Four albums to plug into this month.
Lukas Nelson American Romance
No stranger to breaking an existing paradigm, Lukas Nelson leaves band-leading behind on American Romance, the Grammy-winning country scion’s first solo album. Anchored by the thought-provoking vocal of a storytelling troubadour, 12 category-resistant tracks veer from raw to refined. (Available June 20.)
Brett Young 2.0
Country soul balladeer Brett Young begins a creative reboot on 2.0, returning to the vulnerable passion of his biggest hits. Still a sonic heartthrob with a smoky, smoldering voice, he speaks the language of love over 11 tunes, pairing romance and devotion with a duet remake of his Diamond breakout. (Available June 20.)
Cole Swindell Spanish Moss
Cole Swindell applies his heartfelt country charm to a new phase of life with Spanish Moss, the fifth studio album from a longtime star. On the earthy end of the mainstream spectrum, 21 songs match an easy Georgia drawl to themes of hardearned inner tranquility, and nostalgic calm. (Available June 27.)
Maoli Last Sip of Summer
Bringing his mix of country, reggae, and island pop to the mainland, Hawaiian-born singer-songwriter Maoli can brighten any day on Last Sip of Summer. With a moodboosting vocal delivery and an upbeat, sunny sound, his songs have a way of making gravel roads feel like golden sand. (Available June 27.)