Article Contributed by Cameron Shepherd
Published on November 11, 2025
Laney Jones and the Spirits | photo by Rachel Weber
Nashville’s soulful rock collective, Laney Jones and the Spirits, have announced their long-awaited self-titled debut album, set for release on November 20, 2025. Fronted by Jones and rounded out by her husband Brian Dowd, along with Carson Lystad and Glen Hruska, Laney Jones and the Spirits marks a creative breakthrough for the group—a record that captures their collective voice and raw chemistry like never before. The band shared their latest single, “We Belong Together,” on October 23, offering fans a first glimpse into a sound that’s equal parts anthemic, soulful, and deeply human.
Pulling from indie, psychedelic, and soulful rock roots, the band shapes a sound that’s rugged but tender—grounded in raw emotion and carried by Jones’ smoky, captivating vocals.
From the opening shimmer of “Fun Fun Fun” to the grit-soaked closer “Another Rolling Stone,” the album feels like a statement piece, a confident stride forward from a band unafraid to show both its bruises and its joy.
The record opens with “Fun Fun Fun,” a bright, jangly track that perfectly sets the tone. Its rhythm has an easy confidence, while Jones’ lyrics, “I don’t want to fight / and I don’t want to beg / so I’m going to send my head to bed / and wake up in a dream where I eat ice cream,” capture the album’s mix of humor and honesty. It’s the kind of song that immediately pulls you into their world: playful, grounded, and real.
Things turn grittier with “Bitch Year,” one of the album’s standout cuts. With thick guitar tones and pounding drums, the song bursts with raw energy and rock-and-roll grit. As Brian Dowd explains, “Bitch Year was written with grit and a love for rock and roll. It illustrates that in the darkest of days, music can be the power that gets you through to the other side” (Laney Jones and the Spirits press release, 2025). The track channels frustration and resilience, building momentum without overproduction, and showcases the band’s ability to turn hardship into electrifying music.
Then comes “We Belong Together,” a standout that beautifully balances intimacy and the euphoria that comes from love. Jones stretches her voice, digging deeper into each note as the chorus, “We belong / Belong together,” builds over multiple repetitions, culminating in a climactic yell of the final line. The instruments weave around her vocals, creating a spiraling, almost hypnotic jam that’s powerful without ever overwhelming the song. It’s a track that captures both nostalgia and the joy of finding connection—one of the album’s most satisfying and memorable moments.
On “Live Wire,” the band slows the pace, letting the music glisten as Jones reflects on feeling adrift and finding grounding again. Her vocals float over the instrumental, telling a story of connection and rediscovery: “You came around here / picked up my frown dear / reminded me of who I want to be.” Evoking the long journey back to oneself, the combination of voice and jam captures the emotional pull of returning home to your own center, even when life has left you feeling disconnected.
“Waiting on You” brings the album back into its indie-rock groove, capturing the frustration of waiting too long for someone who can’t keep pace. Jones sings, “I was born on a Monday / Rocking ready to go / You were born on a Sunday / Traveling way too slow.” The lyrics perfectly capture that mix of impatience and exasperation, while the band’s tight rhythm keeps the energy high.
With their debut, Laney Jones and the Spirits emerge from Nashville’s creative underground with something truly rare—an album that refuses to chase trends or smooth over its edges. Every note breathes, sweats, and soars, carrying the kind of raw, unfiltered authenticity that rock music often forgets. This isn’t just a debut; it’s a powerful statement of heart and soul, a record that stakes their claim and leaves a lasting impression.
Tracklist:
Fun Fun Fun
Bitch Year
We Belong Together
Live Wire
Waiting On You
Shelly
Knowme
Stay At Home
Feel Something
Village Pub
Another Rolling Stone
Following the album’s release, Laney Jones and the Spirits will hit the road this winter in support of The Heavy Heavy.
LANEY JONES AND THE SPIRITS – LIVE 2025
November 30 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI*
December
2 – Cleveland, OH – Mahall’s 20 Lanes*
3 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern*
4 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Café*
5 – Baltimore, MD – Union Hall*
6 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern Café and Music Hall*
9 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
10 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall*
11 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore*
13 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom*
*Supporting The Heavy Heavy
