NEW YORK — Kane Brown is currently at his new recording studio located just outside of Nashville, engaging in his first detailed discussion regarding his upcoming fourth studio album titled “The High Road.” The album’s title is particularly appropriate as Brown is no stranger to hard work and travel. Recently, he performed at the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in Los Angeles, sharing the stage with a diverse array of superstars including SZA, Tate McRae, Madison Beer, T-Pain, Paris Hilton, and the K-pop group NCT Dream.
At first glance, this combination of artists might appear unconventional, pairing one of contemporary country music’s notable talents with predominantly pop figures. However, Brown is quite familiar with crossing musical boundaries. While country music forms the foundation of his art, infused with traditional elements like fiddles and slide guitar, “The High Road” explores various musical styles. Brown admits, “I’ve always been a bit hesitant to push the limits and try new things. But after almost ten years in the industry, I realized it’s time to stop holding back and pursue what I truly enjoy. Country music remains my top priority.”
He expresses great enthusiasm about this new album, stating it’s his favorite due to its thoughtful sequencing, songwriting, and varied sounds. “There is definitely a track for everyone,” he affirms. “In my previous albums, I was somewhat concerned about public opinion, but this time, we invested our all into these songs.”
Brown has worked with a wide range of collaborators, from the regional Mexican country star Carin León on the track “The One (Pero No Como Yo)” released earlier this year, to the 2019 hit “One Thing Right” featuring Marshmello, a prominent figure in the EDM scene. Marshmello returns for “Miles On It,” a standout track from “The High Road.”
This album is set to drop on January 24 and boasts a higher number of collaborative features than any of Brown’s past albums, including contributions from Khalid, Jelly Roll, and country legend Brad Paisley. The collaboration with Khalid came about when Khalid expressed a desire to venture into country music, with Brown assisting in making it a reality. Regarding the song “Things We Quit” with Paisley, Brown recalls sharing a performance video, which prompted fans to remark how much it sounded like a classic Paisley song, making him a perfect fit for the lighthearted track.
The song “Haunted,” featuring Jelly Roll, was amusingly birthed during Brown’s stay in a grand hotel in Manchester, England. “I was in a suite that was actually an old bank vault, decorated with vintage paintings,” he reminisces. “On that day, we penned several songs before settling on the title ‘Haunted,’ inspired by the ambiance of the place. The song explores themes of depression, which is personally meaningful to me, and I hope it resonates with many.”
Jelly Roll is known for his candid discussions about mental health, making him an excellent partner for this track. Brown notes how Jelly Roll initially thought he wouldn’t release the song, indicating its significant impact on him.
Of great importance to Brown are two new tracks featuring his wife, Katelyn, following their successful collaboration on the 2023 single “Thank God.” Their duet “Body Talk” ventures into R&B-pop, while “Do Us Apart” leans more toward traditional country, reflecting their shared admiration for classic country duets. “We’ve always aimed to create a song akin to Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood’s ‘I Told You So,’ which is our favorite duet.”
Brown’s collection of tracks also includes the lively “Fiddle in the Band,” the emotional ballad “Backseat Driver,” and the catchy bar track “Says I Can.” The album closes with “When You Forget,” a poignant composition he wrote about his grandfather coping with Alzheimer’s disease. “That’s a storytelling piece emblematic of ‘90s country,” he explains, maintaining a connection to the genre’s roots while also exploring innovative ideas.
With “The High Road,” Brown is eager to unveil the stories encapsulated in each song, expressing a desire for listeners to find elements of their own lives reflected in his music. “I hope at least one track will resonate with them,” he concludes.
“The High Road” Tracklist:
1. “I Am”
2. “Fiddle In the Band”
3. “Backseat Driver”
4. “Miles On It” (featuring Marshmello)
5. “Says I Can”
6. “3”
7. “Rescue” (featuring Khalid)
8. “Haunted” (featuring Jelly Roll)
9. “Start A Fire”
10. “Body Talk” (featuring Katelyn Brown)
11. “Gorgeous”
12. “Beside Me”
13. “I Can Feel It”
14. “Things We Quit” (featuring Brad Paisley)
15. “Back Around”
16. “Stay”
17. “Do Us Apart” (featuring Katelyn Brown)
18. “When You Forget”
