New music: Peter Frampton, Jason Aldean, The Corner Laughers

In this column I highlight the highly-recommended returns from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton, country music great Jason Aldean and indie folk-pop quartet The Corner Laughers. 

Artist: Peter Frampton
Title: Carry the Light (UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow, Bill Evans, H.E.R.

Tell me more: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton is back with Carry the Light, his first album of all-new material in 16 years. Co-written and produced with his son Julian Frampton, Carry the Light features guest appearances from singer Sheryl Crow, saxophone player Bill Evans, guitarists H.E.R. and Tom Morello, singer Graham Nash and keyboardist Benmont Tench. But make no mistake, it are Frampton's top-tier talents as singer and guitar master that anchor the outstanding 10-track effort. The depth and range of material on the album is impressive to be sure, from the intoxicating world music-flavored title track, fiery blues rocker "Lions At The Gate," the gorgeous "I'm Sorry Elle" (the latter featuring Nash on guest vocals) and confessional "Breaking The Mold" are all early standouts. The nuanced "I Can't Let It Be," jazzy "Can You Take Me There," genre-blending "Tinderbox" and expressive instrumental "At The End Of The Day" are among the highlights on the last half of the LP. My favorite cut on the album is "Buried Treasure," a blistering rocker that is actually a tribute to Tom Petty's SiriusXM radio show of the same name that forcefully showcases Frampton's signature vocals and virtuoso lead guitar work. Information: peterframpton.com.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Songs About Us (BBR Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Daughtry, Southern rock

Tell me more: Country music great Jason Aldean is back with his 12th studio album, Songs About Us, an ambitious disc that finds the Macon, Georgia native continuing to deliver infectious rock-flavored lived-in modern country tracks that touch on themes of romance and heartbreak, determination in the face of defeat and independence with a masterful touch. The parade of alluring songs includes the stellar anguish-mining opener "Anytime Soon," rocking "Drinking About You," tender "How Far Does A Goodbye Go," surefire sing-along "Good Thing Going," reflective "Backroads Of My Memory," soaring "Easier Gone," and luxurious love song "Her Favorite Color." Information: jasonaldean.com. 

Artist: The Corner Laughers
Title: Concerns Of Wasp And Willow (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Belle And Sebastian, XTC, Kate Bush, Neko Case

Tell me more: There is something both decidedly different and wonderfully familiar in the inviting sound of Northern California-based The Corner Laughers. The indie-pop quartet has returned after a five-year absence with the wonderful Corners Of Wasp And Willow, an album that showcases the stellar talents of Karla Kane (lead vocals, ukulele), Khoi Huynh (bass, vocals), KC Bowman (guitar, vocals) and Charlie Crabtree (drums) with aplomb. The 10-song disc features a myriad of wonderful originals including the environmental-minded opener "Terra Mia," shimmering melodic gem "Dusking," dream-swept retro folk sortie "Rainbow Cardigan," beautiful "The Harvestman," tuneful Halloween-aimed nugget "Dark Matter," luxurious "Victoria Sponge" and evocative album closer "Larkspur Landing." The Corner Laughers have crafted a marvelously literate album that would have sounded great if it had been issued a generation ago and one that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners decades from now. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

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

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

Singles shine spotlight on forthcoming LPs

Just over two weeks into 2026, a number of highly-anticipated albums loom on the horizon. Here is a roundup of several advance tracks out now that shine a light on forthcoming high-profile album releases.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Song titles: "Her Favorite Color," "Easier Gone," "What's A Little Heartache" (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw
Tell me more: On Jan. 9, country music great Jason Aldean released not one, not two, but three advance tracks from his highly-anticipated album Songs About Us. All three of the outstanding cuts appear to foreshadow another top-tier release from the Macon, Georgia native. "Her Favorite Color" is an emotional love song painted with atmospheric sonics, Aldean's signature lead vocals and poetic lyrics that tap into romance celebrated against an American landscape. The bewitching duet "Easier Gone" features Aldean sharing lead and harmony vocals with his wife Brittany Aldean; the third song "What's A Little Heartache" is a decidedly modern track that blends dance, country and pop into its infectious run. Songs About Us will feature 20 new tracks, and will be available on April 24. Information: JasonAldean.com.

Artist: Mumford & Sons
Title: "The Banjo Song" (Glassnote Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Mumford & Sons, The Jayhawks
Tell me more: Those looking forward to hearing Mumford & Sons' forthcoming sixth album Prizefighter (due Feb. 20) are in luck; the band has just released the sumptuous new song "The Banjo Song." The song was co-written by Aaron Dessner and Jon Bellion, with the track's probing and hopeful message detailed via a luxurious mix of vocal harmonies and nuanced Americana musicianship. "The Banjo Song" follows the previously-issued introductory tracks "Rubber Band Man" and the album's title track. Information: mumfordandsons.com.

