Ella Langley's 'Dandelion' Ushers in New Era of Old-Soul Country

The Alabama singer-songwriter's sophomore album blends nostalgia and contemporary country

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering gold sequins, the light casting dramatic shadows and highlights to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic without depicting any specific objects or people.The luxurious textures and high-contrast lighting of Ella Langley's 'Dandelion' album artwork evoke the vintage country charm and modern pop appeal of her sound.Amarillo Today

Ella Langley's new album 'Dandelion' is earning critical acclaim for its blend of old-school country influences and modern sensibilities. The album, co-produced by Langley, Miranda Lambert, and Ben West, features standout tracks like the chart-topping 'Choosin' Texas' and nostalgic nods to pioneering female country artists like Kitty Wells. Langley is being hailed as a saving grace for modern country music, deftly melding wistful insights with contemporary acuity.

Why it matters

Langley's success with 'Dandelion' challenges the country music industry's reputation for failing to support its women artists. As a young female artist embracing traditional country sounds, she is seen as revitalizing the genre and honoring the legacies of trailblazers like Kitty Wells.

The details

Langley's sophomore album 'Dandelion' was released on Friday and is earning rave reviews. The album opens with a cover of the centuries-old folk song 'Froggy Went A Courtin',' before moving into original tracks that showcase Langley's 'old soul' country sound. Standouts include the chart-topping lead single 'Choosin' Texas,' the nostalgic title track 'Dandelion,' and the duet with ERNEST 'Loving Life Again.' Langley also pays homage to pioneering female country artist Kitty Wells with the track 'It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels.'

  • Langley's debut single was released six years ago.
  • Her 2024 hit 'You Look Like You Love Me' with Riley Green put her on the map.
  • 'Choosin' Texas' has spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest run for a song by a female country artist.

The players

Ella Langley

An Alabama singer-songwriter whose sophomore album 'Dandelion' is earning critical acclaim for blending old-school country influences with modern sensibilities.

Miranda Lambert

A country music superstar who co-produced Langley's 'Dandelion' album.

Ben West

The co-producer of Langley's 'Dandelion' album.

Riley Green

A country artist who collaborated with Langley on her 2024 hit 'You Look Like You Love Me.'

ERNEST

A country artist who duets with Langley on the track 'Loving Life Again' from the 'Dandelion' album.

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What they’re saying

“A song that big can be a curse — or at the very least, an obstacle — for a new performer, because they become tasked with eclipsing their own success, bypassing the curse of a one-hit wonder. But the Alabama singer-songwriter has done so with ease.”

— Maria Sherman, Music Critic

“Between that nod, and Langley's work with Lambert, the young singer does more than just tip her hat to those who paved the way. She venerates them.”

— Maria Sherman, Music Critic

What’s next

Langley is expected to embark on a nationwide tour to support the 'Dandelion' album later this year, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Ella Langley's 'Dandelion' album showcases her ability to blend classic country sounds with contemporary sensibilities, cementing her status as a rising star who is revitalizing the genre and honoring its pioneering female artists.