Country music icon Dwight Yoakam returns with Brighter Days, his first album of new music in nearly a decade. This release showcases not only Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk flair but also a more introspective side, inspired by his journey as a husband and family man. The album feels like a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of simpler moments, wrapped in Yoakam’s timeless blend of traditional and modern country sounds.

The album kicks off with “Wide Open Heart,” an upbeat, twangy anthem that channels Yoakam’s classic sound. It’s a song of love and commitment, where he opens up about finding strength in vulnerability. The track sets the tone for the album with its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, reminding fans why Yoakam’s voice and style remain so compelling.

The album progresses with Yoakam’s iconic insight to honky tonk and country music highlighting every track before “A Dream That Never Ends” slows things down, bringing a reflective, almost wistful energy. Yoakam’s vocals feel particularly emotive here, as he sings about cherishing the present moment.

Brighter Days also features three intriguing cover songs that showcase Yoakam’s ability to blend influences from across genres. The Carter Family’s “Keep On The Sunny Side” is a tribute to classic country, bringing a comforting sense of nostalgia. Cake’s “Bound Away” introduces an indie flair, and Yoakam’s take on Chris Hillman’s “Time Between” pays homage to The Byrds’ roots-rock legacy, infusing it with his own honky-tonk twist.

The standout track on Brighter Days has to be “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye,” a surprise duet with Post Malone. This unexpected pairing works beautifully, as Yoakam’s rich, earthy tone complements Malone’s raw, emotional delivery. Together, they fuse generations and highlight one’s legendary status in country music and the others respectful and soulful homage which makes this one of the standouts not only on this album, but also of 2024.

Throughout Brighter Days, Yoakam’s lyrics reflect his personal growth and new perspectives. The themes of love, family, and finding light in dark times are woven through each song, creating a cohesive narrative that feels genuine and heartfelt. After nine years, Yoakam’s return with Brighter Days reminds us of his undeniable talent for storytelling and his unique ability to bridge the old and the new in country music. Fans of Yoakam will find plenty to love in this album, which not only celebrates his legacy but also signals a new chapter in his life and career.

Australian honky tonk troubadour James Ellis has delivered a gem with his latest album, The Party Might Be Over. Packed with sharp storytelling and genuine emotion, Ellis brings his signature blend of wit and heart to this record, capturing the essence of honky tonk while giving it his own unique twist. Recorded remotely between Melbourne and Nashville during the pandemic, this album is a testament to Ellis’s dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt and thrive even in challenging times.

Ellis’s voice is at its finest in Lonely, Sad and Blue, one of the standout tracks on the album. It’s a soulful exploration of heartache that channels the spirit of classic honky tonk but with a modern sensitivity. Ellis’s rich, emotive voice brings out the raw pain in the lyrics, while the subtle twang of steel guitar gives the song a timeless feel. It’s the kind of track that feels both intimate and universal—a tune that makes you want to drown your sorrows in a dimly lit bar, yet find solace in knowing you’re not alone in your heartache.

Another highlight is the cheeky Don’t Drink By Yourself (If You Can’t Be Drunk Alone), a honky tonk anthem with a wink. The song combines clever, playful lyrics with an infectious rhythm, creating a tune that’s both entertaining and oddly comforting. It’s a lighthearted reminder not to take life too seriously, with an upbeat energy that’s impossible to resist. The rhythm section, recorded by some of Nashville’s top talent, drives this track with precision, adding to its barroom charm. This song is honky tonk at its best—fun, relatable, and brimming with personality.

Producer Micah Hulscher, known for his work with top Nashville acts, deserves immense credit for shaping the album’s sound. Hulscher brought together a stellar lineup of Nashville musicians, including legends like Fats Kaplin, Chris Scruggs, and Lillie Mae, who added their own magic to Ellis’s songs. Recorded at the legendary Creative Workshop Studios in Nashville, the album has a warm, rich sound that makes it feel like a live honky tonk performance, even though it was recorded remotely. The musicianship on each track is flawless, supporting Ellis’s storytelling with nuanced, heartfelt instrumentation.

The Party Might Be Over marks a significant evolution for James Ellis since his previous album, Country Lion. While Country Lion showcased his talent and raw potential, this new album feels more polished, more intentional, and more self-assured. Ellis has refined his voice and his storytelling, creating songs that are both relatable and timeless. He’s moved beyond the role of honky tonk storyteller to become a true artist, delivering songs that feel authentic and memorable.

In The Party Might Be Over, James Ellis has crafted an album that celebrates the highs and lows of life with humor, heart, and a whole lot of soul. It’s a must-listen for fans of honky tonk and classic country, and a promising indication of even greater things to come from this talented Australian singer-songwriter.

Listen to the Country HQ Spotlight On Podcast with James Ellis.

A showcase for Midland’s skill in fusing classic country elements with contemporary sensibilities, “Barely Blue”—produced by the legendary Dave Cobb—contributes to the band’s unified and introspective discography.

Song number one on the album, “Lucky Sometimes,” establishes the mood for the whole thing. The album’s profound lyrics and powerful emotional resonance are brought to light by the song’s spare production, which lets the band’s harmonies sing out. Embracing serendipity and the bittersweetness of life’s unexpected twists and turns, the lyrics, “Sometimes, you just get lucky and you don’t ask why / It’s like falling up to heaven and coming up a seven / Every time you roll the dice,” encapsulate the qualities of the song.

The album’s title tune, “Barely Blue,” is one of its memorable moments. It takes a sombre, contemplative look at loss and perseverance, drawing on Midland’s long-embraced sound that was influenced by George Strait. with crisp and interwoven harmonies give the song a deeper meaning, which is both sad and hopeful. Like the rest of the album, this song showcases Midland’s talent for writing music that sounds as good now as it did decades ago.

With its beautiful guitar intro and heartwarming promise of new love, “Better Than A Memory” is another standout. With its upbeat tempo, catchy choruses, and wistful, nostalgic mood, “Vegas” puts a modern spin on the old “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” story .

“Baby It’s You” showcases Midland’s adaptability and desire to explore diverse sounds while the song’s silky vocals and Bee Gees-inspired beat set it apart. The trio’s distinctive harmonies are front and centre on the heartfelt “Old Fashioned Feeling”, setting the mood for a welcoming and comforting listening experience.

“Halfway to Heaven” and “Lone Star State of Mind,” the album’s last two songs, are among its best. “Halfway to Heaven” evokes the music of Waylon Jennings and provides a sparkling slice of country tradition that is at once familiar and new. Mark Wystrach’s powerful lead vocals are on full display in the final track, “Lone Star State of Mind,” a moving and emotionally packed tune. It is one of Midland’s finest songs ever recorded due to its acoustic-driven melody and emotional lyrics.

“Barely Blue” has a few gripes, one of which is its length. There are eight songs on the album, which isn’t very long and leaves listeners wanting more. The album would have felt more finished with a couple of extra tracks, even though the song quality is very excellent. Nevertheless, this small criticism does not diminish the album’s overall influence.

Many consider “Barely Blue” to be the album that really set Midland apart from her peers. With a more mature and contemplative sound that is cohesive and engaging, it is less chaotic than some of their past work. The album delves further into the band’s conventional influences while simultaneously venturing into new musical realms, creating a set of songs that can be played again and again, revealing new nuances and layers with every listen .

On “Barely Blue”, Midland have captured the band’s development as artists and chronicles their journey over the last decade. The album exemplifies Midland’s talent for making music that stands the test of time with its combination of classic country elements and contemporary production. It is layered in emotional depth and complexity, whilst still staying true to the bands signature mature approach to country music.