Jake Owen’s ‘Homemade’ + 5 More New Songs You Need to Hear

Country artists shared plenty of music this week, including several first tastes of projects to come from exciting, brand-new acts. Additionally, one already-beloved country star shared the next single from his fan-favorite latest album. Read on!

Jake Owen, "Homemade": 

In his latest single, “Homemade,” Jake Owen reflects on his upbringing surrounded by love. Throughout the sweet song, Owen cleverly plays on the difference between “homemade” and “home made”: “Home made me love a dirt road / Home made me crave some ice-cold homemade sweet tea only mama knows how to make / Yeah, homemade / Home made me love a small town / Home made me wanna settle down in a home made for the two of us / Everything I love is homemade,” he reflects in the song. "Homemade" was written by Ben Goldsmith, Bobby Pinson, Drew Parker and Jared Mullins; the song will hit country radio on June 3. --CC

Sam Outlaw, "Cigarette":

After making the move to Nashville from California, Sam Outlaw quickly got to work on creating new music to follow up his 2017 LP Tenderheart. On Friday (May 3), on the very same day as his Grand Ole Opry debut, he surprised fans by releasing a new EP, Hat Acts. The impressive collection of songs includes the standout, swinging, honky-tonk cut “Cigarette,” which is sure to connect with both classic and modern country fans alike. Outlaw’s lyrical imagery pairs perfectly with his pleading vocals, giving listeners a vivid snapshot of the narrator's longing for unattainable love. -- LL

Logan Brill, "Roll":

Rising star Logan Brill follows her quietly powerful "Walk of Shame" with another dose of -- albeit funkier -- swagger, "Roll." Co-written by Brent Cobb, Ben Daniel and Skip Black, the song flaunts feel-good dobro and slide guitar, Brill's carefree vocals topping the track to complete the perfect summer road trip anthem.

"There was something really intoxicating about the lines 'Let me hear you say you'll make it / One more time so I don't mistake it," Brill tells Rolling Stone. "I've always felt the drive to keep moving forward, and I won't settle until I make it where I want to go. The singer shares "Roll" ahead of joining the CMT Next Women of Country Tour, headlined by Cassadee Pope. -- CL

Corey Smith, "Down Easy":

Corey Smith teases the bright spots out of tough times in his gentle, meandering new single, "Down Easy." In Smith's case, the highlight of each day is coming home to his family -- and appropriately enough, the song was written on his back porch. "Sometimes s--t's disappointing," the singer explains in a press release. "'Down Easy' is about how we cope with the less than desirable outcomes that life can throw at us. In my case, it's the love of my family that keeps me going on a hard day."

From start to finish, the track was crafted close to home. Smith produced it in his newly-constructed home studio in Jefferson, Ga., the town where he grew up. "This is the first single I've been able to produce in my home studio," he adds. "I've gotten better at using producing as an extension of the songwriting." -- CL

Raleigh Keegan, "Don't Take Time": 

Country newcomer Raleigh Keegan has shared a first look at his new music, expected this fall. "Don't Take Time" is a sweet, upbeat song about not wanting to waste a moment when you've found the love of your life. “I love this song so much because it’s about how my wife Shelby, the love of my life, snuck up on me,” explains Keegan in a press release. “I knew the second we met that she was the girl I wanted to spend my life with.” "Don't Take Time" was produced by Ryan Gore, and the song was co-penned by Keegan and Ben Foster. -- CC

Honey County, "Country Strong": 

Honey County are celebrating the strength of the people behind country music in their song “Country Song.” Throughout the encouraging track, the trio -- comprised of Dani Rose, Devon Jane and Katie Stump -- sings about the strength that country artists and fans have shown in recent years. “We were honored to take on this opportunity to write a song that celebrates our resilient country music community,” say Honey County in a press release. “We have so many friends that were affected by the tragic events that took place over the last two years, and we hope that with “Country Strong,” we can contribute to the healing and love that helps to bring us all even closer together.” -- CC