Lainey Wilson: The Whirlwind of Country’s New Queen
In a dazzling display of rhinestones and fringe, country music’s reigning darling Lainey Wilson is set to captivate audiences once again with her forthcoming album, aptly titled “Whirlwind.” The Grammy-winning chanteuse, known for her bell-bottom chic and powerhouse vocals, took to social media on Tuesday to unveil the track list of her highly anticipated fifth studio effort.
The announcement came in the form of a mesmerizing video, teasing fans with the titles of 14 new songs that promise to be a sonic journey through the landscapes of modern country. Among the revelations was a snippet of the unreleased track “4x4xU,” hinting at the raw, emotive power we’ve come to expect from Wilson.
“This album brought me back to my roots,” Wilson shared, her words resonating with the authenticity that has become her trademark. The “Watermelon Moonshine” singer’s ability to find grounding amidst the chaos of stardom is evident in her approach to this new body of work.
“Whirlwind” follows the massive success of 2022’s “Bell Bottom Country,” which not only earned Wilson a trio of Top 5 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart but also secured her a Grammy for best country album. The pressure is on, but if anyone can rise to the occasion, it’s the Louisiana native with a penchant for turning life’s turbulence into chart-topping gold.
The album’s track list reads like a who’s who of country music prowess, with standout collaborations including “Good Horses” featuring the inimitable Miranda Lambert. From the intriguingly titled “Keep Up With Jones” to the evocative “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” each song promises to be a thread in the rich tapestry of Wilson’s musical narrative.
Whirlwind Track List
1. “Keep Up With Jones”
2. “Country’s Cool Again”
3. “Good Horses” featuring Miranda Lambert
4. “Broken Hearts Still Beat”
5. “Whirlwind”
6. “Call a Cowboy”
7. “Hang Tight Honey”
8. “Bar in Baton Rouge”
9. “Counting Chickens”
10. “4x4xU”
11. “Ring Finger”
12. “Middle of It”
13. “Devil Don’t Go There”
14. “Whiskey Colored Crayon”
In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Wilson elaborated on the album’s title, describing it as a reflection of her whirlwind life. “Whether I’m running into somebody and they’re saying, ‘Man, your life has been a whirlwind’ — or whether the word’s coming out of my mouth, or I open a book and see the word ‘whirlwind,’ it just seems to be surrounding me,” she mused, her insight as sharp as her songwriting.
The lead single, “Country’s Cool Again,” released in February, has already set the tone for what’s to come. It’s a celebration of the genre’s enduring appeal, wrapped in Wilson’s signature blend of tradition and modernity.
As anticipation builds for the album’s release, one thing is certain: Lainey Wilson is not just riding the whirlwind of her success—she’s directing it, crafting a storm of sound that’s set to sweep across the country music landscape. With her unparalleled storytelling and a voice that could tame the wildest tempest, Wilson is poised to cement her status as country’s newest icon.
In the ever-evolving world of fashion and music, Lainey Wilson stands as a beacon of style and substance. “Whirlwind” isn’t just an album; it’s a statement, a sartorial and sonic explosion that’s bound to leave an indelible mark on the industry. Prepare to be swept away.