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Lainey Wilson's new album 'Whirlwind'
19th August 2024
Written by: Nikki Blackburn
Here's what to expect in the new album, coming out in 4 days!
It feels as though there’s no other title Lainey Wilson could’ve possibly given her new album - her fifth studio album - other than ‘Whirlwind,’ because that’s surely the only way to describe the last two years of the Baskin, Louisiana storyteller’s life. From racking up her seventh #1 hit, winning her first GRAMMY for Best Country Album, being the reining CMA and ACM ‘Entertainer of the Year,’ making her acting debut in season 5 of Yellowstone - in a role that was written specifically for her, to the holy grail for all country artists: being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in June of this year, something Wilson has described as: “My favourite moment so far. Hands down, my favourite moment.”
Wilson has written on all 14 songs on the album; 4 of which are already out on music streaming platforms, including the most recent release, which also happens to be the album’s sole collaboration: Good Horses, featuring Miranda Lambert. Wilson’s sound is known for being a blend of “traditional” country with a contemporary twist and Whirlwind is no exception. Lyrically, the album definitely explores the emotional gamut that Wilson has run since landing her first major hit in 2021 with ‘Things a Man Oughta Know’ as well as her desire to remain true to herself in the face of overwhelming success.
Those unfamiliar with her story might think that Wilson is an overnight success, having blown up to such massive heights in a relatively short amount of time, but this “overnight success” has been ten or eleven years in the making, with Wilson moving to Nashville in her trailer at 19 years old. Speaking to Hoda Kotb last month on her ‘Making Space’ podcast, Wilson, now 32, explained that after 8 years of living in Nashville, she finally got a record deal but that “didn’t mean anything. I had $20 in my account, with a record deal, and my sister was Venmo’ing me for Taco Bell. That wasn’t long ago.”
First released was the radio friendly ‘Country’s Cool Again,’ a fun and funky commentary on the recent explosion in popularity for the genre. While those of us in the know have always known how cool country is, the genre is certainly experiencing a boom in love for the western way of life. Speaking of the track, Wilson stated: “Being country, it really is a movement and I’m proud to be a part of this generation of country music ‘cause everybody looks different, sounds different, has a different story and comes from different walks of life and to me, that’s what makes the country genre cool right now.”
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If ‘Country’s Cool Again’ was a laid-back introduction to this new era of music, next single, ‘Hang Tight Honey’ is an in-your-face, upbeat, sure-to-be-crowd-pleasing anthem that’s gonna have her fans up on their feet during her tour. The song’s clever lyrics really speak to the joy Wilson’s feeling at revelling in her new-found success after all those years of struggling to get right where she is now. In my opinion, this song is going to be to Wilson what ‘Girl Goin’ Nowhere’ is to Ashley McBryde. Years from now, it’s still going to be a special moment between Wilson and her fans every time she performs it. The fact that it’s currently spending its third consecutive week at UK Country Radio proves that it’s resonating with audiences in a big way. Deservedly so.
Speaking about the Whirlwind’s upcoming release, Wilson said, “This new chapter of music is the most cathartic and personal piece of art I’ve ever made. I hope this record brings some peace to your whirlwind and wraps its arms around you like it did for me.”
For established Lainey Wilson fans, Whirlwind offers a lot to be excited about, pushing new boundaries of her unique sound, while giving fans a glimpse into where she’s at in her life and her career right now as she navigates becoming one of the biggest names in country music. For those new to the party, it’s an impressive starting point to get acquainted with an artist who – despite being on album number five – is undoubtedly only just getting started with what she wants to say. Wilson’s never been shy in proclaiming her love for Dolly Parton, and this is a record that demonstrates that she has all the vocal and songwriting chops to emulate the talent and longevity of her hero.
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Yeah, Whirlwind seems pretty damn fitting.
It feels like the memories of all of that decade of struggling to make a living and striving to get where she wanted to be was very much at the forefront of her mind when she started writing this record. Wilson said: “These past few years have been wild, just tryin’ to keep one foot on the ground, because it has been a constant levelling up. I cannot let go of who I am to my core, because the music’s not gonna be the same, so for me when I was writing this record, I was making dang sure that both my feet were planted on the ground.”
Title track, ‘Whirlwind’ depicts a lone protagonist who didn’t have time for, or interest in, relationships, “I was a lone wolf, had my own back” before segueing into a 90’s country vibe kinda love song. “We’re a whirlwind cutting through a Texas town. We’re always on the move at a daredevil speed, ridin’ with the tumbleweeds. We’re a whirlwind but loving you’s a breeze.” It’s a simple production, but one that’s sure to get your toe-tapping while it allows for Wilson’s vocal to soar. It makes for one of the standout tracks in a very impressive collection of songs.
Wilson’s a natural storyteller and it’s a talent that, along with her trademark blend of traditional and contemporary country, has carved her a niche space in the ever-growing country landscape: there’s no one else that sounds quite like she does right now. That storyteller skillset is ever-present throughout every moment on this album, but it’s closing track, ‘Whiskey Colored Crayon’ where it’s used most effectively to punch listeners in the gut and remind them why she deserves every accolade and career milestone that’s come her way.
Here is the full track list for the Whirlwind, out August 23rd!
Whirlwind Track List:
1. Keep Up With Jones
(Lainey Wilson, Josh Kear, Wyatt McCubbin)
2. Country's Cool Again
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Aslan Freeman)
3. Good Horses (feat. Miranda Lambert)
(Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Luck Dick)
4. Broken Hearts Still Beat
(Lainey Wilson, Dallas Wilson, Josh Thompson, Blake Pendergrass)
5. Whirlwind
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
6. Call A Cowboy
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
7. Hang Tight Honey
(Lainey Wilson, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Paul Sikes)
8. Bar In Baton Rouge
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Kasey Tyndall, Jason Nix)
9. Counting Chickens
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Josh Kear, Dallas Wilson, Jon Decious)
10. 4 x 4 x U
(Lainey Wilson, Jon Decious, Aaron Raitiere)
11. Ring Finger
(Lainey Wilson, Aaron Raitiere, Marti Dodson, Jon Decious)
12. Middle Of It
(Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)
13. Devil Don't Go There
(Lainey Wilson, Abram Dean, Lance Miller, Joe Dox)
14. Whiskey Colored Crayon
(Lainey Wilson, Josh Kear, Wyatt McCubbin)
Fans can pre-order/pre-save/pre-add her forthcoming studio album, Whirlwind, now. For more information, please visit laineywilson.com!
An under the radar Lainey Wilson show was also announced for London in March 2025, two days after the end of the Country to Country festival! Tickets are now sold out but hope remains that Lainey Wilson will be bringing Whirlwind across the pond in person soon!
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