Let’s GO.
At this point, there’s absolutely no denying that Charles Wesley Godwin is a certified star in today’s alt. country scene. With three incredible studio records under his belt, continual placement on high-profile festivals throughout the year and high praise from his peers, fans and critics alike, the West Virginia native has cemented himself as a staple throughout multiple subgenres/scenes in the genre.
While we’re still waiting for an official announcement for album #4, Godwin has been keeping fans satisfied with a plethora of different teasers throughout 2025 and into 2026. Between “Every Once In Awhile” and “Better That Way,” as well as “Hallelujah High” and “Try Again,” it’s more than apparent that he’s looking to outdo himself once again upon the release of his next record. In some ways, it simply feels like he’s teasing us at this point, also sharing stellar tracks like “Stranger on the Street,” “Christian Name” and a Lori McKenna cowrite, “Hey There Son.”
After a long wait, we’re FINALLY getting our first taste of what’s to come with the new album, and the “All Again” singer is calling on one of the biggest stars on the genre for it.
Last night at Indio, California, at night two of Stagecoach, Godwin would officially announce that the album’s lead single, the aforementioned “Better That Way,” is coming Friday, May 15th featuring none other that Luke Combs.
During the performance, Godwin would acknowledge the fact the new album has been in the works for quite awhile at this point before ultimately dropping the bomb that Combs is featured on the track, drawing a huge roar from the Stagecoach crowd.
“It’s been two and a half years since our last album; I know that’s too long. But this has been a labor of love, and we turned a new one in in the wintertime. We have the first single on that album coming out on May 15th. It’s called “Better That Way.” I got my buddy Luke Combs on it.”
As previously mentioned, “Better That Way” was actually one of the first songs Godwin teased and wrote for the album, posting it on Instagram all the way back in August. There, he’d note that he wrote the song with Scooter Carusoe (Eric Church’s “Hands of Time,” Kenny Chesney’s “Anything But Mine”) and Al Torrence, who is a long-time co-writer with the “Seneca Creek” singer.
It’s safe to say that this is going to be an absolutely huge release for Godwin. At this point, everyone in the alternative scene knows that he’s one of the best artists working today. Despite getting some buzz with his Zach Bryan collaboration back in 2022, “Jamie,” he still hasn’t gotten the national attention that he deserves.
Teaming up with Combs, who is undoubtedly one of the hottest country stars in the world right now, should help Godwin garner some more attention and introduce him to a bigger audience. With that being said, however, we’ll just have to wait and see when “Better That Way” is officially released on May 15th.
Before you go, listen to an early, acoustic version of the track.
