Ross Jones

After another stellar New Music Friday, we're delving into a trio of projects from three completely different areas of the country spectrum. With releases from country-rocker Ashley McBryde, traditional up-and-comer Coleman Jennings and alt-folk trailblazer Josiah and the Bonnevilles, this week's album round-up is refreshingly eclectic.

Song Carry On Artist(s) Kenny Chesney Released May 8, 2026 Label HEY NOW Records Songwriter(s) Chase McGill, Matt Jenkins, Jessi Alexander Producer(s) Kenny Chesney, Buddy Cannon The Background Originally slated for Kenny Chesney’s next songwriter-driven island project, “Carry On” ultimately revealed itself as something bigger — a song that belonged at the center of his broader message about resilience, joy, and living fully in the moment.

As the dust settles on another stacked New Music Friday that included a much anticipated new project from Kacey Musgraves, two of the genre’s strongest releases have landed in the spotlight courtesy of Ernest and Austin Snell. From sharp, slick songwriting to contemporary production, there’s plenty to unpack across both projects.