Artist: The Jack Rubies
Title: "Boat Rocker" (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: New Order, The Church, power pop music
Tell me more: One of many strong cuts pulled from the Jack Rubies' 21st century reunion album Visions In The Bowling Alley (due Jan. 23 via Big Stir Records), "Boat Rocker" is an upbeat cut that blends '80s indie rock with modern-day power pop. The driving cut recalls the magic of vintage New Order, but comes wrapped in the United Kingdom-based Jack Rubies' own postpunk pop soundscape first established during their 1980s and 1990s run on TVT Records. Information: bigstirrecords.com.

Robert Kinsler

Jason Aldean releases three new songs ahead of 'Songs About Us,' due April 24

Check out the latest news and new music from Jason Aldean. I particularly love "Her Favorite Color" which showcases Aldean's stellar lead vocals; the duet "Easier Gone" is also a terrific cut...Robert Kinsler

JASON ALDEAN RELEASES THREE NEW SONGS AHEAD OF SONGS ABOUT US APRIL 24 ALBUM RELEASE Announced Last Week To His Fans Via Socials, “Her Favorite Color,” “Easier Gone,” And “What’s A Little Heartache” Now Available (1/9/2026) Full Throttle World Tour Returns To The US January 15 Ahead of International Run in 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. (January 9, 2026) — Multi-platinum award-winning artist and reigning country powerhouse Jason Aldean continues the rollout of his upcoming album, Songs About Us, with the release of three new tracks today. The songs offer fans a deeper look into the emotional breadth of his new 20-track album and includes Aldean’s long-awaited duet with his wife. “Easier Gone” featuring Brittany Aldean, “Her Favorite Color” and “What’s A Little Heartache” are available now ahead of the official release of Songs About Us on April 24, 2026. Pre-add, pre-save, pre-order HERE. “This album is about real life,” shared Aldean. “The highs, the lows, and everything in between. Every song started from a real place, and when it all came together, I realized these really are songs about all of us.” Coinciding with the new music, Aldean, a two-time nominee at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, appears as the January cover star of Nashville Lifestyles, reflecting on family, longevity, and the personal experiences shaping this next chapter of his career. The feature mirrors the heart of Songs About Us, an album rooted in real-life stories and the music that defines him. To read his cover story, visit here. Today’s release follows 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 Aldean’s current Top 10-and-climbing single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go.” Songs About Us follows the reigning ACM Artist of the Decade’s last album, Highway Desperado, which earned him his first career Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit and his 30th career #1 at country radio. Over the past two decades, Aldean has built a remarkable career with 13 Top 10 country albums, 30 No. 1 hits at country radio, and a chart-topping Billboard Hot 100 hit. Recently honored with a SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award for being one of the most-streamed artists of all time, the multi-platform headliner also spearheaded CBS’s New Year’s Eve 2026: Nashville’s Big Bash, performing live for millions across the country and debuting a new track from his upcoming album. Aldean is set to continue his high-energy Full Throttle World Tour, which returns to the US next week (January 15) before kicking off its 2026 international run in New Zealand, where he will headline for the first time, and Australia, marking his long-awaited return after more than a decade. For more information on Songs About Us, Full Throttle tour dates, and other Aldean updates, visit www.JasonAldean.com. KEEP UP WITH JASON ALDEAN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | X ###

Photo Credit: Spidey Smith

Catching Up on 2023: Peter Gabriel, Jason Aldean, Juan Carlos Quintero

Before 2023 fully fades into history, I want to highlight several outstanding late year releases worthy of your full attention.

Artist: Peter Gabriel

Title: i/o (Real World Productions)

You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Kate Bush

Tell me more: Before the release of Peter Gabriel's i/o this year, the groundbreaking English artist hadn't released a full-length album of material since 2002's Up. The good news for the countless millions of lovers of the 73-year-old English singer-songwriter-producer is that the new masterwork that has been in the works since early 1995 was well worth the wait. What jumps out with an initial listen is how fully and powerfully intact his signature vocals are across the disc, and how sophisticated and detailed the sonic landscape that surrounds each track. In early 2023, Gabriel began releasing a new song from the album with the arrival of every full moon; the initiative also served as a way to let each selection to be the focus on listeners' radar for a full month before another song was released. The full album was released as a cohesive collection on Dec. 1, 2023 (each of the dozen tracks are presented via two stereo mixes; a third "In-Side Mix" version is presented in Dolby Atmos). The intoxicating opener "Panopticom," experimental "The Court," masterfully luxurious "Playing For Time," stirring "And Still" and reflective title track (the latter bolstered by the most artful of dynamics) just begin to tell the story of an album that demands repeated listens and continues to reveal its bewitching secrets with each subsequent play. Information: petergabriel.com.

