Blake Shelton is back with a new studio album after nearly four years with For Recreational Use Only, his debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, due out May 9.
The new project has already produced the top 10 hit single “Texas,” and also includes the brand new track “Let Him In Anyway,” out today (March 14), an emotionally gripping ballad written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark and Carson Wallace about a man hoping for divine forgiveness for a lost friend who was just shy of redemption.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” says Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
For Recreational Use Only‘s 12 tracks capture life’s highs and lows with authentic storytelling and raw emotion, and the collection features guest appearances from Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Shelton’s longtime friend/tourmate Craig Morgan. Songwriters contributing to the new album include Hardy, Charles Kelley, Zach Crowell, David Lee Murphy, the Swon Brothers, Josh Osborne and more.
“It’s been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” says Shelton. “Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”
For Recreational Use Only Track List:
1. “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” – (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)
2. “Texas” – (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. “Hangin’ On” (feat. Gwen Stefani) – (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. “Strangers” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “Let Him In Anyway” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. “Heaven Sweet Home” (feat. Craig Morgan) – (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. “Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast” – (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “Don’t Mississippi” – (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. “All of My Love” – (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. “Cold Can” – (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. “The Keys” – (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. “Years” (feat. John Anderson) – (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)
Ruston Kelly Goes ‘Dirt Emo’ Again
/by Madison HahnenRuston Kelly has released his newest project Dirt Emo, Vol. 2 via Rounder Records today (March 14). The EP features five Kelly covers of well known hits, including American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor of the Weak.”
“‘Flavor of the Weak’ may be the quintessence of my belief that pop punk/emo songs are just new age/angsty folk tunes,” shares Kelly. “So ping pongy in its catchiness, and so simple melodically and thematically. Like something that could easily be passed on by campfire, or like walking in Kenwood Mall with your friends after school. I used to listen to this song when I had a crush on a girl in high school, and she was dating like the shittiest dudes ever.”
The project also includes the previously released cover of Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” and Kelly’s take on Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” featuring Annie DiRusso. Also included on Dirt Emo, Vol. 2 are the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Slide” and Yellowcard’s “Only One.”
Kelly hosted two sold-out “Dirt Emo Nights” at Nashville’s The Basement East on March 10 and 11 to celebrate the release, featuring special guests Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), Judah Akers (Judah & the Lion), Tommy Prine, Katie Pruitt and DiRusso.
Dirt Emo, Vol.2 Track List:
1. “Flavor Of The Week” (Stacy Jones)
2. “Sand In My Boots” (Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy)
3. “Complicated” (feat. Annie DiRusso) (Avril Lavigne, Graham Edwards, Lauren Christy, Scott Spock)
4. “Only One” (Benjamin Eric Harper, Longineu Warren Parsons III, Peter Michael Mosely, Sean Michael Wellman-Mackin, William Ryan Key)
5. “Slide” (John Rzeznik)
Blake Shelton’s New Album ‘For Recreational Use Only’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton is back with a new studio album after nearly four years with For Recreational Use Only, his debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, due out May 9.
The new project has already produced the top 10 hit single “Texas,” and also includes the brand new track “Let Him In Anyway,” out today (March 14), an emotionally gripping ballad written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark and Carson Wallace about a man hoping for divine forgiveness for a lost friend who was just shy of redemption.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” says Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
For Recreational Use Only‘s 12 tracks capture life’s highs and lows with authentic storytelling and raw emotion, and the collection features guest appearances from Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Shelton’s longtime friend/tourmate Craig Morgan. Songwriters contributing to the new album include Hardy, Charles Kelley, Zach Crowell, David Lee Murphy, the Swon Brothers, Josh Osborne and more.
“It’s been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” says Shelton. “Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”
For Recreational Use Only Track List:
1. “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” – (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)
2. “Texas” – (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. “Hangin’ On” (feat. Gwen Stefani) – (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. “Strangers” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “Let Him In Anyway” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. “Heaven Sweet Home” (feat. Craig Morgan) – (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. “Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast” – (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “Don’t Mississippi” – (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. “All of My Love” – (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. “Cold Can” – (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. “The Keys” – (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. “Years” (feat. John Anderson) – (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)
The Gatlin Brothers Kick Off 70th Anniversary Celebration Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Brandon Wood
The Gatlin Brothers officially kicked off their “70th Anniversary Tour” on March 8 with a concert in their hometown of Abilene, Texas.
The March 8 show was on the exact date their musical journey first began in 1955 when Larry was only six, Steve was four and Rudy was just two years old. The “70th Anniversary Tour” is set to travel to Myrtle Beach, Beaumont, Santa Fe, Branson and many more.
“For the last 70 years, I have been greatly blessed and highly favored to make music with my two best friends, Steve and Rudy,” says Larry Gatlin. “It’s been a great run and it ain’t over, boys. Let’s keep doing this until just before we start stinkin’ up the joint and not one minute longer. See y’all at sound check. Love, Larry Wayne.”
