MEGAN MORONEY LUCKY
With a classically styled voice and a modern dose of Southern charm, Megan Moroney recaptures the old-school magic of Music Row with her Lucky LP. Exploring timeless themes like love and growth through an of-the-moment lens, she’s all in for a coming-of-age country debut. (Available May 2.)
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN RELIGIOUSLY. THE ALBUM.
Taking country into the shadows of 2000s-era hard rock, Bailey Zimmerman follows a record-setting debut with his first full-length album, Religiously. The Album. With a raspy Mack truck of a vocal and a dark- and-brooding sound, this young Illinois native prays at the altar of distortion. (Available May 12.)
BRANDY CLARK BRANDY CLARK
Brandy Clark achieves a label- defying alchemy of sophistication and simplicity with her self-titled fourth album, mixing country and singer-songwriter pop in a blazing fire of storytelling. Produced by Brandi Carlile, its raw lyrical depth is wrapped in an easy, conversational style. (Available May 19.)
JORDYN SHELLHART PRIMROSE
Jordyn Shellhart jumps the line of intriguing new songsmiths with her debut album, Primrose, evocative in style and voice. Twisting, contorting, and beautiful, her thoroughly modern roots pop can be heart-wrenching or side-splitting, but always cuts with a sharp, unexpected wit. (Available May 19.)