The Country Drop PlaylistAnother big week of new music is upon us and there’s some amazing tracks this week, led by some killer females, Lily Meola and Abbie Ferris. Labeling anything an album of the year contender is a big call, but we’re going there with Lily. There’s a bit of alt-country, some more traditional fare and even a throwback to the 90s. Dig in and discover your new favourite country tune.
Lily Meola - Sleeping With My Boots On
Lily Meola is incredible, full stop. Her album Lucky To Be is out today and I would list the best tunes to wrap yourself around, but simple the entire album is brilliant from beginning to end and is a condender for my country record of the year so far. I caught her live set at CMA Fest and it was everything I’d hoped for after vibing to a pre-release of the album. In a world of Ella-fever, Sleeping With My Boots On should be on every playlist in the country. A protege of Willie Nelson (and with the man himself dueting on an album track), just wrap your ears around this album now. And come on label, where’s the vinyl pressing? We need this now.
Abbie Ferris - Bored
Aussie Abbie Ferris has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and has delivered a banger this week with Bored. A foot-stompin’, hand-clappin’ mid-tempo banger, this is a no-brainer to hit save on.
Nate Smith - Find Me In A Bar
It wouldn’t be the Drop without a drinking song and this week it’s Nate Smith bringing the party. The big anthemic chorus is made radio and stadiums and at less than 2 ½ minutes we’re really pushing the boundaries of “all killer no filler”.
Lauren Alaina feat. Kane Brown - Never Been In Love
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What a perfect pairing! Kane and Lauren have delivered on this drop from Lauren’s upcoming album Stages. Dropping on August 28, the record should be a new high point for her, with the songs already out showing a confidence and sass of an artist three albums deep and ready to move into her next phase.
Waylon Wyatt - The Dress
Already locked for a January return to Australia, Waylon Wyatt’s epic 16 song debut dropped today and anyone who has followed his incredible rise since his 2024 breakout EP Til The Sun Goes Down will be impressed with the incredible artistry this record delivers. This is another one that urges you to plug in the headphones, tell your boss you’re in a meeting and listen from start to finish.
Mae Estes - The 90s Called
This one’s for the country OGs. If you vibed to Billy Ray, loved you a bit of Faith Hill and got reeled in by some Shania, this one’s a throwback just for you. If this one doesn’t get you up line dancin’, nothing ever will. It won’t change your life but it’ll change the next three minutes for the better.
Wheeler Walker Jr - Waiting For The Drugs To Kick In
If you like your country traditional and storytelling, but also a bit sweary and innappropriate, this one’s for you. Dubbed “country music’s loudest outlaw”, Walker isn’t trying to impress you with his snorting of amphetamines or lack of an erection, but why not go on the journey of one man’s typical night out? It’s from his September-due album Pullin’ Out. You get the drift.
Jordan Davis - Let It Go
One guy we’re pretty sure isn’t plagued by the same issues as Walker is Jordan Davis. With the same vibes that gave him one of the decades’ biggest anthems Buy Dirt, Davis delivers this understated, lyric-driven track that’s sure to have fans more than satisfied. A cover of James Bay’s billion-and-a-half streamer, this one’s hardly a gamble, but it pays off.
Kinsley - Whiplash
Doesn’t get much newer than this. Kinsley is just two songs deep, having made her debut on the scene less than two months ago. With just a handful of monthly listeners, you’re on the ground floor with this one, but you may have seen her on TikTok where she’s already amassed over 150,000 followers with acoustic tunes that saw her signed to MCA in Nashville. Whiplash is a country-rock stomper that should see her making a mark.
Jack Biilmann - Dark Days
Canberra-based alt-country artist Jack Biilmann is on a winner with this new one. Great voice and lyric-driven vibe that draws you right in, this one deserves a place in your earholes this week. If country music is three chords and the truth, the passion on this one is raw. According to Biilmann: “To be completely transparent, Dark Days was written during an extremely low point in my life, describing a 12-month period during which my wife & I suffered two miscarriages, my wife had a cancer procedure while pregnant, my father was diagnosed with motor neuron disease, another close friend was diagnosed with cancer and I parted ways with a good friend after being betrayed. Thankfully I am now the Dad of a beautiful baby boy, my wife is in perfect health, Dad is stable with his MND & life is much smoother.” Quite the journey from quite the journeyman.
