Country singer-songwriter Lauren Watkins isn’t just one of Nashville’s most promising newcomers — she’s quickly becoming one of its defining voices. With a smoky, soul-stirring sound, razor-sharp storytelling, and an authenticity that cuts deep, Watkins stands at the crossroads of classic and modern country. Her music captures the best of both worlds, making her catalog a must-listen for every kind of country fan.

Her sophomore album, In A Perfect World, released today (Oct. 10), marks a bold leap forward for the rising star. This project proves she’s not just following in the footsteps of her idols like Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert, she's carving out her own lane entirely.

Watkins’ debut, The Heartbroken Record, was a fan-favorite introduction to a woman unafraid to tell the truth about heartbreak and healing. Now, In A Perfect World, the songstress is introducing a new era.. Across ten tracks, Watkins invites listeners into her real, unfiltered life – the highs, the lows, and everything beautifully messy in between. 

Produced by her husband and CMA/ACM Award winner Will Bundy and hitmaker Joey Moi, the album feels both polished, well-rounded, and raw.

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“It’s kind of a deeper dive into me,” Watkins told Fandom Daily during an exclusive interview in New York City. “My first record was about heartbreak, I needed to get those songs off my chest. But this one… this one’s about life. It’s about love, hope, marriage, and learning to be okay with imperfection.”

The album opens with its title track, “In A Perfect World,” a dreamy fusion of Southern charm and vintage pop flair. With its warm melodies and wistful lyrics, the song beautifully sets the tone for the heartfelt stories that follow. It’s not a love song about the life we dream of, but about the one we truly live — messy, real, and beautifully unpredictable.

“In a perfect world, everything would be, well, perfect,” Watkins said, laughing. “But that’s not real life. And honestly, that’s no fun. This record is about all of it –  the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Throughout the album, Watkins turns vulnerability into strength. “Love Is Tough” is a raw anthem for real love — not perfect, but the kind that endures through every challenge. Backed by a baritone guitar and steel-soaked soul, Watkins delivers one of her most compelling vocal performances to date.

“ I’ve always been comfortable writing heartbreak songs,” she admitted. “When I fell in love, I had to learn how to write about that, too. But in a way that still felt real. Love isn’t easy. It’s tough, but it’s also the strongest thing in the world.”

The album closes with “Pretty Please,” a hauntingly stripped-down ballad that nods to Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene.” With just Watkins’ voice and a steel guitar, the track carries the intimate, heartfelt spirit that has made Dolly’s music a source of inspiration for generations. 

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“I love Dolly… who doesn’t?” Watkins said with a grin. “She was bold enough to sing about things that weren’t pretty, and I think that’s what makes her timeless. ‘Pretty Please’ was my way of honoring that bravery.”

For Watkins, In A Perfect World isn’t just a personal milestone,  it’s a creative collaboration born from love. Working alongside her husband, gave the project a layer of intimacy that’s hard to manufacture.

“Will and I have written songs together since the day we met,” she said. “He’s so talented, and I’ve always looked up to him. Watching him pour his heart into this project – not just as my husband, but as a producer –  was incredible. We push each other creatively in different ways, and I think you can hear that in every song.”

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That partnership extends beyond the studio. Watkins’ marriage  and the life lessons that come with it weave through her lyrics, offering a perspective that’s refreshingly honest and mature for an artist still in the early chapters of her career.

Watkins’ rise through country music has been both organic and well-earned. In just two years, she’s opened for Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, and Zach Top, and she’s currently hitting the road with Lainey Wilson –  including a bucket-list stop at Madison Square Garden.

“Talk about surreal,” Watkins said, laughing nervously. “I grew up in Tennessee thinking Madison Square Garden was something out of a movie. Now I’m performing there – it doesn’t feel real.”

Touring with Wilson, she said, has been both inspiring and grounding.

“Lainey’s the real deal,” Watkins said. “She’s been so open and honest with me about the hard parts of this business. That kind of mentorship means the world, especially from another woman who’s paving her own way.”

With her recent Today Show debut and her In A Perfect World release party lighting up New York City’s Common Ground Country, Watkins’ star is rising fast  and fans are taking notice.

“There are crazy-specific details in these songs that are true to my life,” she said. “But I think the more specific you are, the more people can relate. That’s the magic of songwriting – it makes us all feel a little less alone.”

As Watkins steps into this next chapter with her voice on the airwaves and her heart on full display, it’s clear that In A Perfect World isn’t just an album. It’s a statement. A declaration that imperfection is beautiful, authenticity is power, andWatkins is here to stay.

In a perfect world, country music would always make room for artists this real. Lucky for us, Watkins is already leading the way.