Multi-platinum country-rocker Corey Kent is gearing up for the most defining chapter of his career yet. The Sony Music Nashville recording artist has officially announced that his highly anticipated third major label album, Heartland Rock and Roll, is scheduled to release on Friday, September 25, 2026. To celebrate the massive announcement, the Oklahoma native has also dropped his smoldering new track, “Cigarette Burns,” giving listeners a direct look into the unique sonic identity of the upcoming 16-track project.
For fans wondering what to expect from the new Corey Kent album, this record marks a pivotal moment where he is no longer trying to fit into standard industry boxes. Instead, he is fully leaning into the gritty, genre-blurring sound that has defined his journey from dive bars in Bixby, Oklahoma, to country radio stardom. The project fuses elements of country, rock, and soul into a distinct style that the artist can finally put a definitive name behind. According to Kent, these songs sound exactly like where he is from, with lyrics spanning from nostalgia to honest regrets and deep gratitude for the simple things in life. He notes that every artist wants to leave a permanent mark that proves they did things entirely their own way, and Heartland Rock and Roll is officially his stamp on the genre.
To capture this specific raw energy across the 16-track album, Kent teamed up with primary producer Austin Goodloe, alongside additional production contributions from industry mainstays Jon Randall and Chris Farren. Together, they have crafted small-town soundtracks steeped in warm distortion, raspy country soul, and undeniable heartland grit. The upcoming project builds on the momentum of his acclaimed breakout albums, Blacktop and Black Bandana, but pushes his signature sound into uncharted territory.
The newly released single “Cigarette Burns” fits perfectly into this tracklist, serving as a slow-burning ballad that pairs Kent’s trademark smoky vocals with a unique melodic haze. Written by a powerhouse songwriting team consisting of Zach John King, Ben Stennis, Lauren Hungate, and Jameson Rodgers, the track tells the story of a toxic, lingering love that is tough to quit. The lyrics treat a past relationship like a no-filter habit, savoring the sting of a love that was ultimately bad for his health but still hurts in the best way possible. Kent admits that he gravitated toward the track due to its infectious pulse and a fresh lyrical perspective, drawing heavy inspiration from Kings of Leon’s iconic album Come Around Sundown. He notes that “Cigarette Burns” introduces a completely fresh soundscape to modern country music that feels both timeless and entirely new.
This fresh artistic direction comes at a time when Corey Kent’s latest singles are putting up massive numbers on the music charts. His steady rise has been fueled by heavy fan demand and streaming conviction, leading to over 1 billion career streams and multiple RIAA certifications. The lead tracks from the upcoming album are already dominating radio and digital platforms. The current radio single, “Rocky Mountain Low” featuring Koe Wetzel, is sitting comfortably in the Top 10-and-climbing at Country radio. Meanwhile, the viral fan-favorite “Empty Words” is currently logging over 3 million streams a week and has surpassed 20 million views on social media. Fans have also praised the recent release of “Wannabe,” which stripped back the production to showcase a raw “cowboy campfire ballad” centered on finding peace in life’s simplest moments. This incredible chart momentum builds on Kent’s proven track record, which includes the Triple-Platinum #1 hit “Wild As Her,” the Platinum-certified “Something’s Gonna Kill Me,” and the Gold-certified “This Heart.”
For those looking to catch Corey Kent performing live next week, the singer-songwriter is bringing his high-energy live show to Nashville, Tennessee, for a packed schedule of major appearances. On Thursday, June 4, Kent will perform across multiple stages, including Billboard Country Live at Category 10, the Gibson Garagefest Sony Nashville Takeover at the Gibson Garage, and the Spotify House lineup at Ole Red. The following day, Friday, June 5, fans can catch him live on Broadway for SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour at Chief’s. Heartland Rock and Roll officially drops on September 25, 2026, and fans can pre-save the album or watch the new music video right now via his official website.
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