Corey Kent and Jason Aldean Team Up for “Rather Be Here”

If you are looking for a straightforward, windows-down anthem for your rotation, Corey Kent just dropped the one you need. The red-dirt-to-mainstream powerhouse has teamed up with country-rock heavyweight Jason Aldean for a new single, “Rather Be Here”

Recognized by Rolling Stone as an artist who is “poised to be country’s latest red dirt star” Kent has quietly built an impressive resume. From his heartland beginnings to racking up a Triple-Platinum No. 1 hit and blowing past one billion career streams, he’s earned his stripes the hard way—touring nonstop and letting the music do the talking.

Inside the Track

Co-written by a powerhouse room of writers including HARDY, Morgan Wallen, James McNair, Josh Miller, and Daniel Ross, “Rather Be Here” has serious firepower behind the pen. But instead of leaning into standard pop-country tropes about chasing paradise across the globe, the song keeps things grounded in reality: a local dive bar, a cold drink, and a band playing in the corner.

As the hook puts it:

“Why the hell would I ever go somewhere else / Feelin’ fine on that bottom shelf / Sitting cool on a stool where the down home gather / On a Saturday night that’s why I’d rather be here.”

It’s got a heavy dose of 1970s southern rock swagger mixed with modern country grit, making it custom-built for weekend playlists.

Bringing in a Heavy Hitter

For Kent, getting Jason Aldean on the track wasn’t just a corporate label move—it was personal.

“I really wanted to capture a ’70s-style southern rock vibe, and I’m so lucky to have my big brother in country music, Jason Aldean, on this one,” Kent shares. “Nobody has blended country and rock & roll better than Jason. His early stuff was such an inspiration to me as an artist, so having him on this song is perfect.”

The two have shared miles on the road together, and that real-world camaraderie shows on the recording. Aldean’s signature edge matches up seamlessly with Kent’s delivery, giving the track a massive punch without losing its barstool authenticity.

What’s Next

“Rather Be Here” gives fans a taste of what’s coming next from Kent as he gears up for his next chapter. With a massive touring schedule ahead and the momentum of his previous chart dominance behind him, Kent is proving he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.