Last week, the country singers were featured on Fox & Friends in honor of this milestone.
Tickets and tour dates are available here.
Thelma & James Sign With Big Loud Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), Jake Etheridge, MacKenzie Porter and Joey Moi (Partner / Producer / President of A&R, Big Loud); (L-R, back row): Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud), Eric England (SVP of Insights & Analytics, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (EVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Global Marketing & Strategy, Big Loud Records), Trisha McClanahan (Manager, McClanahan Management), Autumn House Tallant (A&R, Red Light Management), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Paul Logan (SVP of Sync and Brand Partnerships, Big Loud Records), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Corey Brewer (VP of Media and PR, Big Loud Records) and Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Rising duo Thelma & James has signed with Big Loud Records.
The duo is comprised of married singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, whose first co-write in over a decade “Happy Ever After You,” released in January. The song evolved organically from an impromptu video that garnered millions of views overnight and earned praise from fellow artists like John Mayer, Luke Combs, Brandi Carlile and more, garnering nearly 20 million listens in just two months. Today the pair are releasing their second-ever offering, “First Love,” and are currently in the studio with plans for more new music to follow.
“The most gratifying part of my job is seeing artists come together to create something special that instantly connects with listeners,” Big Loud Partner/CEO Seth England shares. “It’s even better when those artists are as kind, talented and hard-working as MacKenzie and Jake. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to Big Loud as a duo and we’re thrilled for what’s to come.”
“Jake and I are so excited to sign our new project Thelma & James to Big Loud Records,” shares Porter, who is also a solo artist on the Big Loud roster. “Big Loud has believed and invested in me over the years and I wouldn’t wanna start this new chapter with anyone else.”
UMG Nashville Releases Soundtrack For Paramount+ Series ‘Landman’
/by John Nix ArledgeUniversal Music Group Nashville has unveiled the original series soundtrack for the Paramount+ series Landman, featuring an original score by composer Andrew Lockington (San Andreas, Rampage).
Set in the boomtowns of West Texas, Landman follows a high-stakes world of oil and fortune-seeking among roughnecks and billionaires. The series soundtrack promises to capture the same intensity alongside the vast Texas landscape where it unfolds. The series stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michael Peña, Jon Hamm and Demi Moore.
“The music of Landman aims to be honest, raw, exposed, and above all else…human,” shares Lockington. “For music to serve as a carrier wave for emotion, we need to recognize that there’s emotion in the melody, the notes, the breaths, the squeaks of the fingers on the fretboard of the guitar and even the poignant pauses in the humming. Those nuances are what we tried to capture and preserve to best represent the world of Landman.”
Landman Original Series Soundtrack Track List:
1. “Landman Main Title”
2. “Faster Ways To Die”
3. “Death Rattle”
4. “Second Chances”
5. “Wind Turbines”
6. “I’ll Never Quit You”
7. “Boomtown Crude”
8. “On All Fours”
9. “Desire”
10. “In Your Heart”
11. “Ghosts”
12. “Up Early”
13. “Not The Last One”
14. “Crimson Blood”
15. “Wolf Song”
16. “Monday Morning”
17. “To Live A Life”
18. “He Did Good”
19. “Executing The Plan”
20. “Memories”
21. “Place In My Heart”
22. “Fields Of Sorrow”
23. “All I Saw Is You”
Blake Shelton’s ‘Texas’ Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeBlake Shelton rises to the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “Texas.”
The song is Shelton’s first new solo single since 2023’s “No Body,” and was written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman. “Texas” also marks Shelton’s lead single from his BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville debut album, For Recreational Use Only, which he announced today (March 14).
Last month, Shelton wrapped up his first-ever residency at The Colosseum At Caesars Palace.
“Texas” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Miranda Lambert Celebrates 20 Years Of ‘Kerosene’
/by LB CantrellMiranda Lambert is marking the 20th anniversary of Kerosene—the album that launched her into country music stardom—with a special milestone release. To celebrate, she’s sharing “I Don’t Love Here Anymore,” a never-before-released track from the original album sessions, out today (March 14). On April 25, Kerosene will be available on vinyl for the first time ever.
Released on March 15, 2005, Kerosene debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and later earned Platinum certification from the RIAA. The breakthrough record set the tone for the career that followed—one that’s cemented Lambert as the most-awarded artist in ACM history. Her latest album, Postcards from Texas, became her 10th consecutive top 10 project.
“This album changed everything for me,” Lambert shares of Kerosene. “It’s where my journey truly began, and I can hardly believe it’s been 20 years. Releasing Kerosene on vinyl for the first time—and sharing a never-before-heard song from that era—feels incredibly special. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it and relive the fire that started it all!”
The anniversary release comes on the heels of Lambert’s newest single, “Run,” which hit country radio on Feb. 24, picking up 73 first-week adds. This year, the three-time Grammy winner will join Morgan Wallen for select stadium dates on his “I’m The Problem Tour,” while headlining festival slots and solo shows across the country, including Two Step Inn, Country Stampede, Lakefront Music Fest and Field & Stream Music Fest.
