This Friday’s Fresh Music Releases: February 7, 2025
Welcome to Wick’s Picks! In this weekly segment, I will share my top music picks for the week. These songs will also be added to a Spotify playlist where you can find all the other tracks I’ve highlighted throughout 2025. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy the music!
Let’s start with Adam Chaffins and his new song “Trailer Trash.” This Eastern Kentucky native, now based in Nashville, released the title track from his upcoming EP set to drop on May 16. The song tells a tale of a blue-collar Romeo and Juliet, with Chaffins showcasing his vocals alongside his wife Brit Taylor, adding a soulful touch to the mix.
Next up is Texas singer Summer Dean with her track “Somebody’s Knockin’.” This is a modern twist on Terri Gibbs’ 1981 country funk hit, exuding confidence as Dean sings about anticipating a one night stand. If this song is a preview of what’s to come from Dean, we can expect more great music in the future.
Moving on to Charles Wesley Godwin from West Virginia, often referred to as the Bruce Springsteen of his region. His song “It’s The Little Things” celebrates life’s simple pleasures and is the first single from his upcoming album “Lonely Mountain Town,” featuring collaborations with ERNEST and Scott Avett.
Lilly Hiatt’s “Ghost Ship” is another standout track, showcasing her empowering rock ‘n’ roll sound. The song from her album “Forever” features groovy guitar riffs as she sings about her desire for stability and something substantial to hold on to.
Valerie June’s “Joy, Joy!” is a reminder to show grace to oneself and learn from past mistakes. Surrounded by a compelling musical backdrop, June encourages listeners to embrace growth and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Lil Smokies, a bluegrass band from Montana/Oklahoma, deliver a heartfelt ballad with “Montana Flower.” This track, from their upcoming album “Break Of The Tide,” captures the beauty of love and the landscapes they call home.
Ken Pomeroy’s “Coyote,” featuring John Moreland, delves into Pomeroy’s Cherokee heritage and personal introspection. The use of imagery, such as a coyote, adds depth to the song’s message of self-reflection.
The Red Clay Strays present a lively performance of “No One Else Like Me” on their new EP “Live AF From Callaghan’s.” This energetic track showcases the band’s southern rock sound and their ability to captivate audiences with their live performances.
Esther Rose’s “New Bad” offers a glimpse into her upcoming album “Want” with its empowering message of using fears as fuel for growth. The song seamlessly transitions between country rock and grunge, keeping listeners engaged throughout.
Lastly, Waxahatchee’s “Mud” is a twangy adventure that explores themes of betrayal and resilience. With a captivating musical arrangement, Katie Crutchfield’s vocals shine as she navigates through the complexities of relationships.
That’s all for this week’s music picks. Stay tuned for more great music recommendations in the future. Enjoy the tunes!