Five songs, five very different reasons to press play this weekend.

Today is a day of remembrance. Before we get into the new releases, I wanted to start with a song that has meant so much to so many people for 25 years.

Let’s get into it!

1. ALAN JACKSON — “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)”

Today, we remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and all of the families whose lives were changed forever.

We will always be grateful to Alan Jackson for giving us this song — one that helps us remember, reflect and hold space for a day our country will never forget.

Some songs become part of history. This is one of them.

2. ERIN KIRBY — “Cross My Mind”

Erin Kirby’s “Cross My Mind” is the kind of song that feels like a little sunshine coming through the window.

We all have that person who pops into our minds out of nowhere — maybe it is an old memory, maybe it is a song, maybe it is just one of those random moments that takes you right back.

Erin takes that feeling and makes it sound light, sweet and impossible not to sing along with.

This one is going straight onto my weekend playlist. Roll the windows down and turn it up!

3. CRAIG WAYNE BOYD & TAYLOR BOYD — “Here For”

Craig and Taylor joined me on the podcast a couple of months ago, so seeing their first release together out in the world feels extra special!

“Here For” is one of those songs that feels warm from the very first listen. There is something really sweet about hearing a husband and wife make music together — especially when you can tell they are having fun doing it.

Craig has always had that big country voice we all fell in love with, but this one feels personal in a different way.

It is a little love letter, a little promise and exactly the kind of song you want to send to someone you are thankful to have in your corner.

Congratulations, y’all. We love this one! 🩷

4. BARRETT BABER — “One Morning in June“

Barrett Baber has had a big couple of weeks around here! He has joined me on the podcast twice now, and I am so excited to see this beautiful new project out in the world.

One Morning in June is a five-song collection Barrett made with Dennis Drummond and Haydel, and it has that raw, sit-around-a-microphone-and-play-what-you-love kind of magic.

You can hear the friendship in it. You can hear the musicianship in it. And you can tell nobody was trying too hard to make it anything other than real.

The last track, “Easy Like Sunday Morning Acoustic,” is such a good reminder of why some songs never get old. Give it a listen, then go catch up on Barrett’s first podcast episode and his most recent visit with us.

5. MELANIE DYER — “If She Only Knew”

Okay, this one is not technically a new song — but it is new to me, and that absolutely counts!

I recently discovered Melanie Dyer at The Listening Room, and y’all know how much I love finding an artist in a room like that and immediately needing to know everything about them. Her voice, her energy, her songwriting… all of it pulled me in.

“If She Only Knew” is one of those songs that makes you stop mid-conversation and ask, “Wait, who is this?”

The best part? Melanie will be joining me on the podcast in a couple of weeks, so consider this your heads-up to get familiar now. You are going to love her!

Five songs. Five very different stories. One weekend playlist you need to hear.

Which one are you playing first?
Let me know over on Instagram or Facebook—and don’t forget to send me the new releases you think deserve a spot on next week’s list.
Happy New Music Friday, y’all!