In such a crowded landscape and with so many releases to choose from, having a road map certainly helps. If you know of an album that is going to be released that you believe is of interest in country music, please feel free to share the information below in the comments section for the benefit of everyone. Randy Houser — Magnolia — January 11th A new record from Randy Houser may not always be the reason for fanfare from traditional country circles. But Randy was a pretty substantial and reliable songwriter for years, and possessed one hell of a powerful voice when he chose to apply it in a positive direction. Houser has the voice and songwriting chops to do something good when he chooses. The Steel Woods — Old News — January 18th After releasing their debut album Straw in the Wind in 2017, The Steel Woods immediately shot up the Southern Rock depth charts, aided by big opportunities opening for Blackberry Smoke, Miranda Lambert, Cody Jinks, Jamey Johnson, and Dwight Yoakam. Now they look to take another big step with the new album recorded at the Echo Mountain Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, and Blackbird Studio in Nashville. Along with a bunch of new originals, the 15-song record includes a serious selection of covers that the band releases in tribute to some of the artists who directly influenced their sound, and have recently passed on. It often sets eyes to rolling in Texas. Because unlike a lot of major label new signees, he comes to the table with a built-in fan base. His debut single is currently sitting at 24 on radio. Watch out for this to be a massive release, and an important one to Texas country and independent-minded artists. She also happens to be one of the best yodelers alive, and will combine this all on Into The Blue, the debut release from the new Californian-based label from Rebelle Road. Joshua Ray Walker — Wish You Were Here — January 25th Dallas-based singer and songwriter Joshua Ray Walker is definitely one to watch in 2019, and will be releasing his debut album on State Fair Records. Wish You Were Here will be his moment to step into the spotlight himself. Charles Wesley Godwin — Best country songs of 2019 — February 15th Saving Country Music first strongly praised Charles Wesley Godwin while he was with his previous band Union Sound Treaty as an artist we could expect to hear from in the years to come. If the early indications are true, this West Virginia native could slide right in there with artists like Tyler Childers and Colter Wall as one of the most authentic voices of best country songs of 2019 current era. What has Dale been doing this whole time. The new album was recorded at Alex the Great Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Yola Carter — Walk Through the Fire — February 22nd Those in touch with the British side of Americana music need no introduction to Yola Carter. Once homeless and best country songs of 2019 from making music by one of her parents, her story is one of perseverance, and it comes through in the songwriting and soul of her music. She made everyone in the studio an instant believer. These Minneapolis-based blood brothers have announced they have a new album on the way, and the ten new original songs were produced by the brothers themselves, and were recorded at Reliable Recorders in Chicago. Along with the the signature harmonies from the brothers themselves, notable contributors to the new album include Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys who co-wrote two tracks, Michael Lewis of Bon Iver and Andrew Bird on saxophone, and Joel Paterson of Devil in a Woodpile on pedal steel. It was important that I wrote this album. I wanted 20 new songs, to give the fans both quality and quantity. George Strait has an album of new music on the way for the first time in four years, and it will be called Honky Tonk Time Machine. It includes a lot of acoustic songs, some of which have never been heard before, including covers and originals. No release date or further details at the moment. After some years away, Joey Allcorn is planning to get back into music, and in a big way. Expect to see a re-issue of some of his early music, as well as a new album coming perhaps in the fall. Uncorroborated reports have Margo Price in the studio recently, possibly with a big time producer. Jason Isbell has produced a new album from Josh Ritter. The Stray Cats are reuniting for a new tour, and a new album of original material in 2019. No word on a name or a release date just yet. Last word was the band recently headed back to Nashville to work on it once again with Cobb, and hope for a 2019 release. Jenny Tolman has a new album ready called There Goes The Neighborhood. No official release date just yet. Michaela Anne was recording in California with Sam Outlaw as a producer earlier in 2018. Sam Outlaw has also been recording his own album after moving from California to Nashville. Jason Hawk Harris has signed with Bloodshot Record, and will be releasing an album through the label soon. William Michael Morgan has released four new songs ahead of a new album, saying that the reception for the respective songs will help shape the direction of a new album mostly finished, but still with a few songs yet to complete. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are planning a live duets record. A death in the family and some minor health issues with Jackson may have delayed the release a bit. But so far no further details have materialized. Caitlin Rose has waited a very long time to release new music, all the way since early 2013 with The Stand-In. Once one of the brightest prospects of the east Nashville insurgency, and still a common face in east Best country songs of 2019 haunts and a voice found on many projects emerging from the area, she hinted on Instagram in late 2017 that new music may finally be on the way. A book on the life of Billy Joe Shaver is on the way. Mike and the Moonpies have been back at the Yellow Dog Studio in Texas with producer Adam Odor working on a new album. Still no word on when it may be released, but she recently had another child, which may keep her music career on hiatus for a bit longer. She has been making regular appearances at the Grand Ole Opry recently. Sturgill Simpson should be nearing a new release, but no official word has come down just yet. When it does show up, expect it to be loud. John Baumann has been recording in Nashville with producer Eddie Spear. Dalton Domino has been dropping hints and allegations about new music headed to the public. Expect big news for Parker McCollum in 2019. No more details at the moment. Lots and lots to digest, but very few persons of meaningful consequence outside of their respective underground echo chambers. The only person likely to make any major conspicuous cultural impact is of course Sturgill Simpson. The soundtrack from the video game Red Dead Redemption 2 is supposed to drop in 2019 and it is right up your alley. Rockstar has a history of recognizing real country music, especially in the radio stations on Grand Theft Auto San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto 5. I just checked her Facebook page and her last post was from April 2018. She was about to do get on stage for the first time in two years doing two shows in Washington state Seattle and Olympia opening for Sera Cahoone. Before that, not a post for about 3 years. Gives me Charlie Daniels Band vibes!!. Plus he grew up prob 30 miles from me. He gives me the 90s, George strait vibes. I heard his new record is supposed to be some legit country. But I am looking forward to a record release from him. Justin Wells will have a new album. He put on a great concert. Hope a new label signs him up soon. Made me apricate Easton that much more. Easton does have a new album, timeline for release not mentioned yet. He and his band still working hard, shows lined up, always have fun fans wherever they go. He always makes times for his fans. No new labelbut maybe that is ok, He is doing it his way. Kyle what are you hearing out of sturgill camp. I heard possible double album?. That what you mean by loud. You can email me if easier. Thx man Sturgill hinted at a double album the last time he was on the Joe Rogan podcast, but that was a while ago and may not materialize. They may want to get into the studio again so quickly because the best country songs of 2019 bass player Omar has really lit a spark under them. Great to see such a big list of potential new releases. What is he up to these days?.