6 New Country Songs You Must Hear: George Strait, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Ella Langley and more

This week marks the release of Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait's 31st studio album for MCA Nashville, Cowboys and Dreamers. Meanwhile, Ella Langley and Riley Green, who achieved viral success with their collaboration 'You Look Like You Love Me', reunite for a new song from Green's new album, while new music also features from Luke Bryan, Willow Avalon, Denitia and Joe Nichols.

See all this and more at Bulletin boardOur rundown of the week's best country songs and projects below.

George Strait, Cowboys and Dreamers

Narrow is 31^St The studio album comes after a period of serious personal loss in the Strait camp, including the death of longtime manager Erv Woolsey, as well as longtime fiddler and mandolinist Gene Elders, who had played with Strait since the 1980s. of 13 songs, with his warm vocals that avoid showmanship, Straight continues to prove why he's one of country music's most talented singers and songwriters (although Straight has also consistently contributed songwriting to his own albums, co-writing two songs of his last).

He also pays tribute to the late songwriter, artist and guitarist Keith Gattis on the album, recording a trio of Gattis-penned songs: the album's title track, along with “Wish I Could Say” and the Gattis-Guy Clark penned ” Rent.” Ahead of the release of “Rent,” Strait further signals his appreciation for the late Gatiss. Elsewhere, he pays tribute to the late Waylon Jennings with a version of “Waymore's Blues.” and delivers a love song like only Strait can on “To the Moon.” Through it all, Strait continues to cement his role in the genre as a model of enduring excellence.

Riley Green feat. Ella Langley, “Don't Mind If I Do”

Green recently appeared on Langley's song “You Look Like You Love Me,” which became a viral hit for both artists. Green returns the favor with Langley on his final song, a solo penned by Green—and it's no wonder, as they make for exciting collaborators and their voices mesh hard. Here, he is lonely and reminiscing about the bad days of a broken relationship. As his longing drives him, he asks for forgiveness if he decides to “drink the nerves and show up at your house.” The cracks in his burly voice bring out the nuances in the lyrics' unexpected twists, while Langley's languid drawl heightens the strains of desire that run throughout the song. The song is the title track of Green's upcoming album (due out in October).

Willow Avalon, “Homewrecker”

Newcomer Avalon turns Dolly Parton's “Jolene” on its head, answering the classic cheating song with this raucous mesh of prowling percussion and heavy, roadhouse guitars. “I'm just a girl who tried to take a man at his word,” she sings with a searing but airy drawl. Avalon, who wrote this song with Tofer Brown and JR Atkins, is quickly staking her claim as a promising newcomer.

Luke Bryan, “Country Song Came On”

As he prepares for his new album Mind of a Country Boyon Sept. 27, the two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year winner previews the project with one written by Ryan Beaver, Dan Alley and Neil Medley. This is still squarely within Bryan's musical wheelhouse, but the structural simplicity and narrative arc allow Bryan to use his conversational, narrative vocals to great effect. It nods to classic country music's decision-altering effects with the hook, “I wouldn't drink/ Then a country song came on.” The lyrics' precious nod to Earl Thomas Conley doesn't hurt, either.

Denitia, “Sunset Drive”

Named as part of CMT's 2024 Next Women of Country class, Denitia is releasing a new twelve-song project, marking Denitia's first since 2022 Motorways. “Everything's beautiful even when it's falling apart,” she sings on the title track, as intricate and breezy instrumental arrangements highlight her hazy vocals as she finds the positives even when a relationship falls apart. Denitia wrote with Brad Allen Williams.

Joe Nichols, “Doin' Life With You”

Nichols continues his penchant for pouring his light-hearted vocals over tales of the highs and lows of everyday love in this new song, off his upcoming album Honky Tonks and Country Songswhich is released on October 25. A solo penned by Jimmy Yeary (“I Drive Your Truck”), this new song offers a stark look at the result of a love that has endured trials, life's unexpected twists and mundane moments, all adding up to a cemented bond between two lovers. The song is similar to the 2022 release “Good Day for Living,” while Nichols remains one of country music's most consistent, indelible singers.