Josh Ross Finds His Voice: A Deep Dive into His New Single ‘Wanted Me To Be’

The country music scene is crowded, but every so often, an artist comes along who cuts through the noise simply by being authentic. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Josh Ross has spent the last few years doing exactly that. He’s spent his time in Music City building a reputation for music that feels earned, not manufactured—a path that led him to a massive win for Country Album of the Year at the 2025 JUNO Awards.

Now, with his new single “Wanted Me To Be” out via Universal Music Canada/MCA/CORE Records, Ross is continuing that momentum. It’s another reminder of why he’s become one of the most compelling voices in modern country.

The Sound of Growth

If you’ve followed Ross since his independent days, you know his sound thrives on a specific kind of tension: that sweet spot where rock-inspired grit meets classic country storytelling. “Wanted Me To Be” leans heavily into that identity.

Working once again with his frequent collaborator Matt Geroux—who helped craft the polished yet punchy sound of the Complicated EP—Ross delivers a track that feels both polished enough for radio and raw enough to hit home. It’s the kind of song that sounds like it was written in the middle of the night, capturing a moment of reflection that listeners will definitely find relatable.

Why It’s Working

It hasn’t been a fluke. Josh Ross has been putting in the work since he left his football career behind to chase a dream in Nashville. He’s managed to bridge the gap between Canadian roots and the high-stakes world of American country radio, becoming the first male Canadian artist in decades to top the U.S. Country Airplay charts.

What makes “Wanted Me To Be” stand out—even amid his recent success—is that it feels unforced. There’s no chasing trends here; it’s just a solid song about the struggle of living up to expectations.

What’s Next?

Following his big JUNO win last year, the expectations for whatever came next were high. Rather than trying to replicate the exact sound of his debut, “Wanted Me To Be” shows an artist who is comfortable experimenting. He’s already proven he can play the big stages and earn the industry hardware, but with this single, it feels like he’s settling into his own lane for the long haul.

Whether you’ve been a fan since the early days or you’re just now catching on to what Josh Ross is doing, this latest track is worth a listen. It’s proof that in an industry that loves a polished product, sometimes the best thing an artist can do is just be themselves.