Josh Turner, a staple in the country music scene, is set to release his 10th studio album, This Country Music Thing, on August 16. Known for hits like “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man,” Turner’s music has resonated with fans for over two decades, amassing five No. 1 hits and over 5 billion global streams.
In a recent interview, Turner reflected on his musical journey and the creation of his new album. The Hannah, South Carolina native, whose childhood was filled with diverse music, revealed that his early exposure to his parents’ record collection ultimately led him to embrace country music.
“When I started listening to my parents’ records, I didn’t understand genres. I just knew I was drawn to country music, even if I didn’t fully recognize it at the time,” Turner shared. His passion for the genre has driven him to continually innovate within traditional country music, despite a tendency to get bored with the status quo.
Turner collaborates with longtime producer Kenny Greenberg on this album, bringing fresh life to some previously shelved tracks. The title track, “This Country Music Thing,” was initially dismissed by Turner for fear of appearing arrogant, but Greenberg’s enthusiasm and vision brought it back to prominence. This track, along with others, pays tribute to influential artists like John Anderson, Randy Travis, and Dolly Parton.
Another noteworthy inclusion is “Whirlwind,” co-written with Mark Narmore. Although an earlier version featured whimsical sound effects reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz, it has since been revised to highlight its fiddle elements, making it a potential addition to Turner’s live performances.
The album’s closing track, “Unsung Hero,” is one of Turner’s own compositions, with the remainder of the tracks being outside cuts. Turner noted the unpredictability of album composition, stating, “Sometimes the best songs are those that rise naturally to the top, regardless of who wrote them.”
The album also includes previously released singles such as “Heatin’ Things Up,” “Down In Georgia,” and “Somewhere With Her,” as well as “Pretty Please,” featuring his wife Jennifer, and “Two Steppin’ On The Moon.” The latter, written by Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill, and John Pierce, is accompanied by a playful music video set in a space-themed honky-tonk, featuring cameos from Anderson, Travis, and Greenberg.
Turner expressed his hope that the album will inspire and move listeners, reflecting on his own experiences growing up listening to country music heroes. As he continues his “Greatest Hits Tour,” Turner will share This Country Music Thing with audiences nationwide until mid-November.
