Parmalee’s New Album «Fell in Love With a Cowgirl» Aims to Keep the Good Vibes Rolling

Country outfit Parmalee is back with a fresh sound and a mission to lift spirits, unveiling their latest Stoney Creek Records/BMG release, «Fell in Love With a Cowgirl», on April 4. Far from the sprawling 20- or 30-track albums dominating today’s scene, this North Carolina crew—brothers Matt and Scott Thomas, cousin Barry Knox, and Josh McSwain—opted for a lean seven-song collection that’s all killer, no filler.

A Tight Playlist Built for Joy

Lead singer Matt Thomas explains the band’s approach: «We wanted to keep it short and sweet, give listeners a breather.» No recycled riffs or padded tracks here—just the cream of the crop, songs they adore playing live. Drummer Scott Thomas chimes in, «It’s about picking what we love and what gets the crowd going.» The result? A vibrant mix, from the rock-edged «Miss Me When You’re Drinkin’» to the pop-infused romance of «Day One» and «Feels Like Home», all tied together by their signature tight harmonies.

Riding High on a Hit Streak

Parmalee’s been on a tear lately, racking up three Billboard Country Airplay No. 1s in four years—«Just the Way», «Take My Name», and 2024’s «Gonna Love You»—plus a No. 3 with «Girl in Mine». Their new single «Cowgirl» kicks off the album with a summery, boot-stomping vibe that’s already lighting up their headlining tour, launched in February. «Seeing fans sing along so soon is a rush,» Matt says. It’s a shift from the heartfelt «Gonna Love You», proving they can toggle between tender ballads and dance-ready anthems with ease.

Harmony as the Heartbeat

The band’s sound owes a debt to their roots. «In North Carolina, you’d hear Motown, beach music, and soul at every gas station,» says guitarist Josh McSwain. «We still blast Boyz II Men and ‘90s R&B on the bus.» Add in classic rock and bluegrass, and you’ve got the recipe for their vocal magic. Bassist Barry Knox recalls, «My mom harmonized to everything on the radio—I thought that’s just how you sing.» Matt’s soaring lead pairs with the group’s mid-range blend, a trick they’ve honed from studio to stage. «Live, you’ve got one shot to nail it every night,» he notes.

From Crossroads to Comeback

Since their 2013 debut «Feels Like Carolina», Parmalee’s journey has had its highs—like the No. 1 «Carolina»—and lows, with some singles stalling out. By 2019, they were at a turning point. Then came 2020’s «Just the Way» with Blanco Brown, a pandemic-era smash that hit No. 1 and set the stage for their current run. «It was about timing and grit,» Scott reflects. «That song showed us the way forward.» Hits like «Take My Name» and «Girl in Mine» followed, echoing «Carolina»’s early impact.

What’s Next: More Music and a Jelly Roll Tease

«Fell in Love With a Cowgirl» is just part one of a two-album arc. Fans might soon hear «Boots on Broadway», a collab with Jelly Roll that nearly made the cut. «It was in the running,» Knox says. Matt adds, «Jelly’s been slammed, so we’re still figuring out the vibe for it.» The two acts go way back, bonding over shared hustle before Jelly Roll’s rise with tracks like «Son of a Sinner». «We clicked early on—same attorney, same indie spirit,» Matt recalls.

Chasing Recognition, One Hit at a Time

Despite their radio dominance, Parmalee’s yet to snag a Group of the Year nod at the CMAs or ACMs—their only nomination was a decade-old ACM new artist bid. «Radio used to guarantee a spot, right?» Matt muses. Still, they’re unfazed. «We’re so close,» McSwain says. «Keep the hits coming, pack the shows, and it’ll happen.» For now, they’re focused on what they do best: «We love making people feel good,» Matt says. And with this album, they’re doing just that.