Lainey Wilson’s Fifth Album: A Whirlwind Journey Through Life, Love, and Stardom

Taking us into the eye of the storm, Lainey Wilson has released her fifth studio album titled Whirlwind. This album marks an evolution in her sound and writing, appropriately coinciding with her rising stardom in the country music scene. Wilson has devoted 12 years of hard work in Music City, far from being an overnight success. Her dedication is evident in this new release.

Hailing from Louisiana, Wilson is known for her retro style and signature bell bottom pants, and these influences are woven throughout the funky, soulful sound of Whirlwind. I’ve been following Wilson since her self-titled EP in 2018, and it’s been wonderful to witness her growth as an artist. This album is arguably her most cohesive and impressive body of work, reflecting all aspects of her identity as a musician and a person.

An interesting facet of Whirlwind is the number of love songs. Wilson revealed she found someone worth writing about, adding a fresh dimension to her music. As always, Wilson shines as a songwriter and storyteller, a quality that’s unmistakable in every track. She attributed this to learning to trust herself more, as she shared in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1. Touring extensively worldwide allowed her to see how much people have in common, helping her stay true to her roots while not being afraid to experiment and grow.

Wilson’s pride in Whirlwind is palpable. She describes the album as mirroring her life changing "at 190 miles an hour," reflecting her rapid ascent in the industry. The mixture of songs on this 14-track record captures various themes, from love songs inspired by her relationship with Duck Hodges, to the humorous and catchy "Ring Finger". The depth in her songs is remarkable, with tracks like "Devil Don’t Go There" delving into heartbreak with striking honesty, and "Middle Of It" encouraging dreamers to keep their eyes on their goals.

The closing track, "Whiskey Colored Crayon," is a standout. Co-written with Josh Kear and Wyatt McCubbin, this song is both timeless and heart-wrenching, a must-have for any genuine country artist. Wilson’s ability to address tough topics in a relatable way is likely to make this a quick fan favorite.

Pre-released tracks such as "Country’s Cool Again," "Good Horses," "Hang Tight Honey," and "4x4xU" are also stellar additions to the album. Wilson, whom I once noted as the "next big thing in country music," has proven herself to be just that. Despite her rapid rise, which includes magazine covers and winning various awards—among them a Grammy—she has remained true to her Louisiana roots.

Whirlwind represents more than just a new album; it’s a testimony to Wilson’s journey, shaped by challenges and growth. The result is a no-skips album that is authentically Lainey and deeply rooted in country tradition. Below are a few of my early favorites from the album, but the entire record is worth a listen.

"Whirlwind"
"Whirlwind"
"Counting Chickens"
"Counting Chickens"
"Ring Finger"
"Ring Finger"
"Middle Of It"
"Middle Of It"
"Devil Don’t Go There"
"Devil Don’t Go There"
"Whiskey Colored Crayon"
"Whiskey Colored Crayon"

Whirlwind tracklist:

1. Keep Up With Jones (Lainey Wilson, Josh Kear, Wyatt McCubbin)
2. Country’s Cool Again (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Aslan Freeman)
3. Good Horses (feat. Miranda Lambert) (Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick)
4. Broken Hearts Still Beat (Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Josh Thompson, Blake Pendergrass)
5. Whirlwind (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
6. Call A Cowboy (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
7. Hang Tight Honey (Lainey Wilson, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Paul Sikes)
8. Bar In Baton Rouge (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Kasey Tyndall, Jason Nix)
9. Counting Chickens (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Josh Kear, Dallas Wilson, Jon Decious)
10. 4x4xU (Lainey Wilson, Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere)
11. Ring Finger (Lainey Wilson, Aaron Raitiere, Marti Dodson, Jon Decious)
12. Middle Of It (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
13. Devil Don’t Go There (Lainey Wilson, Abram Dean, Lance Miller, Joe Fox)
14. Whiskey Colored Crayon (Lainey Wilson, Josh Kear, Wyatt McCubbin)

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