6 Must-Hear New Country Songs: George Strait, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Ella Langley & More

This week marks the release of Country Music Hall of Famer George Strait ’s 31st studio album for MCA Nashville, Cowboys and Dreamers . Meanwhile, Ella Langley and Riley Green , who earned a viral hit with their collab “You Look Like You Love Me,” reunite on a new song from Green’s new album, while new music is also featured from Luke Bryan, Willow Avalon, Denitia and Joe Nichols.

Morgan Wallen Leads 2024 CMA Awards Nominations: Full List

Check out all of these and more in Billboard ‘s roundup of the best country songs and projects of the week below.

George Strait, Cowboys and Dreamers

Strait’s 31 ^st studio album comes following a period of severe personal loss in Strait’s camp, including the passings of his longtime manager Erv Woolsey, as well as his longtime fiddle and mandolin player Gene Elders, who played with Strait since the 1980s. On the 13-song album, with his warm vocal that eschews ostentation, Strait continues to evince why he is one of country music’s most gifted singers and lyrical narrators (though Strait has also steadily made songwriting contributions to his own albums, co-writing two songs on his latest).

He also pays homage to late songwriter, artist, and guitarist Keith Gattis on the album by recording a trio of Gattis-penned songs: the album’s title track, along with “Wish I Could Say” and the Gattis-Guy Clark penned “Rent.” Before the launch of “Rent,” Strait further punctuates his appreciation for Gattis’s work by offering words of praise for the late Gattis. Elsewhere, he pays homage to the late Waylon Jennings with a version of “Waymore’s Blues” and delivers a love song as only Strait can in “To the Moon.” Throughout all of them, Strait continues cementing his role in the genre as a paragon of sustained excellence.

Riley Green feat. Ella Langley, “Don’t Mind If I Do”

Green was recently featured on Langley’s song “You Look Like You Love Me,” which became a viral hit for both artists. Green returns the favor by featuring Langley on his latest song, a solo write from Green –and no wonder, as they make compelling collaborators and their voices mesh mightily. Here, he’s lonely and reminiscing on the halcyon days of a fizzled relationship. As his longing propels him, he asks for forgiveness if he decides to “drink up the nerve and show up at your house.” The cracks in his burly voice draw out the nuances in the unexpected twists and turns of the lyrics, while Langley’s languid drawl heightens the tensions of desire that runs throughout the song. The song is the title track to Green’s upcoming album (out in October).

Willow Avalon, “Homewrecker”

Waylon Wyatt on New Song 'Jailbreak' With Bayker Blankenship & Breakthrough Success: 'It's Pretty Wild'

Newcomer Avalon turns the premise of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” on its head, answering the classic cheating song with this rowdy mesh of prowling percussion and twangy, roadhouse guitars. “I’m just a girl who tried to take a man at his word,” she sings with a scathing yet airy warble. Avalon, who wrote this song with Tofer Brown and JR Atkins, is swiftly staking her claim as an immensely promising newcomer.

Luke Bryan, “Country Song Came On”

As he gears up for his new album Mind of a Country Boy , out Sept. 27, the two-time CMA entertainer of the year winner previews the project with this written by Ryan Beaver, Dan Alley and Neil Medley. This is still squarely within Bryan’s musical wheelhouse, but the structural simplicity and storytelling arc allow Bryan to use his conversational, narrational vocal to great effect. He nods to the decision-altering effects of classic country music with the hook, “I wasn’t gonna drink/ Then a country song came on.” The lyrics’ appreciated nod to Earl Thomas Conley doesn’t hurt, either.

Denitia, “Sunset Drive”

Denitia, who was named as part of CMT’s 2024 Next Women of Country class, issues a new, dozen-song project, marking Denitia’s first since 2022’s Highways . “Everything is beautiful even when it falls apart,” she sings on the title track, as intricate and breezy instrumental arrangements elevate her hazy, beckoning vocals, as she finds the positive elements even as a relationship crumbles. Denitia wrote with Brad Allen Williams.

Joe Nichols, “Doin’ Life With You”

Nichols continues his proclivities for pouring his light-hearted vocal tone over tales of the highs and lows of everyday love in this new song, included on his upcoming album Honky Tonks and Country Songs , out Oct. 25. A solo write by Jimmy Yeary (“I Drive Your Truck”), this new song offers a clear-eyed look at the result of a love that has endured the trials, unexpected life twists, and mundane moments, all adding up to a solidified bond between two lovers. The song feels akin to his 2022 release “Good Day for Living,” while Nichols remains one of country music’s most consistent, indelible vocalists.

Shaboozey's 'A Bar Song (Tipsy)' Tops Country Airplay for 7th Week, Surpassing Carrie Underwood's Record