Country star Shawna Thompson is embracing her Alabama roots with her latest album Lean on Neon, a heartfelt homage to the classic country sounds that shaped her as an artist. Thompson, best known as one half of the country duo Thompson Square, says this is the album she’s dreamed of making since moving to Nashville at 18.
Thompson’s return to her musical origins is more than just a nostalgic nod—it’s a full embrace of the traditional country sound that influenced her, a rare feat for an artist in today’s pop-infused country landscape. With Lean on Neon, she brings the twang and storytelling back to the forefront, offering arrangements that harken back to the late ‘60s and ‘70s.
Tracks like “Yes Ma’am” and “The Doctor’s Always In” showcase Thompson’s powerful, sassy vocals, drawing clear comparisons to country icon Loretta Lynn. The album is rich with classic elements, from pedal steel to barroom piano rolls, especially evident in the title track. One standout, “Bama Clay,” features a striking harmony with country legends Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs, adding to the album’s authenticity and charm.
For Thompson, Lean on Neon is not just a project—it’s a declaration of who she is as an artist, bringing her back to the sounds that first inspired her journey in country music.
