Country rocker Ben Gallaher has released his highly anticipated sophomore album Time, out now via QHMG / Stone Country Records. The 13-track project highlights Gallaher’s bold blend of heartland country rock, described by Entertainment Focus as “a bold, full-throttle statement that cements Gallaher as one of country rock’s most promising voices.”
Produced by Neil Thrasher and Patrick Thrasher, the album reflects Gallaher’s growth as both a songwriter and a modern-day guitar hero. He co-wrote five tracks and played every lead guitar solo across the project, with the melodic title track standing out for its universally relatable line: “I wish I could move on like time.”
“I named the album Time because every song, every guitar riff and every live show only comes with time,” Gallaher shared. “These songs take me to different moments in my life and in my journey, all leading to finally making the record that I’ve always wanted to make.”
He also shared with us what he learned from making his debut album that he applied to Time. “Time is the record I’ve always wanted to make. I had my hand in every aspect of it from the songs, to the guitar parts, to the cover photo, to writing the album title font. We recorded this record in the span of one year—not including “Cuts Like a Knife” and “Stomp”—and I feel like these songs fit together like a pair of broken-in boots.”
A Spotlight on “I’ll Take You”
The focus track, “I’ll Take You,” is an arena-ready anthem written by Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley, and Tony Martin. Originally a ballad, the song was transformed into a driving, up-tempo showcase of Gallaher’s electric guitar riffs.
“Sometimes, turning a ballad into a tempo track doesn’t work at all, and it feels forced, but this time it was the most organic experience,” Gallaher explained. “Country music has always been built on relatability, and if you love someone like this song is describing, you get that.”
The album also features tracks like “Betcha Money,” a wordplay-driven love story; “Where Do You Go,” a softer groove track; and the summer blockbuster ballad “Bullet,” which climbed CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown and Taste of Country’s “Top 10 Video Countdown.” Gallaher even takes on Bryan Adams’ classic “Cuts Like a Knife,” putting his signature spin on every lead guitar line.
Collaborations and Guitar Greatness
Backing Gallaher on Time are some of Nashville’s top session musicians, including four-time ACM Guitar Player of the Year Tom Bukovac and acclaimed players like Jedd Hughes, Justin Ostrander, Adam Shoenfeld, and Ilya Toshinskiy. Together, they round out Gallaher’s arena-ready sound with rich rhythm guitar layers.
American Songwriter praised Gallaher for the authenticity that makes him “the type of artist country music has been missing for far too long.” His debut album Country in the House (2023) helped push his catalog past 32 million streams, and his viral hit “Stomp” has racked up more than 36 million views, cementing his reputation as both a songwriter and a show-stopping guitarist.
“A great song makes you feel something,” Gallaher said. “And it might be different for every listener. But I believe there’s a song on this record for everyone.”
Listen Now
Album Release Celebration
To mark the release, Gallaher will perform a Songwriter Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 12 noon CT. Fans can expect solo acoustic performances, stories behind the songs, and audience Q&A.
With Time, Ben Gallaher takes his artistry to the next level, proving once again that he’s a country rocker to watch, balancing raw storytelling with electrifying guitar work.
