It’s New Music Friday, and we’ve rounded up some of our absolute favorites dropping this week.

I missed my own deadline last week, so we’re adding a couple of releases from last week to this week’s list! As always, don’t forget to save our Summer Playlist on Spotify to have all of these songs waiting for you!

1. AVA CLAIRE — Honestly EP

Ava Claire found a way to make an omnichord sound so cool on the title track of this EP, and I’m honestly here for it.

Her lyrics make me feel like Taylor Swift and James Taylor had a love child and named her Ava Claire.

This album is raw. It’s hard to believe a 19 year old wrote these songs. My immediate favorite on the EP was “The Cliff.” This was the song that made me head straight to Instagram and follow for more.

But after I listened to every song, I had a hard time picking a favorite. Then I saw her play these songs live, and I decided I couldn’t pick a favorite. I was just fully aboard the Ava Claire bandwagon.

2. **LEANNA CRAWFORD *— Thank God***

Y’all – this album is perfect. From “Water Into Wine” to “Thank God” and “Borrow Mine,” you’ll feel so healed by this album.

This earned the #2 spot on my list this week because we all need the words to these songs.

If you want to start your mornings with gratitude and joy, this is your new favorite album.

3. **CARTER FAITH (with Laci Kaye Booth and Baby Nova) *— Pearl Handed Pistol***

“But my love comes with a warning, and that’s a label you ought to read.”

Let’s be real – we’ve all been waiting on this one since they dropped the first clip on Instagram.

And it does not disappoint. What more can I say? Cherry Valley Forever.

4. PATRICK DRONEY — Made You Look

Do not wait to buy tickets to an upcoming Patrick Droney show. Trust me – this is a Stephen Wilson, Jr. situation if there ever was one.

One day, he’s an incredible artist with a small but mighty following. Then, seemingly overnight, everyone will be talking about him. I’m calling it now – if we could bet on artists like gamblers bet on horses, I’d be all in on Patrick Droney.

My early faves from this album: “Manhattan,” “Math of Us,” and “Maybe This Time Around.” But do yourself a favor and listen to this start to finish with no interruptions. It deserves that moment.

I spent the week fully immersed in his previous albums, going all the way back to his 2019 self-titled EP. It’s like having wine with an old friend you haven’t seen in awhile…and you just can’t wait until the next time you get to catch up.

So I’ve been impatiently waiting for Made You Look. “Back In My Body” feels very Noah Kahan, Lumineers, John Mayer, and Jack Johnson. Yes, I really do hear all of that. And of course the highly anticipated track, “Math of Us,” features Kelsea Ballerini. I’m already hoping she joins him on stage at the Ryman in September.

Patrick, this album is a masterpiece. I need you to come on the podcast and talk about it immediately!

5. MASON RAMSEY — Hey There Trouble

Mason Ramsey has a sound that is instantly recognizable as his. And he does it again with “Hey There Trouble.”

This song is summer nostalgia in one song (and an adorable video).

Written by Ramsey alongside Stella Lefty, JKash (Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night”), KThrash (Machine Gun Kelly, Blink 182), and Dalton Diehl, the track blends his signature traditional country roots with an easygoing, modern charm, offering the perfect introduction to his forthcoming sophomore album, Outlaw in Love, arriving August 14.

6. ANDREW MARTINEZ — Always Been You

Andrew Martinez is new on my radar this year, but he continues to deliver great music and this single is no exception.

I love the grit in his voice, and the emotions of the lyrics pull you in.

Andrew wrote this one on his own, and I feel confident you’ll connect with the heart of this song.

7. LEWIS BRICE — Dyin’ to Dance

This one had me from the first note. Southern rock vibes and perfect vocals – and it’s worth pointing out that I went straight to the song credits because I needed to know who was on this track.

I wasn’t surprised that the producers and musicians on this one are some of the best in Nashville – you feel it from the first drum beat all the way through that banjo and fiddle at the end. This one is going to carry us right through to fall.

Looking forward to having Lewis on the podcast in a couple of weeks. I’ve been following his career since I saw him play the Key West Songwriters Festival in 2005!