Old Dirt, New Boots for 2021
This year keeps us fans on our toes, especially the country genre. Over the years, female country artists have taken on progressively stronger voices. This year, fans will hear younger artists grow through their talents and follow the reigns of older legends. Who should we keep an ear on this year?
Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce is packing a punch for 2021. The artist who brought us the emotional tune “Every Little Thing” in 2017 will release an album worth of emotion.The last year has been a hard time for many people internationally and Pearce is ready to tell her story through her album 29. This album serves as a musical reflection of the past year with heavy themes such as loss, grief, and moving forward.
Her latest single “Day One” elevates her sound from 2017. Given the context or not, it is still a song that should resonate with many listeners. The mellow beat does have hints of uplifting moments that shine. So far, 29 seems to be Pearce’s Rocky story. Her new album is expected to launch on February 29th.
Valerie June
This hidden gem of talent can make a big splash in the country game. Valerie June is a female country artist that has a very unique sound for 2021. June’s unique sound is created by her guitar and banjo skills combined with soulful rhythm & blues. Her talent was enough to be recognized by legend Bob Dylan back in 2017, following her release of The Order of Time.
For 2021, June is ready to release her album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers. The single “Call Me A Fool” gives insight on her melancholic rhythms. The Moon and Stars will be released on March 12th.
Morgan Wade
Morgan Wade is a young, ambitious vocalist in the pool of female country artists. She has a very strong and wild voice that blends rock, pop, and country. This hybrid of elements makes her stand out in the crowd. In 2021, she looks to use the loudness to get more well-deserved recognition.
Wade is releasing her debut solo album Reckless yet she is not alone. Guitarist Jason Isbell from Morgan Wade and the Stepbrothers has been a key component in developing this album with her. This can assure that Wade will maintain her original sound through the guidance of a former bandmate. We hope to see this female country artist incorporate her sound into the mainstream country audiences. Reckless is set for a March 19th release.
Loretta Lynn
This “Honky Tonk Girl” is still thriving with musical talent. Loretta Lynn has been working in the industry for more than five decades and deservedly so. Her 1971 classic “One’s On The Way” put her name on the Billboard charts, cementing her name to fame. With forty more years of experience, Lynn is prepared to release Still Woman Enough, her fiftieth studio album.
Still Woman Enough will bring the past and present of female country work onto one creative album. It will feature renditions of her previous classic while debuting new songs by her. Heavy-hitters such as Reba McEntire, Tanya Tucker, and Carrie Underwood are confirmed to be featured on tracks. Still Woman Enough is expected to be released on March 19th.
Carrie Underwood
One of the genre’s leading vocalists should have all eyes on her this year. Carrie Underwood has transformed the status quo for females in the country industry over the last decade. Her range in sounds from hardcore country to pop-country has gathered millions of fans. Now, she is diving deeper into a more traditional sound: gospel. Her upcoming eighth album My Savior hints that Underwood will get spiritual with her new work.
Her performance of “Softly and Tenderly” at the 2017 Country Music Awards should give insight on the overall tone. This song is actually listed on the track list for the album, too. My Savior is set to be released on March 26th.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to record an album of my favorite gospel hymns, and after #MyGift felt like the perfect time to make it happen. It’s called #MySavior and it will be here March 26, just in time for Easter! ✨🙏
More info: https://t.co/6Zkqcjv7Tc pic.twitter.com/KoltxOBUR9
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 19, 2021
Be sure to subscribe to Beyond the Stage for more 2021 Radar lists!
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