Little Big Town released their 12th studio album,“It’s a Dying Art,”on Friday, Aug. 28. It’s their first project since celebrating their 25th anniversary, and the band is treating it like a brand new chapter. For the first time in their career, Karen Fairchild stepped into the producer’s role alongside Gena Johnson, and that fresh perspective is all over the record. The band says there was a renewed excitement in the studio that they hadn’t felt in a while, and listeners can hear it in every track.
The album features some serious star power. Jason Isbell adds his signature guitar work on“The Door,”while Kelsea Ballerini and Ashley Monroe contribute vocals. But the emotional centerpiece is the lead single,“Hey There Sunshine,”which addresses mental health and healing. The band has said that song is exactly why you make music, and it’s a powerful reminder of what country music does best: telling real stories that help people feel less alone.
With the“For the Art of It”tour kicking off Sept. 24 in St. Petersburg, Fla., fans will get to hear these songs live very soon. The band has also been candid about the state of the music industry, not just radio and songwriting royalties, but the rise of AI in music creation. Their answer to all of it is this album: authentic, human, and full of heart. What’s your favorite Little Big Town song from over the years, and are you excited to hear the new one?
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
