CHRIS STAPLETON HIGHER
One of country’s modern vocal masters extends a streak of next-level artistry with Higher, Chris Stapleton’s fifth studio album. Declining to fix what is clearly not broken, his growling grace and understated charm remain in fine form over 14 tracks, as a future Hall of Famer climbs on. (Available Nov. 10.)
CODY JOHNSON LEATHER
Like a well-worn saddle, Texas country craftsman Cody Johnson reaches the broken-in stage of creative comfort on Leather. Strong and sturdy, yet softer as time rolls on, his third major-label set features 12 inviting tracks full of family, faith, and fiddle, plus cameos from Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn. (Available Nov. 3.)
THE STRUTS PRETTY VICIOUS
A second British Invasion reaches Nashville with The Struts’ new album Pretty Vicious. The glam rocking foursome’s first full set with Music City roots aims to capture the howling majesty of their sneering, swaggering, theatrical live shows— think The Stones fronted by Freddie Mercury. (Available Nov. 3.)
DANIEL DONATO REFLECTOR
A Telecaster wizard with a youthful voice and an old soul, Daniel Donato was once a teenage prodigy ripping solos at Robert’s Western World, freely mixing Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix. Now he drifts deeper into “Cosmic Country,” adding some jam-band whimsy to his second album, Reflector. (Available Nov. 10.)