As we patiently wait for Brad Paisley to release his Son of the Mountains album (which was teased all the way back in 2023), it’s pretty natural to go back and listen to all the gems he’s released since his debut in 1999. From all-time classics like Who Needs Pictures to 5th Gear, there’s no denying that he’s become one of the most underappreciated artists in the genre over the years.
It seems like none other than reigning CMA New Artist of the Year, Megan Moroney, is also a huge fan of the “She’s Everything” singer. Earlier today, she took to X to name Paisley’s 2003 record, Mud On the Tires, as her favorite album of all time, highlighting the severely underrated, “Little Moments” along with “Someone Knows You Now,” “Make A Mistake,” “Celebrity” and “That’s Love.”
While I’d personally crown 5th Gear as his best record, I can’t really argue with the “Am I Okay?” singer on this one. I’ve always said Paisley is one of the most talented artists in the genre and Mud On the Tires, like the best of his, showcases everything he excels in perfectly. You got his world-class guitar work displayed on each and every song, multiple instrumental tracks, a couple of small skits throughout and an overall listening experience front-to-back that you simply don’t get on modern records. That’s not to mention that one of the greatest country songs ever recorded, “Whiskey Lullaby,” also appears here as the 9th track.
After crowning Mud on the Tires as her favorite record of all time, Moroney followed up with another post reading, “wherever brad paisley is today i hope he’s having a good day.”
In typical Brad Paisley fashion, he replied with exactly what was going on at the time, a dentist appointment with one of his children.
He’d quickly responded to Moroney’s first post about Mud on the Tires too, praising her breakout single, “Tennessee Orange” and noting that her songs were two of his last Shazam’d. Paisley also reached out with an invitation to write a follow-up to the aforementioned track about West Virginia Blue instead.
Definitely didn’t have a wholesome Brad Paisley and Megan Moroney X exchange on my 2025 bingo card, but I’m here for it.
If we aren’t getting Son of the Mountains in 2025 can we at least get a collaboration between these two at some point this year?