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Highway Desperado (Broken Bow Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, 3 Doors Down
Tell me more: One of country music's biggest stars of the 21st century, Jason Aldean has successfully used his talents as a dynamic live performer and exceptional recording artist to propel more than two dozen of his singles to number 1 on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. On his latest full-length album Highway Desperado, the Macon, Georgia native continues his incredible run with a terrific collection that showcases real life triumphs and struggles while simultaneously celebrating the American spirit with an otherworldly and emotional touch. Aldean has been especially masterful at blending modern country and classic rock genres into a signature style that resonates at festivals and arena settings. Each of the 14 songs on Highway Desperado are immediately infectious; the timely number one hit "Try That In A Small Town" taps into the well-founded fears of millions of Americans who have seen violent crime soar in big cities across the United States over the past several years. The Michael Knox-produced album's strengths are found across its run; the tender ballad "Hungover in a Hotel" offers a heartfelt message of regret, while the country rocker "Let Your Boys Be Country" celebrates time-honored traditions that champion how boys grow into men. Aldean sings of romantic loss poignantly on the beautiful "Whose Rearview" and "I'm Over You." Aldean explores newfound love on the soaring "Knew You'd Come Around," while the moody closer "Highway Desperado" taps into the powerful and invisible forces that lure some to keep moving on down the open road. Information: JasonAldean.com.

Artist: Juan Carlos Quintero
Title: desserts... (Moondo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Craig Chaquico, Laurence Juber
Tell me more: Guitar master Juan Carlos Quintero's latest album desserts... is a ravishing celebration of Latin-jazz instrumental music and the artist's flawless fretwork. The self-produced 10-track desserts... brings together the Medellin, Columbia-born artist's incredible jazz mining guitar playing with the sounds, rhythms and grooves of the Southern American and Caribbean regions. Surrounded by a terrific group of top-tier players (bassist Eddie Resto, pianist Joe Rotondi, drummer Aaron Serfaty and percussionist Joey DeLeon), the troupe brings a stylish elegance to wonderful originals composed by Van Morrison (the artfully reworked "Moondance"), Armando Peraza (the joyful "Estampa Cuban"), Eden Ahbez (the luxurious and deeply affecting "Nature Boy"), John Gillespie (fleet-footed "A Night In Tunisia") and more. Information: juancarlosquintero.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Neil Young, Shplang, Randy Lee Riviere, Jason Aldean

Although 2023 is winding down, there are still a slew of great new releases available now and definitely worth adding to your music library. 

Artist: Neil Young
Title: Before and After (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Michael Ubaldini
Tell me more: More than 55 years into his remarkable recording career it's clear that Neil Young can still surprise even the most discerning of listeners. As evidenced on his latest full-length LP Before and After, Young uses his otherworldly powers as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to revisit some of his lesser known gems with a masterful and genuine emotional touch sure to please fans of the artist. As Neil Young notes about his new solo acoustic album Before and After: "Songs from my life, recently recorded, create a music montage with no beginnings or endings." Kicking things off with his surefire strumming on an acoustic guitar Young launches into the reflective "I'm The Ocean," a song further bolstered by his signature harmonica playing. Artful nuggets follow one after another, with the beautiful country-flavored "Homefires," affecting "On The Way Home," pump organ-draped "If You Got Love," shimmering "A Dream That Can Last," delicate "Birds," striking "Mother Earth" and tender "Comes A Time" are among the sparse and compelling performances that collectively add up to a truly extraordinary listen. Information: neilyoungarchives.com.

Artist: Shplang
Title: Thank You, Valued Customer (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Cheap Trick, XTC, Squeeze, Frank Zappa, Sparks
Tell me more: Shplang has returned with one of the last great album releases of 2023, the bewitching melodic rock-minded Thank You, Valued Customer. As ambitious as it is listenable, Thank You, Valued Customer showcases the literate and involving approach of core members Peter Marston and John Krause. The winning horns-adorned single "Understood," wistful psychedelic-tinged "Look Me Over," playful "Das Diddley" (the latter showcasing the band's virtuoso musical chops) and luxurious "Everyone Can Change" are early standouts on the ambitious album. Shplang's sixth full-length album continues its intoxicating run with the modern rockers "Buddha (What Was That?)" and "Lay A Little Love On Me" (the latter bolstered by a super cool instrumental bridge), and tuneful-meets-crunchy delight "A Son Son." The sci-fi-themed "Little Mushroom Men From Mars" somehow blends spoken word, a terrific chorus and virtuoso lead guitar work from Scott Goldbaum into something fully original. Information: bigstirrecords.com and https://orcd.co/shplang.

