Dwight Yoakam Returns with New Single “I’ll Pay The Price” and Upcoming Album Brighter Days
Today, country music icon and 21-time Grammy nominee Dwight Yoakam has released his latest single, “I’ll Pay The Price.” This new track offers fans a taste of what’s to come with Yoakam’s upcoming album, Brighter Days, set to launch on November 15 via Via Records/Thirty Tigers. Yoakam’s first studio album in nearly a decade, Brighter Days is now available for pre-order and pre-save.
A New Album Highlighting Yoakam’s Signature Style and Influence
Brighter Days brings together 12 fresh tracks, many penned by Yoakam himself, alongside a few surprising cover songs that reflect Yoakam’s diverse musical influences. This project includes renditions of the Carter Family’s “Keep On The Sunny Side,” Cake’s “Bound Away,” and The Byrds’ “Time Between,” weaving these selections into the album’s unmistakably “Yoakam” sound. Known for his unique blend of traditional country and rock, Yoakam infuses Brighter Days with a modern yet classic feel that reflects his artistry and decades-long career.
Yoakam, who self-produced the album, recorded and honed these songs over the past three years, collaborating with renowned engineer Chris Lord-Alge to achieve a polished and immediate sound. Through his distinctive blend of California rock with roots country, Yoakam once again demonstrates why he’s been a leader in the genre since the 1980s.
Dwight Yoakam—Brighter Days Track List
- Wide Open Heart
- I’ll Pay The Price
- Bound Away (Cake cover)
- California Sky
- Can’t Be Wrong
- I Spell Love
- A Dream That Never Ends
- Brighter Days
- I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom) (with Post Malone)
- If Only
- Hand Me Down Heart
- Time Between (The Byrds cover)
- Keep On The Sunny Side (The Carter Family cover)
- Every Night
Collaborations and a New Hit with Post Malone
Leading up to Brighter Days, Yoakam recently collaborated with Post Malone on the single “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye (Bang Bang Boom Boom).” Released last month with an accompanying music video, the track has drawn significant attention, pairing Yoakam’s timeless appeal with Malone’s unique style for a powerful, genre-spanning song.
A Trailblazing Career and Influence in Country Music
Over his career, Dwight Yoakam has become a towering figure in country music, known for his distinct voice, trailblazing style, and impressive catalog. He has sold more than 26 million albums globally, with five albums reaching #1 on the Billboard charts. His achievements include 12 Gold albums and nine that have gone Platinum or multi-Platinum. With multiple Grammy Awards and recognition from the Americana Music Association, Yoakam also earned the BMI Country Awards’ President’s Award and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Most recently, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Americana Music Awards.
Yoakam’s artistic reach goes beyond music; he’s an accomplished actor who has appeared in over 40 films, including Sling Blade, Panic Room, and Logan Lucky, and on the Amazon series Goliath. Working with celebrated actors like Jodie Foster, Jared Leto, and Matthew McConaughey, Yoakam has solidified his status as a versatile talent both in music and on screen.
From Nashville to California: The Evolution of a Country Icon
Born and raised in Kentucky, Yoakam moved to Nashville in 1977, only to find that the city’s shift toward pop-country wasn’t a fit for his traditional style. He gravitated instead toward California’s burgeoning country-rock scene, finding inspiration in the post-Bakersfield sound. Alongside artists like X, Los Lobos, and The Blasters, Yoakam became a founding figure in the “L.A. Cowpunk Scene,” which blended rockabilly and punk influences with a respect for traditional country roots.
Brighter Days reflects this journey, blending Yoakam’s deep respect for country history with an adventurous, genre-defying spirit. As Yoakam’s new album rolls out, fans can expect another masterclass in country music, crafted by an artist whose influence continues to shape the genre today.
