
Jon Pardi is embracing parenthood with a new song, out now. The father of two just released “She Drives Away,” from his forthcoming Honkytonk Hollywood album. The song was written by Zach Abend, Jimi Bell, Seth Ennis and Jordan Minto.
“‘She Drives Away’ is a song that I knew I was going to record immediately,” Pardi says. “I think most dads of daughters will relate to it, but it reminded me so much of Summer and my journey. From when we started dating, to asking her dad for her hand in marriage, and then having our daughters. Now, I’ll go through it from the other side with my daughters. It’s a special song, and I’m really excited for people to hear it.”
Honkytonk Hollywood is Pardi’s first album in three years, since Mr. Saturday Night came out in 2022. It also marks Pardi’s first record produced by Jay Joyce.
“All my albums have been rock and roll with a country flare – this one keeps on rockin’,” the Grand Ole Opry member says of the record. “It’s also the most grown-up record I’ve ever made, all my soul basically. Honkytonk Hollywood is for the Nashville that’s in my blood and it’s also a nod to my California roots. And right now, more than ever, I hope it’s a way to honor and lift up the people of my home state.”
A lot more is different about Honkytonk Hollywood than the producer. Pardi proudly admits he worked hard on Honkytonk Hollywood to show a different side of him as an artist and singer.
“You’re gonna hear a different side of me,” Pardi says on TalkShopLive. “Maybe a layer that hasn’t been there. A little more heartfelt, a little more serious, but still fun. You’re definitely going to hear a new sound. I feel a little more less-polished, a little more open, a little more grit. I feel like you’re gonna love it. I’m so proud of this record.
“For anybody out there who’s thinking, ‘Maybe I need to make a change for the better,’ don’t ever be afraid to do that,” he adds. “This record represents a decision I made for myself and for my fans, and for just country music in general. This is a great record.”
Pardi has a Top 30 single right now with “Friday Night Heartbreaker.” The song is the debut single from Honkytonk Hollywood. When releasing the song, the California native hinted it was indicative of his next record.
“’Friday Night Heartbreaker’ kicks down the door of this next musical chapter,” Pardi teased. “I challenged myself to elevate in every aspect, and this is the tip of the spear for what’s to come. When I first heard the song, I knew instantly that I had to cut it… and what a journey it was recording alongside the professor, Jay Joyce. I’m as excited as I have ever been to share new music.”
Pardi will embark on his Honkytonk Hollywood Tour on April 25 in Lubbock, Texas. Find “She Drives Away,” “Friday Night Heartbreaker” and all of Pardi’s music at JonPardi.com.