The world of music is gearing up for an electrifying year, as both the country and pop landscapes prepare to deliver a cascade of new albums and blockbuster tours. On September 18, 2025, a comprehensive calendar of upcoming country album releases was published, spotlighting a diverse array of artists and projects stretching from the start of 2025 well into early 2026. Meanwhile, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran made waves the same day by announcing the North American leg of his much-anticipated LOOP Tour, set to sweep across major stadiums throughout the summer and fall of 2026. Together, these announcements paint a vivid picture of a musical landscape brimming with excitement, anticipation, and star power.
Let’s start with the country scene. According to tasteofcountry.com, two of the genre’s top male artists of the 21st century are set to release new albums in 2025. The list of confirmed projects is nothing short of impressive, featuring established superstars, rising newcomers, and even a legendary Beatle. Ringo Starr, best known as the drummer for The Beatles, surprised fans by venturing into country music with his album Look Up, released on January 10, 2025. This unexpected crossover marks a notable moment in the ongoing evolution of the genre, showing just how porous the boundaries of country music have become.
But Starr is just the tip of the iceberg. The release calendar features a steady stream of albums from January 2025 through January 2026, with each month bringing its own highlights. Eric Church, a perennial favorite and one of country’s most distinctive voices, released his first album in four years—Evangeline Vs. the Machine—on May 2, 2025. That same month, Blake Shelton ended his own four-year hiatus with For Recreational Use Only, much to the delight of his loyal fanbase.
The pace doesn’t let up as the year progresses. September promises a flurry of activity, with releases like Ruston Kelly’s Pale, Through the Window on September 12 and a slew of albums on September 19, including Chase McDaniel’s Lost Ones, Charley Pride’s posthumous tribute Endlessly: a Tribute to Brook Benton, and Josh Ross’s Later Tonight. The month closes with Hardy’s Country! Country! and Lady A’s On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2 on September 26, ensuring that fans will have plenty to listen to as the leaves begin to turn.
October and November continue the trend, with standout releases such as Waylon Jennings’ posthumous album Songbird on October 3, Chris Young’s I Didn’t Come Here to Leave on October 17, and Trisha Yearwood’s festive Christmastime on November 7. The year wraps up with Zac Brown Band’s Love & Fear on December 5 and Brantley Gilbert’s Greatest Hits … So Far on December 12. And just when you think the party’s over, Zach Bryan will kick off 2026 with With Heaven on Top on January 9.
These releases aren’t arriving in a vacuum. The country world is also buzzing with news of major tours scheduled for 2025, promising fans the opportunity to see their favorite artists live and in person. The momentum of these album drops and concerts underscores the genre’s enduring popularity and its ability to continually reinvent itself, drawing in new listeners while honoring its roots.
While country music is having a banner year, the pop world is hardly standing still. On the same day the country album list was published, Ed Sheeran announced the North American dates for his 2026 LOOP Tour. According to WIS, the tour will kick off on June 13, 2026, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. From there, Sheeran will crisscross the continent, playing massive venues in cities like Nashville, Milwaukee, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, San Diego, Seattle, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Toronto, Detroit, Philadelphia, Foxborough, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington, and Hollywood, before wrapping up in Tampa, Florida, on November 7, 2026.
Sheeran’s LOOP Tour is poised to be one of the biggest concert events of the year, with each stop promising a high-energy spectacle. The British singer-songwriter, known for hits like “Thinking out Loud,” “Shape of You,” and “Bad Habits,” has built a reputation for his dynamic live performances and ability to connect with audiences of all ages. His latest studio album, Play, was released earlier this month, adding fresh material to an already impressive catalog.
The timing of the album’s release is no accident. By unveiling Play in September 2025, Sheeran has given fans plenty of time to absorb the new songs before the tour begins. This strategy not only builds anticipation but also ensures that concertgoers will be singing along to both classic hits and the latest tracks when Sheeran takes the stage next summer.
For music lovers, the convergence of these major announcements signals a thrilling era. The sheer volume and diversity of new releases—coupled with the promise of live shows—suggest that 2025 and 2026 will be remembered as years when artists pushed boundaries, experimented with new sounds, and reconnected with fans on a grand scale. The inclusion of Ringo Starr’s country album, for example, speaks to the genre’s openness to outside influences, while Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour reflects the enduring power of pop music to unite people across continents.
Both the country and pop worlds are also embracing the realities of a changing music industry. With streaming platforms making it easier than ever for fans to discover new artists and albums, the pressure is on for musicians to keep their offerings fresh and compelling. The packed release schedule and ambitious touring plans are a testament to how seriously artists are taking this challenge.
As the calendar turns toward 2026, fans can look forward to a steady stream of new music, unforgettable concerts, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. Whether your tastes run to the twang of a steel guitar or the infectious hooks of a pop anthem, there’s never been a better time to be a music fan. The only real question is: with so much happening, how will you keep up?
With a parade of album releases and a superstar tour on the horizon, the stage is set for a musical season that promises to be as memorable as it is momentous.
