If you’ve spent any time at all listening to country radio or scrolling through Spotify lately, you know that Chris Stapleton is basically the sun that the rest of the genre revolves around. Honestly, it’s been a wild start to 2026 for the guy. Just a few days ago, on January 12, 2026, his version of "Tennessee Whiskey" officially hit a milestone that sounds fake but isn't: it became the first-ever country song to be certified Double Diamond by the RIAA. That means 20 million units. Only two other songs in any genre—Post Malone’s "Sunflower" and Bruno Mars’ "Just the Way You Are"—have ever done that.
But while the history books are being rewritten, most of us are just asking one thing: where are the chris stapleton songs new for this year?
We aren't exactly hurting for content, but Stapleton is notorious for taking his time. He doesn’t just "drop" music every six months like a pop star. He marinates. He waits. Yet, if you look at the recent tour expansions and the secret projects bubbling under the surface, there's actually a lot more "new" music than you might realize.
The 2026 Collaborations and Surprise Singles
You might have missed it if you weren't looking, but on January 11, 2026, Mumford & Sons dropped a massive announcement. Their upcoming album, Prizefighter, which is set to release on February 13, 2026, features a brand-new collaboration with Chris Stapleton. This isn't just a "feature" where he sings a background harmony, either. It’s a track co-produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, and from the early whispers, it’s supposed to be a total barn-burner.
Then there’s the Grammy buzz.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and Stapleton is sitting on four nominations for songs that still feel fresh. Specifically, "A Song To Sing"—his duet with Miranda Lambert—is up for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance. If you haven't heard it, it’s basically a masterclass in songwriting. It’s got that raw, "three chords and the truth" vibe that feels like it could have been written in 1975 or 2026.
And let’s not forget "Bad As I Used To Be." This one came out for the F1® The Movie soundtrack and earned him a nod for Best Country Solo Performance. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s exactly what happens when you give a man with a voice like a gravel-pit-angel a reason to sing about fast cars and regret.
The "Higher" Aftermath
Most people are still catching up with the tracks from his last full studio album, Higher. Even though it’s been out for a bit, the singles are still peaking.
- "Think I'm In Love With You": Still a staple on the 2026 tour setlist.
- "White Horse": This one basically redefined country rock for the decade.
- "It Takes A Woman": If you want to see a stadium full of grown men cry, wait for him to play this live.
Why the 2026 All-American Road Show Matters
You’ve probably seen the headlines. On January 8, 2026, Chris added 24 more dates to his All-American Road Show.
Why does a tour expansion matter for "new" songs? Because Stapleton uses the road as a laboratory. If you’re lucky enough to catch him at Nissan Stadium in Nashville this May or Fenway Park in August, keep your ears open. He’s been known to soundcheck "unreleased" ideas that eventually turn into his next Grammy sweep.
The 2026 lineup for these shows is also insane. We’re talking about Lainey Wilson, Zach Top, and even Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs (yes, of Tom Petty fame) joining him on select dates. These pairings aren't accidental. Usually, when Chris tours with someone, a collaboration follows. He did it with Justin Timberlake, and he did it with P!nk. Watch for a Zach Top and Chris Stapleton track later this year; the soul-country energy there is just too good to pass up.
Misconceptions About Chris’s Release Schedule
A lot of fans think that because he hasn't announced a 2026 album yet, nothing is happening. That’s just not how he works. Chris wrote hundreds of songs for other people—George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Adele—before he ever put out Traveller.
He’s a songwriter first.
Kinda like how he worked on "California Sober" with Post Malone for the F-1 Trillion project. He’s always writing. In fact, rumors are swirling in Nashville circles that he’s been back at RCA Studio A with producer Dave Cobb. When those two get in a room together, the result is usually a record that stays on the charts for three years.
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What to Do While You Wait for the Next Album
If you’re hunting for chris stapleton songs new and feel like you've exhausted his Spotify profile, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the Soundtracks: Chris loves a one-off movie single. From F1 to Twisters, he’s the king of the "hidden" track.
- Monitor the Duets: He is the most requested collaborator in music. If a big name in pop or country announces an album (like the Mumford & Sons one), scan the tracklist for his name.
- The Setlist Deep Dive: Go to sites like Setlist.fm after his first 2026 show in Hollywood, Florida. If there’s a song titled "TBD" or a cover you don't recognize, that’s your first hint at the next era.
- Grab the "Traveller" 10th Anniversary Merch: Last year was the 10th anniversary of his debut, and while the "Double Diamond" news for "Tennessee Whiskey" is the headline now, there were some live cuts and rarities discussed during that celebration that are worth a revisit.
Chris Stapleton isn't just a singer; he’s a mood. Whether it’s a new single for a movie or a surprise appearance on a folk-rock album, the "new" music is always there—you just have to know where to listen.
Your Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the February 13 release of Mumford & Sons' Prizefighter to hear the newest Stapleton vocal. If you're planning on seeing him live, tickets for the newly announced 2026 tour dates go on sale January 16 at 10:00 a.m. local time, so set those alarms now.