Willie Nelson's New Album 'Dream Chaser'
Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, has announced the upcoming release of Dream Chaser, the latest studio album from Willie Nelson. The project arrives Friday, May 29, and will be available on CD, vinyl, digital formats, and in Dolby Atmos.
The album rollout begins today with the release of its first single — the title track, "Dream Chaser." Co‑written by Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin and Nelson, the song offers an early look at the tone and storytelling that shape the new collection.
Dream Chaser marks a remarkable milestone: Nelson's 79th solo studio album and 156th overall, according to Texas Monthly's comprehensive ranking of his discography. The record features a blend of reflective, narrative‑driven songs exploring relationships, personal evolution, and the rhythms of life on the road. While rooted in classic country songwriting, the album brings a contemporary perspective to themes of perseverance, timing, and self‑discovery.
The release continues Nelson's long‑standing creative partnership with producer and co‑writer Buddy Cannon, a collaboration that has produced nearly 20 albums over the past 13 years. Nelson and Cannon co‑wrote six tracks for the project, several with Nashville songwriter Bobby Tomberlin, and one with a notable tour mate from 2025. Among the most anticipated songs is "I Can't Read Your Mind," a rare Nelson–Bob Dylan co‑write. In a 2025 GQ interview, Nelson recalled Dylan bringing him the opening idea — "I can't read your mind" — followed by the line "the letters are too small," before Nelson passed the concept to Cannon, who shaped it into its final form.
News of the album arrives as Nelson prepares to host his annual Luck Reunion, taking place March 19 at his Texas ranch during SXSW. The event features special showcases, a songwriters' round, and performances from Booker T. Jones, Robert Lester Folsom, Trampled by Turtles, St. Vincent, Willie Nelson & Family, and others.
Dream Chaser follows a celebrated year for Nelson, who recently earned two GRAMMY nominations for his albums Last Leaf On The Tree and Oh What A Beautiful World
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Track Listing — Dream Chaser
1. Dream Chaser (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin & Willie Nelson)
2. Fly Away (Buddy Cannon & Bobby Whitlock)
3. We'd Make A Good Movie (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon & Bobby Tomberlin)
4. I Can't Read Your Mind (Willie Nelson, Buddy Cannon & Bob Dylan)
5. Whiskey Wants Me To (Buddy Cannon & Bobby Tomberlin)
6. Wonder What I'm Gonna Do (Willie Nelson & Buddy Cannon)
7. After All (Willie Nelson & Buddy Cannon)
8. Love Overdue (Mickey Raphael, Donald W. Poythress & Anna Lisa Graham)
9. I Don't Think I've Cried Today (Buddy Cannon, Bobby Tomberlin & Willie Nelson)
10. Developing My Pictures (Earl Montgomery)