Wynonna Judd's 'The Hard Truth' Album: Track List & Release Date Revealed!
Wynonna is set to release "The Hard Truth" on October 2, her first solo album in a decade, featuring her debut as a co-writer and collaborations with artists like Patterson Hood and Iron & Wine. This deeply personal album explores themes of heartbreak and healing, with Wynonna hoping to connect with listeners through her honest storytelling. The lead single, "Kentucky Queen," precedes a co-headlining tour with Melissa Etheridge and a series of Kentucky shows.
Wynonna is set to release her first solo album in a decade this fall, titled "The Hard Truth", which will be available on October 2 via ANTI- Records. This highly anticipated project marks a significant milestone in her career as it is her first time co-writing an entire album. The record will feature collaborations with a diverse array of esteemed artists and storytellers, including Patterson Hood of Drive-By Truckers, The War and Treaty, and Iron & Wine, adding rich layers to the album's narrative.
Wynonna herself expressed profound sentiments about the album, stating, "I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith, and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this one." She emphasized the deeply personal nature of the songs, which she believes "tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become." The creation of this album pushed her to be brave enough to reveal her truth, even when it was challenging, letting go of perfectionism to embrace genuine emotion. Her hope is that listeners will connect with the feelings embedded in the songs, finding a sense of being seen, understood, or less alone, making "every hard truth worth telling."
The album was a collaborative effort with her husband, producer, and musician Cactus Moser. Moser echoed Wynonna's sentiments, describing his involvement as "the most important work I’ve known." He highlighted how the project evolved from "nothing but a feeling and emotion" into a complete album that captures Wynonna's story with an unprecedented level of honesty. Moser believes it is "the kind of record that makes a difference and reminds you why music exists in the first place."
The lead single from "The Hard Truth" is "Kentucky Queen," a song where Wynonna sings about overcoming dark times and proudly reclaiming her home state. She co-wrote this track with Moser, Sarah Siskind, and Justin Weaver. In support of the album, Wynonna has a busy summer schedule planned. She will embark on a co-headlining tour with Melissa Etheridge, in addition to leading a mini-tour of Kentucky shows, which includes a special concert in her hometown of Ashland.
The full tracklist for Wynonna's album "The Hard Truth" includes: 1. "Prelude (All Downhill From Ashland)" 2. "All Downhill From Ashland" 3. "Everything" (feat. Patterson Hood) 4. "Am I Missing Out" 5. "Broken And Blessed" 6. "Hear Me Now" (feat. Iron & Wine) 7. "The Hopeful Lie" (feat. The War And Treaty) 8. "Kentucky Queen" 9. "Girl Who Could Sing" 10. "Drive" 11. "Love Ain’t Got The Best Of Me"