Tucker Wetmore – What Not To
In the unmistakable but increasingly crowded era of country music, there’s a new, exciting, whiskey-loving name climbing the charts. It’s 2025, and a new star is born in the form of 25-year-old Tucker Wetmore, thanks to his assured debut, What Not To. Sung and produced with the confidence of an established artist, the breakout album spans nearly 20 tracks, complete with classic country and a fresh modern sound that will feel hugely reminiscent of previous up-and-comers like Morgan Wallen. The former budding athlete-turned-singer has an impressive CV already, with nearly one billion streams, a Hollywood soundtrack feature, a growing TikTok fanbase and tour credentials supporting genre household name Luke Bryan. It’s a crowded market, but there’s definitely space for one more.
Introducing himself last year as a one-to-watch with his first charting single, pop-infused Wine into Whiskey, there’s no shortage of similarly easy-listening songs to follow. Mid-tempo swooning ballads like Wind Up Missing You and When I Ain’t Lookin’ are suitably catchy with soft harmonies. There’s also some variety with poppier, upbeat bop Break First and typical country twang formulas in 3,2,1, as well as thumping anthemic bluegrass-inspired and banjo-decorated Brunette. The tongue-in-cheek storytelling in the latter track is personal without becoming too intense, and it’s an album highlight for trying something more musically different. Titular track What Not To is equally notable: a beautifully acoustic, surprisingly mature reflection of the ending of a relationship.
The deeper, more intriguing dynamic comes with challenging self-aware genre stereotypes. There are three whiskey-inspired tracks and three further drink-related ones, however, amidst these cliches, there are deeper tensions explored, pulling on heartstrings concerning heartbreak and loneliness. With different tracks grouped into lyrical themes, for example, Goodbye Whiskey & Drink Alone or gambling on love (Casino, Bad Luck Looks Good on Me), it’s clear to see the thought process behind the album’s composition.
Mostly traditional with some modern production pushes, there are so many tracks that it’s hard to identify any boundary-pushing standouts. Perhaps, then, the accomplishment is the catchy consistency of this collection itself, playing like established songs on country radio for years. Though there are hints at gospel and rockier inspirations, it feels like a primarily classic country, acoustic guitar-fuelled record, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s a breezy Sunday afternoon drive with sing-along catchy hooks that feel like you’re never in a rush. It does feel like the Washington–born, Nashville-based talent is sometimes holding back, but chances are there will be many more album releases to change that someday.
Bev Lung
Image: Tanner Johnson
What Not To is released on 25th April 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Tucker Wetmore’s website here.
Watch the video for the single 3, 2, 1 here:
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