DOLLY PARTON RUN, ROSE, RUN
Dolly Parton teamed with best-seller James Patterson to write her first novel this year, then wrote an album as its musical complement. Run, Rose, Run is full of original tunes inspired by the book’s story, which finds a young star on the rise and on the run, hiding dark secrets in her songs. (Available March 7.)
BEN RECTOR THE JOY OF MUSIC
Album titles are often a head fake, but Ben Rector’s The Joy of Music is, well, a joy from start to finish. Mixing delightful dance-floor grooves with a fondness for new-wave pop and playful positivity, Rector enjoys the company of Snoop Dogg, Kenny G, Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, and more. (Available March 11.)
HAILEY WHITTERS RAISED
Grateful for a childhood filled with both determination and mild dysfunction, Hailey Whitters paints a loving portrait of the heartland with her third album, Raised. Matching rustic roots-rock with sweet corn vocals and sass, Whitters is the down-to-earth, every-girl heroine country has lately lacked. (Available March 18.)
MAREN MORRIS HUMBLE QUEST
Grammy winner Maren Morris takes a reflective turn on her third album, Humble Quest, softening her country sound and often singing for her own peace of mind. Written as she became a mom, lost a friend to cancer, and more, it’s a quest to find the difference between standing out and standing up. (Available March 25.)