R&B star Monica is making waves with her upcoming country album, Open Roads, produced by Americana icon Brandi Carlile. The highly anticipated project, which Carlile crafted following her work with Joni Mitchell and Tanya Tucker, was initially announced in 2022 but faced delays. Monica, 43, attributed the postponements to the unpredictable nature of life, saying, “Life just keeps life-ing.”
The album’s release is imminent, promising to fulfill fans’ long-held expectations. Monica has long expressed her admiration for country music, tracing her passion back to childhood visits to Dollywood. She shared her fascination with Dolly Parton’s influence during an interview with Entertainment Tonight in July 2022, recounting a pivotal moment at the park. “I was in her park at about 10 years old and the lady working told me, ‘Well, I’m Dolly’s first cousin and she gives us a job, a car and an apartment, it’s amazing,'” Monica remembered.
Monica’s deep-rooted appreciation for Parton’s contributions to both country music and her community has inspired her own musical journey, leading to this unique collaboration with Carlile.
