After knocking down doors and bursting onto the scene with her 2022 debut The Girl I Was, Jenna Paulette aims to tear down the whole damn wall on her forthcoming record HORSEBACK, which C&I is thrilled to reveal today.
Out September 6, the 13-track album will feature some of the Lewisville, Texas-born singer’s most personal songwriting to date, including previously released singles “Darlin’” and “Hang Your Hat,” the first of which she released a music video for last month. The “Darlin’” music video features the newlywed alongside her husband, who she’s expecting her first child with in the coming months.
If The Girl I Was focused on Paulette returning to her roots, then HORSEBACK is her learning, growing and riding off into the sunset after those formative experiences.
“In my new album, HORSEBACK, each song represents a piece of my journey and the emotions I’ve navigated through,” Paulette tells C&I. “From the spirit of “Wild Is Her Favorite Color” to the resilience in “A Hill to Die On,” I poured my heart into every track. “Darlin’,” especially, marks a new chapter of redemption and love for me. I hope this album resonates with my current fans and reminds them that no matter the struggles, there is always a way to a better place.”
Raised in an agricultural lifestyle as a true working cowgirl, Paulette’s songs reflect her down-to-earth nature and blue collar work ethic that have garnered her widespread appeal from country music fans and institutions alike. In January 2022, CMT named her to its “Next Women Of Country” class, followed by Apple Music making her its “Country Riser Of The Month” in March 2023 and a Grand Ole Opry debut in August 2023.
The wave of success comes following a decade of Paulette grinding away behind the scenes in Nashville writing rooms along with collaborating and opening for the likes of Will Bundy, Heather Morgan, Parker Welling, and Mason Ramsey. While her journey adds weight to the argument that the city is a “ten year town,” Nashville also helped to refine her toughness and sensitivity, traits that aid her just as much on the ranch as they do on the stage.
HORSEBACK will be Paulette’s second album and third full-length release with independent Nashville record label Leo33, following the aforementioned The Girl I Was and its March 2024 Red Dirt Deluxe reprisal. Founded by former Universal Music Group Nashville senior executives Rachel Fontenot and Katie Dean in 2023, Leo33 had previously signed on to release fellow country upstart Zach Top’s Cold Beer & Country Music prior to officially inking a similar deal with Paulette in February.
“Jenna’s authenticity and commitment to storytelling aligns perfectly with Leo33’s vision of fostering innovative music,” Dean exclaimed in a press release celebrating the occasion. “We’re excited to support Jenna in her artistic endeavors and provide a platform for her unique voice to reach a broader audience.”
HORSEBACK Track Listing
Check out Jenna Paulette on Spotify and Apple Music.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy Wes Walker