Industry Ink: Megan Moroney, John Fogerty, Sam Barber, More
/by Lorie HollabaughMegan Moroney Helps Uber & Waymo Celebrate SXSW
Megan Moroney performs at Uber And Waymo Celebrate SXSW at The High Road on Dawson on March 10, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Photo: Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Uber and Waymo
Megan Moroney recently performed at Uber and Waymo’s SXSW Celebration on March 10. Moroney sang her standout hits including the anthemic “Am I Okay?,” “No Caller ID” and breakout No. 1 “Tennessee Orange,” just days before embarking on her sold-out “Am I Okay? Tour.” The evening also welcomed an array of special guests, including Xandra Pohl, Reece Feldman, Alex Bennett, Jenna Palek and more.
BMI Presents John Fogerty SXSW Show At Stubb’s
BMI’s Mitch Ballard and Nina Carter, John Fogerty, BMI’s Mason Hunter and Samantha Cox at Stubb’s in Austin, Texas on March 11, 2025. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
BMI presented a special evening of Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and BMI Icon John Fogerty at Stubb’s in Austin during SXSW. In appreciation of his Texas fanbase and as a precursor to his Keynote conversation with fellow Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tom Morello on March 12, Fogerty played several of his iconic hits including “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” “How You Ever Seen The Rain?” and more. Before wrapping up the evening, he surprised fans by welcoming Morello to the stage, who joined him in performing “Travelin’ Band” and “Proud Mary.”
Sam Barber Performs On CBS Saturday Morning’s ‘Saturday Sessions’
Singer-songwriter Sam Barber recently delivered a three-song set on CBS Saturday Morning’s Saturday Sessions. His performance included renditions of his Billboard Hot 100 anthem “Indigo,” the newly double-Platinum “Straight and Narrow” and “Better Year,” which shined as a fan-favorite on Paramount’s Yellowstone.
Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, More Set To Play ‘Rock Fore! Dough’ Concert
Brett Young, Russell Dickerson, Channing Wilson, The Mason Jars and DJ Rock are set to perform at the 21st annual “Drive for Show, Rock Fore! Dough Concert” on Masters Tuesday, April 8 at Lady A Pavilion in Evans Towne Center Park in Evans, Georgia. One hundred percent of the proceeds from “Drive for Show, Rock Fore! Dough” benefit First Tee – Augusta.
Over the years, the concerts have raised $1.8 million, and since its inception in 1997, The First Tee Network has opened over 175 learning facilities worldwide, established over 335 affiliate relationships with existing golf courses, and introduced over 2.3 million young people to the game of golf and its inherent positive values.
Reckless Kelly Named Texas Music Chart Awards Entertainers Of The Year
Reckless Kelly
Americana/outlaw country rockers Reckless Kelly were named Entertainers of The Year at the inaugural 2025 Texas Music Chart Awards. The virtual ceremony, held on March 8, honored some of the biggest names in Texas music, with Reckless Kelly being honored with the night’s biggest award. The win is a testament to the band’s unwavering influence on the scene and the success of their new album The Last Frontier, which has already spawned two, multi-week No. 1 singles at Texas radio.
Weekly Register: Zach Top, Sam Barber & Avery Anna Debut On Country Charts
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Zach Top, Sam Barber, Avery Anna
Morgan Wallen maintains the top position on the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 album One Thing At A Time accrued 42K in total consumption (1.1K album only and 53 million song streams) and his latest song “I’m The Problem,” remains in the No. 1 position on the songs chart with 13 million streams.
Further down the albums chart, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album stays in the No. 2 spot earning 30K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion at No. 3 with 24K in total consumption, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken at No. 4 with 19K and, new on the chart this week, Zach Top‘s Cold Beer & Country Music with 18K.
On the songs chart, Shaboozey remains at No. 2 with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 12 million streams adding to one billion, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 12 million streams, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” at No. 4 with 11 million streams and Sam Barber and Avery Anna eclipse Wallen at No. 5 with “Indigo” accruing 9 million streams.
‘An Acoustic Evening For Autism’ Benefit Moves To Nashville Palace
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Autism Awareness Foundation is moving their 2nd Annual fundraising event “An Acoustic Evening For Autism” to the Nashville Palace on April 1 due to increased demand.
Established last year by Christian country singer-songwriter Doug Mathis, the 2025 event will showcase acoustic performances by Darryl Worley, T. Graham Brown, John Berry, Jamie O’Neal, Minnie Murphy, Mathis and several surprise guests, with evening hosted by Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame personality Devon O’Day.
All proceeds will benefit Vanderbilt Kennedy Center’s Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (VKC TRIAD) in Nashville. General admission tickets are available now.
“Given last year’s successful launch we have decided to move our largest fundraiser event to a larger venue, to accommodate a larger crowd,” says Mathis. “Beyond that, the Nashville Palace is a legendary country music venue that also will increase our production capabilities as we plan to grow this into an annual event.”