Seven new songs, seven completely different reasons to press play — and every one of them belongs on your weekend playlist.

This week, we have a debut album from an artist I’m calling right now, a perfect blend of 90s grunge and dreamy lyrics, an “we’re over but we’re not over” anthem, country music made for the Opry stage, strong female Texas energy and a tearjerker that proves exactly why country music is the genre of storytelling.

Let’s get into it!

1. LANDON SMITH – “Don’t Mind Me” (debut album)

Y’all – buy your merch and call yourself a Landon Smith fan right dang now!

Remember when we all learned about Mumford & Sons, Noah Kahan, or King of Leon?

This is like this – but maybe bigger. I’m seriously calling this now. Landon is one to watch.

I’ll be playing this one nonstop until I learn every word to every song. Don’t mind me…I’m just over here discovering my latest music obsession!

2. LOU RIDLEY – “Good Bad Day”

Lou writes songs we love, but more than that, she gives us songs we need.

She penned this one with Frances Litterski and John Frank, and it is literally perfect. It’s all sweet and then Lou hits us with the spicy in a way you almost miss – until that second verse comes around.

Lou – I love you! This is perfect. It really is!

In case you missed it, Lou was on the show recently.

You can catch that episode here.

3. CHERRY VANCE – “Try You Again”

If you like Gracie Abrams and Phoebe but also like that 90s grunge sound that takes you back to the days you were listening to bands like Bush and Nirvana on a CD, Cherry Vance is for you.

And if that doesn’t make any sense to you, just trust me on this one. From a lyrics perspective, “Try You Again” is perfect.

These lyrics are so good, they would work with or without music. But the chord progression and harmonies in this song are what takes this one to the next level.

Cherry Vance, you have a new fan in me with this track! Can’t wait to dig into your catalog!

4. CHASE WRIGHT – “Over Tonight”

This is officially my favorite Chase Wright song! This is the ultimate “we’re over but we’re not over” song.

This one will have you looking for an excuse to open the wine and call your ex…or just reminisce about the times you’ve done exactly that.

Chase, we love you, and we love this. You just keep upping your game, and we’re here for it!

5. MIKE THOMAS – “Echoes” (album)

If you like Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, and Tim McGraw, this one is for you! My early favorite is “I Know A Guy.”

I want to hear this one on the Opry stage – it just belongs in that room. Let’s manifest that together!

Mike is on That Nashville Girl show today so go check it out and get to know Mike. He will inspire you AND make you laugh.

Congrats on the album, Mike. And make sure you tell the band they sound great on every song!

6. SUMMER OVERSTREET – “Take Her Outta Texas”

You might not know Summer (YET) but you already know her music.

She’s written songs, such as “Phone Keys Wallet” for Lainey Wilson and “3-2-1” for Tucker Wetmore.

And this year she’s been releasing music of her own that feels like we’re really getting to know Summer as an artist. “Take Her Outta Texas” feels like it would be right at home on a playlist with Miranda, Kacey, Ella, and Lainey.

Strong female energy with vibes that feel like West Texas meets East Nashville, this one will have you hitting repeat before it’s over.

7. HAYDEN COFFMAN – “Two Story Houses”

I put this on the list before Hayden finished singing the first line. It’s that good!

Warning: get ready to feel this one in a very real way because it is a tearjerker for sure! We may all need a group therapy session, but it’s totally worth it.

Songs like this are why country music is the genre of storytelling.

Seven new songs, seven completely different reasons to press play — and every one of them belongs on your weekend playlist.

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!