Country music has never been in a more transformative era, with a number of fresh faces and styles broadening the genre’s horizons. While this shift has sparked debate among traditionalists, Dylan Gossett stands out as a defining talent of this new generation who is bridging the gap between country’s roots and its evolving sound. Today, July 18, he continues the growth of his impressive discography with the release of his official debut album, Westward.
The Texas-born singer-songwriter first entered the scene with his 2023 single, “To Be Free,” and quickly became a fan favorite in the alt-country world. He has since released two EPs, No Better Time (2023) and Songs in the Gravel (2024), both laying the groundwork for the ambitious release of this 2025 full-length project.
Announced back in late April, Westward has been one of this year’s most eagerly awaited releases, with fans already familiar with captivating tracks like “Like I Do,” “Coal,” and “Tree Birds.” Since the announcement, Gossett has also dropped two new singles from the album, “American Trail” and “Sweet Lady,” both showcasing the depth and promise of what’s to come.
For many casual listeners, his name would most likely ring a bell thanks to the viral success of his second single, “Coal.” The song’s stripped-down acoustic sound and intimate lyricism made it a bonfire playlist staple after going viral on TikTok, where it racked up over a million views in its first week. It now boasts over half a billion streams and was recently certified 2x Platinum in the U.S.
It’s safe to say that the reason Gossett has garnered this type of success is because he sings with such raw connection that touches listeners through every belting melody. Following this pattern, there is truly not one song on the record that doesn’t lack an immense feeling of passion. Gossett has one of those compelling voices that stands out on its own, no matter whether it’s paired with stripped-down acoustics or a full bluegrass band ensemble (both of which Gossett has provided on this album).
A great example is “Hangin’ On,” which was released as his third single, alongside the album, thanks to its popularity with fans after being played live at past shows. Despite being more heavily produced, Gossett never loses his distinctive heartfelt charm. The song features a heart-racing tempo along with the emotions of what it feels like to be grappling for dear life. For me, it’s already a new favorite in the “crash-out” category.
Fair warning: this album is bound to be an emotional rollercoaster. Through Gossetts’ impeccable lyricism, he explores themes of the nature of love, family, faith, and, of course, what goes into pursuing his musical dreams. Over the past two years, amongst his busy touring schedule and amassing a fan base with the likes of now 4.8M Spotify monthly listeners, Gossett was hard at work meticulously crafting Westward.
He credits the inspiration of the album to this busy yet fulfilling lifestyle, “This album is very on-the-road written. You have all these bits and pieces from these stories that are really just about life on the road. The other side of it, and where the Westward title comes into play, was that these past few years have been so crazy and just incredible. I feel like we’ve been chasing our dream the whole way. People have always headed west for opportunities and chase their dreams by going out there. That’s where I tie it in a little bit, metaphorically. Everyone in the crew is chasing their dreams, in some way.”
In total, the album features 17 tracks (12 of which are new material). Impressively, he completely wrote and self-produced the entire album with the exception of three songs, co-written with his close friend/bandmate, Colton Forrest Hardy.
This may also be a personal take (and a bit premature given the album’s July release), but I am already proclaiming this as the perfect array of autumnal tracks. You can’t tell me that this album doesn’t deserve to be listened to on a long fall road trip, immersed in foliage while dissociating on wide open roads. Listen to “Baptized By Rain,” “Song About You,” and “Adeline,” and the warmth from Gossetts’ vocals and progressive build-up of instrumentals throughout is sure to make you want to engulf yourself in a cable knit sweater.
Coinciding with the album release, Gossett also announced earlier this May that he would be heading out on his biggest headlining tour to date in the fall. The Westward Tour kicks off on September 11 in Birmingham, AL, and spans the country through December 6, wrapping in Las Vegas, NV. Beyond its impressive range of locations, Gossett will also be joined by a lineup of rising stars, including Tanner Usrey, Kashus Culpepper, Kruse Brothers, Drayton Farley, Willow Avalon, and more.
For fans hoping to continue to watch the rapidly growing success of Gosset live on stage, and of course, hear some of the album’s gems live, check out the full list of tour dates below:
- September 11 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company ^~
- September 13 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond *
- September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle ^~
- September 17 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium ^~
- September 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte ^~
- September 20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz ^~
- September 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE ^–
- September 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount ^–
- September 26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway ^–
- September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore ^–
- October 3 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits *
- October 10 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits *
- October 16 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre :–
- October 17 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live! :–
- October 18 – Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island (PGA) :–
- October 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora ;–
- October 23 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre ;–
- October 25 – Toronto, ON – History –
- October 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe ;–
- October 29 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee ;–
- October 30 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre ;–
- November 1 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory ;–
- November 2 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater ;–
- November 9 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom ;–
- November 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell @ The Complex ;–
- November 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern ;–
- November 14 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater ;–
- November 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren ;–
- December 6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels
SUPPORT KEY:
* Festival Date
+ Tanner Usrey as Support
= Kashus Culpepper as Support
# Kruse Brothers as Support
^ Kingfishr as Support
: Drayton Farley as Support
; Willow Avalon as Support
~ James Tucker as Support
– Buffalo Traffic Jam as Support
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