New Music This Week – July 13, 2026
This week marks a significant moment in the music industry, with a diverse array of artists releasing new material. From established legends to rising stars, the July 13th release date brings a wealth of new singles and albums across various genres. Prominent among the releases is R&B superstar Ne-Yo’s tenth studio album, “Highway 79,” which sees the artist venturing into country music territory for the first time. This genre shift is accompanied by the release of his new single, “Fish On,” from country icon Randy Travis, signaling his first original music in 18 years. The week also features new offerings from Alex Lambert, Bronwyn, Kassi Ashton, Tucker Wetmore, Theo Lawrence, Jacob Hackworth, Thelma & James, Diamond Dixie, and Colton Dawson, ensuring something for every listener.
Key Highlights
- Ne-Yo’s Country Debut: R&B artist Ne-Yo releases his 10th studio album, “Highway 79,” a country-inspired project featuring 11 tracks.
- Randy Travis’s Return: Country music legend Randy Travis unveils his first single in 18 years, “Fish On,” from an upcoming album of previously unreleased vault recordings.
- Diverse New Singles: Alex Lambert’s “Think I’m In Love,” Theo Lawrence’s “I Wanna Know What’s Going On,” Jacob Hackworth’s “Mess That Marlboro Made,” Bronwyn’s “Johnny Ray,” Kassi Ashton’s “Bratmobile,” and Tucker Wetmore’s “Who Told You That” are among the new singles released this week.
- Emerging Artists Shine: Diamond Dixie and Colton Dawson also contribute to the week’s new music landscape with fresh tracks.
A Week of Genre Blending and Legendary Returns
The music landscape this week is characterized by both bold genre explorations and the welcome return of seasoned artists. Ne-Yo’s “Highway 79” is a particularly noteworthy release, marking his first foray into country music. The album, described as a blend of R&B and country, features 11 tracks and represents a significant artistic pivot for the three-time Grammy Award-winning artist. Collaborating with established country music figures like Luke Laird and BRELAND, Ne-Yo aims to immerse himself in the genre’s traditions while infusing it with his signature style. “Highway 79” has already found success, topping the R&B charts.
Meanwhile, Randy Travis makes a highly anticipated comeback with his new single, “Fish On.” This release is particularly poignant as it marks his first original music since a stroke in 2013. The song, and the forthcoming album it heralds, consists of previously recorded vault tracks, offering fans a chance to hear Travis’s classic sound once more. “Fish On” was co-written by Travis and his longtime friend Ron Avis, and has been produced by his long-time collaborator Kyle Lehning. The single’s release is part of a broader effort to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his debut album, “Storms of Life”.
Beyond these major releases, the week is filled with a vibrant array of new singles from artists across the spectrum. Alex Lambert offers “Think I’m In Love,” a song that blends country, soul, and R&B. Theo Lawrence, fresh off his Grand Ole Opry debut, releases “I Wanna Know What’s Going On,” a track with a cinematic, ’60s-inspired sound reminiscent of a Tarantino soundtrack. Jacob Hackworth’s “Mess That Marlboro Made” is a reflective ballad exploring how small decisions can shape a life. Bronwyn, a multi-talented artist and former member of Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, explores songwriting with her new single “Johnny Ray,” a song that tackles themes of addiction.
Kassi Ashton delivers an energetic anthem with “Bratmobile,” described as a “windows-down anthem built for backroads, bad decisions, and finding freedom on your own terms”. Tucker Wetmore adds to the summer soundtrack with “Who Told You That,” a breezy track that addresses rumors and speculation. The sister duo Diamond Dixie continues to build towards their EP with the release of “Bad Habits”, and Colton Dawson, a rising artist in traditional country, releases “Piece Of Heaven,” a song he wrote at 16 that holds personal significance.
Thematic Subheadings
#### Ne-Yo’s Bold Genre Leap
Ne-Yo’s decision to release a country-inspired album, “Highway 79,” marks a significant departure from his R&B roots. This move is not merely a superficial attempt to tap into a new market but a deep dive into the genre’s songwriting traditions. Working with prominent Nashville songwriters such as Luke Laird, Charles Kelley, BRELAND, Rhett Atkins, Chuck Harmony, and Tayla Parx, Ne-Yo has crafted an album that aims to blend the soulful essence of R&B with the storytelling and instrumentation of country music. The album, a milestone as his 10th studio album, features 11 tracks and has already seen success, charting at No. 1 on the R&B format. This artistic exploration demonstrates a commitment to creative growth and a willingness to chase new horizons, even after achieving multi-platinum success in his established genre.
#### Randy Travis’s Legacy Amplified
Randy Travis’s “Fish On” is more than just a new single; it’s a testament to a career that has spanned decades and a voice that continues to resonate. The release of original music after an 18-year hiatus, particularly following his 2013 stroke, carries immense emotional weight. The songs are drawn from a “vault” of recordings made before his stroke, ensuring their authenticity. This project, produced by Kyle Lehning, is a celebration of his legacy and a gift to fans who have supported him throughout his journey. The single serves as a precursor to an upcoming, yet-untitled album, and celebrates the 40th anniversary of his groundbreaking debut album, “Storms of Life”.
#### A Spectrum of New Sounds
The breadth of new releases this week highlights the dynamism of the contemporary music scene. From the soulful country-tinged R&B of Alex Lambert’s “Think I’m In Love” to the cinematic noir of Theo Lawrence’s “I Wanna Know What’s Going On,” artists are pushing creative boundaries. Jacob Hackworth’s “Mess That Marlboro Made” offers a narrative of life-altering decisions, while Bronwyn’s “Johnny Ray” delves into profound themes with a mature songwriting approach. Kassi Ashton’s “Bratmobile” embodies a spirit of freedom and rebellion, perfectly capturing a modern, uninhibited sound. Tucker Wetmore’s “Who Told You That” adds a playful, conversational element to the country landscape. Diamond Dixie’s “Bad Habits” and Colton Dawson’s “Piece Of Heaven” further enrich the week’s offerings, showcasing emerging talent and their distinct artistic voices.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Q1: What is Ne-Yo’s new album called and what genre is it?
Ne-Yo’s new album is called “Highway 79.” It is his tenth studio album and is described as country-inspired, blending R&B and country music.
Q2: When was Randy Travis’s last album of original music released?
Randy Travis’s last album of original music before “Fish On” was released over 18 years ago. The new music comes from vault recordings made before his 2013 stroke.
Q3: Which artists released new singles this week besides Ne-Yo and Randy Travis?
Several other artists released new singles, including Alex Lambert (“Think I’m In Love”), Theo Lawrence (“I Wanna Know What’s Going On”), Jacob Hackworth (“Mess That Marlboro Made”), Bronwyn (“Johnny Ray”), Kassi Ashton (“Bratmobile”), Tucker Wetmore (“Who Told You That”), Thelma & James (“Home In Your Broken Heart”), Diamond Dixie (“Bad Habits”), and Colton Dawson (“Piece Of Heaven”).
Q4: What is unique about Theo Lawrence’s new song “I Wanna Know What’s Going On”?
Theo Lawrence’s new song “I Wanna Know What’s Going On” has a haunting, cinematic ’60s throwback sound, drawing comparisons to a Tarantino soundtrack, and evokes a feeling of jealousy and paranoia.
Q5: What is the theme of Kassi Ashton’s new single “Bratmobile”?
Kassi Ashton’s “Bratmobile” is an energetic anthem focused on freedom, living on one’s own terms, and embracing backroads and spontaneous decisions.
