After an incredibly busy 2025, which saw him 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) and releasing two separate projects, Cadillac Sessions and LiveFrom The South, Ernest has shown no signs of slowing down in 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.
As for what to expect from the album, Ernest would reveal in the same interview 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.”
During a recent interview us on the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast, the “I Had Some Help” songwriter would also reveal that the Deep Blue will feel like a grown-up, beach-inspired version of his 2019 debut album, Locals Only.
“It’s kind of a grown-up version of the first project I put out called ‘Locals Only,’ which was all heavily inspired by and largely written in Saint Thomas and Saint John. It’s 10 years later since a lot of the songs got written, and I’ve done a lot of growing. My voice has gotten deeper. I’ve had a lot of smoke in my throat since then. (My voice) is weathered, and my technique… I’ve sang a million songs since then.”
Over the past two months, the “Tennessee Queen” singer has not only kept the promise of Deep Blue sounding like a mix between Alabama and Buffett, but he’s also kept the singles coming, dropping the infectious lead single, “Lorelei,” at the end of January and the beachy heartbreaker, “Boat Named After You,” at the end of February.
Yesterday, the Nashville native announced that the title track would be the next song released on the album, taking to Instagram to signal “Deep Blue” was dropping today.
In tandem with the title track’s release, Ernest would also announce that Deep Blue is OFFICIALLY coming on Friday, May 1st. Being produced by Ernest himself, along with Jacob Durrett, who co-produced Live From The South and Cadillac Sessions along with multiple tracks on Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem, the album will contain 13 songs in total.
Of these 13 songs, some notable additions include the lost Toby Keith track, “End Of The Night,” which was originally an Apple Music exclusive before being released on all platforms today, as well as the highly-anticipated Lukas Nelson collaboration, “Time Is A Thief.”
During the aforementioned conversation with us on Whiskey Riff Raff, he’d reveal that he was trying his best to emulate Lukas’ father, Willie Nelson, and actually tried to get Willie on the track.
“There’s a song Rivers Rutherford wrote. It’s the last song on the album called ‘Time is a Thief.’ And I had Lukas Nelson do it with me. He’s the only feature on the album. It’s a special song. We asked to try and get Willie on verse three.”
Judging by the stellar releases so far, it’s safe to say we’re in for a treat when Deep Blue officially releases on May 1st. Country has been severely missing a tried and true beach album over the past few years, and it looks like Ernest is going to deliver an absolute classic here.
Deep Blue Tracklist
- “Lorelei”
- “Edge of The U.S.A.”
- “What’s A Little Rain”
- “Lucky”
- “Quit While We’re Behind”
- “Somewhere In The Caribbean”
- “End Of The Night”
- “Waste A Day”
- “Deep Blue”
- “If I’m Not Careful”
- “Same Moon”
- “Boat Named After You”
- “Time Is A Thief” (with Lukas Nelson)
“Deep Blue”
“End of the Night”
Live From The South 2026 Dates:
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
