Jason Aldean takes 'How Far Does A Goodbye Go' all the way to Number One at Country Radio, his 31st Career Chart-Topper

Congratulations to the talented Jason Aldean on his latest number one...Robert Kinsler

JASON ALDEAN TAKES “HOW FAR DOES A GOODBYE GO” ALL THE WAY TO NUMBER ONE AT COUNTRY RADIO, HIS 31ST CAREER CHART-TOPPER New Album Songs About Us Drops April 24 Full Throttle World Tour Returns This Week to Australia And New Zealand Two-Time Nominee at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards --- Country Artist of the Year & Country Song of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 16, 2026) — Multi-platinum award-winning artist and reigning country powerhouse Jason Aldean lands his 31st number one at Country Radio topping both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts with his latest single “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” via Broken Bow Records. On the Billboard Country Airplay chart, Aldean now ties George Strait, Alan Jackson and Luke Bryan for the fourth-most No. 1s since the chart began in 1990. This single served as the first preview of Aldean’s new album Songs About Us, dropping April 24. Pre-add, pre-save, pre-order HERE. “Man, I thought 30 was a milestone…now we’re sitting at 31 number one songs. That’s pretty wild. Thank you to country radio, my team, our streaming partners, the songwriters and every one of y’all who’ve listened and turned these songs into something bigger than we ever imagined,” says Aldean.

The chart topping success coincides with Aldean’s Full Throttle World Tour return to Australia and his first time headlining New Zealand this week with shows kicking off on Thursday. Aldean is also a two-time nominee at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards — Country Artist of the Year and Country Song of the Year for his 30th number one hit “Whiskey Drink.”  The ACM Artist of the Decade has been sharing new music with his fans since the November announcement of Songs About Us and the surprise drop of “Help You Remember,” “Hard To Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me Too Long,” along with the chart topping “How Far Does A Goodbye Go.” He shared a second batch of songs last month when he premiered “Easier Gone” featuring Brittany Aldean, “Her Favorite Color” and “What’s A Little Heartache.” Songs About Us follows Highway Desperado, an album that earned him his first career Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit and his 30th career number one at country radio. Over the past two decades, Aldean has built a remarkable career with 13 Top 10 country albums, 31 number one hits at country radio and a SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award for being one of the most-streamed artists of all time. For more information on Songs About Us, Full Throttle tour dates, and other Aldean updates, visit www.JasonAldean.com. About Jason Aldean: Grammy-nominated, Multi-Platinum award winning entertainer Jason Aldean is one of country’s most successful touring powerhouses and influential musical icons of the 21st century. With 31 number one singles, nearly 20B streams, and over 20M albums sold, Aldean’s name is synonymous with country music. Since exploding onto the scene with his 2005 self-titled debut, Aldean has carved out a reputation for delivering hard-hitting, emotionally resonant anthems that blend small-town storytelling with stadium-powered energy. He’s remained a steadfast and defining voice, with a fanbase that spans generations and continues to grow. The Georgia native recently released his album 30 Number One Hits, marking his 13th top 10 country album in 20 years with its #4 debut on the Billboard Top Country Album Chart (10/10). His 11th studio album, Highway Desperado (2023), featured his 30th number one single and garnered his first career number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Known for his electrifying live shows and breakout crossover hits, Aldean is currently igniting stages across the globe on the Full Throttle Tour, a high-octane experience that reinforces his place as a legendary live performer. The Full Throttle World Tour kicks off its international leg in 2026, following an extensive US headlining run, hitting New Zealand and Australia. Aldean made his 31st run to the top of the charts with “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the first preview he shared with his fans of his new album, Songs About Us, out April 24. KEEP UP WITH JASON ALDEAN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X ###

Photo Credit: Spidey Smith

New music: The Far West, The Droptines

In this column I review two essential under-the-radar titles worthy of discovery.

Artist: The Far West
Title: Everything We Thought We Wanted (Blackbird Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Wilco, Band of Horses, Steve Earle, Phosphorescent
Tell me more: Released in late 2025, The Far West's Everything We Thought We Wanted is a terrific album that blends alt country, folk and roots rock into an authentic and luxurious listen. The Los Angeles-based troupe's winning album was self-produced and mixed/mastered by veteran engineer Dave Trumfio (Wilco, My Morning Jacket). The 12-track disc includes the exuberant opener "See For Yourself," the sumptuous "Joshua Tree," the evocative "These Lies," psychedelic-tinged "Hope I Don't Bleed," the melodic "Meet Me Where We Parted Last," dreamy "For The Birds" and rollicking roots rocker "In Your Own Time." The album closes out with the introspective "Over the Hill," showcasing the ambitious lyrical and musical approach of the band. The Far West will perform with Rose's Pawn Shop at Pappy & Harriett's in Pioneertown, CA on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Information: thefarwestofficial.com.

Artist: The Droptines
Title: The Droptines (Big Loud Texas)
You might like if you enjoy: Merle Haggard, John Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Old 97's
Tell me more: Released back in 2024, The Droptines' self-titled album was one I only recently discovered thanks to a friend who encouraged me to check out the Austin, Texas-based band's singular sound and lyrical approach that masterfully blends country, indie, heartland rock and folk together into an intoxicating amalgam that is clear once heard. There is a real life-lived spirit across the album, even if that means sex, booze and drugs are referenced to bolster the proceedings. Founded by top-tier singer-guitarist Conner Arthur, the quartet shines on each of the album's dozen tracks. My favorites include the deeply affecting "No One Man," Texas-themed confessional rocker "Bill of Sale," probing tale of romantic longing showcased on "Hyna," the beautiful genre-blending "Let Her Go," aptly-titled "As Your Heart Breaks," satirical "Things I Ain't Got" and disc-closing rocker "Raining Where You Are." What's more, I learned that a "droptine" is a downward-pointing antler of a deer. Information: thedroptines.com.

Robert Kinsler

Album review: Toad the Wet Sprocket's 'Rings: The Acoustic Sessions'

Toad the Wet Sprocket, from left, Glen Phillips, Todd Nichols and Dean Dinning. 
Photo credit: Chris Orwig

Artist: Toad the Wet Sprocket
Title: Rings: The Acoustic Sessions (Abe's Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Toad the Wet Sprocket, Glen Phillips
Tell me more: Toad the Wet Sprocket has released one of the first great albums of 2026, Rings: The Acoustic Sessions. The 14 versions on Rings burst forth with new emotional and musical textures sure to please longtime fans while also serving to introduce Toad the Wet Sprocket's timeless sound to new listeners. And while the versions here are performed by singer-guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols and bassist Dean Dinning along with 11 guest players with a battery of acoustic guitars, acoustic bass, piano, accordion, fiddle, mandolin and an array of other instruments, there is a palpable energy across the collection that draws comparisons with the band's well-recognized sonic approach. 

"Something's Always Wrong" is a particularly powerful track that taps into the deepest fears that inevitably challenge us as we go through life, Phillips' stellar vocals spinning magic amidst the uptempo acoustic textures that define the new collection. Other highlights abound on the 14-track set include the poignant opener "All I Want," fiery "Woodburning," countrified "Good Intentions," stirring "Walk on the Ocean," Americana-flavored "California Wasted," bold acoustic folk rocker "Fall Down," tender gem "Transient Whales" and chilling piano-anchored title track. This is no simple "unplugged" greatest hits set, but rather stands as another high mark in Toad the Wet Sprocket's delightfully ambitious career. Information: toadthewetsprocket.com.

Robert Kinsler