Nikki Lane - Highway Queen

Nikki Lane isn’t from Austin, or even from Texas (hold for shocked gasps). But her unique sound — which mixes Outlaw Country, Americana, blues and rock — feels right at home here. And there’s a definite Texas influence on her third album, which was recorded in Denton and features a longhorn on the album art.

The mix of rollicking road songs and heartfelt ballads is Lane’s best work yet. Her voice has been compared to Loretta Lynn and Emmylou Harris; her songs to Lana Del Rey, Jenny Lewis and Neil Young; and her swagger to Johnny Cash. But she needs to be appreciated in her own right.

We love this record because of its unbridled passion, infectious choruses and “hell yeah” lyrics. It’s an album about the road that’s the perfect companion for your next road trip.