Drake Milligan has emerged over the last few years as one of country music’s most dynamic rising stars. Hailing from Fort Worth, Texas, he brought a bold throw-back sound steeped in honky-tonk, Western swing and early rock ’n’ roll swagger to the modern country scene. His 2022 debut album ‘Dallas/Fort Worth’ dominated iTunes-charts globally and landed him on the Billboard Emerging Artists list, earning critical praise for both the authenticity of his vocals and the vibrancy of his performance style. Blending the smooth polish of George Strait with the raw charisma of Elvis Presley, Milligan channels the spirit of traditional country with a rock ’n’ roll edge, captivating fans and critics alike. Off-stage, Milligan has aggressively expanded his reach — from appearances at the Grand Ole Opry to opening for major acts across North America and even his own headline shows in Europe — resulting in a global fan base that today spans continents and time zones.
The success story only accelerates with his forthcoming second studio album, ‘Tumbleweed.’ This project finds Milligan leaning into his whirlwind of touring, travel and growth — he’s clocked hundreds of shows in recent years, cultivated international audiences and now channels all of it into a set of 14 tracks that blend traditional Texas country, Western swing and contemporary Nashville production. With lead singles already making waves overseas, the album marks a new chapter in his push from regional artist and ex America’s Got Talent contestant to global country presence, and sets the stage for what promises to be a breakout era for him.
‘Tumbleweed’ bursts out of the gate with the kind of confidence and musical muscle that only comes from an artist who knows exactly who he is — and where he’s headed. From the moment the opening track ‘Cryin’ Shoulder’ hits, it’s clear this is Milligan’s boldest, most cohesive statement yet. The song, with echoes of his earlier ‘I Got a Problem,’ is a masterclass in country songwriting — an uptempo, hook-laden blast of Texan energy anchored by a verse melody that’s one of the best of the year. “I’ve got two loving arms to hold on to,” he croons, offering comfort to a brokenhearted woman. It’s a song of empathy, swagger, and joy — pure three-minute perfection that sets a high bar for everything that follows.
‘Hearts Together’ keeps the momentum flowing with a delightful blend of 90s beach charm and Texas dancehall swagger. With its Hawaiian-style guitars, pedal steel flourishes, and a tiki-sunset groove, Milligan channels his inner Elvis Presley without leaning too hard on the comparison. A funky guitar solo invites the listener to “get out on the dance floor and twirl your girl around,” evoking the carefree warmth of vintage jukebox romance. The mix of retro playfulness and Milligan’s smooth vocal delivery makes this one of the album’s most unexpected treats — an irresistible bridge between eras and styles.
The title track, ‘Tumbleweed,’ marks a shift toward something more modern and cinematic. With its expansive production and stadium-ready sound, it stands tall among today’s Nashville anthems. There’s a little Coldplay shimmer in its guitar textures and a lot of Tim McGraw heart in its storytelling as Milligan paints himself as “a drifter for as long as I can remember.” The woman who grounds him becomes the emotional anchor of this soaring, fist-in-the-air song — one that feels destined for country radio. It’s Milligan’s most contemporary moment yet, proof he can straddle both sides of the genre’s future without losing his Texas soul.
Things take a more intimate turn with ‘Turn It Off,’ a stripped-back, acoustic-driven gem that leans into simplicity and sincerity. The song’s “never-ending wanting you feeling” is delivered with just the right amount of playful ache, the kind that recalls Tim McGraw’s early-2000s charm. There’s an easy warmth in Milligan’s phrasing, and that twangy guitar line in the chorus adds just enough sparkle to make it stick. It’s the sound of a country artist comfortable in the quiet moments — one who knows that sometimes less really is more.
‘Like the Moon’ finds Milligan in a dreamier, retro space, drawing inspiration from Roy Orbison and Chris Isaak. “He’s like the sun and I’m like the moon,” he sings, using celestial imagery to explore the distance between two lovers. The song’s shimmering guitars and lush atmosphere recall the best of 60s pop-rock balladry while staying rooted in Texas Americana. It’s wistful, cinematic, and utterly captivating — another example of Milligan’s growing maturity as a writer and interpreter of emotion.
The heart of ‘Tumbleweed’ might just be found in its slower, more reflective tracks like ‘Good as Gone.’ Here, Milligan channels George Strait with a fiddle-led ballad about a woman reclaiming her power and leaving a toxic past behind. “That old blacktop’s a new blank page,” he observes with both tenderness and admiration. It’s a song that feels classic from the first listen — smooth, timeless, and steeped in the spirit of traditional country storytelling. Milligan’s vocal restraint and clarity remind listeners that he’s not just imitating the greats; he’s beginning to join their ranks.
From there, the record dances between barn-burning honky-tonk energy and nostalgic storytelling. ‘Slow Dancing to a Fast Song’ is an instant highlight, with its clever structure — fiery, uptempo verses giving way to dreamy slow-dance choruses. ‘Old Flames, Old Whiskey’ gallops along on barroom piano and fiddle, while ‘Hard Headed Cowboy’ delivers a cinematic morality tale worthy of a George Strait film soundtrack. Each track brings a unique flavour, yet they all share the same heartbeat: Milligan’s unshakable sense of melody, his love for Texas tradition, and his knack for balancing humour with heart.
By the time ‘How Much Beer’ — a raucous duet with Randall King — brings the album to a rollicking close, ‘Tumbleweed’ feels like both a celebration and a coronation. Drake Milligan has done what few artists manage on their second outing: he’s evolved without losing his roots. There’s less Elvis imitation here and more George Strait influence, as Milligan embraces the role of a modern torchbearer for traditional country music. With songs that swing, shimmer and soar, ‘Tumbleweed’ confirms that Milligan isn’t just keeping the Texas sound alive — he’s redefining it for a new generation.
Tracklist: 1. Cryin’ Shoulder 2. Hearts Together 3. Tumbleweed 4. Turn It Off 5. Like The Moon 6. Good As Gone 7. Slow Dancing To A Fast Song 8. Old Flames, Old Whiskey 9. Girl Like You 10. Hard Headed Cowboy 11. Lonely:30 12. Goodbye Ain’t All That Bad 13. Talk Texas 14. How Much Beer” (feat. Randall King) Release Date: 7th November Record Label: Stoney Creek / BBR Buy ‘Tumbleweed’ right here
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