Welcome to the first edition of the Friday Finest Five — your weekly round-up of the most exciting new country releases hitting streaming platforms today. From soulful duets and heartbreak anthems to good old-fashioned honky-tonk and small-town reflections, this week’s lineup brings something for everyone. Let’s dive in.
Ty Myers feat. Marcus King – Two Trains
Ty Myers kicks things into overdrive with ‘Two Trains,' a roaring collaboration with blues-rock powerhouse Marcus King. The track, a cover of Little Feat’s classic, channels the spirit of the ’70s with funky guitar riffs, bright piano lines, and a rhythm section built for the open road. Produced by Brandon Hood, it’s a heady mix of soul and Southern swagger, with Myers and King trading vocals like two seasoned road dogs who’ve been jamming together for years. Nostalgic yet fresh, ‘Two Trains' is proof that modern country still knows how to groove.
Erin Kirby – Make A Move
Rising Georgia-born powerhouse Erin Kirby bares her heart on ‘Make A Move,' a soaring anthem of heartbreak and empowerment. Produced by Aaron Eshuis, the track blends emotional vulnerability with self-assured strength, as Kirby urges an ex to “make a move on somebody new” so she can finally let go. With vocals that cut deep and lyrics that feel ripped from the pages of a diary, this latest release previews her upcoming debut EP ‘In and Out of Love' (out November 7). If you’ve ever needed a reminder that moving on is its own kind of victory, this one’s for you.
Joe Nichols – Goodbyes Are Hard to Listen To
Joe Nichols takes listeners back to the heart of honky-tonk with ‘Goodbyes Are Hard to Listen To.' A masterclass in country storytelling, the track captures the ache of heartbreak from a lonely barstool — whiskey in hand and jukebox spinning sad tunes. Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and written by James LeBlanc, Jen Stegall, and Jacob Lyda, it’s classic Nichols: fiddle, steel guitar, and a voice steeped in tradition. As a teaser for his upcoming 2026 album, this one reaffirms why Nichols remains one of the finest vocalists in modern country.
HunterGirl – Dirt
HunterGirl, one of Nashville’s brightest young stars, returns with ‘Dirt,' a rootsy, heartfelt ode to family, home, and the lessons that shape us. Produced by Trent Willmon, the song celebrates small-town life — fishing trips, Sunday talks, muddy four-wheeler rides — with sincerity and warmth. Following her ‘Tennessee Girl' EP, this latest release cements HunterGirl’s growing reputation as an artist who writes from the soul. ‘Dirt' is a reminder to stay grounded, no matter how far life takes you.
Zach John King – Still Feel The Burn
Zach John King delivers a slow-burning, cinematic heartbreak tune with ‘Still Feel The Burn.' Written with Ryan Hurd and Matt Dragstrem, the track captures the lingering pain of lost love with vivid imagery and a blend of country melancholy and indie-rock edge. King’s reflective vocals bring a haunting intimacy to the story, making it easy to see why he’s being hailed as one of Nashville’s “25 Artists to Watch in 2025.” With momentum from touring alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Bryan, ‘Still Feel The Burn' feels like another big step forward for this rising star.
Five songs, five unique perspectives — from barnburners to ballads, these are the week’s must-hear country tracks. Same time next Friday?
