we sow the seeds in the garden of our victory/ Hands on the earth/ That the heart may not harden.”

Lone Bellow has partnered with the nonprofit Voices for a Safer Tennessee, with all proceeds from the song going to charity. The song was written by the band's Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin and Brian Elmquist along with Mikky Ekko.

Lola Kirke and Kaitlin Butts, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?”

Americana veterans Kirke and Butts put their own provocative spin on Paula Cole's 1997 hit “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” here. Kirke takes the lead, while the duo's voices blend beautifully, imbuing the lyrics with extra layers of sweetness and bite. The song will be available on 12-inch vinyl in select stores during Record Store Day on April 20.