Whirlwind

Lainey Wilson’s fifth studio album, Whirlwind, released on August 23, 2024, under BBR Music Group, showcases the Grammy-winning country singer’s unique ability to fuse traditional country with modern influences, further solidifying her position in the country music scene. The album reflects Wilson’s continued evolution as an artist, with 14 tracks co-written by the singer herself, marking a personal and professional milestone in her career. Following the success of her 2022 release, Bell Bottom Country, Wilson brings a fresh yet familiar energy to Whirlwind, blending classic Southern rock vibes with heartfelt country storytelling.

The lead single, “Hang Tight Honey,” released on May 20, 2024, set the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and modern country flair. This song exemplifies Wilson’s knack for writing relatable, feel-good anthems that speak to both long-time country fans and new listeners. As part of her approach to Whirlwind, Wilson focused on “quality over quantity” when it came to songwriting, resulting in a finely curated collection of tracks. She collaborated with her longtime writing partners in The Heart Wranglers, Trannie Anderson, and Dallas Wilson, while also bringing new voices like Jon Decious into the creative process.

One of the album’s standout tracks is “Good Horses,” a collaboration with country icon Miranda Lambert. The two co-wrote the song with Luke Dick at Lambert’s farm, and it showcases the chemistry between two of the genre’s most celebrated female artists. “Good Horses” is a testament to Wilson’s ability to blend powerful songwriting with memorable melodies. The track was previewed live in Las Vegas before the album’s release, generating significant buzz among fans.

Whirlwind also features tracks that touch on deeply personal themes, such as “Broken Hearts Still Beat,” which addresses the resilience needed to move forward after heartache. On “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” Wilson returns to the raw, introspective storytelling that has been a hallmark of her songwriting since her debut. The title track, “Whirlwind,” encapsulates the whirlwind journey that Wilson has experienced in her career, one that has taken her from a small-town girl in Baskin, Louisiana, to one of country music’s top stars.

The album takes listeners through a range of emotions, from the high-energy, fun-loving “Country’s Cool Again” to the nostalgic and reflective “Bar in Baton Rouge.” Songs like “4x4xU” and “Keep Up With Jones” celebrate Southern culture and the enduring strength of rural life, while “Ring Finger” and “Call A Cowboy” explore themes of love and independence, offering a mix of humor and heart.

Produced by Jay Joyce, who has been a frequent collaborator with Wilson, Whirlwind stands out for its sonic richness. This time around, Wilson opted to have her touring band play on the record instead of studio musicians, adding a live, authentic feel to the album. The result is a cohesive body of work that blends the energy of her live performances with polished studio production.

In support of Whirlwind, Wilson embarked on her headlining Country’s Cool Again Tour, beginning in May 2024. The album’s commercial performance reflects her growing influence in the genre, debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200 and number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. With Whirlwind, Lainey Wilson proves she’s not only a powerhouse vocalist but also an artist whose ability to evolve and push boundaries continues to captivate audiences.