Country music has spent decades documenting what happens when men go drinking. Kaitlin Butts gives the women more say in how the evening unfolds. On Hello, Honky Tonk, a good time can mean freedom, though heartache still gets through the door. An illuminating predecessor is Loretta Lynn’s Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind): country music with a woman firmly in charge of the conversation.
Readers’ Pick: Kaitlin Butts – Hello, Honky Tonk
You picked Kaitlin Butts – Hello, Honky Tonk as your favorite new release for the week of October 30, 2026.
Shawn’s 25 Favs of 2024
1) Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well She raised her game to a new level. The insight and emotion in some of the songs on this record really do make me think that cardinal was John Prine. I’m not sure there’s been a better song ever about growing up than the title track. 2) Billy Strings […]


