Wynonna Judd is entering a deeply personal new chapter with the announcement of her upcoming album, The Hard Truth, arriving Oct. 2 via ANTI- Records.
The project marks Wynonna’s first studio album for the label and her first time co-writing an entire record, offering what may be her most vulnerable body of work to date. Across 10 tracks, the singer leans into themes of grief, resilience, healing, and survival while embracing a stripped-back sound that puts her unmistakable voice front and center.
Leading the album rollout is new single “Kentucky Queen,” a roots-driven track that finds Wynonna reflecting on her childhood and reclaiming her Kentucky upbringing from a place of strength and perspective. The accompanying video was filmed in her home state and features legendary Steve Buttleman.
“I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith, and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this one,” Wynonna explained in a release. “These songs tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome, and who I’ve become. This album asked me to be brave enough to tell the truth—even when my voice shook. It challenged me to let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of honest emotion. My hope is that when you hear these songs, you feel what I was feeling while writing and recording them. If they help someone feel seen, understood, or a little less alone, then every hard truth was worth telling.”
The album also features contributions from acclaimed storytellers including Patterson Hood, The War and Treaty, and Iron & Wine.
A major creative force behind the project is Wynonna’s husband and longtime collaborator Cactus Moser, who co-wrote and produced the album. Together, the pair crafted a raw and intimate sound that strips away excess production in favor of emotional honesty.
“Being a part of this record, and helping bring these songs to life as its producer, has been the most important work I’ve known,” said Moser. “We started with nothing but a feeling and emotion and ended up with an entire album that captures Wynonna’s story with a level of honesty she’s never experienced in her career. It’s the kind of record that makes a difference and reminds you why music exists in the first place.”
In support of The Hard Truth, Wynonna will hit the road this summer for a co-headlining run with Melissa Etheridge before returning to Kentucky for a special series of hometown shows surrounding the album’s release.
The Hard Truth Track List
1. Prelude (All Downhill From Ashland)
2. All Downhill From Ashland
3. Everything (feat. Patterson Hood)
4. Am I Missing Out
5. Broken And Blessed
6. Hear Me Now (feat. Iron & Wine)
7. The Hopeful Lie (feat. The War And Treaty)
8. Kentucky Queen
9. Girl Who Could Sing
10. Drive
11. Love Ain’t Got The Best Of Me
