Corey Kent’s “Wannabe” is the Cowboy Ballad We Needed Right Now

There’s a reason Rolling Stone called Corey Kent the next big thing in Red Dirt music. He doesn’t just sing about the heartland; he lives it. Between being a Triple-Platinum hitmaker with over a billion streams and a dedicated husband and father, Kent has a way of making massive success feel like a conversation over a backyard fence.

His latest release, “Wannabe” doubles down on that grounded energy. While it has the catchy bones of a pop-country crossover, Kent himself calls it a “cowboy campfire ballad” It’s stripped-back, intentional, and hits a lot harder because of its simplicity.

The Story Behind “Wannabe”

For an artist who once spent his days paving roads in Texas to support his family, the message of “Wannabe” feels particularly personal. It’s a song about perspective—the kind you only get when you’ve seen both sides of the struggle.

Kent has mentioned that this track serves as the “sonic North Star” for his next project. In an industry that often demands “more, louder, faster,” Kent is choosing to lean into the quiet moments.

“It’s simple on purpose,” Kent says. “It’s about how the little things—the everyday life stuff—matter way more than the fame.”

Why It’s Resonating

• The Vibe: It trades heavy production for an acoustic, intimate feel that belongs under a wide-open sky.

• The Growth: Coming off the high-octane success of “Wild as Her,” this shows a more mature, reflective side of his songwriting.

• The Roots: It stays true to the Red Dirt grit that defined his early career while proving why he’s currently a No. 1 hitmaker.

A Career Built on Grit

Corey Kent’s rise hasn’t been an overnight miracle. It’s been a slow burn of talent and hard work—from playing for Willie Nelson at 17 to grinding it out on the road for years. That “country honesty” is exactly why fans are showing up in droves.

What’s Coming Next?

If “Wannabe” is any indication, Kent isn’t interested in chasing trends. He’s interested in chasing the truth. By focusing on the “cowboy campfire” sound, he’s creating a space in country music that feels both nostalgic and brand new.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Red Dirt scene or just discovering his music through his latest hits, “Wannabe” is a reminder that the best stories are usually the simplest ones.