We now know when Cody Johnson‘s Leather album will be released. The Texan says that the 12-song project, the first of likely two parts, will be out on November 3.
“This round of songs, I have to say, is the best round of songs I have ever recorded and I feel like that’s the way it should be,” Johnson says. “Each album should outdo the last one.”
Leather follows Johnson’s 2021 Human: The Double Album, an 18-track project that included the multi-platinum, No. 1 hit, “‘Til You Can’t.” “Painter,” his lead single from Leather, is currently in the Top 40. The song, written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, was released by Johnson as a tribute to his wife, Brandi.
“There’s always been start agains,’ Johnson reflects to Apple Music’ Country’s Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen. “In my music career, you get to the point where you’re like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore. I’ve been traveling up and down the roads making $100 a night in a van and can’t afford to put gas in it.’ And she’s going, ‘Yes, you can. You left your steady job for a reason and yes, you can do it.’ And so it’s like you start again.”
Brandi has not only been a driving force behind Johnson’s career, but has also been a stabilizer in their marriage as well, especially with his busy touring career.
“There have been times where we’ve had to stop, regroup with each other, and go, ‘Hey, we’re n ot going anywhere, so let’s just pick this stopping point right here,’” Johnson shares. “‘Let’s start over and say, ‘We’re going to approach this together because we know that it’s what’s supposed to happen.” I think that that’s a very vulnerable line and also, it brings to light for me how a man should take the time to stop and recognize the fact that she can make you remember what’s right and what’s wrong.”
Earlier this year, he said he was working on a double record, with Leather likely the first release.
“I’m working on a new double album,” Johnson revealed to Audacy’s KMLE Country 107.9. “I think we’re going to release this one a little differently, but it will be 24 tracks total.”
Johnson hasn’t announced a track list for Leather yet, but he previously said that he had recorded a duet with Carrie Underwood.
“I actually just recorded a duet with her yesterday for my new album coming out,” Johnson said in April, ahead of the CMT Music Awards, where he picked up the trophy for Performance of the Year. “And getting to know her — man, she’s such a pro and everybody that she surrounds herself with are all very professional, as well. So I don’t mean this to sound bad, but it’s kind of hard to compete with that.”
Ahead of the release of Leather, Johnson also released “Work Boots” and “Watching My Old Flame Go Out,” from the record. Find all of Johnson’s music and upcoming shows at CodyJohnsonMusic.com.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Schmidt Relations / Chris Douglas