Artist: Randy Lee Riviere
Title: Blues Sky (Wilderness Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Billy F Gibbons, Neil Young, Ben Harper

Tell me more: Blending roots rock, Americana and electric blues with a stylish touch, singer-songwriter/guitarist Randy Lee Riviere impresses across his latest album Blues Sky. Surrounded by a top-tier group of talented players — Kevin McKendree (electric guitars, keyboards), Kenneth Blevins (drums), David Santos (bass), and the McCray Sisters (Ann, Regina and Freda) on backing vocals — Riviere's song craft shines across the McKendree-produced disc. Riviere, who divides his time between a Montana farm and a home outside of Nashville, taps into classic and contemporary American music across the album. Highlights include the Southern-fried "American Redoubt," catchy "Do Or Don't," blistering "Needles," the beautiful rootsy ballad "Just One More Time," rousing blues rocker "Old Country's Son," classic rock-tinged "Rocky's Road" and lovely closer "Cold Cold River." Information: randyleeriviere.com. 

Artist: Jason Aldean
Title: Highway Desperado (Broken Bow Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, 3 Doors Down
Tell me more: One of country music's biggest stars of the 21st century, Jason Aldean has successfully used his talents as a dynamic live performer and exceptional recording artist to propel more than two dozen of his singles to number 1 on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts. On his latest full-length album Highway Desperado, the Macon, Georgia native continues his incredible run with a terrific collection that showcases real life triumphs and struggles while simultaneously celebrating the American spirit with an otherworldly and emotional touch. Aldean has been especially masterful at blending modern country and classic rock genres into a signature style that resonates at festivals and arena settings. Each of the 14 songs on Highway Desperado are immediately infectious; the timely number one hit "Try That In A Small Town" taps into the well-founded fears of millions of Americans who have seen violent crime soar in big cities across the United States over the past several years. The Michael Knox-produced album's strengths are found across its run; the tender ballad "Hungover in a Hotel" offers a heartfelt message of regret, while the country rocker "Let Your Boys Be Country" celebrates time-honored traditions that champion how boys grow into men. Aldean sings of romantic loss poignantly on the beautiful "Whose Rearview" and "I'm Over You." Aldean explores newfound love on the soaring "Knew You'd Come Around," while the moody closer "Highway Desperado" taps into the powerful and invisible forces that lure some to keep moving on down the open road. Information: JasonAldean.com.

Robert Kinsler

Jason Aldean’s new single with Music Video out now

Check out the melodic new track from Jason Aldean and official music video...Robert Kinsler

JASON ALDEAN VALIDATES THE “TROUBLE WITH A HEARTBREAK,” RELEASING NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO TODAY     New Track Found on Second Portion of 10th Studio Album MACON, GEORGIA - Out April 22, 2022 NASHVILLE, TN - Jan. 14, 2022 - Grammy-nominee Jason Aldean starts off the new year with the announcement of his next single "Trouble With A Heartbreak," available alongside its haunting music video now. The reminiscent track is featured on the second installment of his 10th studio album MACON, GEORGIA (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records), which is available April 22nd, as its aching video is set in Las Vegas during National Finals Rodeo where a cowboy finds himself navigating a broken-heart. The track is now available with the pre-order of the collection’s second installment GEORGIA here, while MACON is fully available here. "The cool thing about putting out two parts of this record is having fans hear all the different influences I grew up on," Aldean said. "This song hit me right when I heard it and reminded me of those bitter R&B breakup songs that take me back to riding through the backroads of Georgia."

Written by Kurt Allison, Brett Beavers, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan, "Trouble With A Heartbreak” follows Aldean's 26th career chart topper and multi-week No. One "If I Didn't Love You" featuring Carrie Underwood. Directed by longtime collaborator Shaun Silva, its video was shot in December during Aldean’s sold-out, three-night run at The Park Theater. Fans can now watch the video here: https://youtu.be/TAtWP5Mct5I The three-time ACM “Entertainer of the Year” has bolstered 26 No. One hits, 15 billion streams and more than 20 million albums sold while "MACON exhibits Aldean’s dynamic approach to Country music,” (American Songwriter). Notably, seven of Aldean’s previous studio albums have been certified PLATINUM or more and he has the most Top 10 song on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, more than any other artists, since making his chart debut in 2005. Aldean just wrapped the "explosive run" (Tulsa World) behind his BACK IN THE SADDLE TOUR 2021, as he continues be one of a card-carrying member of Country's elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status. The multi-Platinum singer has launched Wolf Moon Bourbon, an 80 proof bourbon that has been distilled from Midwestern grains and aged for four years offering a finish of caramel, oak and spice. For more information, visit www.JasonAldean.com.