New Country and Americana Albums: August 23, 2024

We’ve come to the end of another long workweek and have received another stack of new country and Americana albums as our reward. This week’s list of new releases includes some highly-anticipated follow-up albums, some debuts, and plenty of great roots music.

Of course, the star of today’s list of releases is the new album from country superstar Lainey Wilson. However, that doesn’t mean there’s only one new album worth spinning today. This hefty list includes plenty of records worthy of repeat play. For instance, the new one from The Grascals is perfect for those looking for some new bluegrass. Then, there’s the great new project from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings.

It seems like today is a day for strong women. Around a dozen of the new albums below come from the ladies of country and Americana. So, it comes as no surprise that this week’s standout releases both come from highly talented women—Lainey Wilson and Maggie Antone.

Anyone who thought Lainey Wilson was a flash in the pan will have to eat a healthy helping of humble pie after hearing Whirlwind. This new album sees the country star at her best. Wilson shows several sides of herself throughout the record’s 14 tracks. Smart songwriting and traditional country arrangements dominate the tracklist. Even at its most pop-leaning Whirlwind, like Wilson, is country to the core.

Standout Tracks: “Keeping Up with Jones”, “Broken Hearts Still Beat”, “Counting Chickens”

Maggie Antone released a covers album titled Interpretations in 2022. With that release, her voice drew in countless listeners. Today, she released Rhinestoned, her first collection of original songs. Antone wrote or co-wrote all ten tracks on the new album, proving she’s more than just an impressive vocalist.

Rhinestoned is the perfect introduction to an artist who has the potential to be country music’s next big thing. Antone balances vulnerability, longing, and sadness with lighthearted tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the tracklist, proving her versatility as an artist early on.

Standout Tracks: “High Standards”, “Suburban Outlaw”, “Meant to Meet”

New Country and Americana Albums for August 23, 2024