Chris Stapleton, celebrated for his soulful, powerful voice that has reshaped modern country music, has officially announced the release of his next album, Meanwhile. After weeks of cryptic teasers and hints on social media, fans now have a confirmed release date, a new single, and an exciting 2025 tour schedule to look forward to. This announcement marks a thrilling new chapter for Stapleton as he continues to deepen his legacy in country music.
New Album Release Date: Meanwhile Arrives February 9, 2025
Set your reminders: Stapleton’s Meanwhile will officially launch on February 9, 2025. Known for a sound that melds blues, rock, and traditional country, Stapleton has a knack for crafting songs that resonate across genres. Fans can expect Meanwhile to deliver more of the deeply emotional, rugged sound that has defined his career. Building on the success of his last album, Starting Over (2020), which won Album of the Year at the 2021 CMA Awards, Meanwhile is likely to continue Stapleton’s signature storytelling, exploring themes that dig into life’s complex layers. Early hints suggest this may be one of Stapleton’s most introspective projects yet, offering a uniquely personal glimpse into the artist’s journey.
Introducing the New Single: “Back to the Start”
Ahead of the album’s full release, Stapleton has dropped the lead single, “Back to the Start.” Known for his raw, emotionally resonant lyrics, Stapleton’s new song taps into themes of reflection and rediscovery, connecting with listeners on a deeply personal level. Produced by longtime collaborator Dave Cobb, “Back to the Start” pairs Stapleton’s soulful vocals with a polished yet gritty sound that fans have come to expect. The song has already stirred significant excitement, with some calling it an early contender for Song of the Year. It’s a compelling taste of what’s to come on Meanwhile.
2025 Tour Dates: Where to See Stapleton Live
To celebrate Meanwhile’s release, Stapleton is setting out on an extensive North American tour in 2025, bringing his dynamic blend of country, blues, and rock to cities across the continent. Although details on specific venues are still unfolding, Stapleton has already confirmed shows in major cities like Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, and Chicago. The tour will kick off in early March 2025, running through late August, with additional dates likely to be added due to high demand.
Stapleton’s performances are known for their raw energy and authenticity, and fans can expect a carefully curated setlist featuring both timeless favorites like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Broken Halos,” as well as fresh tracks from Meanwhile. Here are a few key dates to mark:
March 1, 2025: Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
March 20, 2025: Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl
April 10, 2025: New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
May 15, 2025: Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
August 2, 2025: Chicago, IL – United Center
Tickets for Stapleton’s 2025 tour go on sale starting December 1, 2024, and they’re expected to sell out quickly!
What to Expect from Meanwhile
Though Stapleton has kept quiet about specific themes, industry insiders hint that Meanwhile dives into life’s transitions, reflecting both calm and chaos in equal measure. Following the introspective tone of Starting Over, Meanwhile is poised to be an exploration of life’s evolving chapters, likely inspired by the past few transformative years. Stapleton’s history of collaborating across genres—from artists like Justin Timberlake to John Mayer—suggests that his upcoming album may continue expanding on his distinctive, genre-blending sound, perhaps offering new surprises for long-time fans.
Looking Ahead: Stapleton’s Ever-Growing Legacy
With Meanwhile and its standout single “Back to the Start,” along with an extensive tour, Chris Stapleton continues to reinforce his place at the forefront of country and Americana music. Stapleton has a unique gift for conveying raw emotion through his music, which has consistently resonated with fans and critics alike. This upcoming album, coupled with the 2025 tour, is shaping up to be another defining moment in Stapleton’s career, a testament to his dedication to authentic artistry and his evolving musical journey.
So, for fans of Stapleton and lovers of genuine, soul-stirring music, get ready—Meanwhile is set to make waves.
Khalifa Khalifa 
Luis Collins 
Jonathan Jonathan