Luke Combs’ ‘Even Though I’m Leaving’ + 6 More New Songs You Need to Hear
From touching ballads to feel-good open road anthems -- and even a throwback to the '80s -- there's something for everyone in this new batch of country songs. Read on to listen to them all!
Luke Combs, "Even Though I'm Leaving":
Luke Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” is a sweet reminder that although someone might not be right beside us, they are still with us. The song's story is told through a boy's evolution from being afraid of monsters under his bed as a kid to serving in the military and, finally, trying to cope with losing his father. Each intimidating obstacle is met with a reassuring chorus sung from the dad’s point of view. “Just 'cause I'm leavin' / It don't mean that I won't be right by your side / When you need me / And you can't see me in the middle of the night / Just close your eyes and say a prayer," Combs sings. "It's okay, boy, I ain't scared / I won't be here, but I'll always be right there / Even though I'm leavin', I ain't goin' nowhere / I ain't goin' nowhere.” “Even Though I’m Leaving” was penned by Combs alongside Ray Fulcher and Wyatt Durrette. -- CC
Whiskey Myers, "Houston Country Sky":
The country rockers of Whiskey Myers are realizing that life keeps marching on, with or without you, in their song “Houston County Sky.” The story of the song is told through the point of view of a man talking to his old love interest about how they had different plans in life. He reflects on life as the pair find themselves drinking under the same stars again, singing “So roll me up a smoke, I'll take a toke for hope / I'm only half way to 80 by now / You was the peanut queen, I was 17 and mean / You wanted so bad to leave this town / Ain't it funny how it all works out?” -- CC
Caylee Hammack, "Preciatecha":
In her latest release, Caylee Hammack is looking for the positive in every situation -- including past relationships, though they may not have worked out in the end. “My mother once told me that every hand you hold is a lesson or a blessing,” Hammack says in a press release about the optimistic song. “If you find good love, you hold on to it. If you find something else by accident, learn what you must from that experience and move on. 'Preciatcha' is about searching for a silver lining in a storm. It’s my song for the broken hearts that deserved better but didn’t get it.” “Preciatcha” was both co-written and produced by Hammack, Laura Veltz and Jordan Schmidt. -- CC
Adam Hambrick, "Forever Ain't Long Enough":
Adam Hambrick's danceable, pop-infused "Forever Ain't Long Enough" is an upbeat ode to love so good that there's no such thing as too much of it. The singer tells Sounds Like Nashville that he and co-writers Joe Ginsburg and Kelly Archer went into the writing process hoping to put a smile on listeners' faces.
"When Kelly, Joe and I got in the room to write, we came up with something to make people dance and smile -- and it has a little attitude, which I love," the singer says. "This song is the kind of thing you want to put in your earbuds and bounce down the street." -- CL
The Ballroom Thieves, "Tenebrist":
The first new music from the Ballroom Thieves of 2019, "Tenebrist" is a rousing, grungy anthem that calls on listeners to remember the good things in life while also facing an increasingly complicated and often negative reality around them. More new music will be coming soon, according to a representative for the group, much of which grapples with weighty cultural topics like women's rights and our current political climate. One of the challenges of writing their next project, the group adds, came from maintaining the sentiment of optimism and hope that this track champions. -- CL
The Mavericks, "Swinging":
The Mavericks put a jazzy twist on a country classic with their new rendition of John Anderson's "Swingin'." Between a grooving bass line and lead singer Raul Malo's feel-good vocals, the group choogles in celebration of their 30-year anniversary as a band in this new release.
"I've loved this song since I first heard it way back when. I love the lyrics and I love John's delivery," Malo tells Rolling Stone. "It's a testament to the quality of the song that after all this time, it still resonates. And honestly, it's a whole heck of a lot of fun to play!" -- CL
Eric Van Houten, "Freeway":
Eric Van Houten wrote the carefree “Freeway” with Joey Hyde. “For most, this song is about a couple falling in love while riding off into the sunset. As cliche and corny as that may sound, I feel like we've all been there at some point in our relationships: a carefree, pedal-to-the-floor, cruise, slamming-music, kissing and falling-in-love joyride,” Van Houten says in an email.
However, the song means much more to him now, after playing it live for three years: “Whenever the band and I play this song out at shows, it never fails to bring a moment of peace for us, allowing us to let the crowd know that anything and everything they were going through on the other side of the door they came in can be left there for even just the three minutes the song lasts. Open up the heart, forget the problems, and just feel the music.” “Freeway” was produced by Dave Pittenger. -- CC