#NowPlaying-New Music Releases
- SANA
- Apr 6
- 6 min read

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for music. Several iconic legends are gearing up for new relases and tours. Today, we'll take a look at The Boss, and Van Morrison as well as other notable forays in the release pile. Now I had to do a little digging because I was certain that I misread the information for The Boss' new release. I mean, 83 songs and 7 new albums? Are you serious? And well, YES! It's true, oh my gosh!
These are songs from a broad range of styles including Lo-Fi, and Big Band infused rhythms. 74 of the audio treasures will be new to our ears, while the remaining songs are different versions of previously heard gems. Tracks II: The Lost Albums will be released on June 27th. Ideal for gifting as it will include a 100 page book w/ rare snaps and essays.
Most of the albums were recorded in the 1990's, but shelved because he felt they weren't finished, and needed more work. There's even a soundtrack from Faithless, a movie that was never made, not to be confused w/ Liv Ullman's 2000 movie and the 2024 series of the same name.

If you are wondering why the set is titled Tracks II, it's because in 1998, Springsteen released a box set of 4 albums also never heard by the general public. Obviously, he didn't quite fit them all in on that platinum selling endeavor, lol.. The Boss is an iconic legend whose fan base spans generations of music enthusiasts across the globe.
He is kicking off a world tour in May that will end this summer in Milan.
It might just be The Year of Springsteen as he also has a biopic based on his iconic album Nebraska that will be released in the near future.. Country music fans will be delighted to hear that one of the albums included in the Tracks II-Lost Albums set is "Somewhere North Of Nashville", a decidedly country project that showcases steel guitars across several tracks. So far, two songs have been released from his upcoming box set. Give this version of "I'll Stand By You" a spin, and don't forget to pre order Tracks II here.
Alison Krauss is one of the most awarded female artists of all-time. She's received an unprecedented 27 Grammys, and has extended her success through iconic collabs w/ the legendary Robert Plant. Absolutely one of my longtime inspiring faves. Her undeniable talent, and perseverance has enabled a career that encompasses multiple genres, and crosses three decades of beautiful music. I was elated to hear that Alison was reuniting w/ her band Union Station for their 7th studio album together, and her 15th studio album overall.
Though, it's hard to miss the absence of Dan Tyminski's soulful vocals, Russel Moore does a fine job bringing a traditional high lonesome feel to the new songs. Don't be fooled, Arcadia is a project that's been in the works for over a decade, and not an afterthought.
Alison is meticulous about choosing the right songs for a project. In an interview w/ Variety, she shared that as early as 2010 she was listening to songs for Arcadia. Alison, however did not find the anchor song until 2021, and it is the first track and sets the tone for most of the album.
Those of us that have loved Alison's music and angelic intonations will enjoy the adult contemporary shine of the songbird's leads on Arcadia. Bluegrass fans will find Russell Moore's vocal on The Hangman a pleasant throwback to early Union Station vibes.
Additionally, there is a strong narrative songwriting component throughout the entire album like on the following song.
Union Station are a tight group of musicians that play incredibly well together still. Bluegrass Hall of Fame's Jerry Douglas' dobro work is especially powerful and well utilized throughout the project. You will also be happy to know that the band is going on tour to support Arcadia with stops scheduled in Boston, Nashville, and Chicago.
It is nearly impossible to pick a favorite on Arcadia, but on my 5th play through, I keep coming back to this one. I hope you enjoy it too.
The international Jazz Pioneer Silje Nergaard’s first album in about seven years or so is an audio delicacy worth checking out. For those that don’t know, Silje is one of the most successful jazz singers in Norway. She has collaborated w/ Al Jarreau, Manhattan Transfer, and a slew of other notable artists across her impressive 35 year career.
Silje is known for her emotive voice and compelling compositions. For us vintage music fans, you may have heard her breakthrough hit "Tell Me Where You're Going," featuring guitarist Pat Metheny. I especially like Silje's version of "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress", written by Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Webb.

Her latest album, "Tomorrow We'll Figure Out the Rest," was released on April 4, 2025, and features original compositions inspired by classic jazz standards reflecting themes of life and love. Grammy Award-winning composer Vince Mendoza’s masterful arrangements are heard throughout.
Some stand out tracks include "You Are the Very Moon," "Lover Man," and "Tomorrow We'll Figure Out the Rest," which showcase a blend of intimate jazz, pop, and a touch of classical music. Sonically, it can be heard as a return to Silje’s jazz roots, such as the Grammy-nominated "At First Light" from 2001. The album is a welcome reprieve on a Sunday drive back home. Give it a listen.
Possibly one of the most anticipated releases this year comes by way of country music's favorite bad boy Morgan Wallen. His last album, the 2023 One Thing At A Time I think is fair to say pinned Mr. Wallen on the Billboard Hot 100 map. His breakthrough hit Last Night, and a slew of other songs that also made their way to the coveted chart like One Thing At A Time, Thinkin' 'Bout Me, and several others. The album has since been certified 7x platinum. So close to diamond status..

The new album "I'm The Problem" is already making waves before its release. For example five out of the six released songs from the album have made their way to the top ten of Billboard's Hot 100 chart
It is the first time in the history of the chart that five songs from an unreleased album have made it to the top 10. Additionally, Love Somebody from the unreleased album took a bow at number one.
The album will be available on May 16th, and judging from the songs released, so far, Wallen has taken a more earthy, and emotionally compelling approach to his vocal delivery which is nice to see/hear. I'm a Little Crazy sounds like something the very underrated Chris Knight could've written. This time around, Wallen will be embarking on a 20 city tour and spending two nights, i think in each city. Corey Kent, Brooks & Dunn among many others are on the ticket. Check out the deets here. And don't forget to presave the album.
The legendary Van Morrison is blessing us with a new album!
I'm over the moon that we still have notable icons walking among us, and putting out new music! Van Morrison's career spans over six decades of blending rock, blues, jazz, soul, folk, and Celtic music to create beautiful enduring classics like Tupelo Honey, Moondance, and Brown Eyed Girl. Van Morrison is a 2x Grammy winner, and a Rock-n-Roll Hall Of Fame inductee. He was also knighted in 2016 by the now King of England, Charles III.

Van Morrison’s new album *Remembering Now* will be released on June 13th, marking it his first collection of original music since 2022. . The album's launch is accompanied by the single "Down To Joy," which was previously featured in the Oscar-winning film *Belfast*.
The album blends soul, jazz, blues, folk, and country, with themes of love, nostalgia, and self-reflection, with stand out tracks like "Once In A Lifetime Feelings" and "The Only Love I Ever Need Is Yours."
Van Morrison is currently on tour, having just completed a three-night run in Belfast. His upcoming performances include:
April:
26th: Antwerp, Koningin Elisabethzaal
27th: Brussels, Bozar
29th & 30th: The Hague, Amare
June:
4th & 5th: Night of the Botanical Festival, Madrid
26th: Malahide Castle, Dublin
The album will be available in various formats, including vinyl, CD, and digital. Presave here. Here's a happy tune from Van Morrison's upcoming album that is sure to put a smile on your face.
So much good music circling around. Its bound to be a fantastic summer and year. You can also check out my release schedule here.
I have a radio edit of "Something Special" coming out soon. Let me know who you are listening to, and follow me on Bluesky
and Spotify, cheers y'all!
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