By Bridget Sinden
Riley Green isn’t reinventing the wheel—he’s just making it spin better than most. The deluxe edition of his 2024 album Don’t Mind If I Do dropped with six new tracks that showcase exactly why this Alabama native has figured out modern country’s sweet spot.
Green’s latest batch of songs hits all the right notes without feeling calculated. The new tracks range from intimate duets like “I Just Need You” with Hannah McFarland to full-throttle anthems that’ll soundtrack summer festivals.
“I Just Need You” showcases Green’s softer side without losing his edge—it’s the kind of vulnerable moment that reminds you why duets exist in the first place. McFarland’s vocals complement his perfectly, creating something that feels super genuine. Green seems to instinctively know when to lean into sentiment and when to just let loose.
Take “Make It Rain” – it makes you want to stare out of a window on a rainy day for hours.
Then there’s “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, which is exactly as unapologetically straightforward as the title suggests.
But the real deal? “One To Willie,” where Green gets to duet with Willie Nelson himself. When you can get legends to show up on your record, you know that you’re taking the right care with how you blend the past and present!
Fan First
Here’s what I dig about Riley Green: he cares about the small things fans care about. The deluxe edition rollout included cryptic messages to his mailing list and prizes for fans who could crack the release date code. This isn’t revolutionary but It’s the kind of move that shows he actually understands what audiences (particularly his audiences) care about.
Wild Hearted Take
Riley Green’s Don’t Mind If I Do deluxe edition confirms what his growing fanbase already knew—he’s got his recipe figured out. Six new tracks that range from tear-jerkers to barn-burners, collaborations that feel organic, and an ability to make country music that feels like it’s from the past and the present at the same time . Sometimes the best move is just doing what you do well, but doing it better than everyone else.
Stay Wild. Stay True to Yerself. Stay Country
