New Country Music Releases for May 2015

Two of country music's hottest newcomers will release new music in May 2015. In addition to new releases from established vets like Jason Michael Carroll, Brantley Gilbert and Emmylou Harris, rookie Kelsea Ballerini and seasoned rookie Chris Stapleton will put out debut solo albums.

Ballerini's The First Time drops on May 19 and includes her Top 20 hit "Love Me Like You Mean It." She's a true country underdog, as she's climbing the chart with a song from an indie label at a time when country radio isn't very friendly to women.  She's also including a song called "Peter Pan" — about a boy who won't grow up — and "Second Hand Smoke," about her parents' divorce.

Stapleton is being called country's top vocalist by many of his peers. So far, fans have only heard "Traveller," the title track from his May 5 release. The longhaired crooner is hardly a newbie, as he fronted the SteelDrivers for years before beginning his solo career. The industry is ready to crown it the top album of 2015, and fans may agree.

Elsewhere, look for new releases from Emmylou Harris (with Rodney Crowell) and the Lacs. Brantley Gilbert will also reissue his Just as I Am album, with additional songs fans have been calling for.

New Country Music Releases for May 2015:

May 4
Granger Smith, 4x4 EP

May 5
Chris Stapleton, Traveller
Jason Michael Carroll What Color Is Your Sky

May 12
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell, The Traveling Kind

May 19
Brantley Gilbert, Just as I Am (Platinum Edition)
Kelsea Ballerini, The First Time

May 26
The Lacs, Outlaw in Me

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