Chris Young proves he’s cemented his place in country music with his monumental 10th studio record that arrived on Friday (October 17).

Young’s I Didn’t Come Here To Leave marks a significant milestone in the singer-songwriter’s nearly 20-year career. The 14-track record runs the gamut from emotional ballads that reach the heart of the genre’s sentimental storytelling to vibrant anthems worth raising a glass to on a Friday night. Young, who co-wrote 11 tracks and produced the album with Andy Sheridan, hosted an album release show on Thursday night (October 16) in the parking lot of Losers Bar & Grill in Nashville, Tennessee. The show included guests Adrien Nunez, Caylee Hammack and Aniston Pate, plus Drew Baldridge. Young played his career-spanning hits in addition to I Didn’t Come Here To Leave anthems, including the title track of the new record, “Gettin’ You Home,” “You” and more.

“I genuinely think this is one of my favorite things I’ve ever made,” Young said in a statement. “That’s not just talk — I’m really proud of this album. Even if it doesn’t land with everyone, I know what it means to me. But honestly, I do think people are going to feel it. It’s that special.

“I look at this album and there are songs that make you want to buy a beer, and there’s songs that if you broke up with somebody, you’re going to want to cry,” he added. “For different reasons, I feel like this is a complete album. It’s one I’m so proud of and I hope you love it.”

1. Some Around Here (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)

2. I Didn’t Come Here To Leave (Chris Young/Kyle Fishman/Dallas Davidson)

3. Good As Yours (Chris Young/Jonathan Smith/Jordan Walker/Trannie Anderson)

4. I Hope It’s Okay (Chris Young/Dave Fenley/Davis Forney/Austin Machado)

5. I Feel A Cold One Coming On (Chris Young/Tyler Reeve/Trent Tomlinson/Josh Gleave)

6. Til The Last One Dies (Ben Hayslip/Seth Mosley/Jordan Walker)

7. Pour Some Whiskey On It (Chris Young/Jessie Jo Dillon/Steven Lee Olsen/Jimmy Robbins)

8. Boots On The Ground (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)

9. Tin Roof (Ty Graham/Adam Wood/ Trenton Michael Fisher)

10. Dirt And Daisies (Chris Young/Casey Brown/Deric Ruttan/Parker Welling)

11. Just Keep Living (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Jason Duke/Josh Hoge)

12. Jesus, Momma, Country Radio (Chris Young/Chris DeStefano/Taylor Phillips/Josh Phillips)

13. What Would You Take (Doug Johnson/Steve Diamond)

14. Brake Lights (Chris Young/ Hillary Lindsey/Ty Graham/Jesse Frasure)

“I look at this album and there are songs that make you want to buy a beer, and there’s songs that if you broke up with somebody, you’re going to want to cry,” the country superstar said in a statement. “For different reasons, I feel like this is a complete album.” He said he’d consider it “a disservice... if I didn’t turn in something I believed in this way.”

Young’s powerful 10th record arrives on the 8th anniversary of the country star’s induction into the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Young said he “didn’t do that on purpose, but I’m honestly really happy that it did happen that way.” Young, who is gearing up for his first-ever Christmas tour, said his Opry induction is “greatly important to me,” particularly because of his “deep respect for the history of country music.” It was “pretty incredible” for his album release — particularly, his milestone 10th project with a new label home — to land on the anniversary of another meaningful career moment.

“At this point in my career, I hope someone listens to this album and says, ‘wow, he dug deep,’” Young said. “The funny thing is, I’m here saying, ‘yeah, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever made,’ and I believe it wholeheartedly. It’s wild to step back and see a really long list of things I’ve gotten to do already. …But I didn’t come here to leave.”

Listen to a few of the I Didn’t Come Here To Leave tracks and find Young’s holiday tour dates below.

“Some Around Here”

Bob Delmont

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