Beautiful Things – Megan Moroney Written By Adam Delahoussaye
If there was any further confirmation needed that the “Am I Okay?” singer is country music’s ‘girl’s girl,’ Megan Moroney reveals her newest single in such an intimate, understated fashion that the support becomes conversational to a tangible degree. Beckoning for a lean-in or lean-on moment, “Beautiful Things” sees Moroney forgo the glitz for an achier glow, with lyrics specifically delivered rather than broadly narrated. In wiping away tears and offering comforting affirmations, there’s an everywoman feel previously unknown in Moroney’s catalog, revealed here. Yes, the singer has been open and honest about past relationships and their strain on the psyche, but rarely has she lent those feelings so nakedly to a public that’s clung to every word she’s uttered so fervently thus far. In its stripped-down, low shimmer production and isolation of Moroney’s shaky alto, you get a sense of comfort cloaked in caring that it almost makes you forget the conversation may indeed be one-sided. Is Moroney comforting a tissue-laden friend, or giving her own mirror-facing affirmations in the wake of a romantic misstep? The answer is probably two-fold, though it’s comforting to think that, considering both sonic elements and genuine sincerity, the Emo Cowgirl has a bit of a soft spot for the shared internal quiet she speaks on behalf of in Nashville.
9.0
Little Miss – Vincent Mason Written By Max Buondonno
With his debut album quickly approaching, Vincent Mason has given fans another taste of what his debut album will sound like. “Little Miss” takes a different direction than Mason’s recent output, avoiding any negative relationship quarrels or personal struggles and going full-on ditty mode. The track, written by Mason, Chase McDaniel, Jared Keim, and Ryan Beaver, offers a lighthearted tale of someone seemingly living carefree and falling in love at first sight, regardless of what the future holds. The song plays well to Mason’s ability to drum up a catchy hook and delightful instrumental, while the lyrics leave enough vague references to force a couple of listens to get the full premise of the song. Yet despite it being an enjoyably lighthearted track, Mason has certainly followed this format before with his music: focus heavily on acoustic drums and guitar, add a little airiness to the production, keep the vocals light, and write a handful of clever lyrics. Besides the meme-referencing hook, “Little Miss” fails to stand on its own and blends in too much with Mason’s discography. It doesn’t mean the rest of his album will meet a similar fate, and it doesn’t make “Little Miss” a bad song. If anything, it could easily be forgotten due to its similar qualities to Mason’s other work, which hopefully won’t be the case by the time There I Go rolls around.
7.3
Werewolf – Koe Wetzel Written By Max Buondonno
If you had Koe Wetzel cosplaying as a werewolf on your 2025 bingo card, you’d better buy a lottery ticket. The Texas native and grunge-country rock star’s latest single is perfectly suited to be played on Halloween as a gag track for your playlist, but outside of that, it’s hard to tell why this song exists. Filled with haunting chord progressions, spooky lyrics, and faux-werewolf cries, “Werewolf” sees Wetzel struggle with internal demons that are affecting his relationship, comparing them to the infamous monster in a way that makes sense to Koe. This song is exactly what you’d expect Koe Wetzel to make if he were paid to write a song about werewolves. While the production is fun and quintessentially Koe, it comes off as more of an eyeroll given the subject matter. The lyrics themselves are bland and serve the singular purpose of telling you, the listener, that Koe Wetzel has a werewolf living inside him, and he’s afraid of what he’s capable of. Does it sound tough? If you’re five years old, yes. Does this song have a place outside of a Koe Wetzel show or a Halloween party? No. But maybe that’s the point of the track. Go along with the werewolf thing because it’s spooky time, and watch its streaming numbers plummet throughout the rest of the year.
5.0
This Version of Us – Ella Langley Written By Ryan Lippe
Released as part of the rollout for the second season of the Netflix Series Nobody Wants This, the song caters heavily to the rom-com’s mainstream audience. When Ella Langley was first rising through the ranks of country music, part of her appeal was the unfiltered drawl in her voice and tall vowels. Unfortunately, though, her vocals appear to be layered with auto-tune and pitch shifts, making them almost unrecognizable from her previous work. Having worked with Will Bundy on her Hungover album, her sound was developed around a grunge and rock influence and a very earthy sound, so for her to lean into a pop-centric brand covered in countless layers, it’s sure to alienate a chunk of her core following. The lyrics don’t carry much significance or value, feeling very empty and void, much like the current state of the relationship the song describes. Langley wrote the track alongside Jon Nite, Jordan Schmidt, and Zach Kale, and between the four of them, they told a story that has been told thousands of times before with no flair or distinct features to keep the listener engaged for another spin.
