Americana Roundup: Five Songs You Need to Hear Right Now - November 2024
By Ryan Humbert - Summit FM Contributor
Here are five new Americana songs that you need to hear right now! Enjoy!
Don't forget to tune into the Americana Roundup, every Sunday morning from 9 to 11AM on The Summit FM -- hosted by Ryan Humbert, lead singer of the Shootouts. For more information, visit AmericanaRoundup.com.
Chuck Prophet
"First Came The Thunder"
Many Summit FM listeners will recognize Chuck Prophet. Since his debut album, Brother Aldo, in 1990, he has been turning out incredible, under-the-radar albums. His new album adds another chapter to his incredible discography––but with a twist.
Wake The Dead finds Prophet in the Cumbia world courtesy of his friends in a band called ¿Qiensave?, along with members of his longtime backing band Mission Express. The songs are equally tough and funky, soulful and unique, joyful yet street smart, framing Prophet's storytelling in a fresh, new way.
Trampled by Turtles Feat. Leann Rimes
"Out of Time"
I was slightly surprised when I first saw that country starlet Leann Rimes had joined the "jam-grass" band Trampled by Turtles on this dreamy new tune. It's not a pairing one would expect to see, but it sure is magical. This folky mandolin and fiddle waltz features a beautiful narrative with poignant, dark lyrics: "The only thing I know for sure is we all run out of time." It's a melancholy, stirring tune perfect for these uncertain times.
Jon Muq
"Hello Sunshine"
This gorgeous, breezy track has a vintage beach rock feel and spotlights the strong vocals of Uganda-born singer-songwriter Jon Muq. Now an Austin, Texas native, Muq mixes a 70s-esque melody with subtle, lush production from Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach. Turn it up, dance around your kitchen, and let the warm vibes wash over you!
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
"What We Had"
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings are back with their seventh album, Woodland, named after their Nashville recording studio.
The Americana pioneers continue to mine classic folk, country, and bluegrass sounds while combining them with stories of lovers, losers, legends, and lies. "What We Had" is a gorgeous track, finding Welch and Rawlings duetting over a bed of strings and acoustic guitars.
This album has been nominated for Best Folk album at the 2025 Grammys, and with good reason.
Dwight Yoakam
"Wide Open Heart"
Dwight Yoakam, the king of cool, is back! His new album, Brighter Days, is his first new collection of original material in nine years, and it finds him in a positively sunny mood.
The famous ladies' man finally settled down in 2020, and he and his wife welcomed their first child, Dalton. This combination finds Dwight embracing joy with the 14 new tunes on Brighter Days.
"Wide Open Heart" kicks off the album with a bang. It's California country-rock at it's finest -- and happiest!