Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for June 26th, 2026. Click the artist or album links to find out more. The artist’s names link to their websites and the CD title links go to either Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp or the artist’s site for ordering or downloading. A + sign means although not a featured release, it’s a notable album that’s still worth checking out. Also, this page will be updated as I find out about other new releases so check back again.
Rodney Crowell
Then Again (New West Records)
A lost album from Rodney Crowell recorded in 2005 and featuring Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Benmont Tench, as well as Emmylou Harris and Lera Lynn? Count us in. “I’d forgotten about it completely,” Crowell recalls. “I’m glad I put it on the shelf, because now is the time for it. It may not be the time for it for the rest of the world, but it’s time for it for me.” After Rodney Crowell released his trilogy of albums—The Houston Kid, Fate’s Right Hand, and The Outsider, it helped launched the “Americana” movement in earnest, with Crowell as one of its kings. But when he recorded Then Again in 2005 in Nashville with the same basic band as the previous three, Crowell got cold feet that he was treading the same ground. So he shelved the project, until now. (from Saving Country Music review)
River Shook
River Shook (Blackberry River Records)
This might be River Shook’s first official record as a solo artist after officially leaving the Sarah Shook and The Disarmers name behind. But don’t expect this to mean a dramatic sea change in the overall approach. River Shook still brings uncommonly tight melodies to melancholic songwriting, while blending country tones and influences with a dark rock attitude. Shook co-produced the album with guitar player Blake Tallent. “My songwriting, my music, they’re country to the bone, but it’s that rock n’ roll element that makes the whole thing lift off,” says Shook. “If you want to give fans an unforgettable show every night, you need that reckless energy and purity of spirit.” Throughout the album, Shook gently delves into uncomfortable themes that we tend to mentally avoid, reminding us we’re braver than we think, we can handle hard truths about our lives, and we can change course the moment we’re ready.
Also new this week…
American Aquarium – New Ways to Lose (Losing Side Records) +
Dominique & the Diamonds – Honky Tonk Queen (independent)
Danny Golden – The Big Blue (Thousand Faces Music)
Tift Merritt – Sugar (One Riot Records) +
Danni Nicholls – Making Moves (Astrorama Records)
Andrew Sa – American Rough (Bloodshot Records)
Sad Daddy – Ozark Shine (Free Dirt Records) +
Coming out soon… Maya de Vitry, Corb Lund, Elizabeth Cook, Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves, Silverada, Pokey LaFarge, Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Jayhawks, Ruthie Foster, AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Rhiannon Giddens and more!
