1 of 2
2 of 2
Emma Delevante
Singer/songwriter and country music maverick Walker Hayes unveils 17 Problems, his most honest and emotionally raw album to date, out now via RCA Records.
Through unfiltered lyricism and raw emotion, 17 Problems tells the story of a man at a bend in the road, where childhood memories come into sharper focus just as the future becomes more complex. With the weight of raising six children, coping with the passing of his father, and a renewed relationship with faith, Hayes uses these 17 songs to wrestle with grief, growth, and gratitude. At its core, the album explores the tension between who we were and who we hope to become — a reminder that while life’s road is winding, there’s beauty in every mile.
“This album is very reflective. I think you can tell I’m in the middle of losing my dad and raising kids. I’m at that corner of the road in life when you’re looking back on your childhood – you can see it as clear as you ever have – but you’re looking down the barrel of raising kids and keeping your family together. Accidentally, that is a common thread. The songs have this ‘in retrospect’ feeling, and then also, ‘what does the future look like? How do I do this?’” Hayes shares.
17 Problems includes standout tracks like the acoustic-driven “17 Year Old Problems,” where Hayes longs for the simplicity of youth (“I want my 17-year-old problems back”), and the spiritual gut-punch “Song For My Son” featuring global superstar Kane Brown, in which Hayes pleads for divine guidance as a father. Elsewhere, “Pocket Knife” pairs raw vulnerability with razor-sharp wit, while tracks like “Neon Lights” and “Mother” lean into Hayes’ signature blend of emotional storytelling and arena-ready hooks.
On “Song For My Son” Hayes shares, “…it’s the most meaningful track on my album, 17 Problems. It feels like a gift from the Lord—a prayer I was able to share with my co-writers Ben Williams and Billy Dawson. Writing it was a truly special experience, and I hope its honest message touches people. I’m honored Kane appreciates the song as much as we do, and his voice was perfect; he gave me goosebumps the first time I heard it. It means a lot to have him join me on this.”
Kane shares, “When Walker sent me the song, I knew I just had to jump on it with him. I love the lyrics and sentiment. I connected to it immediately and have such respect for Walker as both an artist and a father.”
Hayes wrote over 100 songs while working on the project, ultimately narrowing it down to 17. Collaborators include Grammy-winning producers and songwriters Warren “Oak” Felder (Sabrina Carpenter, Lizzo) and Shane McAnally, alongside Grammy-nominated Bart Millard (MercyMe). Still, many of the most intimate moments came from Hayes writing solo, a process he says allowed for deeper introspection and less concern for convention or commercial appeal.
In support of the album, Hayes announces the Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour, an 18-date, stripped-back acoustic experience offering fans an up-close look at the man behind the music. With heart-on-sleeve storytelling and soul-stirring performances, Hayes guides audiences through moments of triumph, heartbreak, viral success, and quiet family reflection. More than a concert, the Unplugged Tour is a communal evening of connection, hope, and healing. Tickets are on-sale Friday, August 22nd at 10am local time HERE.
Ahead of the Unplugged tour, Walker Hayes will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 29th, bringing his unique sound to the legendary stage.
A native of Mobile, Alabama, Walker Hayes broke into the mainstream in 2021 with his smash hit “Fancy Like” which topped every country music sales and streaming chart, spent more than six months at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart, hit the top 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, and hit No. 1 at country radio. “Fancy Like” became a bonafide phenomenon; the six-time Platinum-selling single propelled Hayes to a GRAMMY Award nomination and anchored his breakout 2022 full-length, Country Stuff The Album.
He's continued to build a hitmaking career behind singles “AA,” “ Y’all Life,” “U Gurl,” and “Good With Me.” His latest releases include his 2023 follow-up New Money and 2024 EP Sober Thoughts. Hayes is one of the top selling and streamed artists in country music and has performed his music to amphitheaters and arenas on headlining tours. Additionally, he’s performed to national audiences on Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and TODAY. He’s also been profiled for CBS Sunday Morning.
Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour Dates:
Fri, October 17th – Duluth, MN – Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – Symphony Hall *
Sat, October 18th – Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center – Grand Hall *
Sun, October 19th – Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre – Sioux City *
Thurs, October 23rd – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre *
Fri, October 24th – Midland, MI – Midland Center for the Arts – Auditorium *
Sat, October 25th – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall *
Wed, October 29th – Toledo, OH – Stranahan Theater *
Thurs, October 30th – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium *
Thurs, November 6th – Paducah, KY – The Luther F. Carson Center for the Performing Arts ^
Fri, November 7th – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center ^
Sat, November 8th – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre (The Louisville Palace) ^
Wed, November 12th – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 14th – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium ^
Sat, November 15th – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center ^
Sun, November 16th – Sandy Springs, GA – Byers Theatre ^
Thurs, November 20th – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 21 – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey ^
Sat, November 22nd – Lowell, MA – Lowell Memorial Auditorium ^
^Shane McAnally
*Harper Grace