Ashley Cooke Announces Self-Titled Sophomore Album

The wait is finally over for fans of one of country music’s fastest-rising stars. Ashley Cooke has officially announced that her sophomore, self-titled album will be released on August 14, 2026. Described by Cooke as a "coming-of-age record disguised as a relationship album," the project promises to be her most vulnerable and honest work to date.

The 15-track collection will include several songs fans have already been spinning on repeat, such as “baby blues,” “the hell you are,” “excuses,” and her latest high-energy single, “xs.” But the excitement starts even sooner: Cooke revealed that her next song, “high school sweetheart,” will drop this Friday, May 8.

A Career Built on Resilience and "Your Place"

Ashley Cooke’s path to Nashville royalty has been anything but linear. Born in Florida, she lived in 19 different homes before the age of 18 due to her father's corporate career. That constant movement became the foundation for her songwriting, a craft she began honing at just 11 years old.

Her professional breakthrough came while attending Belmont University, where she won the prestigious Country Showcase, a competition that previously launched the careers of legends like Brad Paisley and Florida Georgia Line. From there, her rise was meteoric. Her debut album, shot in the dark, featured the hit single "your place," which earned Cooke her first No. 1 at country radio and the 2024 CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year.

Dominating the Road and the Charts

Cooke’s success isn't just limited to streaming numbers. She has become a staple on the touring circuit, opening for heavy hitters like Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, and Jon Pardi. I’ve seen her twice live, at Country Close Up in Atlanta and opening for Kane Brown in Nashville. She’s great on stage.

Known for her "sun-soaked coastal country" sound, she has also garnered multiple nominations for ACM New Female Artist of the Year, solidifying her spot as a mainstay in the genre.

Whether she’s making cameos on hit TV shows like the Yellowstone spinoff Marshals or performing at the Grand Ole Opry, Cooke continues to prove that her "effortless cool" is backed by serious vocal power and storytelling grit.

Want the full story? From her 19 childhood moves to the secret behind her Belmont win, read theAshley Cooke Full Narrative Biography on our website.