Jake Worthington is staking his claim as one of country’s strongest torchbearers with the release of his sophomore album, When I Write The Song, out today via Big Loud. The 14-track project follows his celebrated debut and highlights Worthington’s devotion to honky-tonk tradition, with collaborations from Miranda Lambert, Marty Stuart, and Mae Estes.
Worthington shared that this record is a deeply personal statement: “When I Write The Song is just a testament to myself and for the better or worse it’s who I am and what I do and it’s what I love. When I get behind the old pen and paper, it’s not always the good things that come to mind that I find the easiest to say. I revere the songwriter more than I revere anybody else in the music industry and I’m proud to have had a hand at writing these songs on this record.”
Produced by Joey Moi, Jon Randall, and Chuck Ainlay, the project balances polish with raw country grit.
Standout Songs and Collaborations
The viral single “It Ain’t The Whiskey” has already racked up more than 40 million streams and earned a Texas Country Music Association nomination for Single of the Year. Worthington also teamed up with Lambert for the witty duet “Hello Shitty Day,” collaborated with Marty Stuart on “I’m The One,” and delivered a solo-penned title track.
He admits some of the more vulnerable tracks made him nervous to release: “Sometimes there’s this little devil on your shoulder… there’s a level of honesty with some of these songs that, well, I think it’s important to be that honest in songs. And that’s ultimately why we cut them. That’s what you do in country music, right?”
Lessons From His Debut
Reflecting on what he learned between his debut and this album, Worthington said the biggest takeaway was to remain true to himself. “Stick to my guns. In terms of song and stylistic choices, I don’t think really much of anything changed. I just want to go deeper into the vein of the foundation of the music that I love. I had to fight for me, and I don’t guess that’ll ever change.”
When asked what he hopes listeners will take away, his answer was simple. “I hope they take away honesty. That when they put this record on, it’s a prime direction for them to go to when they want an example of country music.”
Touring and Live Energy
Worthington’s traditional sound shines brightest on stage. He’s set to go on the road with Zach Top for the Cold Beer & Country Music Tour and will later join Jon Pardi for his Honkytonk Hollywood Tour.
He says the energy of live performance is what fuels him. “I love the opportunity to feel the energy and bring the energy. You know, I love that. I love that whole deal. I have hung my hat on the fact that I think people love country music. Well, I know people love country music because I love country music and getting in front of crowds like that.” He also alluded to the magic of everyone being there for a shared purpose, a love of country music.
Worthington sums up his mission in one line: “I believe in country music as much as I believe in my next breath. Blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.”
With When I Write The Song, Jake Worthington proves there’s more than just room, there’s a thriving demand for it. He stands among the best of today’s artists, keeping the flame of traditional country burning bright for a new generation.
Jake Worthington Tour Dates
Listen Now
The album is available on all streaming platforms and you can also purchase it on CD or vinyl.
