What makes Highway Queen by Nikki Lane notable?

Highway Queen was praised by critics for its blend of traditional country influences and modern rock sensibilities, leading to significant attention from both fans and industry insiders. It debuted on various Billboard charts, further solidifying Lane's position within the Americana genre and influencing a wave of contemporary country artists seeking a similar authentic sound. Highway Queen is Nikki Lane's third studio album, released in early 2017 after the critically acclaimed All or Nothin' (2014). At this point in her career, Lane had established herself as a prominent figure in the Americana scene, having been recognized for her distinctive voice and songwriting skills. The album builds on her previous success while exploring deeper themes of love, loss, and resilience.

How many songs are on Highway Queen?

Highway Queen has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Highway Queen

Nikki Lane · 2017

37 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A blend of gritty country rock and introspective folk, infused with a sense of rebellious spirit and authenticity.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Highway Queen — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of freedom and defiance, showcasing Lane's powerful vocals against a backdrop of driving instrumentation.
→
700,000 Rednecks — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its witty lyrics and lively tempo, reflecting Lane's unique storytelling style.
→
Foolish Heart — A poignant exploration of vulnerability, this track stands out for its emotional depth and Lane’s ability to convey raw feelings through her delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends country rock with folk elements, showcasing strong songwriting and solid production.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving beat and electric guitar in '700,000 Rednecks', establishing a gritty tone that persists throughout.
Tracks like 'Companion' and 'Foolish Heart' feature prominent vocal harmonies and storytelling lyrics, typical of folk traditions.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 700,000 Rednecks 3:30
2 Highway Queen 3:51
3 Lay You Down 3:57
4 Jackpot 3:33
5 Companion 3:08
6 Big Mouth 3:39
7 Foolish Heart 4:04
8 Send the Sun 2:57
9 Muddy Waters 3:11
10 Forever Lasts Forever 5:06

What to play next

Go back to

All or Nothin'

2014

Full Nikki Lane discography Artists like Nikki Lane

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata