On repeat.
In an industry that never stops moving, one can argue that Ernest is one of the busiest of all artists working today. In addition to co-writing not one but four of Morgan Wallen’s multi-platinum, #1 hits off I’m The Problem, “I Got Better” (platinum), “Smile” (2x platinum), “Just In Case” (2x platinum) and the title track (3x platinum), the “Flower Shops” was incredibly busy on his own throughout the year in 2025.
In May, just a week before I’m The Problem’s release, he teamed up with Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg, Rhys Rutherford, Cody Lohden, Chandler Walters and Jake Worthington for the incredibly diverse, collaborative album, Cadillac Sessions. And just six months later, Ernest would return in November to deliver his second project of 2025, the steel-soaked love letter to his home in Nashville, Live From The South.
And it looks like he’s showing no signs of slowing down as we begin to settle into 2026.
In addition to teasing that he’s working with none other than Brooks & Dunn to help them produce their first new record in 19 years, in December, he’d tell Bobby Bones that he had already completed his upcoming album, which was later revealed to be titled Deep Blue.
In the same interview, the “Tennessee Queen” singer would also tell Bones that Deep Blue will be released sometime around spring break, essentially guaranteeing a March or early April release.
“I’ve recorded and finished my next album, and I’m going to shoot the album art soon. And I’m going to put it out sometime like spring break. It’s going to be the perfect time for boat season.”
As for what to expect from the album, Ernest would reveal that it will have some beachy/island vibes mixed with some of his patented southern flair. He’d go as far as to call it Alabama meeting Jimmy Buffett.
“There’s a little island inspiration in this next album for sure. And just like a little southern, too. It’s like Alabama and Jimmy Buffett had a baby.”
After teasing Deep Blue’s lead single, which was later revealed to be titled “Lorelei,” for well over a month, on Monday, Ernest would officially announce the track was coming today, January 30th.
As for “Lorelei” itself, it’s safe to say that Ernest fulfilled the promise of island vibes and them some. Written by the Tennessee native himself, along with Nashville staples, Rhett Atkins, Ben Hayslip and Mark Holman, it’s nothing short of a delight to listen to. Feeling incredibly similar to classic beachy tracks from Zac Brown Band like “Knee Deep” (which ironically features the aforementioned Buffett), “Toes” and “You and Islands,” the song feels like a much-needed escape from the frigid temperatures currently affecting a majority of the country.
Though the verses are rock-solid in their own right, setting the scene for heartbreak perfectly and depicting a lonely sailor searching for his long-lost love, there’s no doubt that the chorus steals the show here. Though it’s quite simple on its surface, only being roughly five lines, its melodic nature simply cannot be ignored and ultimately begs you to sing along.
“Lorelei, Lorelei
I still hear you whisper in the dead of night
You wreck my world, and I don’t know why
I keep my sails in the wind for ya
Lorelei, Lorelei”
Ultimately, “Lorelei” is an absolute homerun here from Ernest. Though it might not be the most lyrically in-depth song released this year, it’s one of those tracks that simply begs you to keep coming back to it. Stellar, beachy production coupled with the incredibly melodic chorus makes “Lorelei” a must-have on your playlist come summertime.
“Lorelei”
Live From The South 2026 Dates:
1/21 – Denver, Colo. – Mission Ballroom*
1/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah – The Complex*
1/24 – Reno, Nev. – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino*
1/29 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up*
1/30 – Anaheim, Calif. – House of Blues*
1/31 – Sacramento, Calif. – Ace of Spades*
2/7 – Indio, Calif. – Fantasy Springs Casino
2/19 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre >
2/26 – Jacksonville, Fla. – FIVE >
2/27 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall >
2/28 – Norfolk, Va. – NorVa >
3/5 – Indianapolis, Ind. – The Egyptian >
3/6 – Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live >
3/7 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone >
3/11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection #
3/13 – Detroit, Mich. – Filmore #
3/14 – McKees Rocks, Pa. – Roxian Theatre #
3/19 – Durant, Okla. – Choctaw Casino
3/26 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues*
3/27 – New York, N.Y.– Irving Plaza*
3/28 – Bensalem, Pa. – Parx Casino*
4/2 – Houston, Texas – White Oak Music Hall*
4/3 – New Braunfels, Texas – Gruene Hall*
4/4 – Ft. Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s*
4/16 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hawthorn #
4/18 – Minneapolis, Minn. – First Avenue #
* Support By Chandler Walters
> Support By Cody Lohden
# Support By Rhys Rutherford
