Parker McCollum once dreamed of becoming a country star from his small Texas town. He reached that goal with industry awards and platinum records.
Now, the 33-year-old singer faces a different challenge, pushing beyond his comfort zone.
His new, self-titled album marks that shift. It’s his fifth studio release and arrives Friday.
McCollum calls this his most focused work yet. But getting there wasn’t easy.
He first recorded half the album with longtime producer Jon Randall. It didn’t feel right.
So he started over.
He flew to New York and teamed up with producer Frank Liddell. In just one week, they created the final version of Parker McCollum.
The songs had been written over many years. Some go back to his teens. Others were recent.
New York’s pace helped him finish the record. He says the city gave him energy and drive.
The album includes tracks like “New York Is On Fire” and “Solid Country Gold.” It also features a duet with Cody Johnson on “Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues.”
“My Blue,” written in 2019, opened the recording sessions. McCollum says the rest of the process was an emotional challenge.
Despite its country roots, the album also blends other influences. McCollum admits his sound no longer fits a narrow genre.
He says it doesn’t matter. What matters is the feeling.
Each song, he believes, must stir emotion. That’s what he’s chased since his first album, The Limestone Kid, released ten years ago.
He continues to ask himself the same question , are the songs good enough?
It’s a question that drives him. And with this new album, he’s still seeking the answer.
