As the leaves turn and the nights draw in, country music is gearing up for one of its busiest release seasons in years. Starting with tomorrow’s high-profile drops from Lanie Gardner and Graham Barham, September marks the beginning of a wave of albums and singles that will carry fans right through to the holiday season. From fresh-faced newcomers making their first major statements to established stars returning with bold new projects, the run-up to Christmas 2025 is shaping up to be a diverse showcase of storytelling, sound, and style.
This autumn’s calendar is stacked with headline-worthy releases: Hardy, Josh Ross, Amanda Shires, and Whiskey Myers all have big records slated for September, while October brings offerings from Chris Young, Carter Faith, and Alexandra Kay. With November still holding space for surprises, the excitement is as much about what we don’t know as what we do util we get to perhaps the biggest release of quarter four involving the iconic Zac Brown! Taken together, it’s a season that promises to balance heartfelt ballads with genre-bending experiments, giving fans plenty to add to their playlists as the year winds down.
September and October Highlights:
- James Barker Band – One of Us — drops September 5 via Universal Music Canada
- Anne Murray – Here You Are — released September 8, also through Universal Music Canada
- First Time Flyers – Bound to Break – the best of British release their debut album that is bound to be filled with upbeat bangers and infectious four-part harmonies on September 12th.
- Josh Ross – Later Tonight — his debut album arrives September 19, via The Core / Universal Canada / Mercury Nashville
- Chase McDaniel – Lost Ones – promises to be a meaty and heavyweight listen as Chase sings his redemption story of his struggles with addiction on September 19.
- Thelma & James – Starting Over EP – Renowned songwriters and artists in their own right Mackenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge team up outside of their marriage to take on the personas of Thelma and James in a powerful and meaningful duo – also out September 19.
- Hardy – Country! Country! (studio album) — scheduled for September 26 via Big Loud; includes features by Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr.
- Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl — also September 26, via ATO Records
- Whiskey Myers – ‘Whomp Whack Thunder' also comes out on the 26th September if you need something louder, rockier and much more primal than Amanda Shires!
- Cory Marks – Sorry for Nothing Vol. 2 — arrives October 3 as Cory continues to meld 80s and 90s rock with southern Country sensibilities.
- Carter Faith's highly anticipated Cherry Valley arrives also on October 3. Some of the most cutting and comedic lyrics you'll hear all season on this stand out release!
- Lily Rose completes the October 3 slate with her ‘I Know What I Want' release
- Faith Hopkins' ‘What if Sabrina Carpenter did Country music?' esque style gets a full release on October 10th with her ‘Love and Insanity' release
- The biggest release in October arrives on the 17th with Chris Young dropping ‘I Didn't Come Here to Leave' – his first album for Black River Entertainment and one that has the seasoned veteran with a point to prove.
- Big Loud emerging prospect Alexandra Kay releases her sophomore album ‘Second Wind' on October 24th. Check out her Karley Scott Collins written banger ‘Straight for the Heart' below:
Summary
- September is a country music blitz, with major artists like Hardy, Josh Ross and Amanda Shires releasing standout albums, alongside Americana voices like Carson McHone.
- October maintains momentum with promising new voices like Carter Faith and Faith Hopkins and heavyweight releases from the likes of Chris Young.
- November appears quieter, maybe leaving the field open for surprise drops or previews—making it the perfect sweet spot for teasing what’s next.
- December opens with the Zac Brown Band’s ‘Love & Fear,' anchoring the start of the festive listening season and steering us in safe hands through to the end of the year.
