In what seemed to be a pretty light week, Chris Stapleton saved us from no major project releases. The album Higher is Stapleton’s first project in three years since Starting Over. Even though he hasn’t released much music outside of a couple of singles featured on the album, it’s not like Stapleton has gone anywhere. He remains one of the best vocalists in country music and stays consistently involved with what is going on in country music. The album has 14 tracks and can hopefully hold fans over for another three years.
Perhaps the most significant single of the weekend was Post Malone’s introduction to country music. “Pickup Man” is a part of HIXTAPE Volume 3: Difftape. The album will feature a series of Joe Diffie covers and even include some of the legend’s old vocals from the 90s. This isn’t the introduction to country music we expected from Post, but it’s an introduction nonetheless. Post Malone has also been in the studio with other artists like Luke Combs and Brad Paisley, so it looks like there could be more in store as well.
Morgan Wallen and HARDY also teamed up for their addition to Difftape for the reimagined version of “John Deer Green.” The duo showed up for an electrifying performance of the cover at the CMAs before it was released that night. Diffie’s old vocals of course are featured on the song alongside Wallen and HARDY. Wallen and HARDY are both headlining their respective tours right now. HARDY’s will run through the end of this year while Wallen’s was recently extended and will run through the summer.
Bailey Zimmerman and The Jonas Brothers teamed up for a duet that no one had on their bingo cards this year. “Strong Enough” is a Jonas Brothers song featuring Bailey Zimmerman. Zimmerman has made himself a big name over the last couple of years and is currently on tour supporting Morgan Wallen on his “One Night at a Time Tour.” This is one of the most random collabs of the year, but it isn’t shocking to see Zimmerman get out of his comfort zone.
Kenny Chesney got his name back out there this weekend with his new single “Take Her Home.” His first single in just under a year comes at the perfect time as Chesney just announced his 2024 “Sun Goes Down” tour. The stadium tour features support from Zac Brown Band, Megan Moroney, and Uncle Kracker. This single will be Chesney’s first since last December when he released his tribute song for his dog, Ruba.
Noah Kahan continues the Stick Season this time with a re-recorded version of “Northern Attitude” with Hoizer. Noah Kahan has been one the most popular artists in 2023 and he continues to thrive off of the success of his latest album. This is the fourth song from Stick Season that Kahan has re-recorded along with “Call Your Mom,” “She Calls Me Back,” and “Dial Drunk.” The features include Lizzie McAlpine, Kacey Musgraves, Post Malone, and now, Hoizer.
