Dwight Yoakam, “Brighter Days.” For the first time in nine years, Dwight Yoakam has returned with new material. Brighter Days is a 14-track offering with 11 originals  and three artfully made covers. It’s a showcase of his unique rock-country style and his songwriting ability. Brighter Days Dwight Yoakam Via…

Miranda Lambert, “Postcards From Texas.” For her 10th album and her first, Miranda Lambert didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The Texas native remains strong and unapologetic. Postcards from Texas brings her home stage to life through rich personal storytelling and collaborations with fellow Texans. Postcards from Texas Miranda…

George Strait, “Cowboys and Dreamers.” Listening to George Strait is like chatting with an old friend. It’s comforting and deeply enjoyable every time for classic country music fans. Cowboys and Dreamers is no different for the undisputed King of Country. It’s his 30th album of new material. Cowboys and…

Rachel Plattem, “I Am Rachel Platten.” Rachel Platten built her identity on ideas of self-love and perseverance. These principles guided her music from her early independent years to the success of “Fight Song,” which remains a popular anthem thanks to TV syncs and reality competitions. Since 2017’s Waves, her…

Luke Combs, “Fathers & Sons.” Luke Combs has been a busy man. Combs released albums in consecutive years, won ACM Awards and was nominated for seven Grammys, and is now selling out stadiums. He’s had a meteoric rise. Fathers & Sons Luke Combs Sony Nashville, June 14 8/10 Get the…

AJR performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on April 29, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — AJR concerts are experiences apart from the music, and the brotherly pop trio, which wouldn’t want it any other way, brought a spectacle, full of love and lots of dancing to Chase…

Kenny Chesney, “BORN.” Still living life to the fullest, country superstar Kenny Chesney is BORN again with a new 15-track album that’s comforting and familiar in the best ways. BORN Kenny Chesney Warner Nashville, March 22 7/10 Get the album on Amazon Music. Chesney has written his fair share…

James Arthur, “Bitter Sweet Love.” James Arthur, who vaulted to the top of the charts with epic love ballad “Say You Won’t Let Go,” knows his strengths. Some might try to veer away and avoid being pigeonholed. But the English singer-songwriter, known for his dulcet vocals and earnest lyricism, which make…

Reba McEntire, “Not That Fancy.” Reba McEntire has seen and done many things throughout the course of her nearly 50-year music career, from writing chart-toppers to producing, acting and, most recently, joining “The Voice” as a judge. Reba checks one more off the list with her first entirely acoustic…

Ashley McBryde, “The Devil I Know.” One of the brightest female voices in country music, Ashley McBryde is back at it with her third album, The Devil I Know. McBryde returns to her roots with 11 tracks full of vulnerability and heart. The Devil I Know Ashley McBryde Warner…