September is a big month for new country music. For starters, everyone's eyes are on Sept. 22. That's when Shania Twain releases Now, her first new album in fifteen years.
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She's also got a chance to be the first country artist this year to top the Billboard 200. Brett Eldredge just barely missed it, debuting at No. 2 with his self-titled album from last month.
But Twain isn't the only star releasing a new CD in September. Heck, she's not even the only one releasing new music that day. Dolly Parton's first children's album I Believe In You comes out that day, as well as Chase Rice's major label debut Lambs & Lions.
Thomas Rhett is sure to top the charts with Life Changes on Sept. 8. But he also faces challengers in the form of Toby Keith (The Bus Songs), Kip Moore (Slowheart) and the late Gregg Allman (Southern Blood).
Newcomer Stephanie Quayle releases her newest album Love The Way You See Me on Sept. 1, while Midland and Chris Janson release records on Sept. 22. Oh, and don't forget Big & Rich (Did It For The Party), Radney Foster (For You To See The Stars) and George Strait (Pure Country on vinyl, finally) all on Sept. 15.
Whew. Bring it on, September.
In addition to all those big album releases, September includes a group of notable singles headed to radio. Check out these new country songs for September below.
Cole Swindell, "Stay Downtown" (Sept. 5)
It's not a new tune, but it'll be the first time a lot of folks on country radio hear it. "Stay Downtown" looks to be another No. 1 for the singer who has an impressive (if not inexplicable) knack for topping the charts.
Drew Baldridge, "Guns & Roses" (Sept. 5)
Baldridge has been teasing the new single with lyric posts but hasn't released the tune to fans yet. The hard-working Illinois native is touring all across the country earning fans the hard way. If this new single is anywhere near as successful as his last, he'll be in good shape. "Rebound" (feat. Emily Weisband) topped 20 million streams on Spotify.
Seth Ennis, "Look At You" (Sept. 11)
Seth Ennis had a minor breakout hit with "Woke Up In Nashville," and the newcomer is hoping to replicate some success with his backbeat driven smooth pop country. So far he's certainly lining himself up as a bit of a "Thomas Rhett light."
Billy Currington, "Wake Me Up" (Sept. 11)
Billy Currington is quietly having one of the most successful albums of...2015. After "It Don't Hurt Like It Used To" went No. 1, it totally reinvigorated the album. "Do I Make You Wanna" just got there too, and now a fourth single called "Wake Me Up" hopes to make Summer Forever one of Currington's most successful albums to date.
Adam Wakefield, "Blame It On Me" (Sept. 11)
One of the finalists from NBC's The Voice, Adam Wakefield just may have what it takes to make it off the show (not the easiest feat). The newcomer flirts with classic rock ballads on new song "Blame It On Me," which should please both the pop country and the southern rock crowds.
Justin Moore, "Kinda Don't Care" (Sept. 18)
Justin Moore shared this song with his fans more than a year ago, but he's finally sending it to radio with the hopes of getting it out to the masses. Considering the song essentially lifts the melody of "Troubadour" by George Strait, that shouldn't be so hard.
