Wynonna Judd opens up like never before on his first solo studio album in a decade.
On Tuesday (June 9), the country icon announced The hard truth and released her lead single, “Kentucky Queen.”
And judging by her own words, fans can expect one of the most personal projects of her career.
Wynonna Judd is ready to tell the truth
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Judd revealed The hard truth was years in the making and unlike anything she has released before.
Read more: Wynonna Judd Is Done Chasing The Past — And Owning Who She Is Now (Exclusive)
“I’ve spent a lifetime singing about heartbreak, healing, faith and survival, but I’ve never made a record like this,” she wrote. “These songs tell the truth about where I’ve been, what I’ve lost, what I’ve overcome and who I’ve become.”
The album was produced by Judd’s husband, Cactus Mossand it took five years to complete.
According to Judd, the process pushed her to let go of perfectionism and embrace a more vulnerable approach to songwriting and recording.
This album asked me to be brave enough to tell the truth – even when my voice shook. It challenged me to let go of perfectionism and embrace the beauty of honest feelings.
The 11-track project is set for release on October 2nd.
Along with the announcement, Judd released the album’s first single, “Kentucky Queen”.
“My hope is that when you hear these songs, you feel what I felt while writing and recording them,” she added. “If they help someone feel seen, understood or a little less alone, then every hard truth was worth telling.”
She doesn’t chase the past
Back in March, Judd spoke Taste of country about where she is at this stage of her life and career.
Read more: When The Judds, Tanya Tucker + More Played an Epic Super Bowl Halftime Show
Which she was preparing to hit the road with Melissa EtheridgeJudd reflected on the difference between the young woman who first burst onto the country music scene and the artist she is today.
“I think at this point in my life, I’m not chasing that girl anymore — I’m honoring the woman who made it,” she told us.
The girl I was when I started was full of fire and dreams, but she didn’t yet know what life would ask of her. She hadn’t lived through the heartbreak, the loss, the struggles…all the things that shape your voice in ways that no vocal lessons ever could.
That perspective feels particularly relevant now. Judd said every chapter of her life comes with her when she takes the stage.
Read more: Wynonna Judd sends an emotional birthday note to her late mother, Naomi
“When I go on stage now, especially with someone like Melissa who has lived her own kind of truth, I take it all with me – the joy, the scars, the gratitude to still be here and still get to sing after all these years,” she explained.
“So no, I’m not chasing who I used to be. I’m standing in who I am — and there’s a lot of power in that. And I think audiences can feel that.”
A busy year ahead
Besides releasing The hard truth this fall, Judd will spend much of the summer on Raised on the Radio Tour with Melissa Etheridge.
She will also return to her home state for three shows in Kentucky to celebrate the album’s release.
For an artist whose career has been defined by honesty, resilience and perseverance, The hard truth may be her most revealing project yet.
The Judd’s Best Songs – Top 10 hits from Wynonna and Naomi Judd
The Judds have 14 No. 1 songs and dominated the Duo and Group of the Year awards at both the CMA and ACM Awards in the 1980s. They also recorded several dozen good songs that never made it to the radio. Here are their top 10 songs of all time.