5.8
When It Snows In Texas – Chaparelle feat. Sierra Ferrell Written By Adam Delahoussaye
To accompany, nay, to lead one of the most singular voices in country music and immediately match its sleazy energy that’s as needle pushing as it is tethered to its influences is a tall order. Chaparelle has quickly, if not a little suspiciously, risen to the top of taste profiles across Texas and beyond, certainly establishing itself as an idealistic imagining of the region’s rustic past. But maybe those rose-colored glasses are why the trio matches energy so seamlessly with vagrant West Virginian Sierra Ferrell, an act who’s built a brand on inflecting personal fantasy into tangible history. The collaboration is infectious, with that swanky down-strum emanating cinematic sensibilities in both its presentation and its songwriting. Razor-sharp metaphors and one-liners whizz by left and right, evoking some of those classic country mantras and chopping them up into bite-sized portions. But if there are any frustrations to be had with Chaparelle, it’s maybe that their giddiness to quip like hillbillies can sometimes impede an interesting through-line or idea. The pieces are all clearly present here: a knack for their source material, an ability to flit between modern aesthetics and prior standards, and a clear ear for collaboration. But sometimes it feels they’re bursting at the seams with ideas, jumbling a dozen into one take rather than organizing the notebook. “When It Snows In Texas” undoubtedly passes the vibe-check for a brainstormed alternative to the standard retro scene, while still raising a few key questions about their ability to orate, getting bungled when they don’t have much to say.
7.4
Mean To Me – Kashus Culpepper Written By Ryan Lippe
Since his breakthrough single “After Me?” in 2024, the buzz around Kashus Culpepper has been a rocky slope as he hasn’t reached the same peak in virality outside of a few tracks like “Man Of His Word” and “Out Of My Mind.” With his debut album on the horizon, the Alabama-born singer is blending blues, soul, and country into a sleek sound he can label as his own. The brief plucks of the guitar in the first verse, combined with the soft percussion, create a dark and jazzy vibe that doesn’t get a lot of representation in the country music world. Produced by Brian Elmquist, the song feels tightly crafted, with every instrument serving a clear purpose, reflecting a strong attention to detail. With a groovy chorus and a climactic bridge, it all feels very neatly put together, and nothing strays away from the course. A concern for many early in his career was the uncontrolled rasp in Culpepper’s voice. Still, on this track, he doesn’t push too far into his upper register, making for a delightful, easy-listening experience. Ahead of his first album, Culpepper has pinpointed and developed a unique sound that few others in the country music world have, and fans are eager to see where it takes him as he continues to build his catalog.
7.8
Blue Christmas – Zach Top Written By Joel Reuben Pauley
For most people, this time of year is about spooky costumes and bags of candy, but in the music world, the Christmas season is already underway. Joining in early, Zach Top has decided to release his own cover of “Blue Christmas,” adding his voice to one of the most beloved holiday staple tracks. Doye O’Dell first recorded the song, later made famous by legends like Elvis Presley and Ernest Tubb, which set a high bar for anyone who chooses to cover it. Aside from his smooth, distinct vocals, the type of country swing incorporated into his version is unique. In his own way, Top presents the song as if it were meant strictly for a honkytonk, if that honkytonk were decorated with lights and garland. With tons of steel and twangy electric guitar, Top’s natural sound takes over, and although it’s just a cover, it sounds completely his own. A cover like this, executed with such care, leaves listeners eager for more, building desire for a full Christmas album. Whether a project like that lies in the future or not, there’s no doubt that Zach Top is capable of producing top-notch, timeless holiday music, worthy of annual returns.
9.2
Heart Letting Go – Chris Stapleton Written By Joel Reuben Pauley
It’s always a treat when Chris Stapleton releases new music, and although his new song “Heart Letting Go” was made for a TV soundtrack, it’s absolutely worth more than just one listen. While he’s ranged from hard rock to Americana, stripped-down production has never held Stapleton back, and he shows that yet again on the new track. This type of song is reminiscent of his time in The SteelDrivers, especially in the strength of the melody. Between the voices of Chris and his wife, Morgane, who commonly sings harmonies for him, there’s so much emotion, and when they sing “‘Cause tonight I’ll hold the love I used to know” in the chorus, listeners can get easily carried away in a way that makes them feel. Lyrically, Stapleton explains the notion that a significant other has noticeably lost feelings of love. As the signs begin to show up, he reflects deeply and sorrowfully. Although there are no twists or surprises, the beauty of the writing comes in the straightforward, gutwrenching thoughts like “Don’t know why I’m holding on… We both know that you’re already gone.” With such bare production, this chosen style of blunt, honest songwriting suits the song well, and if things go badly for the couple in the TV show, it’s safe to say Chris Stapleton has the perfect background track for a breakup scene.
8.8
One More Try – Josh Meloy Written By Will Chapman
Over the years, Josh Meloy has carved out his own lane in the Oklahoma red-dirt scene, known for his easygoing delivery and songs that lean more on honesty than flash. His newest single, “One More Try,” keeps that tradition going. The track, written with Hunter Baskett and produced by Wes Sharon, rides a relaxed backbeat and rhythmic acoustic guitar, with the pedal steel doing most of the heavy lifting. It fits squarely within Meloy’s wheelhouse of traditional-leaning country with a bit of grit around the edges. Lyrically, it’s familiar ground: two people who aren’t right for each other calling it quits, but the narrator can’t shake the pull to turn the truck around and “give us one more try.” The sentiment’s true, but it leans a bit too heavily on cliché. Meloy’s voice and delivery carry enough weight to keep it grounded, even if it doesn’t quite reach the emotional punch of his strongest material. It’s a solid listen, but probably not one that sticks with the listener for very long after the last note.
7.9
