Country neo-traditionalist Jake Worthington is keeping the honky-tonk spirit alive with his sophomore album When I Write The Song, out now via Big Loud Texas under exclusive license to Mercury Records/Republic Records. The 14-track project is tailor-made for barrooms and dance halls, marking the next chapter for one of country’s most authentic voices.
“This record means to me…it’s a reminder to fight the good fight,” says Worthington, the 2025 Texas Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year nominee. “I’m a strong believer in ‘do what moves ya.’ Make the kind of music that wrecks your world or picks up all the pieces. If it makes you feel that kind of way, and if that’s what you need, then don’t let anybody or anything change that. That’s what this record is to me.”
When I Write The Song features a mix of heartache, humor, and hard truths—anchored by standout collaborations with country heavyweights. Highlights include “Not Like I Used To,” the clever “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” the heartfelt “I’m The One” featuring Marty Stuart, last fall’s “Hello Shitty Day” with Miranda Lambert, and the unreleased “I Feel You” with Mae Estes.
A native of La Porte, Texas, Worthington grew up surrounded by the sounds of Ray Price, Merle Haggard, and George Jones, learning the craft on his grandfather’s porch. His music carries that tradition forward—equal parts honky-tonk grit and dance hall grace—offering a reminder that there’s still room for country in country music. “I believe in country music as much as I believe in my next breath,” he says.
Track Listing:
- It Ain’t The Whiskey
- Hello Shitty Day (featuring Miranda Lambert)
- Too Much To Think
- King Of The World
- I’m The One (featuring Marty Stuart)
- Drownin’ In Whiskey
- Not Like I Used To
- When I Write The Song
- Two First Names
- I Only Drink When It Rains
- I Still Believe In Miracles
- I Feel You (featuring Mae Estes)
- My Home’s In Oklahoma
- Get Gone Too