Paul Carrack – The Country Side of Paul Carrack, Vol. 2 (2026)

Paul Carrack is set to release The Country Side of Paul Carrack Vol. 2 in 2026, a follow-up to his earlier venture into country music. This new album, recorded in Nashville, features a curated selection of ten well-known country classics, reinterpreted with the participation of some of the city's top studio musicians.

Carrack's affinity for country music has deep roots, tracing back to his early musical influences. Growing up, he absorbed a wide spectrum of styles, ranging from the pioneering sounds of Chet Atkins and The Everly Brothers to the heartfelt storytelling of Hank Williams. He also found inspiration in artists like Ray Charles, whose work bridged soul, jazz, and country genres. This diverse foundation helped shape Carrack’s musical identity and fueled his desire to explore country music more fully.

The genesis of this project began through an unexpected collaboration initiated by Steven Wood, a country artist from North Carolina. Wood reached out to Carrack with an interest in covering one of Carrack’s songs, which led to Carrack contributing Hammond organ and vocals. Their creative exchange evolved into a deeper partnership aimed at producing a dedicated country album, blending Carrack’s sensibilities with authentic Nashville production.

The original volume of The Country Side of Paul Carrack was designed to reflect the classic country sound of the 1960s and 1970s, selecting songs that held personal significance and showcased the genre’s golden era. The repertoire included compositions from revered figures such as George Jones, Merle Haggard, Hank Snow, Ray Charles, and Hank Williams. This approach was rooted in honoring the tradition and emotional depth of country music without venturing into obscure territory.

Continuing this homage, the second volume expands the scope to include material from other iconic country artists like Charley Pride and Freddy Fender, alongside additional tracks from Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The recording process was anchored by Nashville's vibrant musical community, with string arrangements crafted by David Shipps and performed by the Nashville String Machine at Starstruck Studios, enhancing the album’s authentic country ambiance.

Carrack’s approach to this project balances reverence for the source material with his own stylistic imprint, reflecting both his lifelong passion for country music and his established reputation as a soulful vocalist. The collaboration with Wood and the Nashville musicians brings a contemporary yet respectful interpretation to these classic songs.

The significance of Carrack’s country albums lies in the way they bridge his diverse musical background with Nashville’s storied tradition. It highlights the fluidity between genres like soul and country and underscores the cross-pollination that has long existed in American music. For Carrack, this is not a departure but a natural extension of his artistic journey.

Details beyond the tracklist and collaborators remain limited at this time, but the anticipation for The Country Side of Paul Carrack Vol. 2 is already building among fans who appreciate his ability to blend heartfelt delivery with rich musical heritage. The album promises to be both a tribute and a celebration of the enduring power of country music as interpreted by one of Britain's most versatile voices.