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Gretchen Wilson Teases New Duet-Version Of Debut Album, ‘Here For The Party,’ Featuring Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert & More
Reimagining a classic record.
When you think of iconic country albums in the 2000s, you’ll probably point to classics such as Johnny Cash’s American series (American IV: The Man Comes Around specifically), Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts, Eric Church’s Sinners Like Me, Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Song, Toby Keith’s Unleashed, Kenny Chesney’s When the Sun Goes Down and plenty of other records that defined the era.
One project that has continually flown under the radar in terms of sheer success and overall impact, however, is none other than Gretchen Wilson’s 2004 debut album, Here for the Party. Of course, everyone knows and loves its title track and Wilson’s signature song, “Redneck Woman.” With that being said, however, many have forgotten just how impactful the album has remained til this day.
Upon its release on May 11, 2004, it debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the all-genre Billboard 200. At the time, it broke the record for the highest first sales week from a debut album by a country artist, selling over 227,000 copies. Additionally, it is currently certified 5x platinum by the RIAA and recently was named the 35th best country album of the 21st century by Billboard in terms of its performance on multiple different charts, beating out the likes of massive albums such as Eric Church’s Chief, Shania Twain’s Up! and the aforementioned Some Hearts and When the Sun Goes Down.
Needless to say, Here for the Party, has remained nothing short of a sleeping giant of an album in country music over the past 21 years, and Wilson is looking to reintroduce the stellar record to another generation through a re-recorded, duet version very soon.
In a recent interview on Rolling Stone’s “Nashville Now” podcast, the “Homewrecker” singer sat down with host, Joseph Hudak to discuss everything from her role on Yellowstone’s Taylor Sheridan’s new singing competition show, The Road to the lasting impact “Redneck Woman” has had on her career. With that being said, the most interesting part of the interview was undoubtedly the aforementioned re-release of Here for the Party.
According to Wilson, she’s currently in the process of re-recording the album front-to-back filled with duets with country stars of today and yesterday on each of the record’s 10 tracks.
“I’m going to have a guest vocalist on each song. I’ve gotten some promises from some pretty big names. You know how music works, though. They don’t actually have to be there the day I’m tracking it. But I’ve gotten far enough to know what key everybody’s song needs to be in.”
As for confirmed names, Wilson was a bit guarded revealing the full list. With that being said, however, she confirm that none other than Cody Johnson will appear on “When I Think About Cheating” while Tanya Tucker, who is referenced on the song itself, will appear on “Redneck Woman.”
Discussing Johnson’s unconventional appearance on “When I Think About Cheating,” the 52-year-old singer/songwriter would note that it was he and his wife, Brandi’s, favorite song of her’s.
“I played a show a few weeks ago with the amazing Cody Johnson, and he told me he and his wife have a favorite song on that record. So he’s going to sing that one with me, ‘When I Think About Cheating.'”
As for other artists who will make appearances on Here for the Party’s re-release, Wilson would confirm that both Miranda Lambert and Travis Tritt will be on the record. Additionally, she’d note that she’s “almost 100% positive” Ella Langley will also appear.
Currently, the album does not have a confirmed release date. However, Wilson would let it be known that she’s already deep in the tracking process. Noting that she already knows what key every song needs to be on for the guest vocalists, it’s safe to say that the record will be here sooner rather than later.
Watch the full podcast here:
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