Scotty McCreery just released 15, a retrospective new album that features nine of his former hits, including all seven of his No. 1 singles. It also includes covers of Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’” and Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord,” plus a cover of Josh Turner’s “Your Man,” featuring Turner, and a brand-new song, “Been a Good Run.”
But now, McCreery reveals he is already working on his next record, his first full project of new material since Rise & Fall came out in 2024.
“I’m itching to get back in the studio to make a full length album,’ McCreery says on Country Countdown USA. “I’ll be back in the studio in a month or two, been writing songs for that. Can’t wait for folks to hear what we’re working on.”
McCreery already has some of the songs written for his next set of tunes, including one about his beloved dog, Moose.
“I didn’t go into the session looking for a dog song, but I’m so glad it happened,” McCreery says. “I’m pretty sure that song will make the album. I also wrote a story song about my grandmothers. I lost both of them last year. So if ‘Five More Minutes’ was for my grandfather, then this song is more touching on my grandmothers.”
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What Scotty McCreery Says About His ’15’ Album
15 celebrates McCreery’s 15 years that he has been part of country music, after winning Season 10 of American Idol in 2011.
“The fact that I’m still able to do this 15 years later, at a high level, having my songs on country radio, touring the world, and crowds are growing, still,” McCreery shares on social media. “I’m thankful that I get to live out this dream. I get to have fun for a living. This is bananas.”
Ahead of the release of ’15,’ the father of two said it was an interesting look back at how far he has come since he was just a teenager competing on Idol.
“Putting this record together has reminded me of just how much life has happened over the last 15 years,” McCreery reflected. “So many songs, so many memories, and so many moments I never could’ve imagined. None of it would’ve been possible without y’all. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.”
Scotty McCreery’s “Your Man” Duet With Josh Turner
Long before McCreery and Turner became friends, McCreery was singing his songs. In fact, when McCreery auditioned for American Idol, it was with “Your Man,” so returning to sing the song with Turner was a full-circle moment for McCreery.
“‘Your Man,’ it gave me my start, introduced me to America,” McCreery reflects. “And all these years later, I’m still thankful for Josh singing that song, Chris Stapleton writing that song, and the fact that I had the chance to sing that song on Idol.’
When announcing the release of “Your Man,” McCreery said he was thrilled to be able to collaborate with his musical idol.
“I have been a major Josh Turner fan since ‘Long Black Train’ was released,” McCreery says of Turner. “Getting to know him has been something little Scotty would never have imagined, and having the honor of recording ‘Your Man’ with him is a moment I’ll never get over. If I was him, I would have been a little irritated that this teenage kid kept singing my songs on TV….but Josh has been nothing but gracious and kind to me from day one, and he even inducted me into the Grand Ole Opry a few years ago.
“They say you should never meet your heroes,” he adds. “But that certainly does not apply here. He’s become a mentor and valued friend.”
Photo Credit: CMA / John Russell