Put A Record On: What Happens When Post Malone Makes a Country Album?

Nobody can ignore it, no matter how hard we may try...

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The Good

“M-E-X-I-C-O,” Post Malone featuring Billy Strings: I am listening to this album in real time (no press advances, only press events with folks who just go to get a picture next to Posty, so no, I ain’t doing that) so I only have the listen I did on my bike ride home from school drop off this morning - it’s not personal to Post Malone, but the red carpet that got rolled out for this album has been borderline insane. Anyway. I instantly gravitated towards this one in title/collab, and my instincts where right - it’s funny enough and hyperspeed enough to work, and the Venn diagram of Billy Strings Energy and Post Malone energy definitely has an overlapping area. - MM

"cowboy friends," Ella Langley: Whole album is worth a listen if you're a pop country head like myself. Langley's got a stronger voice than most of her peers, and there are some really fun songs — like this honky-tonk tune. — NW

The World's Weight, Kayla Ray: I've been listening to Kayla Ray's playlist for literal years; it only makes sense that I'd find her retro but snappy album endlessly appealing. For fans of understated Western swing and honky-tonk. — NW

Light Country, The Kernal: Not new, but new to me — via none other than Erin Rae, who passed along this loose, lighthearted and unexpected album. It's a great front to back listen, broaching a whole range of sounds and topics through hazy, familiar musical lenses that never veer into redundancy. "Lettin' go of everything I don't need on my way down," indeed. — NW [So excited to see The Kernal here! Also a big fan. - MM]