Joe Nichols, the multi-platinum-selling country artist signed to Quartz Hill Records, has just released his long-awaited 11th studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs. The album is now available across digital platforms and streaming services.
Album Celebration at Gilley’s Dallas
To mark the release, Nichols will perform a special headlining show tonight at Gilley’s Dallas to celebrate both the album and the honky tonk’s 21st anniversary. Fans eager to join in the celebration can purchase tickets here.
Lead Single “Better Than You” Gains Momentum
The album’s first radio single, “Better Than You,” a duet with rising star Annie Bosko, has been a hit on country radio. The emotional ballad about the excitement of a first love has been one of the top five most-added songs on U.S. Country Radio for four straight weeks. Music critic Robert K. Oermann praised it as “Goosebump-thrilling” in his MusicRow column, capturing the song’s powerful impact.
A Blend of Tradition and Fresh Sounds
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, Honky Tonks and Country Songs spans 11 tracks that seamlessly blend Nichols’ classic country roots with modern influences. Highlights include “Doin’ Life With You,” “Bottle It Up,” and “Helpless in a Honky Tonk.” Nichols’ vocal performance on the record captures his signature warm and traditional sound, which he says is “the best shape it’s been in years.” A standout track, “Country Boy Can Survive,” is Nichols’ cover of the Hank Williams Jr. classic, a fan favorite during his live shows.
Honky Tonks and Country Songs – Official Track Listing
- Honky Tonks and Country Songs – (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
- Bottle It Up – (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
- People Still Doin’ That – (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels/Jeremy Crady)
- Helpless in a Honky Tonk – (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
- Country Boy Can Survive – (Hank Williams, Jr.)
- Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward) – (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
- Doin’ Life With You – (Jimmy Yeary)
- Y’all Do – (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
- On and On – (Jason Sellers/Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
- Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko) – (Derek George/John Pierce)
- Amazing Ways – (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)
Revival of ’90s and 2000s Country
With a renewed interest in ’90s and early 2000s country, Nichols is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. In July, he was one of only four country artists to perform with Post Malone during his “A Night in Nashville” show, highlighting Nichols’ growing influence among a new generation of fans. Additionally, Lainey Wilson’s 2024 single, “Devil Don’t Go There,” pays homage to Nichols’ hit song “Brokenheartsville.”
Featured Collaborations
The album features notable collaborations, including “Hard Fires,” a song with pedal steel-driven sounds featuring Stevie Woodward of Runaway June. This track explores the bittersweet emotions of revisiting a past relationship, a common theme in Nichols’ traditional country storytelling.
Listen Now
Honky Tonk Holiday Specials
Inspired by the album’s honky tonk theme, Nichols will be hosting two special radio programs—Honky Tonk Holidays™—for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These will include a mix of country hits and holiday favorites, airing commercial-free for a festive season.
About Joe Nichols
Joe Nichols is known for his traditional country style with a modern edge, blending the old and the new seamlessly. With over two billion streams, he is a three-time GRAMMY nominee and has had a string of No. 1 singles and Top 10 hits throughout his career. Nichols has received numerous accolades, including a CMA award, ACM trophy, and CMT’s “Breakthrough Video of the Year” award.
For more details, visit JoeNichols.com.
