The week of August 25, 2025, has been a landmark period for the country music industry, marked by significant new releases, impactful music videos, and notable industry developments. Superstar collaborations, expanded album offerings, and milestones for prominent artists have collectively painted a picture of a genre that is continuously evolving and thriving.
Lambert and Stapleton Deliver ’70s Glamour with “A Song to Sing” Video
Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton have captivated fans with the debut of their ’70s-inspired music video for their duet, “A Song to Sing.” Released on August 22, the visual transports viewers to a retro roller rink, complete with period attire and a nod to classic country duets of eras past. Notably, Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, makes a cameo appearance in the video, adding a personal touch to the production. The video itself pays homage to legendary artists like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, with Lambert donning Parton’s earrings and Stapleton sporting a necklace once owned by Rogers. Directed by Running Bear, the music video arrives on the heels of the song’s massive success, marking Lambert’s biggest streaming debut of her career with over 4.3 million streams globally in its first week. “A Song to Sing,” co-written by Lambert, Stapleton, Jesse Frasure, and Jenee Fleenor, also topped the Country Digital Song Sales chart, highlighting the potent synergy between these two titans of country music.
Lainey Wilson Expands “Whirlwind” with Deluxe Edition
Lainey Wilson is celebrating the one-year anniversary of her critically acclaimed album “Whirlwind” by releasing a deluxe edition on August 22. This expanded project features five new tracks, including her current single “Somewhere Over Laredo,” which has been a significant success, garnering over 1.16 million streams in its first 24 hours and receiving widespread praise from media outlets. The deluxe edition adds fan favorites like “Bell Bottoms Up,” “King Ranch, King George, King James,” “Yesterday, All Day, Every Day,” and “Peace, Love, and Cowboys” to the original 14 songs. Wilson’s “Whirlwind” has already cemented its status, earning her multiple awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year at the ACM Awards. The release of the deluxe version coincides with the U.S. leg of her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour.”
Russell Dickerson Releases “Famous Back Home”
Russell Dickerson has treated fans to his fourth studio album, “Famous Back Home,” released on August 22. The 12-track collection explores themes of family, small-town roots, and the journey to finding fulfillment in everyday life. Co-produced by Dickerson himself, alongside collaborators Josh Kerr, Casey Brown, and Chris LaCorte, the album features songs like “Dust,” “Heard It In A Country Song,” and a collaboration with Vince Gill on the ballad “Never Leave.” Dickerson has shared that the album reflects his evolution as an artist, with the title track embodying his realization that true success lies in being “famous at home.” The album’s lead single, “Happen To Me,” marked a career milestone with its biggest streaming debut to date.
Emerging Artists and Industry News Round Out the Week
New music also arrived from artists like Kaleb Sanders, who released his latest track, “Left Me At The Bar” on August 22, showcasing his up-tempo country sound. UK sensations First Time Flyers also contributed to the week’s releases with their new single “Primadonna,” a fan favorite from their live shows, serving as a precursor to their debut album, “Bound To Break,” due in September.
Beyond new music, the country music industry saw other significant moments. Sam Hunt received multiple certifications for his songs, underscoring his sustained impact on the charts. Rapper Lil Nas X, known for his genre-bending country-rap hit “Old Town Road,” was featured on the cover of Time magazine, celebrating his cultural impact and cross-genre appeal. Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood continued to impress by performing with Guns N’ Roses, a testament to her versatility and reach beyond traditional country boundaries.
In Canadian country music news, the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) announced the lineup for its highly anticipated 2025 CCMA Songwriters Unplugged Series, presented by SOCAN with Apple Music, set to highlight the craft of songwriting.
This packed week of releases and industry news solidifies the vibrant and ever-expanding landscape of country music, with established stars and rising talents alike pushing the genre forward.
