5 Must-Hear New Country Songs: Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Lauren Alaina & More

Kane Brown and Jelly Roll have partnered for a rock-fueled track that addresses depression and despair. Meanwhile, Lauren Alaina honors the strong women who have raised and supported her. Meanwhile, Kashus Culpepper and Hudson Westbrook both issue new music, while duo Pitney Meyer (Mo Pitney and Johnny Meyer) release a new bluegrass collaboration.

Check out all of these and more in Billboard‘s roundup of the best songs from country, Americana and/or bluegrass of the week below.

Kane Brown feat. Jelly Roll, “Haunted”

These two headlining artists team up for an unfiltered, gut-punch of a song aimed at supporting listeners who have (or do) struggle with depression and/or thoughts of self-harm. Jelly Roll’s career has been defined, in part, by his musical mission to give a voice to those who have weathered addictions, mental health issues and a myriad of hardships. Meanwhile, Brown, long known for straddling musical genres, has remained consistent in being open with fans Together, Jelly Roll’s charismatic, dramatic vocal makes for a dynamic pairing with Brown’s grounded, foreboding vocal, as they sing about how wealth doesn’t always equal happiness and contentment, nor is it a shield from persistent, invasive thoughts. The song’s slow groove builds in force with every verse, with a crash of searing guitars mirroring the intensity of the song’s message.

Lauren Alaina, “Those Kind of Women”

In her latest release, Lauren Alaina honors the strong, supportive women in her life — women who throughout her life have given constant support, a shoulder to cry on, someone to celebrate with, and women with wisdom to share. It’s a tender ballad, with Alaina braiding her warm vocal with lyrics laced with imagery of sweet tea, emergency funds tucked away in coffee cans and a childhood surrounded by the music of “Dolly and Dylan.” “Those Kind of Women” was written by Lainey Wilson, Derek George, Lynn Hutton and Monty Criswell. Alaina also had a sweet surprise for fans at the end of the video for “Those Kind of Women,” revealing that she is expecting her first child this summer.

Kashus Culpepper, “Jenni”

Alabama-born singer-songwriter Culpepper doesn’t need much to issue a compelling song — in this case, he uses little more than guitar, harmonica and his soulful, silky-yet-grainy voice to create this open-hearted love song, inspired by seeing an audience member when he was brought onstage to sing with Zach Bryan during a music festival last year. Culpepper wrote “Jenni” with Jordan Dozzi and Jacob Durrett; on this splendid track, Culpepper offers up his organic sound with a brand of hard-earned, raw realness that can’t be feigned.

Hudson Westbrook, “Mine Tomorrow”

Texas-born Westbrook has broken through in recent months with songs including “5 to 9” and “House Again,” and returns with “Mine Tomorrow,” the first new music since the release of his self-titled EP. This tender track finds Westbrook declaring that his future is secure no matter what happens–as long as his lover is by his side. Westbrook wrote “Mine Tomorrow” with Dan Alley and Ryan Beaver, and Westbrook delivers this laid-back love song with a warm, nonchalant country charm.

Pitney Meyer, “Bear Creek Clay”

Singer-songwriters Mo Pitney and Johnny Meyer recently teamed up for the collaborative bluegrass outfit Pitney Meyer, releasing their latest song, “Bear Creek Clay,” a weaving of fiery bluegrass pickin’ with layered harmonies. The song centers on someone intent on making their home in wilderness, “a place where the water springs forth like a fountain.” The track features Meyer on lead vocals and banjo, Pitney on guitar and harmony, as well as instrumental work from Nate Burie (mandolin), Jenee Fleenor (fiddle) and Blake Pitney (bass). Mo Pitney, of course, is known for his solo country music work, but has long taken inspiration from bluegrass. “Bear Creek Clay” is the third release from this duo, which will issue its debut project, Cherokee Pioneer, in April.

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