Hit country music songwriter Ryan Nelson has released his brand new studio album, ‘The Next One’, a project hailed as a prophecy for his career by many. Already a Nashville staple, Nelson is celebrated by peers—Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther called him “a legend,” and Jelly Roll handpicked him to open his 2021 tour, calling him “one of the best songwriters in Nashville.” Known for major cuts like Riley Green’s RIAA platinum-certified “When She Comes Home Tonight,” Nelson breaks the mold with thought-provoking lyricism and a genuinely authentic on- and off-stage persona, refusing to be anyone other than himself.
The album’s sound is consistently smoky and guitar-driven, giving each song the intimate feel of a dimly lit room where confessions ring loud. Tracks like “Chain Smokin'” and “Too Close” lean into tension and late-night haze, while “Bad Tattoo” and “Hole in the Wall” are straight-up country bangers for long nights. The emotional backbone arrives with “I Come in Pieces,” a raw moment where the guard drops completely, demonstrating the vulnerability Nelson seamlessly pairs with his rock and country grit. ‘The Next One’ isn’t just an album title; it’s a confident statement from an artist who is ready for something much bigger.