Even though Corb Lund typically finds it difficult to write with people and play well with others — those are his words, not ours — he has found a strong writing partner in his good friend Jaida Dreyer, as evidenced in his brand-new song, "Redneck Rehab."

"As often is the case with us, it was her idea and I helped her flesh it out," Lund tells Taste of Country. "It's kind of a romp about having to kick drugs in the country, low-buck style."

"Redneck Rehab" will be on Lund's upcoming album, El Viejo, out on Feb. 23 via New West Records. The new song is premiering exclusively with Taste of Country today.

Listen to Corb Lund's "Redneck Rehab"

Even though Lund admitted the song is a rollicking, irreverent one, he said there's a kernel of truth to the words he and Dreyer penned.

"There's quite an epidemic of drug use in rural North America these days. It doesn't get talked about a lot but it's a pretty big problem."

Beyond the lyrics, the stripped-down nature of "Redneck Rehab" represents the musical direction of El Viejo. Lund recorded the new album in his living room, replacing the polished nature of a studio with the spontaneous feel of his home.

Taste of Country logo
Get our free mobile app

"I really don't like overproduced records anymore," he says, "and I've been wanting to do that for awhile, with acoustic instruments. There's nothing electric on El Viejo whatsoever — it's all banjos and mandolins and upright bass and acoustic guitars and stuff. I love those sounds, I always have."

El Viejo marks Lund's first record of original songs since 2020's Agricultural Tragic. After releasing an EP and full-length of cover songs, Lund said it feels great to be sharing his own music again.

"At heart, I'm a songwriter and I'm really proud of this batch of tunes. I put a lot of work into them and I think they're pretty cool. There's some cowboy stuff and some gambling stuff and some odd topics, as usual."

Corb Lund will be touring for much of the spring in support of El Viejo. Fans can find his full tour schedule here and pre-order the new album here.

Album Cover For Corb Lund's El Viejo

Corb Lund - El Viejo New Album
New West Records
loading...

50 Classic Country Artists Today’s Fans Should Know

Today's country music stars owe a debt of gratitude to the legends who formed and cultivated the genre, starting in the early 20th century. These 50 classic country artists remain relevant today. Some developed a style that's emulated on today's country radio. Others set a bar for vocal talent or songwriting skill.

This list of 50 influential classic country artists features country music singers who started their careers before 1990. It's ranked by each artist's current influence on the country music format today, not individual, lifelong impact. Tell us where we got it right or wrong on Twitter.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

9 Bold Country Music Predictions for 2024

Why not predict the CMA Award Entertainer of the Year winner in January?

This group of nine country music predictions for 2024 also forecasts the newcomer, old-timer and come-backer of the year. Find predictions for Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Oliver Anthony, Toby Keith (kind of) and more.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

More From Taste of Country