Wynonna Judd is opening up like never before on his first solo studio album in a decade.
On Tuesday (June 9), the country icon announced The harsh truth and released its lead single, “Kentucky Queen.”
And judging by his own words, fans can expect one of the most personal projects of his career.
Wynonna Judd is ready to tell the truth
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Judd revealed that The harsh truth It took years to make and is unlike anything I’ve released before.
Read more: Wynonna Judd Is Done Chasing the Past and Owning Who She Is Now (Exclusive)
“I’ve spent my entire life singing about heartbreak, healing, faith and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this,” he wrote. “These songs tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome and who I’ve become.”
The album was produced by Judd’s husband, moser cactusand took five years to complete.
According to Judd, the process pushed her to let go of perfectionism and take a more vulnerable approach to songwriting and recording.
This album asked me to be brave enough to tell the truth, even when my voice was shaking. It challenged me to let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of honest emotion.
The 11-track project will be released on October 2.
Along with the announcement, Judd released the album’s first single, “Kentucky Queen.”
“My hope is that when you listen to these songs, you feel what I felt while writing and recording them,” he added. “If they help someone feel seen, understood, or a little less alone, then every hard truth was worth telling.”
She’s not chasing the past
In March, Judd spoke with Taste of the country about where you are at this stage of your life and career.
Read more: When The Judds, Tanya Tucker and More Played an Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show
As he prepared to hit the road with Melissa EtheridgeJudd reflected on the difference between the young woman who first burst onto the country music scene and the artist she is today.
“I think at this point in my life I’m no longer chasing that girl; I’m honoring the woman who managed to get ahead,” he told us.
The girl I was when I started was full of fire and dreams, but I still didn’t know what life was going to ask of her. She hadn’t experienced the heartbreak, the loss, the battles… all the things that shape your voice in a way that no vocal lesson ever could.
That perspective seems especially relevant now. Judd said every chapter of her life stays with her when she takes the stage.
Read more: Wynonna Judd posts emotional birthday note for her late mother, Naomi
“When I go on stage now, especially with someone like Melissa, who has lived her own kind of truth, I carry it all with me: the joy, the scars, the gratitude for still being here and being able to sing after all these years,” he explained.
“So no, I’m not chasing what I used to be. I’m standing up for who I am, and there’s a lot of power in that. And I think the public can feel it.”
A busy year ahead
In addition to releasing The harsh truth This fall, Judd will spend much of the summer in the Raised on radio tour with Melissa Etheridge.
He will also return to his home state for three shows in Kentucky, celebrating the album’s release.
For an artist whose career has been defined by honesty, resilience and perseverance, The harsh truth It may be his most revealing project yet.
Best Judds Songs: Wynonna and Naomi Judd’s Top 10 Hits
The Judds have 14 number one songs and dominated the Duo and Group of the Year awards at the CMA and ACM Awards during the 1980s. They also recorded several dozen great songs that never made it to radio. Here are their 10 best songs ever.
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