A timeless love song.
Yesterday, Lukas Nelson released the second song from his forthcoming album American Romance, which is his first big project since he and his former band Promise of the Real went on an indefinite hiatus last year. Of course, Lukas is the son of the great Willie Nelson, and most recently released an album called Sticks & Stones in 2023.
What makes it even better is that the record was produced by the great Shooter Jennings, who is the song of the late, great Waylon Jennings and an extremely talented and well-respected producer… it’s so cool to see them working together. The album will be released in June in partnership with Sony Music Nashville, and Lukas already put out “Ain’t Done,” which is a beautiful song full of hope that encourages the listener to believe that there is so much good in store for their life.
But this new one “Pretty Much” has to be my favorite of the two, and it’s a beautiful love letter about finding a love that is so deep and authentic you hope it’s the last face you’ll ever see:
“Sometimes I wonder about a love so strong that I want their face to be the last I see. This is a song about that kinda love. Surrounded by family, recounting all the different times you fell in love with each other again, and again, and again….”
The production is simple, and much like his father, Lukas just has a way with words and there’s nothing that compares to a deep, heartfelt and authentic country song, and I already have it on repeat.
Solidifying Lukas as a solo artist, American Romance showcases his incredible, very honest talent for songwriting that is unlike anyone else in country, but music in general. Lukas definitely has a sound that’s a country/rock fusion, but it seems as though he’s ready to full lean into the country aspect of his roots on this project and I cannot wait.
American Romance includes duets with Stephen Wilson Jr. and Sierra Ferrell, who he’s worked with many times… if you haven’t listened to their bluegrass cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” please change that now. You’re missing out. In terms of the project as a whole, Lukas says it’s the start of a “new era” and serves as a “love story to the country that raised me”:
“This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me. Diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”
His former band member Corey McCormick (bass) will appear on this album, and while Lukas is definitely a highly-respected favorite in the Americana/independent section of country, I’m excited for many in the the mainstream to be introduced to him as a solo artist because he really is incredible.
American Romance is due out everywhere on June 20th, and I’ll be counting down the days.
Do yourself a favor and add this one to your playlist:
“Pretty Much”
American Romance tracklist:
1. Ain’t Done
2. Pretty Much
3. Make You Happy
4. Outsmarted
5. Disappearing Light (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)
6. Born Runnin’ Outta Time
7. All God Did
8. Montana
9. Friend in the End (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
10. The Lie
11. American Romance
12. You Were It
LUKAS NELSON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
May 6—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
May 7—Santa Fe, NM—Lensic Performing Arts Center
May 9—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren
May 10—Flagstaff, AZ—Orpheum Theater
May 11—Tucson, AZ—Rialto Theatre
May 15—West Des Moines, IA—Val Air Ballroom
May 16—Kansas City, MO—Knuckleheads
May 17—Bentonville, AR—FreshGrass
June 26—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest 2025+
August 1—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 2—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 8—Park City, UT—Canyons Village at Park City
August 10—Alya, WY—Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
September 19-21—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
*with Shane Smith & The Saints
+with Lainey Wilson
#with Dave Matthews
