Luke Combs has released his longest album to date on March 20, featuring 22 songs. This is Combs’ most recent album since June of 2024, with his previous album “Father and Sons” being a raw, real album about fatherhood, growing up, and his kids.”The Way I Am” gives that old Luke Combs feel while also mixing a new, but familiar sound.
The lead single for the album, “Back in the Saddle,” released in July 2025, gives a great introduction to how the album was projected to sound. Another well-received song that really gives that old Luke Combs feel was “Sleepless in a Hotel Room.” Another great track to have as a single.
I think this album easily could’ve had a “Growin’ Up” and “Gettin’ Old” moment, where the albums are sister albums and sound similar and align when you put them next to each other. I think this album could’ve definitely been split into two and a half could’ve been released, and the other half could’ve come out at a later date. Having an album that’s too long can cause songs to become forgettable.
However, a track that isn’t forgettable and wasn’t a single is “Wish Upon a Whisky.” This song was my favorite upon first listen and remains my favorite track a few weeks after the album’s release. While it is your typical song about heartbreak, I always eat up a country heartbreak song by the guy with one of the best voices in country music.
The biggest thing that I think stands out about this song is that it is almost entirely piano, which, for a studio track, isn’t typical, but it just makes the song hit so much harder. Combs’ vocals in this song, especially in the bridge and the build-up to the chorus is so angelic.
I think this album has a nice blend of love, heartbreak, and fun Friday night tracks. “Ever Mine” by Combs featuring Allison Krauss is a great love song on the album. “My Kinda Friday Night” is just a fun-loving going-out track that is a staple on a Combs album.
I also love when Combs throws a career-focused song on his album that just talks about how thankful he is to be where he is in his career and/or how, no matter how big he is, he would always be writing and making music. “Tell ‘Em About Tonight” is another career reflecting track that mirrors his hit “Doin’ This.” Another great track from Combs.
Overall, I think this album is going to be very good for Combs’ career, and I could really see it taking home some awards, especially for “Sleepless in a Hotel Room.” Come CMA time of year, I’d like to see what tracks become fan favorite tracks that aren’t singles. Most notable of his songs taking this title is “Must’ve Never Met You.” Which, despite never being a single, has gained lots of popularity and is a reappearing track on show setlists, along with “Houston, We Got a Problem.”
With how long this album is, I could definitely see that happening with this album.
